Read The Spiritual Perspective of Sex in Dreams to fully understand this post.  

While the concepts of Incubus and Succubus originated from folklore and mythology, they have become significant in Christian deliverance ministries. This shift stems from the recognition of spiritual warfare in many Christian teachings, where demonic influences are understood as active forces working against believers’ spiritual and emotional health, and breakthroughs.

Why Are Incubus and Succubus a Big Deal in Deliverance Circles?

1. Spiritual Warfare and Oppression:

In Christian deliverance ministries, these entities are often viewed as demonic spirits that attack individuals through their vulnerability, especially during sleep. They’re believed to exploit fear, sin, unresolved trauma, or generational curses to gain access.

Many deliverance teachings emphasize that sexual immorality or relationships outside God’s design can create soul ties—spiritual bonds that give demons access to a person’s life. An incubus or succubus may be seen as exploiting such ties.

2. Dreams as a Spiritual Battleground:

Christians often regard dreams as a space where the spiritual and physical realms intersect. Encounters with these entities in dreams are interpreted not as mere psychological phenomena but as evidence of spiritual activity requiring prayer and deliverance.

3. The Role of Shame and Isolation:

Sexual dreams involving demonic entities can leave individuals feeling ashamed or isolated, making it harder to seek help. Deliverance ministries address this by providing a path to healing through confession, repentance, and prayer.

Common Deliverance Strategies for Addressing Incubus and Succubus Spirits

1. Renunciation of Ties:

Deliverance prayers often focus on breaking any spiritual or emotional agreements made knowingly or unknowingly.

Example: “I renounce and break all ties with spirits of lust, perversion, and unclean spirits in the name of Jesus.”

2. Confession and Repentance:

If there’s a history of sexual sin or engagement with the occult, confessing and turning away from these actions is emphasized.

3. Anointing and Cleansing:

Some practices include anointing the individual or their living space with oil as a symbol of sanctification.

Purging homes of items associated with occult practices, pornography, or other unclean influences is often advised.

4. Fasting and Prayer:

Deliverance circles often recommend fasting as a way to weaken the influence of demonic forces and invite God’s intervention.

5. Community Support:

Deliverance is often conducted with the help of seasoned believers, acknowledging the need for spiritual accountability and guidance.

Biblical Basis for These Beliefs

While the Bible does not explicitly mention incubus or succubus spirits, deliverance ministries often reference scriptures that address sexual immorality, demonic oppression, and the spiritual nature of battles:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 
- Ephesians 6:12:

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” - 1 Corinthians 6:18

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7

Why Do These Spirits Seem Prevalent Today?

1. Increased Exposure to Unclean Influences:

Media, pornography, and casual attitudes toward sexuality may be seen as contributing to spiritual vulnerability.

2. Generational Curses:

Deliverance ministries often emphasize that unresolved sins or practices within families can open the door to recurring spiritual attacks.

3. Rising Awareness of Spiritual Realms:

With more focus on spiritual warfare in modern Christianity, these spirits are more readily identified and addressed in deliverance sessions.

Final Thoughts

a real spiritual battle over purity and wholeness

While incubus and succubus spirits have folkloric roots, their prominence in deliverance ministries underscores the Christian belief in a real spiritual battle over purity and wholeness. Addressing such issues requires a holistic approach—spiritual, emotional, and psychological. Ultimately, deliverance circles aim to empower believers to walk in freedom and victory through Christ.

Incubus and Succubus affects Married Couples, too

It’s an intriguing and complex situation when married couples are having sex in their dreams even though they’re right next to each other on the same bed!

From both spiritual and psychological perspectives, this phenomenon can carry different meanings. Let’s break it down:

1. Spiritual Perspective

i. Attack on the Marital Union:

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” 
- Hebrews 13:4

In Christian teachings, the marital bed is considered sacred. If a married couple experiences sexual dreams involving each other (or even others), it could signal spiritual interference designed to disrupt intimacy or sow confusion.

Possible causes include spiritual attacks on the unity of the couple, unresolved issues, generational curses, or external spiritual influences trying to weaken the bond. Those external influences could mean that one of them has strayed away from the marriage and is having an affair.

Solutions can include mutual prayer for spiritual covering before sleep including praying over the marital bed to reclaim and sanctify the space (e.g., anointing with oil).

ii. Demonic Deception:

Some deliverance ministries interpret sex in dreams—even between spouses—as a counterfeit or manipulation. They believe that such dreams may be demonic entities disguising themselves as the spouse to gain access to the couple’s spiritual lives.

• Key Signs to Watch For:

– Dreams that leave one feeling emotionally or spiritually disturbed.

– A sense of confusion or distance between the couple after such dreams.

– Recurrence of such dreams without resolution.

Possible solutions include jointly renouncing any spiritual agreements or access points, ensuring that there is no open door (e.g., unresolved anger, hidden sin). Seek pastoral or deliverance guidance if the experiences persist.

2. Psychological Perspective

i. Subconscious Expression of Desire:

Sexual dreams, even involving one’s spouse, may simply reflect the brain’s processing of intimacy, affection, or recent physical interactions. Dreams are often a way for the subconscious to replay or amplify experiences and emotions.

• Why it happens while next to each other:

– The physical proximity of the spouse during sleep might trigger such dreams.

– Stress, fatigue, or lack of actual intimacy might also manifest as symbolic dream interactions.

ii. Stress or Emotional Processing:

If the couple has unresolved emotional tension or is seeking deeper connection, the dreams might symbolize a desire for reconciliation or closeness.

iii. Normal Neural Activity:

Dreaming is part of how the brain processes information, stores memories, and resets emotional states. The brain doesn’t distinguish “waking reality” from “dream reality,” so it might simply be replaying scenarios tied to the couple’s relationship.

Spiritual and Emotional Discernment

How Does the Dream Feel?

If the dream feels pure, peaceful, and leaves a sense of connection, it’s likely just the subconscious processing affection. But, if the dream feels strange, invasive, or unsettling, it may warrant further spiritual investigation.

Are There Patterns?

A single dream might be insignificant, but recurring ones, especially with negative feelings, could indicate a need to address deeper spiritual or emotional concerns.

What Should the Couple Do?

1. Pray Together:

Prayer is never too much. Ask for God’s protection over their dreams and the sanctity of their marriage.

• Example: “Lord, we dedicate our marriage to You. Protect our dreams, our thoughts, and our intimacy from any interference. Let Your peace guard our hearts and minds as we sleep.”

Use the following scripture references for protecting your dreams and marriage:

• Victory Over Spiritual Interference by declaring that no scheme of the enemy will invade your sleep or your marriage:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” - Ephesians 6:10-12

• Take Authority Over the Enemy attempting to disrupt your dreams or intimacy.:

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” 
- Luke 10:19

• Peaceful Sleep and Rest asking God to grant you peaceful, undisturbed sleep:

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” 
- Proverbs 3:24

• Guard Your Mind and Dreams keeping them aligned with His will:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7

• Break Generational Curses or Soul Ties that may be affecting your dreams or marriage:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”  - Galatians 3:13

• Pray for Unity and Oneness in Marriage making your bond unbreakable and protect it from any form of division, spiritually or emotionally:

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  - Ecclesiastes 4:12

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”  
- Mark 10:9

• Renewal of the Mind – ask God to cleanse your thoughts and dreams to reflect His perfect will:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 
- Romans 13:2

2. Communicate About the Dreams:

Talking about the dreams openly can strengthen trust and intimacy. It also helps identify any emotional or spiritual concerns that might be surfacing.

3. Assess Their Spiritual Health:

Ensure there are no open doors for spiritual interference, such as unforgiveness, hidden sins, or unresolved marital issues.

4. Seek Guidance if Needed:

If the dreams feel oppressive or troubling, consulting a trusted spiritual leader or counselor can bring clarity and healing.

Final Thoughts

Having sexual dreams involving one’s spouse while sleeping in the same bed can be normal and may simply reflect closeness and affection. However, if the dreams feel unsettling or recurring, they could have deeper spiritual or emotional implications. Open communication, prayer, and discernment are key to understanding and resolving such experiences.

Here’s a Sample Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage and the unity You have given us. We declare that our marriage bed is pure and holy before You. We ask that You guard our minds, hearts, and dreams, letting nothing unclean or harmful enter. We renounce and break any spiritual agreements, soul ties, or generational curses that may be affecting us. In the name of Jesus, we take authority over any attack of the enemy against our intimacy or unity. Lord, bless our sleep with peace and sweetness, and protect us under the shadow of Your wings. Let Your presence fill our marriage and home, and strengthen our bond daily in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.”