Python

[hearingGod]

Python named in the scripture:

16"And it came to pass in our going on to prayer, a certain maid, having a spirit of Python, did meet us, who brought much employment to her masters by soothsaying [manteuomai, "practice divination as in a 'false divination or false prophet'" - Strongs G3132. Cf. mantis = seer]

17she having followed Paul and us, was crying, saying, `These men are servants of the Most High God, who declare to us a way of salvation;'

18and this she was doing for many days, but Paul having been grieved, and having turned, said to the spirit, `I command thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come forth from her;' and it came forth the same hour." Acts 16:16-19

Bullet points from python notes based on the Acts 16 scripture or attributes of the python snake:
choking/suppression of the Holy Spirit…esp. in attacking 'the head' (leadership)
gets in w/ prophetic ministry (divination)
blows smoke or flattery….follows around but competes w/ the true spirit of God
prophecy for money/love of money is there and/or selfish ambition/personal advantage is a root
prophecy is earthly, sensual, wisdom… people pleasing, or again... for selfish/personal ambition
tells some 'truth' but can't live it/comes to pervert the right-ways of the Lord
relentless persecution & attacking esp. when exposed

A smooth stone vs. the backlash of python is:
• "praying & singing hymns to God" (acts 16:25) openly…. "the other prisoners were listening to them"
…and then what happened…. the jailer and his whole house got saved. Paul and Silas were then-- more than vindicated…. they put the local government to shame as they declared their rights…. and so believers that know their authority in Christ Jesus:

"Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie-- I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you." Rev. 3:9

• Because python will target (especially ministry) 'heads'… we need to especially pray for leaders and cover them.
• Note the girl followed them & declared for many days.  This is why we must watch the fruit, because people can 'say all the right things', but then the fruit will rat them out.  We will note that 'grievance' from the Holy Spirit... we will note 'no fire' of confirmation from Father God.

feel free add from your education into the comments as well

[hearingGod]

from Paula Cross:

Bottom line... WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF PYTHON???

The Spirit Of Python is a high power - not a random snake/demon/minion - whose position is over the body of Christ at large. His assignment is to keep God's children from operating in or coming into the manifest power of God. He does this by orchestrating his forces very strategically against every individual who received (or will receive) Christ, every group, church and ministry large or small, and the entire corporate body as a whole. The goal is to hinder those who are God's from realizing and implementing God's authority and power to whatever degree or potential they are meant to. If they already HAVE realized God's power and are walking in His authority like Paul was in Acts 16:16, then the spirit of python strives to slither INTO that person's or ministry's life by acquiring ground and gradually crushing the life and anointing of God out of it!

Python's assignment is to gain legal entry and ground into the believer's (or ministry's) life through false beliefs, idolatry, doubt and unbelief so that he can hinder God's destiny/purpose for that individual or group/church. This means he hinders that person from realizing their call and anointing and their ability to possess all that Christ availed - and it means squeezing the anointing out of already effective vessels. It means that the ground he acquires gives him the ability to thwart, skew, hide or veil anointing, revelation, truths, blessings, provisions, healthy and quality connections and relationships, opportunities and most importantly God's love and passion for us. These are all different depending on the ground the spirit of python acquires in the person's or ministry's life.

[Summerfieldgreen]

Python is also a snake, and if you use the snake as a picture of who deceived Adam and Eve, you can get a good idea of what you are dealing with. In prayer this can be defeated through seeking Gods forgiveness first for that which God calls witchcraft. Bible gateway can help you do a scripture search.