Who is Liana Shanti? - Exposing Online Cult Leader Liana Shanti

Liana Shanti, also known as Liane Wilson from Prineville, Hawaii, and a former timeshare sales representative, is currently under probation supervision following a felony conviction for bankruptcy fraud. Despite this, she has carefully constructed a multifaceted persona, adopting titles such as psychic, self-proclaimed multimillionaire entrepreneur, lightning-strike survivor with an additional THREE unrelated near-death experiences, medium able to communicate with the dead since the age of two, Akashic record reader, visionary, spiritual leader, shaman, and nutritionist. She frequently claims to hold five degrees and promotes herself with an extensive list of self-proclaimed roles, positioning herself as an authority across various disciplines, appealing to individuals seeking guidance. However, the legitimacy of her credentials has been called into question. In the largely unregulated world of spiritual and wellness coaching, her broad claims may attract vulnerable individuals, making it essential for potential followers to critically assess the authenticity of her expertise.. SEE MORE HERE

Background and Career Shift

Liane Wilson graduated from Pace University (New York) in 1999, where she studied law. After 2001, she reportedly moved to Hawaii, which she describes as being located on the ancient grounds of Lemuria. Her professional background includes a brief stint (approx. 18 months) as a lawyer in New York State before transitioning to sell timeshares in Hawaii. This change marked the beginning of her involvement in the nutrition and spiritual coaching world. The specifics of her training remain unclear.

The Legend of Lemuria and Its Exploitation

The legend of Lemuria, often referred to as a lost ancient continent, holds significant mystical appeal, particularly among New Age spiritualists and psychics. Some believe Lemuria was an advanced civilization, filled with spiritually enlightened beings, and that its remnants lie beneath the Hawaiian Islands. This myth is frequently exploited by cult leaders and psychics in Hawaii who claim to channel ancient Lemurian knowledge or offer spiritual connections to these “sacred” lands. By invoking the mystery and allure of Lemuria, one can create an aura of legitimacy and spiritual authority, enticing followers who seek esoteric wisdom and a deeper connection to the divine. This often comes at a significant cost to follower’s well-being and their pocketbooks. MORE HERE ON LEMURIA

The Health and Wellness Industry Landscape

The health and wellness industry, including the psychic and New Age sectors, has grown rapidly as of late, now valued at over $4 trillion globally. Due to this expansion, many unregulated practitioners have emerged making questionable claims about their qualifications.

Liana Shanti presents herself as a spiritual healer and nutritional expert, claiming to be a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and founder of the Health Mastery Institute (HMI). However, the Certified Clinical Nutritionist Certification Board has disproved her certification claim, advising Hawaii Courts in July 2023 . Many of her other credentials appear vague, embellished, or unsubstantiated, raising doubts about their legitimacy. In an industry with minimal regulations, it is crucial for individuals to critically assess the credentials of those offering guidance online.

Beliefs and Teachings

Shanti promotes spiritual awakening and personal empowerment through the Lemurian Mystery School and her controversial Health Mastery Institute (HMI), which offers a range of health coaching services, nutrition advice, and coaching certification programs alongside various “protocols.” Courses at HMI include Holistic Dental Healing, claiming to repair damaged teeth, and Holistic Healing Cancer, which purports to explain cancer’s causes and recommend methods for “what stops it.” Critics have raised concerns over the overlap between HMI’s spiritual coaching and nutritional services, which promote unorthodox practices such as coffee enemas and parasite cleanses.

Shanti’s other courses address topics like the Mother Wound, Father Wound, and Narcissism, suggesting deep emotional insights. However, the lack of regulatory oversight raises questions about the validity and intent of these teachings, especially as they seem to approach the realm of mental health psychology. Shanti’s website clarifies that she is a spiritual healer and that individuals are responsible for their own mental health, yet some of these courses may blur the line between spiritual guidance and psychological intervention.

One mother’s struggle to rescue her daughter from Shanti’s influence was featured on The Cult Vault podcast (Episode 245) in a three-part series released on April 28, 2023, available in the media section of this website. While many followers find community and support in Shanti’s teachings, it is crucial to recognize the potential for coercion and manipulation within such environments.

Additionally, many followers have reported that Shanti’s health regimens, promoted through HMI, have come under severe scrutiny for their effectiveness and safety. Concerns about inadequate medical care for children influenced by her teachings have been prominently highlighted in family court proceedings.

Investigations and Testimonials

Investigative reports by expert cult reporter Jennings Brown have shed light on Shanti’s organization which is often referred to as the “Lemurian Sisterhood.” Brown’s article, published in the Daily Beast titled The Lemurian Sisterhood, highlights the concerning dynamics within Liana’s community. These investigations drew support from multiple former followers who raised alarm bells about the emotionally manipulative practices within the organization. Reports have surfaced describing emotional and, in some cases, even sexual assault coaching and manipulation in the name of spiritual growth. This further highlights the risks associated with Liana’s approach and leadership style.

Former members have also come forward with testimonials of their experiences, revealing the psychological and emotional turmoil they endured due to their involvement with Shanti. Many describe an environment that fostered dependency on Liana and her teachings while being chastrized when using critical thinking or questioning her. For some, leaving Shanti’s community resulted in significant emotional confusion, illustrating the potentially damaging effects of high-control group dynamics.

Upon the article’s release, Wilson quickly dismissed it, claiming that no victims were interviewed. However, the article explicitly states that six former followers and 19 family members—a total of 25 individuals—contributed their experiences. According to testimonies from former group members, Wilson labeled these individuals as “dark and demonic” and urged her followers not to read the article, in a clear attempt to control the narrative within her group.

The accounts of past followers help provide insight into the isolation tactics used by Shanti, where she encourages individuals to sever ties with loved ones who might question her influence. These reports have contributed to growing concerns about Liana’s leadership and the impact her teachings have on vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance.

Psychological Tactics and High-Control Dynamics

One of the most concerning aspects of Liana Shanti’s influence is her use of psychological tactics to maintain control over her followers. Cult experts note that her methods resemble those of other high-control groups, involving strategies like isolation from family and friends, an intense emphasis on obedience, and the demonization of anyone who questions or criticizes Shanti. These tactics, which have not been very subtle, are highly effective, fostering a dependency on Shanti’s guidance that often harms followers’ mental health and strains their personal relationships.

Four prominent cult experts—Steven Hassan, Rick Ross, Dr. Janja Lalich, and Joe Szimhart—are very aware of Shanti’s Lemurian Sisterhood, with some identifying disturbing signs of high-control dynamics. In an interview with The Daily Beast, Dr. Lalich, an expert on cult behaviors, described the group as having “all the hallmarks of a cult,” noting that Shanti is positioned as the ultimate authority within an all-encompassing belief system where the ends justify the means.

Joe Szimhart conducted a thorough three-part analysis of Shanti’s teachings starting in September 2022.accessible here. At the same time, Rick Ross, founder of the Cult Education Institute, has received numerous posts from families affected by Shanti’s influence on his bulletin board. One family member recounted a harrowing journey in 2016 to rescue friends from what they perceived as Shanti’s overpowering control.

Collectively, these experts identify a pattern of fear tactics, emotional manipulation, and control over personal relationships within the Lemurian Sisterhood, drawing strong parallels to other well-documented cult-like groups. They argue these methods are central to Shanti’s influence over her followers, raising serious concerns about the potential impact on members and their families.

Many former followers describe a gradual change in their thoughts and behavior, becoming increasingly cut off from loved ones who expressed concerns about their involvement. Shanti allegedly fosters an “us versus them” mentality, presenting herself and her teachings as the sole path to spiritual enlightenment. This groupthink approach can have serious psychological effects, leading followers to ignore warning signs and dismiss the concerns of outsiders.

Controversies and Legal Issues: Parental Abductions by Shanti’s Followers

Liana Shanti’s influence has been tied to multiple cases of parental abductions in 2021 and 2022, where followers, often women, removed their children from their homes, believing they were protecting them from alleged abuse (as suggested by Liana). Shanti’s teachings, particularly the “Mother Wound” and “Father Wound” courses, encouraged followers to sever ties with family members deemed toxic; these courses, along with conspiratorial rhetoric coached by Liana Shanti in her “closed group,” seemed to be a precursor to the abductions and increased their urgency.

In recent developments, follower(s) who have left Shanti’s organization have made public statements alleging that Shanti personally coached them in how to carry out these abductions and where to relocate. These statements seem to be corroborated by chatroom submissions to the Hawaii court relating to Wilson’s probation hearing. Additionally, several families have written victim impact statements to the Hawaii courts, notifying the probation judge (Judge Susan Oki Mollway, overseeing Liane Wilson’s probation) regarding her nefarious activities and influence over her followers.

As a result of these abductions, many women lost custody of their children through court rulings, with family courts citing Shanti’s influence as a form of parental alienation. The legal battles have caused significant financial and emotional distress, as followers endured costly legal fees while still under Shanti’s influence.

Families who spoke out against these accusations also faced online harassment from Shanti and her followers, which was spurred by Liana’s manipulation of the narrative and constant labelling of dissenters as”abusers,” “dark,” or “demonic.” This created an atmosphere of fear and alienation for families trying to recover from the fallout.

These cases underscore the dangers of unregulated spiritual leadership, in which followers are manipulated into making life-altering decisions that have devastating emotional and financial consequences.

Liane Wilson: The Self-Proclaimed Abuse Advocate

In the summer and fall of 2022, Liane Wilson (also known as Liana Shanti) publicly adopted the role of an abuse advocate, claiming to support survivors of toxic relationships and childhood trauma. Her teachings on the “Mother Wound” and “Father Wound” were promoted as ways to help individuals break free from abusive environments. However, this shift and the addition of this “new role” in her public persona came at a time when Wilson and her followers were facing increased scrutiny over a series of parental abductions (see above), directly linked to her teachings. As her name became entangled in family court proceedings, Wilson appeared to reframe her narrative, presenting herself as an advocate for the very individuals she was being accused of influencing to engage in said harmful behavior.

This new role also stands in stark contrast to Liane’s own 2015 testimony, where she defended one of her previous husbands against serious allegations of rape, kidnapping, and assault in Hawaii. The contradiction between her past defence of an accused abuser and her current claims of advocacy raises severe doubts about the authenticity of her advocacy claims.

Compounding the controversy, Wilson and her followers used social media to publicly accuse family members of vile and heinous acts, often making libellous statements that had no legal basis or factual substantiation. These public attacks caused further harm to families already involved in emotional and legal turmoil. The timing of Wilson’s self-proclaimed advocacy, alongside her involvement in publishing these unfounded accusations, has deepened the skepticism surrounding the legitimacy of her abuse advocate persona.

The 12D Business School: A Dubious Venture and Rebranding

In April 2022, amidst growing controversies and legal scrutiny, Liana Shanti launched the 12D Business School, marketed as a spiritual entrepreneurship program. The launch of Shanti’s Business School came just a month after the parental abductions were linked to her followers, raising suspicions that this new business initiative was an attempt to distract from mounting public and legal scrutiny while capitalizing and perhaps monopolizing on her influence over her followers during the ongoing abduction crisis.

Shanti initially claimed that the school would guide spiritual entrepreneurs in building successful businesses, charging a $4,000.00 USD enrollment fee. However, on September 26, 2024, she later revealed that the curriculum had only just been completed after two and a half years and boasted about a “seven-figure launch.” During the following two and a half years, students were left waiting for promised content, with sporadic and unstructured releases. This inconsistency raised concerns about the credibility and value of the program.

Adding to the controversy, Shanti’s financial history, marked by bankruptcy fraud and real estate disputes, may cast doubt on her qualifications to guide others in business endeavours. Furthermore, the strict no-refund policy put in place left dissatisfied clients without recourse for financial losses. Students unhappy with the services may also feel intimidated from voicing their grievances, given Wilson’s track record of public humiliation through her online Instagram account, where previously she malicious attacked families with vile accusations, shaming critics and dissenters. Her website clearly states that she is “not responsible for financial outcomes related to her services,” putting potential clients at risk.

In July 2024, Shanti rebranded the 12D Business School Instagram as Female Fortunes, presenting herself as a “money mentor” who helps individuals achieve rapid financial success. The rebranding, however, raised further skepticism, as it did little to address the concerns surrounding the unfinished curriculum and delayed module releases from the original program. Critics argue that this rebranding was an attempt to distance the program from its earlier controversies, but the structural and ethical concerns remain.

Financial Controversies and Bankruptcy Fraud

A significant aspect of Liana Shanti’s controversial history involves her financial practices, particularly related to bankruptcy fraud. It was revealed that Liane Wilson received $333,000.00 USD in insurance disability payments, which were funnelled into a third-party account without the knowledge of her bankruptcy trustee. This serious breach of trust and transparency raises questions about her financial integrity.

In 2019, new information surfaced revealing that Wilson had hidden additional assets during her original bankruptcy proceedings. This led the United States Justice Department to file charges against both Liane and her current husband, Robert Wilson. As a result, in December 2021, Liane and Robert were ordered to serve five years of probation for their involvement in the fraudulent activity and pay a fine.

Adding to her troubled financial history, Liana’s mother, Linda Wilson, filed a lawsuit against her, which the judge characterized as involving title fraud. This legal entanglement clearly indicates ongoing issues within Liane Wilson’s professional and personal dealings.

Additionally, several real estate lawsuits have been filed against her, including a recent judgment for failing to fulfill obligations related to a real estate transaction. Reports suggest that she has had properties tied to foreclosure, which casts doubt on her financial management skills.

Most recently, in September 2024, Wilson was required to surrender her Hawaii real estate license due to allegations of fraud during the application process. These allegations led to the voluntary surrender of her real estate licence, as reported in the Hawaii Free Press, further damaging her credibility and raising more concerns about her financial and professional ethics.

Despite these financial controversies, Liana Shanti continues to claim that she is a self-made multi-millionaire, often promoting this narrative in her business coaching programs and on her social media platforms. However, the discrepancies in her financial history raise serious concerns about the legitimacy of these claims.

Furthermore, Wilson’s background reveals a history of multiple restraining orders connected to her. This pattern of legal conflict adds further complexity to her troubled legal history, suggesting ongoing disputes in both her personal and professional life.

These incidents of financial impropriety contribute to a growing list of concerns regarding her credibility, raising serious questions about her ability to lead and guide anyone in personal and business ventures.

Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals

A recurring issue with Liana Shanti’s practices is the financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual guidance and personal empowerment. Many followers, drawn in by her promises of spiritual awakening and healing, have invested significant sums into her various programs, including (but not limited to) the Health Mastery Institute (HMI) and 12D Business School, often without clear evidence of the benefits or returns she claims. In addition to lower-level courses with fees of $4,000.00 USD, Shanti also offers a private mentorship program where individuals are charged $100,000.00 USD for Liana to provide them with a business plan. This further heightens concerns about the financial pressure placed on her followers. With such astronomical costs and a strict no-refund policy, Shanti has created an environment where individuals are financially committed, often to their detriment. They often never receive the business plans or documentation they are promised.

Shanti’s questionable financial practices, such as her bankruptcy fraud and allegations of misleading business ventures, raise red flags about the legitimacy of the services she offers. Many individuals who have followed her teachings have reported feeling financially exploited, especially when programs failed to deliver the promised outcomes. The lack of transparency regarding her qualifications and business operations has left numerous clients financially strained and emotionally manipulated.

Impact on Followers

While some followers may find solace in Shanti’s teachings, the experiences of those who have distanced themselves from her, reveal a complex and often troubling dynamic. Many report feelings of confusion and betrayal after leaving her community, illustrating the potential psychological impact of high-control groups. The environment she fosters can pose risks to individual well-being and public safety.

Many of Liana’s followers have also recounted experiencing emotional manipulation, financial exploitation, and lasting psychological harm. Shanti’s teachings, especially around the “Mother Wound” and “Father Wound”, often encourage followers to sever ties with loved ones, leading to isolation and strained or severed relationships. As followers grow more dependent on her guidance, they become cut off from outside influences that might provide a more balanced and realistic perspective.

Shanti’s use of public shaming on social media further discourages dissent, with many ex-followers afraid to speak out for fear of being humiliated and their deepest secrets revealed. This high-control dynamic, alongside the emotional and financial strain, has left many former followers struggling to rebuild their lives after their involvement with Shanti and her organization.

The Legal Ramifications and Future Outlook

As the number of allegations and legal issues surrounding Liana Shanti continues to grow, it’s clear that law enforcement and the legal system will play a critical role in addressing the harm caused by her practices. While she has managed to avoid serious legal consequences so far, the mounting lawsuits and investigations may signal a turning point in her ability to operate without accountability.

For individuals currently involved in Shanti’s community, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to seek support from trusted sources outside of her influence. For those considering involvement, this article serves as a reminder to approach with caution and to critically evaluate the claims and credentials of any spiritual leader, particularly in an unregulated industry where manipulation and exploitation can thrive.

Good Things Don’t Last Forever

The situation surrounding Liane Wilson underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance in the face of manipulative practices. As victims begin to share their experiences, a powerful narrative of resilience and truth emerges, challenging the stronghold that manipulation and intimidation can have over individuals. This collective bravery not only empowers those who have suffered but also serves as a warning to others who may be vulnerable to similar tactics.

Legal intervention plays a critical role in this process. As more victims seek justice, they not only validate each other’s experiences but also build a solid foundation of evidence against Wilson’s alleged misdeeds. The legal system, when functioning effectively, can provide a platform for accountability, ensuring that those who exploit and harm others face the consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, the shift in the court of public opinion can significantly impact individuals like Wilson, who rely on their public persona to maintain control. As the truth comes to light, the façade of empowerment can crumble, revealing the underlying manipulation and exploitation. This transformation can deter others from engaging with her and similar figures, fostering a culture of skepticism towards those who wield influence without transparency.

The hope is that as the voices of the victims grow louder, the mechanisms of manipulation will weaken, leading to a broader awareness of the signs of emotional and financial exploitation. It is essential for individuals to educate themselves about these dynamics and to support one another in speaking out. The journey toward justice may be long and challenging, but the pursuit of truth and accountability remains a powerful force for change. Ultimately, fostering a community of support and awareness can protect potential victims and ensure that those who inflict harm are held responsible for their actions.

Conclusion

Liana Shanti’s practices raise significant concerns for anyone considering her teachings or investing in her self-help coaching services. Her criminal history, including fraud, along with involvement in family court cases where followers have lost custody of their children and reports of manipulation and intimidation of current and former members, cast serious doubts on her credibility and integrity. The environment she fosters seems to pose risks to both individual well-being and public safety.