You don't mention what religion you are relating to? Maybe you mean all? According to Christianity ( of which I know a little )there are various ways of stopping yourself from being deceived. Firstly, God will reveal Himself clearly to those who seek with ALL their heart, secondly, God will not contradict His own word or character, for example, the Bible says ' Do not kill ' therefore God will not tell you to stab / poison your boss, wife, buddy etc., the third, in regards to spiritual beings, is that not evil spirit can say that Jesus is ' God come in the flesh ', I have tested this one myself and know it to be true. As far as traditions are concerned most are man-made traps, check out the basic beliefs, anything else is excess. As far as prophets are concerned, if what they say doesn't come true God says not to be afraid of them. Satan can indeed trick us, look to Jesus only and no other - if you look at those around you, you will always end up disappointed.