For an explanation of the methodology of this series, see the introduction.

"or a charmer, a pithom sorcerer, a yido'a sorcerer, or a necromancer. " (Deut 18:11)

Peshat (basic meaning):

Rashi: "or a charmer"
One who collects snakes, scorpions or other creatures to one place. 
 "a pithom sorcerer" - one who raises the [spirit of the] dead, and it speaks from his [the sorcerer’s] armpit.
"a yido’a sorcerer" - one who inserts a bone of the animal called yido’a into his mouth, and the bone speaks by means of sorcery.
"or a necromancer" As, for example, one who raises [the dead spirit] upon his membrum, or one who consults a skull.

Remez (hinted meaning):

There is no Baal HaTurim on this verse.

Sod (esoteric, mystical meaning):

Later, the 'friend' turns into a destroyer.

Zohar Pekudei:
What is "a charmer ('a befriender')"? He who follows the Other Side, charms, and thus draws to himself another, unholy spirit, and joins an evil friend. That friend, the destroyer, abides by him. Why is he called 'a friend'? Because when that man was born, he befriended him, and is now always his 'friend'. Later, the 'friend' turns into a destroyer.

There is also a good friend on the side of holiness, the right side, who does good with men in this world and in the World to Come. These friends are always with him joined to save and protect him, and be his companions in sanctifying the Name of their Master, to chant and praise Him always.

BeRahamim LeHayyim:
The Psalmist [Moses] says, "Today, if we but listen to His voice!" (Ps. 96:5) G‑d is not to be found from communication using scorpions or snakes, one's armpit, a bone in the mouth, or from one's genitals or a skull. Rather, G‑d is found in the small, still voice.

A good friend. "We get by with a little help from our friends."
When you find a true friend, it is like coming home again, the home relating to Shechinah, the Divine Presence.
We also unfortunately have been duped by the charmer, who the Torah calls "a joined friend," for he seeks to "doubly join", too much "joining" as he's got his hand in your pocket, your spiritual pocket that is. Watch out for "too much friend"...it can be a warning sign.
For the Satan/Evil Inclination/Accuser, knows you oh-so-well.
For the Satan/Evil Inclination/Accuser, knows you oh-so-well. He knows just the thing you "need": food, booze, drugs, sex, money, work. Then your "friend" becomes the proverbial monkey on your back.

The above Zohar is a warning not to open the door to Satan. Be careful with whom you share your secrets. It is not only what goes into your mouth that can hurt you!

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