Possession is the takeover and control by an outside influence, such as a spirit, a god, a dead person, or a DEMON. Possession is not the same as obsession, which is a heavy influence but not a complete takeover. 256 poppet The belief that a person’s mind and soul can be influenced by a departed spirit, whether of god, demon, or man, is ancient and universal. Possession happens in three dominant ways:

• Involuntary, in which a god or a spirit takes over a person (or animal) and causes them to act in certain ways to serve the spirits’ purposes.

• Through Witchcraft or Sorcery in which a person or animal is bewitched or cursed and thus suffers illness or misfortune.

• Voluntary, such as through magical Ritual or an induced trance in which a god or a spirit is invited to make a temporary possession for purposes such as Prophecy, empowerment, divine favours, enlightenment, and channeling.

In the first two ways, possession can end only by EXORCISM by a qualified person. In voluntary possession, the possession is brought to an end when its purpose is fulfilled.

Demonic Possession

Widespread beliefs about demons hold that they are capable of causing frequent upsets and mischief, as well as serious illness and trouble, by taking possession of a person. The unwary, the careless, and the vulnerable are particularly at risk as are people whose health is poor or who flout social conventions, mores, and laws. A troubled relationship might be caused by a pesky demon that has laid siege to a person, causing her or him to say and do things that she or he would not ordinarily do. Even problems such as alcoholism, gambling addiction, and drug addiction have been blamed on interfering malevolent spirits that become attached like leeches to the energy field of a person.

The Christian church recognizes demonic possession that is the result of witchcraft or sorcery under the aegis of the devil or else is the consequence of sin. In earlier centuries, a person who exhibited unusual behavior or expressed ideas radically different than those currently acceptable was often deemed to be demonically possessed. The devil claimed victims by passing directly into a person’s mind and soul or by using a witch or a wizard to send a DEMON into the victim through Bewitchment. Witches were said to transmit demons to the innocent victim through a Charm, a PHILTRE, an AMULET, or, most likely, food. APPLES were especially popular since they seemed innocuous and were readily available.

As evidence of demonic possession, the victims may levitate, exhibit superhuman strength, forswear all religious words or articles, and speak in tongues. This last trait offers the strongest proof to the Catholic Church, allowing the attending bishop to permit an exorcism. The formal ritual is performed by a priest and done in the name of the Lord, sending the devil and his minions back to hell.

Epidemics of demonic possession occurred in Europe and even the American colonies from the 15th through the 18th centuries. Many of the afflicted were nuns, leading modern experts to theorize that repressed sexuality was a factor in the outbreaks, and hysterical children. The witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, were the result of fabricated stories by “possessed” children.

Spirit Possession

Voluntary possession serves as a means to communicate with spirits and deities and is a centerpiece of some religious worship. Possession by a god shows the possessed to be worthy of the god’s notice and protection. For example, in Vodoun, the gods, or loas, possess entranced people who dance or perform superhuman feats.

Mediumship and channeling are forms of voluntary spirit possession in which spirits of the dead speak through a medium or entities (Angels, extraterrestrials, etc.) speak through a channeler. Communication takes place in deep trance during which the possessing agents use the human vocal chords, as well as in light trance, automatic writing, and so forth.

In ritual magic, voluntary possession can takes place when gods are invoked. In high magic, the magician seeks to become infused with divine energy, consciousness, and enlightenment, such as in the ritual of the Holy Guardian Angel. In Wicca, the ritual of Drawing Down the Moon involves a trance possession in which the High Priestess channels an inspirational message from the Goddess.

Further Reading: 

• Ebon, Martin. The Devil’s Bride, Exorcism: Past and Present. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.
• Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft. 2d ed. New York: Facts On File Inc., 1999.
• Rogo, D. Scott. The Infinite Boundary. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1987.

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley Copyright © 2006 by Visionary Living, Inc.