general information on demonic possession
How does one become
"possessed"? Demons are said to enter the body of individuals though a doorway created by a vulnerability such as drug use, cult practices, generational curses, or a traumatic event that has left them emotionally unstable. Vulnerabilities make it much easier for the demon to control the victim. Why does this happen? Anyone who has ever experience demonic possession, whether it be themselves or a loved one, has asked the question, why? There is no real reason, but catholic priests have a few ideas. Some theories are; the need to rebel against God, jealousy of the free will of humans, proving God wrong, and testing the limits of God’s will on human behavior. How do you get rid of demons? Exorcisms are the only known way of expelling demons from their hold on humans. There are two types of exorcisms. The first type is the more serious, it is called “imprecatory exorcism”. This is a direct command to the demon, lawfully ordering them to leave the body they have overtaken. The demon is told to leave in the name of Jesus Christ. Because of the severity of these types of exorcisms, many steps are required to complete one. First, the person must be proved possessed. This requires plentiful evidence that will be presented to the Vatican. The Vatican must approve all exorcisms. These kinds of exorcisms are extremely dangerous, they have the potential to severely injure or kill the person being exorcised as well as those involved in the process. A properly ordained minister is the only person who can conduct an imprecatory exorcism. The other type of demon releasing ritual, a deprecatory exorcism, is not technically an “exorcism”. This is because it does not command by law for the demon to depart. This is a prayer sent to God, the Virgin Mary, or St Michael, asking them to release the demon from the person. Anyone can participate in this ritual. |
Above: An ancient depiction of demons being expelled from a man's body. Below: Scene from The Exorcist (1973) |