Demonic Possession

Demons, being spiritual entities, are able to take possession of human bodies, whether living or dead. Basically, demonic possession occurs when a demon or an evil spirit forcefully inhabits a human body (although some people are deranged enough to willingly comply with the possession). But the Roma people (Gypsies) believe that demons can also possess animals, the dead, plants, and even inanimate objects. The oldest known references to demonic possession come from the ancient Sumerians, who believed that all diseases, of both the mind and the body, were caused by "sickness demons" called gidim. Fortunately, these priests (known as ashipu, or sorcerers) were well-versed in being able to exorcize these spirits.

Most major religions and all cultures worldwide have some concept of demons and demonic possession, but these beliefs vary considerably, as do the beliefs regarding how to remove the possessing spirit. Symptoms of demonic possession include (but are not limited to):
•Missing memories.
•Convulsions and fits.
•Speaking in tongues (other languages).
•Unnatural strength.
•Access to and knowledge of previously unknown information.
•Drastic changes in tone of voice and facial expression, as well as in mannerisms and personality.
•Unexplained injuries (bites or scratches are common).
•Piercing eyes (sometimes said to be entirely black).
•Uncharacteristic aggression and antisocial behavior towards others.
•A blatant disregard for one's personal modesty or the modesty of others.
•An aversion to and a hatred of religious objects (i.e. crosses or a crucifix, as well as saintly medals).
•Self-mutilation (i.e. cutting or puncturing their own skin, just for the thrill of it). May be in the form of writing or specific symbols.
•Foul language (need more be said?).
•Exhibition of various supernatural abilities (i.e. precognition, telepathy, retrocognition, levitation, etc.).
•Multiple voices emanating from a single source (i.e. a person) simultaneously.
•Compulsively sinning or lying to others.
•Flinching at the spoken name of God (Deus or Christo in Latin).
•Unnatural sexual desires (necrophilia, bestiality, rape, or incest).
•Uncontrollable rage and violence.
•Mental or emotional problems (which may have attracted the demon in the first place).

Although this list is far from complete, there are innumerable physical and mental signs of possible possession. For those who understand such things, demonic possession is never a good thing or a positive experience. It is immensely harmful, both to the possessed individual (known properly as a demoniac) and their family, friends, and loved ones.