Paranormal S.W.A.T. & Cryptic Shadows Paranormal Research (CSPR)

Bigfoot DNA Genetics Study - Are They Human?

2012-11-24T02:04:00.000-08:00

Published November 24, 2012

‘BIGFOOT’ DNA SEQUENCED IN UPCOMING GENETICS STUDY'

Five-Year Genome Study Yields Evidence of Homo sapiens/Unknown Hominin Hybrid Species in North America
For More Information Contact: Robin Lynne, media@dnadiagnostics.com, 231.622.5362

DALLAS, Nov. 24--A team of scientists can verify that their 5-year long DNA study, currently under peer-review, confirms the existence of a novel hominin hybrid species, commonly called “Bigfoot” or “Sasquatch,” living in North America. Researchers’ extensive DNA sequencing suggests that the legendary Sasquatch is a human relative that arose approximately 15,000 years ago as a hybrid cross of modern Homo sapiens with an unknown primate species.

The study was conducted by a team of experts in genetics, forensics, imaging and pathology, led by Dr. Melba S. Ketchum of Nacogdoches, TX. In response to recent interest in the study, Dr. Ketchum can confirm that her team has sequenced 3 complete Sasquatch nuclear genomes and determined the species is a human hybrid:

“Our study has sequenced 20 whole mitochondrial genomes and utilized next generation sequencing to obtain 3 whole nuclear genomes from purported Sasquatch samples. The genome sequencing shows that Sasquatch mtDNA is identical to modern Homo sapiens, but Sasquatch nuDNA is a novel, unknown hominin related to Homo sapiens and other primate species. Our data indicate that the North American Sasquatch is a hybrid species, the result of males of an unknown hominin species crossing with female Homo sapiens.

Hominins are members of the taxonomic grouping Hominini, which includes all members of the genus Homo. Genetic testing has already ruled out Homo neanderthalis and the Denisova hominin as contributors to Sasquatch mtDNA or nuDNA. “The male progenitor that contributed the unknown sequence to this hybrid is unique as its DNA is more distantly removed from humans than other recently discovered hominins like the Denisovan individual,” explains Ketchum.

“Sasquatch nuclear DNA is incredibly novel and not at all what we had expected. While it has human nuclear DNA within its genome, there are also distinctly non-human, non-archaic hominin, and non-ape sequences. We describe it as a mosaic of human and novel non-human sequence. Further study is needed and is ongoing to better characterize and understand Sasquatch nuclear DNA.”

Ketchum is a veterinarian whose professional experience includes 27 years of research in genetics, including forensics. Early in her career she also practiced veterinary medicine, and she has previously been published as a participant in mapping the equine genome. She began testing the DNA of purported Sasquatch hair samples 5 years ago.

Ketchum calls on public officials and law enforcement to immediately recognize the Sasquatch as an indigenous people:

“Genetically, the Sasquatch are a human hybrid with unambiguously modern human maternal ancestry. Government at all levels must recognize them as an indigenous people and immediately protect their human and Constitutional rights against those who would see in their physical and cultural differences a ‘license’ to hunt, trap, or kill them.”

Full details of the study will be presented in the near future when the study manuscript publishes.

Vatican-Approved Exorcist Featured In New Documentary

2012-04-16T14:58:00.002-07:00

Many people are familiar with the iconic 1973 film "The Exorcist," in which actors Max von Sydow and Jason Miller team up to turn the tables on a truly terrifying case of demonic possession. But a new documentary casts light on the real-life ritual through the eyes of a Vatican-approved exorcist.

The Exorcist in the 21st Century takes the viewer into the unknown and sinister world of exorcism in the Catholic Church. We meet one of the few exorcists in Europe, the Vatican approved José Antonio Fortea. He travels around the world on a mission to enlighten the masses about demonic possession. Constanza, a Colombian woman, is desperately looking for Fr. Forteas help. She claims to have been possessed by demons for nearly 15 years and she goes through a ritual of exorcism before she sees the Spanish exorcist as a last hope for spiritual liberation. The film follows both their journeys and gives a unique insight into one of the world most secret and mystical rites – the catholic ritual of exorcism. For more info, go to theexorcistdoc.com/

The Exorcist in the 21st Century from Creatur Media on Vimeo.

"The Exorcist in the 21st Century" follows José Antonio Fortea -- a Roman Catholic priest in Spain who is one of the few exorcists sanctioned by the Vatican -- as he travels the world enlightening the faithful about demonic possession.

In the film, Fortea, a prolific writer who has penned several books on demonology, speaks floridly about the elaborate ritual.

"Exorcism is a fight between all the forces of light against all the forces of demons," he says, "[...] a battle with the weapons of prayer."

According to filmmaker Fredrik Horn Akselsen, who was reached by The Huffington Post via e-mail, the trailer for the film shows a Peruvian priest (not Fortea) performing an exorcism on a Colombian woman who claims to have been possessed by demons since 1997.

While it is not apparent from the trailer, Akselsen told HuffPost the film takes "considerable time to express a skeptical view." This includes interviews with a skeptic within the Catholic church, as well as a psychiatrist who treated the allegedly possessed woman.

Akselsen said the documentary focuses on Fortea's fame as an exorcist, and documents peoples' reactions to his celebration of "liberation massess," among other things.

The film's intent does not appear to be either to validate or discredit exorcism, but rather to capture the powerful impact that faith has on people. In this sense, Akselsen's film has more in common with a documentary like "Jesus Camp" than it does with various exorcism mockumentaries that have been released in recent years, such as "The Last Exorcism" (2010) and "The Devil Inside" (2012).

PARANORMAL S.W.A.T.

Possession and exorcism in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)

2012-04-16T14:45:00.002-07:00

Throughout time, different cultures have had varying views regarding demonic possession, but in most cases they are all rooted in similar beliefs and doctrines.

Pagan cultures surrounding the ancient Israelites appear to have been obsessed by these two topics. But Judaism was an exception in the Middle East. The Hebrew Scriptures contain relatively few references to demon possession, and none at all to exorcism. The only references to evil spirits indwelling humans are found in 3 stories about Abimelech (Judges 9), some prophets (1 Kings 22) and Saul (1 Samuel 16, 18 & 19). In each case, it was God who specifically sent an evil or lying spirit to torment individuals. The relative scarcity of demonic spirits in the Hebrew Scriptures might have been caused by the Hebrew's strong monotheistic beliefs. Their belief in a single God may have caused them to reject the existence of any other supernatural entities.

There has been speculation that the Hebrew Scriptures originally contained descriptions of interactions between people and demons, but that that material has been deleted from the text.

For example:

	The account in Genesis 32 of Jacob wrestling with an unknown assailant by the side of a river might have once referred to Jacob battling a river demon.
	The account in Exodus 4 where God attempts to kill Moses might have originally described Moses' battle with a demon.
	The description of the smearing of lamb's blood on the door frame in Exodus 12 might have been derived from an ancient ritual which protected the household from demonic attack.

But these, and similar, suggestions must remain pure conjecture. In no case do they imply either indwelling of a human by a demonic spirit, or discuss an exorcism ritual.

Numerous cases of demonic possession and exorcisms by Jesus and his disciples are reported in the Gospels and Acts. The Epistles by Paul and other authors and the book of Revelation are silent on these topics. We can gather certain conclusions about the exorcism procedures used in Palestine during the first century CE from the Scriptures:

Cause of possession: In the Bible, victims of possession are never held responsible for their situation. There are no references in the Christian Scriptures which imply that their possession was caused by some sin in their life. None of the victims were criticized for having allowed themselves to become possessed.

Animals can be possessed: Matthew 8:30, and parallel passages, describe that demons can possess pigs.

Multiple possession: Various passages refer to possession of a single individual by multiple demons. Luke 8:30 describes a man who was possessed by many demons; he used the term "legion" which was a unit of 6,000 soldiers.

Gifts of demons: Demons can grant special powers to people. In Acts 16:16 a woman was given the power to foretell the future by her indwelling evil spirit. But this appears to be an exception; other passages describe how demons harm people.

Illnesses and disorders generated by demons: Luke 9:39 apparently describes a case of epilepsy caused by a demon. Luke 11:14 documents a person who was unable to speak because of an indwelling demon. Luke 13:10-13 describes a woman who had been unable to straighten her back for almost 2 decades because of a evil spirit.

Demonic speech: Numerous passages in the Bible describe indwelling demons speaking to the exorcist, presumably by taking control of the individual's vocal chords.

Demons' strength: Mark 5:4 describes how an indwelling spirit causes its victim to have superhuman strength, so that fetters and chains could not hold him.

Demons vary in wickedness: Matthew 12:45 describes how a spirit left a person, but returned with seven others who were more wicked than the original spirit was.

Exorcisms were usually easy to perform: With one exception, Jesus or an apostle simply ordered the evil spirit to depart, and the demon immediately complied.

Some exorcisms require special preparation: Jesus' disciples were unable to rid a boy of an evil spirit that was apparently causing the child to be both mute and epileptic. Jesus cured the child and explained that the only way to rid a person of this type of demon was through prior prayer and fasting.

Using items of clothing: Acts 19:12 described how items of clothing or facecloths that once been used by Paul had magical powers and were used to cure people suffering from diseases or evil spirits.

Only Christians can perform exorcisms: Acts 19:13 describes how seven non-Christians attempted to exorcise demons in the name of Jesus and Paul. They failed. All were attacked and beaten by the demon-controlled man who ripped their clothes off.

Commanding in the name of Jesus: After Jesus' execution, exorcisms were done in the name of Jesus:

	Acts 16:16 described a slave girl who was possessed. Paul exorcised a "spirit of divination" from her. He commanded the spirit to leave "in the name of Jesus."
	Acts 19:13 described how some itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to exorcise a demon saying "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." They were unsuccessful, apparently because they were not Christian believers.

Danger in exorcism: In Acts 19:13, the demon-possessed man exhibited superhuman strength. He turned on seven Jewish exorcists, beat them, and expelled them from the house with their clothes ripped off. The evil spirit had apparently recognized that the exorcists were not Christian; he refused to follow their commands.

The sick went to the exorcist: The sick were brought to the apostles; the apostles did not seek out the sick. With one exception, all were cured, whether they suffered from demon infestation or physical illness. Nobody in the Bible had a exorcism ministry.

Return of demons: Matthew 12:43 describes a demon who left a man, presumably because of an exorcism. He returned later with seven other evil spirits to repossess the person. However, there is no mention of any of the exorcisms by Jesus or his followers having produced only temporary cures.

Exorcism is dependent upon the victim's faith: In Mark 9:18, Jesus explained to a man that all things are possible, including the exorcism of his son, to those who believe.

PARANORMAL S.W.A.T.

In 2010 the Vatican received over half a million reports of demonic possession (The Times)

2012-04-16T14:30:00.001-07:00

This is an article for the Faith section of The Times, based on Anthony Hopkins’ latest film, The Rite.

The Making of a Modern Exorcist

A look at the new film The Rite which explores the nature of exorcism and a novice priest’s journey to discover his faith

There are many traditional beliefs held by the orthodox Roman Catholic Church that are hotly debated by religious and non-religious people today, but what about the idea that humans can be possessed by the devil? An age old myth or fantasy created by Hollywood movies you may think, but not according to Anthony Hopkins latest film, The Rite.

Exorcism – still a widely used Christian practice of removing evil spirits from a person – may seem like an unfeasible and predictable topic for a horror film, but director, Mikael Hafstrom, intelligently employs it here as an accessible topic through which to explore how we deal with the unexplained. Is there such a thing as the Devil? Or are the ‘possessed’ just mentally ill?

The film has been billed as another disturbing tale centred around Anthony Hopkins in the role of sinister villain. But, although his performance doesn’t disappoint, there is a danger that his presence could detract from the important messages of faith at the film’s heart.

Such questions are explored through Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), an American student priest who has doubts about his own faith as well as the concept of possession. His character acts as a mouth-piece for the audience, as he insistently challenges his superiors’ unwavering faith, with arguments based on psychology and science.

He is sent for exorcism training at the Vatican – an authentic exorcism school that is still running today – to ultimately test his faith. His time there is based around the real-life experiences of Father Gary Thomas, an American priest who underwent the same training. This was chronicled by journalist, Matt Baglio, in his book, ‘The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist’, which inspired the film.

Hafstrom stresses that the events and ideas in the film are based on real beliefs. It references the fact that last year the Vatican received over half a million reports of demonic possession and begins with the words of Pope John Paul II: “The battle against the Devil…is still being fought today, because the Devil is still alive and active in the world.”

Kovak’s armour begins to fall when he starts apprenticing with the unorthodox priest and exorcist, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who was once a sceptic himself, and treats the possessed using a combination of religious practices and medical expertise. When Kovak witnesses exorcisms first-hand and is confronted with things he can longer explain using science, he is forced to look within to reconcile what he believes.

By the end of the film, Kovak returns to being a priest, fully convinced of his commitment to God. He even rejects the advances of Angeline (Alice Braga), a pretty young journalist who is investigating exorcism for an article.

Such clichés of boy meets girl, as well as the theatrical demonic voice of those possessed – which sounds like it has been lifted straight from ‘The Exorcist’ or ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ – somewhat weakens the strong religious messages that underpin the film.

There were also various wasted threads and ineffectual creative devices used – such as Lucas’ evil looking cats that served no purpose to the plot and the Devil supposedly embodied through orange eyed frogs. This took away from the otherwise suspenseful and genuinely disturbing film.

On the whole though, the film depicted the Roman Catholic Church authentically and probably benefited from having genuine exorcist, Father Gary Thomas on board as a consultant.

However, whether or not you are convinced by the idea of possession as Kovak is, The Rite is an intriguing look into a much-forgotten practice that is still believed in by many people.

Indeed, most of us will not have the opportunity to witness exorcisms to convince us that God and the Devil exist, but Kovak and Lucas’ multidimensional characters show that asking questions about religion is a positive thing.

PARANORMAL S.W.A.T.

Vatican's Chief Exorcists has handled more than 70,000 Cases of Demonic Possession

2012-04-16T14:24:00.001-07:00

Father Gabriele Amorth.

The Pope's chief exorcist is telling the world that the devil himself is hard at work these days inside the Vatican.

Father Gabriele Amorth, 85, has held the position of chief exorcist for the Vatican for 25 years. That adds up to more than 70,000 cases of demonic possession at the end of 2009 alone.

This information comes as Fr. Amorth has given recent interviews, and has just published a new book - Memoirs of an Exorcist, a series of interviews with Vatican journalist Marco Tosatti.

Where is the devil within the Catholic Church? Fr. Amorth suggests there are cardinals who do not believe in Jesus - and bishops who are "linked to the Demon."

My first introduction to an exorcism was the 1973 film, "The Exorcist." In one interview, Fr. Amorth says he approved of the film, while exaggerated, it offered a "substantially exact" image of a real case of possession.

In fact, in the very real cases, Fr. Amorth says that the possessed may spit out nails or glass. He has stated that in some of these cases, it has taken "six or seven of his assistants to hold down a possessed person."

Apparently any priest can carry out an exorcism, but it is generally done only by those who have been trained.

Fr. Amorth is the founder and honorary president of the International Association of Exorcists with more than 200 members. A priest must have permission from his bishop to join this organization. They meet twice a year in Rome.

PARANORMAL S.W.A.T.

Thanks goes out to Roger Marsh with the Examiner for publishing this story.

Satan - What Do We Know About Him?

2012-01-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

A. Satan is a created being.
Ezekiel 28:13, 15

1. He was created perfect and beautiful.
Ezekiel 28:15, 17

2. He was once in heaven, "upon the holy mountain of God."
... Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:13, 14; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:8

3. He had free choice, and sinned.
Ezekiel 28:15-16 ("... till iniquity was found in thee .... thou hast sinned ...")

B. Many angels joined Satan in his rebellion against God, and a war in heaven resulted.
2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 3:8; Jude 6, 7; Revelation 12:7-9

1. Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven and to the earth.
Isaiah 14:15; Ezekiel 28:16; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-12

2. This spiritual warfare is still taking place between the powers of darkness and light.
Daniel 10:13, 21; Ephesians 6:11-17

II. His person.
Satan is a being, not an "influence" or power. The Devil and his angels are actual spirit beings.

A. Jesus was not talking to Himself when He rebuked evil spirits and
was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1-10; 17:18; Mark 5:8-13; 8:33; 9:25, 26

B. Satan and his angels can talk and shout.

1 Kings 22:20-22 (2 Chronicles 18:20-21); Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7;
Zechariah 3:1, 2; Matthew 12:43, 44; Mark 1:23, 24, 26; 3:11;
5:12; 8:31; 9:26; 12:43-45; Luke 4:41; Acts 8:7, 19:15

C. They have a memory.
Matthew 4:6

    D. They have a free will.
Isaiah 14:12, etc.

   E. They have feelings and emotions.
1. Anger. Revelation 12:12,17
2. Fear. Matthew 8:28, 29; Mark 1:23, 24; 5:7; Luke 8:28, 31; James 2:19

F. They can see.
Mark 3:11
G. They walk "to and fro in the earth" and seek rest.
Job 1:7; 2:2; Ezekiel 28:14; Matthew 12:43, 44
H. They fall down and stand still.
1 Kings 22:21; Zechariah 3:1
I. They seek and accept worship.

Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15;
Psalms 106:37; Matthew 4:8-10 (Luke 4:5-7); 1 Corinthians 10:20;
2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4; Revelation 9:20; 13:4, 8, 12
J. They have intelligence.
Ezekiel 28:3, 12
1. Know the time is short.
Revelation 12:12
2. Recognize who the saved are.
Acts 16:16, 17
3. Testify to the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 8:29; Mark 1:23, 24, 34; 3:11; 5:7;
Luke 4:41; 8:28; Acts 19:15
4. Believe there is one God.
James 2:19
5. Are aware of their destiny.
Mark 5:7; Luke 8:31
K. They influence man to lie.
1 Kings 22:22 (2 Chronicles 18:20-22); Acts 5:3
L. They have great strength to overpower man.
Mark 5:4; Acts 19:16
M. They have been seen by man and are frightening to behold.
1 Samuel 28:13; Job 4:15; Revelation 16:13
N. Scripture uses personal pronouns in its reference to Satan and his angels.
Job 1:8; 2:1, 2; Matthew 12:26

III. His character.
A. Boldness.
Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Zechariah 3:1, 2
B. Pride (the cause of his downfall).
Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4
C. Subtlety and cunning; deception.

Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4 (Luke 4) "If ... if ..."
2 Corinthians 11:3, 14; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:3, 8
D. Self-ambition; a strong self-will.

Isaiah 14:12-15 "I will ascend ... I will exalt ... I will ... I will ..."
Ezekiel 28:17

1. Satan himself desired to "be like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14;
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), and He tempted man with the same
ambition (Genesis 3:4-5 "ye shall be as gods ..."). However,
he himself is subject to God.
a. Satan is not eternal, as God. He is a created being.
Ezekiel 28:13, 15

b. Satan is not omniscient, but he is knowledgeable of God's
doings in the earth.
(1) He knows his time is short.
Revelation 12:12
(2) The demons know Who Jesus is, and they are aware of their destiny.

Matthew 8:29; Mark 1:23, 24, 34; 3:11; 5:7
Luke 4:34, 41; 8:28, 31; Acts 19:15; James 2:19
c. He is not omnipresent (everywhere).
Luke 22:3; John 13:27
d. He is not omnipotent.

(1) He has power (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 2:10),
but his power is limited: Job 1:12; 2:6; Mark 1:34;
5:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13-17).
(2) Demons are subject to God.
   Luke 8:31, 32; James 2:19
(3) They are subject to those who believe.

Luke 10:17, 19, 20; Romans 16:20; Ephesians 2:6
Colossians 2:12-15; 1 John 2:13, 14; 4:4; 5:18;
Revelation 12:11
(4) Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.
Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8
  (5) Nevertheless, Satan can perform lying signs and wonders.

Exodus 7:9-11; 8:17-19; Deuteronomy 13:1-5;
Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9;
Revelation 13:13, 14; 16:14; 19:20

2. He covets our worship (Matthew 4:8-10; Revelation 13:4, 8, 12),
which belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:1; Matthew 4:10; etc.).

IV. Satan's names in Scripture.
A. "Prince and power of the air." Ephesians 2:2
B. "God of this age." 2 Corinthians 4:4
C. "Prince of this world." John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11
D. "Prince (ruler) of demons." Matthew 9:34; 12:24; Mark 9:34; Luke 11:15
E. "Accuser of the brethren." Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10
F. "Lucifer" ("shining one"). Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18
G. "The wicked one." Matthew 13:19, 38; 1 John 2:13, 14; 3:12; 5:18
H.   "Dragon." Revelation 12:3, 4, 7, 9, 13, 17; 20:2
I. "Serpent." Genesis 3:1-4, 13, 14; Luke 10:19; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9, 15; 20:2
J. "Adversary" (Hebrew for "Satan" – Job 1:6, 7, 9-12). 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Timothy 5:14
K. "Beelzebub." Matthew 12:27; Mark 3:22
L. "Devil." Revelation 12:9; etc.
M. "Murderer." John 8:44
N. "Liar." John 8:44 (Genesis 3:4)
O.   "The tempter." Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5
P. "The enemy." Matthew 13:38, 39; Ephesians 6:11
Q. "Roaring lion." 1 Peter 5:8

R. "The Destroyer" (Apollyon, Greek – or, Abaddon, "Destruction," Hebrew).
Revelation 9:11; John 10:10
S. "The thief." John 10:10

V. Satan's work in the earth.

A. He is a king (Revelation 9:11), and his is a dominion of darkness (Acts 26:18;
Ephesians 6:12; Revelation 16:10).
B. His motives are destructive.
John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8
1.   To hinder the work and the Word of God.
Daniel 10:12, 13; Mark 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:18
2. To "deceive the nations."
Revelation 12:9; 20:3, 8
3. To afflict man.
2 Corinthians 12:7
a. Physically.
Job 2:1-8; Matthew 9:32, 33; 12:22; Mark 1:26, 9:17, 20, 25
Luke 9:42; 13:11
b. Mentally and spiritually.

Judges 9:23; 1 Samuel 16:14; 18:9-11; 19:9; 1 Kings
18:26-28; 22:22; 2 Chronicles 18:20-22; Matthew 4:24;
17:15; Mark 5:5, 15, 18; 9:22; Luke 8:27, 35, 36; 22:31, 32;
John 8:44; 10:10; 13:27; Acts 16:16; 19:16; 2 Corinthians 11:3;
1 Timothy 4:1

VI. His end.

Satan and his angels shall be judged for their rebellion against God (2 Peter 2:4;
Jude 6, 7). Their end shall be the lake of fire.
Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10

VII. The disciple of Jesus Christ has been given authority and victory over all the power of the enemy.

Matthew 10:1, 8 (Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1); Mark 16:17; Luke 10:19, 20;
John 14:12; Romans 16:20; James 4:7; 1 John 4:4

A. God does not want us to be ignorant of Satan's schemes (or "devices"),
"lest (he) should get an advantage of us ..."
2 Corinthians 2:11
B. We must resist him!
Ephesians 6:11, 13
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.... Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
C. Do not give him an opportunity!
Ephesians 4:27; 1 Timothy 5:14
D. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works
of the Devil."
Genesis 3:15; Colossians 2:5; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8

Demon Possession According to Scripture

2011-11-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Can a demon possess (as in 'own') somebody?

No! In Ezekiel 18:4, God says clearly, "Behold, all souls are mine..."

Is demon possession rare?

Not according to scripture! Mark 1:34, "...cast out many devils..." Luke 4:41, "...devils also came out of many..." Acts 8:7, "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them..." Mark 6:13, "...they cast out many devils..." Matthew 8:16, "...they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils..."

Jesus sent fourth 70 disciples to preach the gospel and cast out demons, and they returned full of joy as they could see that this was a very real and important ministry. Now for Jesus to send out 70 men and they come back with praise reports of deliverances... that tells us that even though they were on foot, there were plenty of people in their area that needed deliverance! Luke 10:17, "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."

Are there different strengths of demons?

Absolutely! The Bible speaks of different ranks of demons (Eph 6:12), and Jesus taught His disciples that some demons were so strong that they required a level of faith to cast them out that was only obtainable through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).

Aren't all demons the same?

Absolutely not; they all have their own personalities, just like people do. There are different demons that serve different functions, such as some people are doctors while others are lawyers, etc. Some demons cause loss of hearing and loss of eyesight (Mark 9:25), while others cause infirmities, and others cause fear and depression (1 Samuel 16:14, "Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul, and the LORD sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear." -NLT).

Do demons have names?

Yes they do, just like God's holy angels have names (Luke 1:19, Judges 1:9). Often, the name of a demon will give you a clue as to what it does, the function it preforms, or the role it plays. Some of the demons in the Bible are known as deaf, dumb, infirmity, etc. (Mark 9:25, Luke 13:11).

Can demons return to the person whom they left?

Yes, but this is mostly a concern for non-believers who have undergone a deliverance, and haven't accepted Jesus yet. Jesus warns the 'wicked generation' (sinners) that the demon can return with 7 even worse demons. If you are a believer though, and your deliverance has been complete (all the demons kicked out and legal rights have been broken), then this isn't a concern to you. However, if you go back and re-open the door(s) that let the demon in, you are re-welcoming him back in. But if we don't go back and re-punch that hole in our hedge again, we don't have have to go around worrying about it returning.

Can children have a demon?

Yes, children can have demons just like adults. Anybody who is experienced in this ministry will testify to this. Mark 9:17-21, "And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit... And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child." The word child here in NT Greek is paidiothen and means 'from infancy', meaning the child may have very well been born with the spirit. Literally translated, the father was saying that his son had this spirit from infancy.

Can demons be handed down from one generation to another?

The iniquity or curse in a parent or grandparent could be handed down, which automatically gives the demons the legal grounds to inhabit the child or future generation, but the demons themselves are not omnipresent and therefore cannot dwell within two people at the same time. Similar demons of the same kind (infirmity, fear, etc.) are usually what takes advantage of a generational curse or iniquity.

What does it mean to be 'demon possessed'?

If you look up 'possessed' in the NT Greek, it gives you the word daimonizomai, which means to be under the power of a demon. For example, if you are under the power of a demon of fear, you will be fearful; if you are under the power of a deaf spirit, then you won't be able to hear.

Are there different levels of bondage?

Yes, just like if you drink a little or a lot of alcohol, you will come more or less under it's influence. The more you drink, the more you come under it's influence, and likewise, the more you get involved in the demonic, the more you come under it's power (or influence).

Aren't Christians immune from demonic bondage?

This is an unbiblical theology based on assumptions. In order to prove that Christians can't have demons, two things need to be considered. First, there must be an automatic shedding of demons at the time of salvation. Second, it needs to be proven that a demon cannot dwell within a soul (mind) or the body of a man while the Holy Spirit is united with the spirit of the man. Neither of these things can be proven Biblically. There are some verses that seem convincing, and I've had to use the Greek Lexicon before to prove that the interpretation of those verses was erred, but the bottom line is that nobody can Biblically prove that Christians can't have demons. I have seen from experience, that there are many Christians who are in demonic bondage. There are many deliverances I know of where Christians had demons cast out of them, and it made a day and night difference in their lives. This is a question that I could write a 20 page answer to easily, because it is likely the single most debated issue among those debating about this ministry. I have argued and debated with many very clever and sharp people over this, and have never been proven wrong. The Bible also gives plenty of proof that Christians can have demons, and deliverance for unbelievers is easily proven an invalid ministry according to the Bible, yet Jesus made it very clear that those who believe will be casting out demons. Those who oppose demons being cast out of Christians, rarely if ever do any deliverance work themselves for anybody, whether they be believers or unbelievers.

How do demons enter? The most common ways is through open doors (legal grounds), traumatic experiences, rejection, abuse, or generational (passed down). Open doors consists of things such as repeated sins, ungodly vows, curses (self-imposed, generational, etc.), occult dabbling, ungodly soul ties, unforgiveness, etc.

Can demons leave on their own without having to be cast out?

From my experience, yes. The more you grow in the Lord, the more lesser demons will can shed, because you bring in the light, and it makes it uncomfortable for the demons to remain. I've seen where people have been set free simply by breaking the demon's legal rights. This doesn't always expel demons though, and there are many cases where the demons need to be cast out, but for many lesser demons, this can work.

Do demons always manifest when they are cast out?

Sometimes they do, but not always. Sometimes all the person feels is a huge sigh of relief and a feeling like the evil spirit has left or a black cloud was lifted from them.

Is a demonic manifestation a sign of a successful deliverance?

Unfortunately, demons can and do manifest without coming out. Therefore, this can be deceiving and dangerous to rely on manifestations as a sign of a successful deliverance. A successful deliverance will provide true lasting relief for the individual. To manifest, means to make itself known; this has nothing to do with being set free from them. It's often a good sign to run into a manifestation during a deliverance, but it doesn't necessarily mark a successful deliverance. I know some people go through a deliverance, a demon manifests, and then goes back under (stops manifesting), and everybody rejoices thinking the deliverance was successful, but the problem is, the demon only manifested but didn't leave. The person then walks away confused because they think the deliverance ministry is a weird practice that doesn't really solve any of their problems. Therefore, it is very important to not rely on a demonic manifestation to tell whether or not a deliverance was successful.

Is there anything you can do to reduce the demonic manifestations?

Absolutely! So to me important things to keep in mind, is to first try to cut off the demon's legal rights before casting him out, and also forbid them to harm anybody and tell them to hold thy peace and come out, as Jesus did (Luke 4:35).

Does having a demon mean that the person has lost their salvation until they are delivered?

John 3:16 tells us the bases of our salvation, NOT whether or not we have a demon! The daughter of Abraham who was freed from a spirit of infirmity was an example of a believer who had a demon. Jesus never positively referred to somebody as a child of Abraham unless they were actual believers, and He slammed the Pharisees for considering themselves children of Abraham, because they didn't share in the faith of Abraham, and made it clear that they were not really children of Abraham. Therefore, if Jesus takes joy in considering somebody a child of Abraham, it's a honor and means that they are a true believer.

What are some of the symptoms of having a demon?

Mental problems, irrational emotional breakdowns, physical problems that aren't easily cured by medical attention, repeated weaknesses to things such as anger, hate, lust, unnatural desires (homosexual, etc.) etc., irrational feelings, thoughts, desires, fears, depression, etc., irrational obsessive worrying, compulsive behavior and many more.

Is it good to ask a demon for it's name?

It doesn't hurt a thing and it can be very helpful. You must be aware that demons can lie though, so you can't bank on what they tell you. But if you can get ahold of their name, it gives you a good handle to get their attention with. If somebody shouts "Hey you!" in a crowd, it probably won't get your attention, but if somebody shouts, "Hey Bob!" (providing that's your name), it will get your attention in no time. Having the demons name also gives you an idea of what his purpose and function is, as well as what other demons to look for in the person.

Is deliverance for today?

Absolutely, it was live and well during the early church, and nowhere in the Bible does it say that we aren't to be casting out demons anymore, and the need for deliverance certainly hasn't diminished one bit.

Are we supposed to cast out demons?

Yes! Jesus said that those who believe will be doing the works He did (which was healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, etc.) and even greater (John 14:12). Jesus also said before He went back to be with the Father that those who believe will be casting out demons (Mark 16:17).

Who are we supposed to cast demons out of?

Although it is possible and sometimes beneficial to cast demons out of unbelievers, the deliverance ministry is geared towards believers for a number of reasons. For one, it's part of the new covenant, which does not apply to unbelievers. Second, without Christ, you cannot remove the legal grounds the demon has in a person, therefore the problem hasn't been solved, it's only been stirred up. Third, Jesus warned that if you cast demons out of an unbeliever (sinner, wicked generation), it will come back with 7 more even worse demons and the man will be far worse then before (Matthew 12:43-45). I believe there are times when it is helpful to cast demons out of unbelievers, but that's not the focus of this ministry, Jesus said that this is children's bread (Matthew 15:26) and it is geared towards setting the believers free from demonic bondage.

Don't demons automatically leave at the time of salvation?

No, this is an unbiblical assumption that nobody can back up with scripture (unless they twist it). Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we will automatically shed all our bondages at the time of salvation. Many demons cause health problems, and roughly half of the healings Jesus did in Matthew were actually deliverances from such evil spirits, therefore, if people automatically shed their bondages at the time of salvation, I would expect many many healings to automatically take place the moment they believe upon Jesus. Personally, I don't know of one of those cases. Cancer is known to be demonic in almost every situation, therefore, I would expect cancer to leave automatically at the time a person accepts Jesus, if we automatically shed all our demons when we are born again. The problem is, this is a faulty theology which keeps people from seeking the help they need, because it makes them believe that they can't have demons, therefore denying the problem. This belief that demons automatically leave at the time of salvation is what they are talking about in 1 Timothy 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." The belief is unbiblical, and based upon assumptions, and furthermore, experience tells me others.

How can a demon dwell within a believer who has the Holy Spirit?

Many believe that anybody who has the Holy Spirit is immune from demonic bondage. This theology usually stems from a faulty belief that the soul (mind) and the spirit are the same things. The moment we are born again, our spirits are reborn and the Holy Spirit is united with our spirit. The soul (mind) of a man is not instantly reborn as the spirit is, but rather we are told to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which doesn't happen instantly. Our souls is where the dirt lies, and where the demons dwell, not our spirits. Therefore, there is no reason left to believe that a Christian is immune from demonic bondage, because their souls are usually on the dirty side until they are renewed over time. If the soul and the spirit were the same things, you would instantly be a perfect person, never to sin again, once you are born again. There would be no 'evil' left in you, no desires to do wrong, and you would hate it bitterly because you would be perfect in your mind/soul and united with God, therefore there would be no room to sin. In John 8:31-34, Jesus tells us that even though they were believers, they were held slaves to sin because they were ignorant of the truth; this proves that Christians can be in bondage to darkness. If a demon can affect our minds (souls), they can do an awfully lot of damage. Look at what mental illness can do to people through affecting the mind! They can cause the person to have unspeakable desires, thoughts, emotions, and do unthinkable things!

Can a person have a demon without knowing it?

Yes. Two primary reasons for this would be, (a) ignorance, as they don't understand what is the true source of their problem, and (b) a demon(s) may be there, but isn't really doing anything noticeable at the time. Demons are like people in the sense that they can choose to be manifesting themselves or not; they can choose if they want to cause problems at the moment or not. When a person seeks deliverance from demons, and turns to the occult for help, the person who tries to 'deliver' them can just coax the demons to 'hide' and fake a 'deliverance', thus proving that demons can and do 'hide' if it benefits them. Sometimes a demon can lie dormant in a person's life, and then when that person enters the ministry, the demon manifests because it wants to shut the minister down and keep him out of the ministry.

Types of Demonic Activity

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Catholic exorcists differentiate between "ordinary" Satanic activity or influence (which includes mundane everyday temptations) and "extraordinary" Satanic activity, which can take six different forms:^[7]

External physical pain caused by Satan;
Demonic Possession, in which Satan takes full possession of a person's body without their knowledge or consent: the victim is therefore morally blameless;
Diabolical Oppression, in which there is no loss of consciousness or involuntary action, such as in the biblical Book of Job in which Job was tormented by a series of misfortunes in business, family, and health;
Diabolic Obsession, which includes sudden attacks of irrationally obsessive thoughts, usually culminating in suicidal ideation and intrusive dreams;
Diabolic infestation, which affects houses, things, or animals; and
Diabolic subjugation, in which a person voluntarily submits to Satan.

In Hostage to the Devil, Malachi Martin also mentions a type of demonic attack called "familiarization". He writes,

" The possessing spirit in 'familiarization' is seeking to 'come and live with' the subject. If accepted, the spirit becomes the constant and continuously present companion of the possessed. The two "persons", the familiar and the possessed, remain separate and distinct. The possessed is aware of his familiar". ^[8]

True diabolical or satanic possession has been characterized since the Middles Ages, in the Rituale Romanum, by the following four typical characteristics:^[9]^[10]^[11]

1. manifestation of superhuman strength;
2. speaking in tongues or languages that the person cannot know;
3. the revelation of knowledge, distant or hidden, that the victim cannot know; and
4. blasphemic rage and an aversion to holy symbols or relics

The Bible indicates that people can be possessed by demons but that the demons respond to Jesus's authority:

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. (Luke 4:33-35 NIV)

It also indicates that demons can possess animals.

When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. (Luke 8:27-32 NIV)

The literal view of demonization is still held by a number of Christian denominations. Official Catholic doctrine affirms that demonic oppression can occur as distinguished from mental illness, but stresses that cases of mental illness should not be misdiagnosed as demonic influence. Catholic exorcisms can occur only under the authority of a bishop and in accordance with strict rules; a simple exorcism also occurs during Baptism (CCC 1673).

In charismatic deliverance ministries are activities carried out by individuals or groups aimed at solving problems related to demons and spirits, especially possession of the body and soul, but not the spirit as ministries like Ellel Ministries International, Don Dickerman Ministries and Neil T. Anderson explicitly teach that a Christian can not have demons in their spirit because the Holy Spirit lives there, though they can have demons in their body or soul due to inner emotional wounds, sexual abuse, satanic ritual abuse. ^[12] This is usually known as partial possession or demonic infestation, as opposed to outside demonic oppression which does not reside in any of the 3 parts of a person: body, soul, spirit. Christianity,

A great deal of controversy surrounds the book War on the Saints originally published in 1912 as a resource to the Christian faced with combating demon influences.

In the New Testament Jesus is reported to have encountered people who were demonized and to have driven the "evil spirits" out of these demoniacs. In the 4th century, St. Hillary asserted that demons entered the bodies of humans to use them as if they were theirs, and also proposed that the same could happen with animals.

The New Testament's description of people who had evil spirits includes a capacity for hidden knowledge (e.g., future events, innermost thoughts of the people around them) (Acts 16:16) and great strength (Act 19:16), among others, and shows those with evil spirits can speak of Christ (Acts 19:16, Mark 3:11). According to Catholic theologians^{[citation needed]}, demonic assault can be involuntary^[13] and allowed by God to test a person (for more details about God's tests on persons see Job). Involuntary demonic assault, according to these theologians, cannot be denied because this would imply the negation of the cases mentioned in the New Testament (12, some of them repeated in more than one Gospel). However, in the overwhelming majority of cases of alleged demonic possession in modern times, the victim can suffer due to any of a number of personal initiatives: occult practices, mortal sin, loss of faith, or psychological trauma, among others. Furthermore, Malachi Martin goes as far as to say "...no person can be Possessed without some degree of cooperation on his or her part," and "The effective cause of Possession is the voluntary collaboration of an individual, through his faculties of mind and will, with one or more of those bodiless, genderless creatures called demons."^[14]

In previous centuries, the Christian church offered suggestions on safeguarding one’s home. Suggestions ranged from dousing a household with Holy water, placing wax and herbs on thresholds to “ward off witches occult,” and avoiding certain areas of townships known to be frequented by witches and Devil worshippers after dark.^[15]

Medicine and psychology:

Demonic possession is not recognized as a psychiatric or medical diagnosis by either the DSM-IV or the ICD-10. There are many psychological ailments commonly misunderstood as demonic possession, particularly dissociative identity disorder. In cases of dissociative identity disorder in which the alter personality is questioned as to its identity, 29% are reported to identify themselves as demons,^[16] but doctors see this as a mental disease called demonomania or demonopathy, a monomania in which the patient believes that he or she is possessed by one or more demons.^[17]

Biblical Accounts:

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia:^[5]

"In the Old Testament we have only one instance, and even that is not very certain. We are told that "an evil spirit from the Lord troubled" Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). The Hebrew rûah Josephus (Ant. Jud., VI, viii, 2; ii, 2), the Jews were inclined to give the word that meaning in this very case. In New-Testament times, however, the phenomenon had become very common." need not imply a personal influence, though, if we may judge from

The New Testament mentions several episodes in which Jesus drove out demons from persons, believing these to be the entities responsible for those mental and physical illnesses.

Matthew 4:23-25: Demon-possessed persons are healed by Jesus (also Luke 6:17-19).
Matthew 7:21-23: Many will drive out demons in Jesus' name (also Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 5:16; 8:7).
Matthew 8:14-17: Jesus healed many demon-possessed (also Mark 1:29-39; Luke 4:33-41).
Matthew 8:28-34: Jesus sent a herd of demons from two men into a herd of pigs ("about two thousand" pigs, according to the account at Mark 5:1-20; both Mark's account and Luke 8:26-39, mention only the one man).
Matthew 9:32-34: Jesus made a demon-possessed mute man speak, the Pharisees said it was by the power of Beelzebub (also Mark 3:20-22).
Matthew 10:1-8: The Twelve Apostles given the authority to drive out evil spirits (also Mark 3:15; 6:7; 6:13; Luke 9:1; 10:17).
Matthew 11:16-19: "this generation" said that John the Baptist was possessed by a demon (also Luke 7:31-35).
Matthew 12:22-32: Jesus healed a demon-possessed blind and dumb man (also Luke 11:14-23; 12:10; Mark 3:20-30).
Matthew 12:43-45: Jesus told an allegory of nasty spirits coming back home, that is, to the human body where they have lived before (also Luke 11:24-26).
Matthew 15:21-28: Jesus expelled a demon from the body of the daughter of a Canaanite Mark 7:24-30). woman (also
Matthew 17:14-21: Jesus healed a lunatic by driving out a demon from him (also Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-49).
Mark 1:21-28: Jesus expelled a nasty spirit from a man (also Luke 4:31-37).
Mark 9:38-40: A non-Christian is seen driving out demons in Jesus' name (also Luke 9:49-50).
Mark 16:9: Jesus had driven seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (also Luke 8:2).
Luke 7:21: Many people are cleansed from evil spirits by Jesus.
Luke 13:10-17: Jesus expelled a spirit of disease from the body of a woman on the Sabbath.
Luke 13:31-32: Jesus continued to cast out demons even though Herod Antipas wanted to kill him.
Luke 22:3: Satan entered into Judas Iscariot (also John 13:27).
John 7:20: A "crowd of Jews" that wanted to kill Jesus said he was demon-possessed.
John 8:48-52: "The Jews" said Jesus was a Samaritan and demon-possessed.
John 10:20-21: Many Jews said Jesus was raving mad and demon-possessed, others said he was not.
Acts 5:3: Satan filled the heart of Ananias.
Acts 5:16: The Apostles healed those tormented by evil spirits.
Acts 8:6-8: At the teaching of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria, evil spirits came out of many.
Acts 8:18-19: Simon Magus offered to buy the power of Laying on of hands.
Acts 10:38: St. Peter said Jesus healed all who were under the power of the devil.
Acts 16:16-24: Paul and Silas were imprisoned for driving a future-telling spirit out of a slave girl.
Acts 19:11-12: Handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul cured illness and drove out evil spirits.
Acts 19:13-20: Seven sons of Sceva attempted to drive out evil spirits by saying: "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." But because they did not have faith in Jesus, they were unsuccessful and were actually driven from that house by the possessed.
Revelation 18:2: The Whore of Babylon is a home for demons, evil spirits and unclean birds.

Acts of the Apostles contains also a number of references to people coming under the influence of the Holy Spirit (1:8, 2:4, 2:17-18, 2:38, 4:8, 4:31, 6:3-5, 7:55, 8:15-19, 8:39, 9:17, 10:19, 11:12-16, 11:28, 13:9, 16:6-7, 19:2-6, 20:23, 21:11, 23:8-9) which is believed to be a good thing in contrast to demonic influence, see also Spirit possession#Christianity.

The 1902 work Demonic possession in the New Testament by Rev. William Menzies Alexander synoptic Gospels, outlining their historical, medical and theological aspects.^[6] attempted to explain accounts of possession in the synoptic Gospels, outlining their historical, medical and theological aspects.^[6]

Possession according to the degree

Possession of the first degree:

Mysteriously, the demon can sometimes invade the psyche of a human being, taking the control of his or or her body and his or her intentions. The phenomenon lasts until he or she is not annulled by the exorcism, or for established periods previously. In this degree of possession the demon is latent; he or she limits him to alter the attitudes of the possessed one. By his or her reactions to the sacred, it instills in them feelings of desperation and depression.

Possession of the second degree:

At this degree changes of voice manifest in the possessed, also preternatural phenomenon such as glossolalia, levitation and pirocinesi ( power to set on fire distance objects ) may occur. Holy water also can produce sores on the body of the possessed.

Possession of the third degree:

To this degree the malignant spirit (or spirits) have taken such dominion over the person as to even alter horribly his or her somatic lines ( relating to bodily changes ) his or her odor, and temperature. This is the most arduous case, and it usually requires numerous exorcisms for the definitive liberation. In effect, the difference among the last three gradations is only a fine line; the range between one degree to the other is without imperceptible change. Phantasm Psychic Research

The New Rite of Exorcism Commissioned by the Vatican Theologians

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The "New" Rite of Exorcism

Certain reformations have been made over the last few hundred years to the ritual itself, the last being made in 1952. But not until the 1990's was a commission of Vatican theologians and liturgists put together to come up with a new manual of exorcism. A new 90-page set of instructions, De Exorcismus et Supplicantionibus Quibustam. It was presented in October of 1998. In the eyes of the Vatican this replaces the old procedures established in 1614 by Pope Paul V.

(De Exorcismus et supplicationibus quibusdam)

( Below are a few articles that were released during the 1999 issuing of the new rite.)

Catholic World News – January 1999

VATICAN RELEASES NEW RITE FOR EXORCISM

VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- The Devil exists. That unpopular reality is brought into sharp focus by the promulgation of a new rite of exorcism for the Catholic Church.

De Exorcismus et supplicationibus quibusdam, approved by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 1998, was formally released by the Vatican on January 26. The document sets out a new and precise liturgical form for the rite of exorcism. The 84-page form, introduced by the Congregation Divine Worship, was published entirely in Latin; the episcopal conferences of different nations may now prepare their own versions in the vernacular languages.

This new Vatican document clearly recognizes both the existence of the Devil and the reality of diabolical possession. In a short introduction, the document calls attention to the existence of both "angelic creatures" and others "called demons, who are opposed to God." Since the influence of the demonic can become apparent in people, places, or things, the document continues, the Church "has prayed, and continues to pray, that men will be freed from the snares of the Devil."

The new rite confirms "the victory of Christ and the power of the Church over the demons." It points to the rites in the Christian tradition: the "minor exorcism" of catechumens prior to their baptism and the major exorcisms conducted according to this ritual. The latter are designed to "drive out demons, or bring freedom from demonic influence, through the spiritual authority which Jesus confided in his Church."

The liturgical ritual itself is centered on supplicatory prayers, asking for God's help, and "imperative" prayers addressed directly to the Devil, commanding him to depart. The prayers are to be said as the exorcist lays his hand on the individual, and are part of an overall ritual which includes specific blessings and sprinklings with holy water. The ritual also includes the litany of the saints, the reading of the Psalms and the Gospel, and a proclamation of faith which may be either the familiar Creed or a simple question-and-answer ("Do you renounce Satan? I do."). The ritual concludes with the kissing of the Cross, and the final prayer, proclaiming the triumph of Christ and his Church.

The new ritual for exorcism replaces one which was promulgated as part of the Roman Ritual of 1614. The Second Vatican Council called for the revision of that Ritual, which has been accomplished in stages during the past 30 years; the rite of exorcism was the last of the new rituals to be introduced.

In introducing the new document to reporters in Rome, Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, said that the rite has not been greatly changed from the earlier ritual. He added that while there are "very few cases" in which the rite is used, the rite of exorcism-- which can only be used under the guidance of the local bishop, and with the consent of the person suffering diabolical possession-- remains necessary because the Devil is a reality. He cautioned that while many Catholics today no longer profess belief in the Devil, that belief "is not a matter of opinion which one can accept or reject; it is an element of faith and Catholic doctrine."

NCCB – Newsletter, Committee on the Liturgy

(Volume XXXV, Jan. - Feb. 1999)
New Rite of Exorcism

On January 26, 1999, Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, announced that on November 22, 1998, the Solemnity of Christ the King, he had signed a decree by which a revised editio typica latina of De Exorcismis (Rite of Exorcism) was to be published. In response to article 79 of Sacrosanctum Concilium, this rite was revised to replace Chapter XII of the former Latin Roman Ritual, and will eventually be published in vernacular editions for use by the Church throughout the world. This rite may be used by priests who have been given a specific faculty to do so by the diocesan bishop.

The Wanderer – 4 February 1999
Cardinal Medina Says New Rite
Of Exorcism Similar To Old

VATICAN CITY (VIS) Jorge Arturo Cardinal Medina Estevez, prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, on Jan. 26th presented at the Holy See Press Office the new rite of exorcism of the Roman Book of Rites.

Cardinal Medina began by stating that the person's capacity to welcome God is "blurred by sin, and at times evil occupies the place where God wishes to dwell. For this reason, Jesus Christ came to liberate the person from the dominion of evil and sin.... Jesus Christ drove out demons and liberated people who were possessed with evil spirits to make space for Him in that person.

"Exorcism is an old and particular form of prayer which the Church uses against the power of the Devil," he continued. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1673) explains that exorcism is directed at "the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to His Church."

According to the rite of exorcism, continued the cardinal prefect, there are various criteria to know if we are dealing with demonic possession: "Speaking with a great number of words from unknown languages, or understanding them, making known things either distant or hidden, showing strength beyond one's situation, together with vehement aversion toward God, our Lady, the cross, and holy pictures."

"To perform an exorcism," he stressed, "authorization from the diocesan bishop is required, which can be given for a specific case, or rather in a general and permanent way to the priest who has the ministry of exorcist in the diocese."

Cardinal Medina said that the Roman Book of Rites contained in the last chapter the indications and liturgical text of the exorcisms, but "it had not been revised since Vatican Council II." After ten years of work, the current text was approved by the Pontiff. Once the translations of the ritual are completed in different languages, they will be submitted "for the recognition of the [Sacred] Congregation for Divine Worship."

In the current book of rites there is "the rite of exorcism itself, and "the prayers which must be publicly recited . . . when it is prudently deemed that there is an influence of Satan over places, objects, or people, without having arrived at the phase of possession itself. In addition, there is a series of prayers which the faithful must pray privately when they believe that they are subject to demonic influences."

"Exorcism has its departure point in the faith of the Church, according to which Satan and other evil spirits exist. . . . Catholic doctrine teaches us that demons are fallen angels as a result of their sin, and that they are spiritual beings with great intelligence and power."

The prefect of the congregation, recalling with The Catechism of the Catholic Church that "the power of Satan is not infinite," said however that God's allowing us to be tempted "is a great mystery."

In conclusion, he emphasized that "the harmful influence of the Devil and his evil spirits is normally exercised through deception, falsehoods, lies, and confusion. As Jesus is the Truth, the Devil is the liar par excellence. Lies have always been, right from the beginning, his preferred strategy."

In answer to a question, Cardinal Medina explained that "there is great continuity between the old and the new rites, there are no radical changes. The language is more somber and fewer adjectives are used; however, the expression of faith in the power of God to expel the Devil is the same in both cases.

A Closer Look

The New Rite of Exorcism
The Influence of the Evil One
by Father X – Summer 2002

In his famous discourse of June 30, 1972, Pope Paul VI said that he
sensed "that from somewhere or other, the smoke of Satan has entered the
temple of God." Nowhere has this been more evident than in the disastrous
revision of the blessings of the Church in De Benedictionibus, the so-called
"Book of Blessings,"1 approved in 1984.

In the original Latin this defective book scandalously refuses to bless
objects, but only persons. The example of Christ our Lord in blessing things
(e.g., Matt. 14:19; 26:26; Mk. 6:41; 8:7; 14:22; Lk. 9:16; 24:30) obviously
carried no weight with the liturgists who wrote that book. The official
General Introduction to the Book of Blessings informs us: "At times the
Church also blesses objects and places connected with human activity or
liturgical life, or connected with piety and devotion - but always, however,
with a view to the people who use those objects and are engaged in those
places" (Praenotanda Generalia, 12). This explanation is dishonest, in that
it gives only half a reason for blessing things, and because it conceals the
fact that the book of blessings, with a few exceptions, systematically
refuses to bless things. It is a book of non-blessings. To take but one
example, the "blessing" of holy water outside of Mass contains no actual
blessing of the water. The closest thing to it is a prayer to God asking for
certain effects by the use of this water. The so-called "Prayer of blessing"
(in Latin and English) refrains from using the word "bless" even once, and
there is no Sign of the Cross made over the water. The Devil must have
laughed when that "Book of Blessings" was issued. The traditional exorcism
of water and salt, and all the other Roman Ritual's traditional prayers
against the devil and his influence were almost completely abolished. On
three occasions only is a thing blessed. These three exceptions in Latin are
for meals, church bells and cemeteries. In the American edition, the same
things appear; also chalice and paten (found in Latin in the Pontifical);
also two other places in which the alternative rite (not in the Latin) does
bless an object.2 (The blessing of holy water within Mass does contain an
actual blessing of the water.)

The treatment of blessings in the Catechism (#1671-2) speaks of blessings of
persons, places and things. But this is belied, as I have said, by the Latin
text of De Benedictionibus, the "Book of Blessings," so called. When the
definitive Latin text of the Catechism was issued in 1997, with the
paragraph saying that the Church blesses things, a priest friend wrote to
Cardinal Ratzinger pointing out that the lex orandi and the lex credendi
were at odds, and asked a question: "Can we expect a revision of the Book of
Blessings in the light of the definitive text of the Catechism?" Of course,
this is a reversal of the traditional practice and view of things: one is
meant to pass from the Church's practice to a formulation of the Church's
faith. But, if it will do good, the reversal has become a necessity.

What lies behind this change to the rites of blessings? Clearly, a loss of
sense of the power of the priesthood - a desire, even, to overthrow
sacerdotal mediation, to reduce the priest from an instrument of Christ,
clothed with the authority of Jesus Christ, to a mere prayer, on the same
level as that of any lay person. The retention of the title "Blessings"
means nothing: as we know, All Souls' Day is No Souls' Day, even in the
original Latin, where the word for soul (anima) has been suppressed in the
prayers of November 2.3

The New Rite of Exorcism
The same mentality has been at work in the revised Rite of Exorcism,
promulgated in January 1999, De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam.4
This was intimated by the defective definition of exorcism in the 1992
Catechism at #1673, unchanged in the Latin text that came out five years
later: "When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of
Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the
Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism."

Let us read that definition again, with emphases added: "When the Church
asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person
or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from
his dominion, it is called exorcism." Notice the use of the word asks, and
the use of the passive voice. The text says that the Church asks for this
person or object to be protected. Asks whom? For protection by whom?
Obviously, God. So, according to this, an exorcism is: asking God to free
someone from the devil. But, despite what this text implies, an exorcism is
not a prayer to God; exorcism is a command issued to the Devil in the name
of God. The very word exorcism tells you that - exorcizo, I adjure. To
adjure, as the Oxford Dictionary defines it, is to charge or entreat someone
solemnly, as if under oath, or under the penalty of a curse. No one can
adjure God, but a minister of God can adjure a demon. The Ritual for
Exorcism of 1614 (which until January 1999 was the only officially published
text for Latin rite exorcists) does contain prefatory prayers to God to ask
that a person be delivered - but then under the subheading of "Exorcism"
itself, the exorcist orders the demon to depart. "Exorcizo te, immundissime
spiritus.in nomine Domini nostri Jesu Christi" - "I exorcize you, unclean
spirit.in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." He uses other imperatives
addressed to the demon, such as recede, da locum, exi, discede (withdraw,
give way, exit, depart).

The new ritual scandalously gives the priest a choice of two forms of
exorcism, which it calls "deprecatory" and "imperative." "Deprecatory" means
a prayer to God, in this case to ask Him to deliver the demoniac.
"Imperative" means a command issued to the demon in the name of God to
depart. The imperative formula is a real exorcism, but the deprecatory form
is not an exorcism at all. A prayer is a request to God; an exorcism is a
command to a demon. The so-called "deprecatory exorcism" is simply a
petitionary prayer to God. It is not an exorcism. (If it is an exorcism,
then the final petition of the Lord's Prayer, "deliver us from evil," would
also be an exorcism!)

As with the so-called "exorcism" in the modern Rite of Baptism, simply
placing the sub-heading Exorcism does not make what follows an exorcism.
What is extremely worrying is that, according to the new rubrics, the
deprecatory form must always be used, but the second form, the imperative,
is an optional extra. What lies behind this change? The same denigration of
the priesthood described above. It is a true Protestantization: the
reduction of the ordained priest to the level of the common priesthood. It
is the fruit of embarrassment about the visible priesthood. It is the
mentality that is at work when a priest says at the end of Mass: "May
Almighty God bless us.." When a priest does that, he is losing his identity,
and is uncomfortable about the fact that he is different, and that he can
confer blessings.

Here is an extract from one of the new deprecatory formulas:

O God, creator and defender of the human race, look upon this Your servant,
whom You did make in Your own image and call to share in Your glory.. Hear,
holy Father, the cry of the Church suppliant: let not Your child be
possessed by the father of lies; let not Your servant, whom Christ has
redeemed by His blood, to be held in the captivity of the devil; let not a
temple of Your Spirit be inhabited by the unclean spirit. Hear, O merciful
God, the prayers of the blessed Virgin Mary, whose Son, dying upon the
Cross, crushed the head of the serpent of old and entrusted all men to His
mother as sons: let the light of truth shine upon this Your servant, let the
joy of peace enter into him, let the Spirit of holiness possess him, and by
inhabiting him render him serene and pure. Hear, O Lord, the supplication of
blessed Michael the Archangel and of all the Angels ministering unto You:
God of hosts, drive back the force of the devil; God of truth and favor,
remove his deceitful wiles; God of freedom and grace, break the bonds of
iniquity. Hear, O God, lover of man's salvation.free this servant from every
alien power.

As we can see, this is merely a petitionary prayer.

Here is an extract from one of the new imperative formulas:

I adjure you, Satan, enemy of man's salvation, acknowledge the justice and
goodness of God the Father, who by just judgment has damned your pride and
envy: depart from this servant of God, whom the Lord has made in His own
image, adorned with His gifts, and has mercifully adopted as His child. I
adjure you, Satan, prince of this world, acknowledge the power and strength
of Jesus Christ, who conquered you in the desert, overcame you in the
garden, despoiled you on the Cross, and rising from the tomb, transferred
your victims to the kingdom of light.. I adjure you, Satan, deceiver of the
human race, acknowledge the Spirit of truth and grace, who repels your
snares and confounds your lies: depart from this creature of God, whom He
has signed by the heavenly seal; withdraw from this man whom God has made a
holy temple by a spiritual unction. Leave, therefore, Satan, in the name of
the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy + Spirit; leave through the
faith and the prayer of the Church; leave through the sign of the holy Cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

As one can see, this optional formula is an exorcism proper. In the former
rite, there were prayers to God asking for deliverance, but they were always
followed by exorcisms proper.

Changes to the Old Directives to the Exorcist
Other things are of great concern in this new ritual. The Ritual of 1614
contains 21 directives for the exorcist, a magnificent distillation of the
accumulated wisdom and experience of the Church. The new preface never gets
to the point about the manner of proceeding. The former directives 4-6, 8-9,
13-17, 19-20 have no equivalent in the new ritual's preface. This means that
most (12) of the 21 are deleted. The following former directives have no
parallel in the new introduction:

4. In order to better test these signs [of possession], the priest should
question the demoniac after one or other exorcism as to what he feels in his
mind or body, so that in this way he can also learn which words more greatly
disturb the demons, so as then to bear down on them and repeat them all the
more.

5. The priest should stay alert for tricks and deceptions that demons use to
mislead the exorcist. For they will give false answers as much as possible,
and show themselves only with difficulty, in order that the exorcist at
length become worn out and give up the exorcism; or the ill person might
appear not to be harassed by the devil.

6. Occasionally, after they appear, the demons hide and leave the body
almost free of all disturbance, so that the ill person might think he is
completely freed. But the exorcist should not stop until he sees the signs
of liberation.

8. Some demons point out an act of witchcraft which has been done [to cause
possession], by whom it was done, and the way to undo it; but the demoniac
should be careful not to have recourse to sorcerers, fortune-tellers, or
other such persons, on this account, but should go to the ministers of the
Church rather than use any superstitious or otherwise illicit means.

9. Sometimes the devil grants the sick person relief and permits him to
receive the Holy Eucharist so that he might seem to have departed. In short,
there are countless devices and tricks of the devil to deceive man, which
the exorcist should beware, lest he be deceived.

13. .Also relics of Saints, where available, safely and properly fastened
and covered, may be reverently applied to the chest or head of the
possessed. Care must be taken that the sacred objects are not improperly
handled or harmed in any way by the demon. Because of danger of irreverence,
the Holy Eucharist should not be placed upon the head of the possessed
person or elsewhere on his body.

14. The exorcist should not engage in a great deal of talking or ask
unnecessary or curious questions, especially concerning future or secret
matters not pertaining to his task. But he should command the unclean spirit
to be silent, except to answer his questions. Nor should he believe the
demon if he pretends to be the soul of some Saint or deceased person or a
good Angel.

15. However, there are necessary questions, for example, concerning the
number and names of the possessing spirits, the time and reason they
entered, and other things of this sort. The exorcist should restrain or
spurn the rest of the devil's nonsense, laughter and foolishness, and advise
those present, who should be few, that they must not pay attention to these
things nor question the possessed person, but rather humbly and earnestly
pray to God for him.

16. The exorcist should read and carry out the exorcism with strength,
authority, great faith, humility and fervor, and when he sees that the
spirit is especially tormented, then he should persist and bear down all the
more. And whenever he sees that the possessed person is being disturbed in
some part of his body, or stung, or that a swelling appears somewhere, he
should make the sign of the cross on that area and sprinkle it with holy
water which should be on hand.

17. He is also to observe at which words the demons tremble more, and then
he should repeat these words more often. When he reaches the threatening
words, he should say them repeatedly, always increasing the punishment. If
he sees that he is making progress, he should continue for two, three, or
four hours, or even longer if he can, until he obtains the victory.

19. If he is exorcising a woman, he should always have persons of integrity
with him to hold the possessed person while she is agitated by the demon.
These people should be close relatives of the suffering woman if possible.
Mindful of decency, the exorcist should be careful not to say or do anything
which could be an occasion of an evil thought to himself or the others.

20. While he is exorcising, he should use the words of Sacred Scripture
rather than his own or someone else's. He should command the demon to tell
him if he is held in that body because of some magic, or sorcerer's signs or
devices. If the possessed person has consumed things of this sort orally, he
should vomit them up. If they are elsewhere outside his body, he should
reveal where they are, and once found, they are to be burned. The possessed
person should also be advised to make known all his temptations to the
exorcist.

These crucial directives, followed by exorcists for 385 years, have no
parallel in the new introduction.

The preface explicitly says that lay people may not say any of the prayers
of exorcism, and repeats the old directive that exorcism is not to be
conducted in public. It adds the rule (a welcome addition) that exorcism is
not to be open to any communications media; and the exorcist and any
assistants are not to speak publicly before or after the exorcism about what
took place.

Other Changes
This article is not meant to be an exhaustive analysis of the new rite of
exorcism. Many of the prayers and rites are perfectly acceptable in
themselves: the new rite contains a prefatory prayer, blessing of holy
water, Litany of the Saints, a Psalm, a Gospel reading (the Prologue of St.
John, or a text in which Christ rejects the devil or expels demons),
imposition of hands over the demoniac, Profession of Faith or renewal of
Baptismal promises with renunciation of Satan; the Our Father, the Sign of
the Cross on the possessed person; and, after deliverance, the Magnificat
followed by other prayers and a blessing.

Laughable, however, are the references, in the prefatory decree, to
Sacrosanctum Concilium of Vatican II - as if the Council had called for a
revised, updated exorcism to allow full conscious participation by the
laity! The only conceivable allusion to exorcism in the Vatican II decree on
the liturgy is where it says the sacramentals will be revised - but the
clear proof that the bishops never had exorcism in mind is seen from the
reason given for revision. The one and only relevant sentence here says:
"The sacramentals are to be revised, account being taken of the primary
principle of the intelligent, actual and easy participation of the faithful"
(art. 79). Since exorcism, new and old, must be conducted away from the
faithful, the principle of intelligent, actual and easy participation is
irrelevant. Once again, the liturgical decree is cited as the basis for
something never intended.

Dishonest is the use of the word instauratum (restored) in the subheading of
the title page: the new exorcism ritual is in no way a restoration. It is a
fabrication. The Latin should have read fabricatum or innovatum or maybe
concoctum!

The preface provides for translation of the rite into myriad languages - but
what on earth for? If an exorcist does not know enough Latin to perform the
prayers in Latin, he should not be appointed to the office. The preface at
no. 13 quotes canon 1172 saying that an exorcist should be, inter alia,
"outstanding in knowledge" - but how could that be said of a priest who
cannot say or follow very simple texts and prayers in Latin? As well, given
charismatics' predilection for exorcisms and "deliverance," it is highly
imprudent to make the Church's official exorcism prayers available to all
and sundry in every language, when only a tiny proportion of priests need to
use them.

With the promulgation of the new exorcism ritual, the Athanasian Creed has
now officially disappeared from any Catholic ritual. In the 1960s, its
frequency was reduced in the Breviary and finally it was abolished from it.
The rite of exorcism was the last surviving ceremony in the Church where the
Athanasian Creed was recited. Now it is gone. This is a serious loss, and
there was no good reason why it was replaced by a choice between the
Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed.

Another innovation, but a welcome one, in the new Ritual for Exorcism, is an
exorcism to be used for a place or thing, something not specifically present
in the former Ritual. (Herbert Thurston S.J.'s book Ghosts and Poltergeists5
has an appendix containing his English translation of an "Exorcism of a
house troubled by an evil spirit," which he found in the Appendix of an
edition of the Roman Ritual printed in Madrid in 1631, published with the
authorization of the Inquisition. Father Thurston evidently thought this was
a worthwhile ceremony to have.) This new rite for a place or thing also
requires permission from the bishop before being used. Again, however, in
this ceremony, the imperative formula, the true exorcism, is to be added,
only if the priest wishes.

Conclusion
Well-informed people may wonder how it is that such innovative and defective
things can be promulgated by someone like Cardinal Medina Estevez. They
wonder, too, how Cardinal Ratzinger can let certain things go on, and not
reverse them by a new document, and so on. It is important to remember that
the Sacred Congregations are composed of voting members, all of whom are
Bishops. They have plenty of advisers and experts, but only Bishops are
actual members. When the time comes for handing down a public decision,
promulgating a document, and the like, these things are put to a vote of the
members. Cardinal Ratzinger does not have single-handed and complete control
over the Holy Office, which has 21 bishop members (cf. Annuario Pontificio).
The same applies to the other Cardinal Prefects. Suppose Cardinal Medina
Estevez wanted to abolish some banal Swiss eucharistic prayers, for example.
He does not have the authority to draw up a decree abolishing them
single-handedly. The 34 bishop members of the Congregation for Divine
Worship would have to vote on it. Possibly, certain decisions require a
two-thirds majority - who knows?

According to the president of the International Association of Exorcists,
Father Gabriele Amorth (30 Days, no. 6, 2001), when the new rite was ready,
Cardinals Ratzinger and Medina sought to add a provision in its introduction
authorizing the use of the previous rite. This move of theirs was rejected,
so Cardinal Medina issued a separate notification that an exorcist can use
the old rite if his bishop asks the Congregation for Divine Worship, who
will "gladly provide the requested permission" (Notitiae, vol. 35, 1999).

The new rite will one day itself be subject to a true restoration, which
will restore to the obligatory texts of the exorcist the true nature of his
office.

Thank you Phantasm Psychic Research!

Christian Demonology

2011-09-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Demonology is the study of demons. Christian Demonology is the study of what the Bible teaches about demons. Closely related to Angelology, Christian Demonology teaches us about the demons, what they are and how they attack us. Satan and his demons are fallen angels, true and real personal beings who wage war against God, the holy angels, and humanity. Christian Demonology helps us to be aware of Satan, his minions, and their evil schemes. Here are some important issues in Christian demonology:

What does the Bible say about demons? The Bible indicates that the demons are fallen angels – angels who along with Satan rebelled against God. Satan and his demons now look to destroy and deceive all those who follow and worship God.

How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven? Satan fell from heaven because of the sin of pride, which led to his rebellion against God. The actually time of the fall is not recorded in Scripture and may have occurred outside time as we know it, i.e. before the creation of the world and the creation of time and space.

Why did God allow some of the angels to sin? The angels who fell and became demons had a free will choice to make - God did not force or encourage any of the angels to sin. They sinned of their own free will and therefore are worthy of God's eternal wrath.

Can Christians be demon possessed? We strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. We believe there is a sharp difference between being possessed by a demon, and being oppressed / influenced by a demon. With all that is taking place in the world that makes us question whether or not we are in the middle of tribulation, one must look at the number of demonic cases in the world today and how quickly they are on the rise.

Revelation 12:9 is the clearest scripture on the identity of demons, “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” Satan’s fall from heaven is symbolically described in Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-15. Revelation 12:4 seems to indicate that Satan took one-third of the angels with him when he sinned. Jude 6 mentions angels who sinned. The Bible indicates that the demons are fallen angels who, along with Satan, rebelled against God.

Satan and his demons now look to destroy and deceive all those who follow and worship God (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The demons are described as evil spirits (Matthew 10:1), unclean spirits (Mark 1:27), and angels of Satan (Revelation 12:9). Satan and his demons deceive the world (2 Corinthians 4:4), attack Christians (2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 5:8), and combat the holy angels (Revelation 12:4-9). Demons are spiritual beings, but they can appear in physical forms (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The demons/fallen angels are enemies of God, but they are defeated enemies. Greater is He who is in us, than those who are in the world (1 John 4:4).

Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today? Considering the fact that Satan “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8) and knowing that he is not omnipresent, it is logical that he would send forth his demons to do his work in this world.

Who / what were the Nephilim? The Nephilim (fallen ones, giants) were the offspring of sexual relationships between the sons of God and daughters of men in Genesis 6:1-4. There is much debate as to the identity of the "sons of God".

Christian Demonology:

S = Spiritual

W = Warfare

A = Assistance

T = Team

Paranormal S.W.A.T. Founded by Angela Ashton, Demonologist / Paranormal Scientist .

Our Group handles demonic cases as well as all other types of hauntings & paranormal activity. We also have qualified staff and Clergy available for cleansing and/or home blessings.

Email us at: para.swat.team@groups.facebook .com

or info@csparanormalresearch.com

A Demonologist, is someone who has completed primary research within the field of demonology and has accepted their calling to devote their lives to the study of demonology and assist families needing assistance with demonic infestation. Demonologists for this group may be appointed by our S.W.A.T. Team or the Church (our Paranormal Priests) to assist with demonic activity. A Demonologist is NOT the same thing as Clergy and does not perform exorcisms. We do however work with clergy to have such acts performed as needed & we have a partnership with the Paranormal Priests that belong to our S.W.A.T. Team.

Our mission is to help home owners and paranormal groups who who are directly involved with demonic infestation cases or who have questions regarding demonic infestation. We do not perform exorcisms but we will however work with our clergy to get the help you need. We have a group of experienced Paranormal Priests available to assist you. Our groups investigate demonic cases and work with families to get the needed assistance during such a difficult and confusing time. Our group consists of experienced Demonologists, paranormal investigators and Clergy (the Paranormal Priests) who are here to assist you with what you're experiencing.

If you are an experienced Demonologist or group experienced with demonic cases, please email us with your credentials for consideration in this group. Please also include your group name, years of experience, contact info and states/areas which you cover. Members will be carefully selected based on experience and methodology.

If you are member of the clergy or in the field of psychology and are experienced in demonic infestation and possession/exorcisms and would like to join our group to assist our teams with these cases, please email us as well with your contact information, team name and areas/locations covered.

And last, but not least, if you are a home owner or person in need of assistance with a demonic issue, please email us with your location and case details. We will assign a professional, experienced team to assist you. There is never a fee for our services!

Thank you and God Bless You!

Get Educated before making your decision and KNOW YOUR ENEMY!

Paranormal S.W.A.T. (Spiritual Warfare Assistance Team) was founded by Angela Ashton who also Founded Cryptic Shadows Paranormal Research.

Here are some basic Guidelines and Information when dealing with demons:

Religious tests for the presence of demons:

Since demons generally don’t manifest when priests and investigators are present it can be difficult to know if a person is really experiencing preternatural problems. Religious tests are essentially using religious activity to force a reaction from the demons that reveals them. Religious tests have to be done in a way that the client is aware and approving of their use, but unaware of when they are used. This is done so as to avoid faking by the client type who merely seeks attention.

Some religious tests for infestation might include:

- Saying deliverance prayers in your mind while walking through the home.
- Sprinkling holy water.
- Reading the Bible out loud (psalms works well).
- A house blessing
- The blessing of the threshold
- Saying deliverance Prayers out loud, or with the client.
- Hanging blessed holy objects or symbols in plain view in problematic rooms.

The religious tests for oppression can be more difficult since the demonic manifestation generally has moved to the client's experience only, or near them. These could include:

- Having the client apply holy water to their head before sleep, while they ask God to protect them from demonic dreams or influence in their sleep.
- Placing blessed holy symbols and objects in their bedroom to see if it stops attacks.
- Doing a thorough house blessing often causes manifestation or an attack on the oppressed victim either during the blessing or as soon as the clergy leaves.

Testing for possession can be dangerous and won't be described here. Please seek the counsel of experienced clergy.

Demonic infestation

Demonic infestation is when demonic entities either try to scare with typical “ghost” tricks or entice with spirit communication and eliciting sympathy. The infestation is usually a result of some kind of invitation, either by the current residents or a previous one, or from a curse or spell cast by a practitioner of black magic. The goal of the infestation is to increase awareness of the spirit, increase interaction with it, and finally start to control the life of the victim, or victims.

A common trick of the demonic is to appear as the “ghost” of a loved one, sick child, or some positive figure such as a “wise spirit guide” or holy angel. These types of infestations often have their origins in spirit communication such as Ouija boards, séances, or other divination techniques. The apparently helpful or needy spirit will press for more and more communication and interaction. As they gain a psychological foothold in the person’s life they become more demanding and ultimately controlling and threatening.

Some of the phenomena can include:

- tapping or knocking noises on the walls or floors
- the sound of footsteps on floors or stairs
- disturbances in electronic equipment like digital clocks going backwards, appliances turning on or off, lights turning on or off
- the sound of voices or animal sounds in the walls, rooms, or outside
- fluids or other things appearing on walls or floors
- bad odors with no natural explanation
- black human figures that stand or move about
- black clouds that look like smoke that move about but don't dissipate
- small black shadows on walls or floors that move with no natural cause

Many of the specific complaints of demonic infestation are explainable. Look for natural explanations in the home or environment, including:

- Animals in the home or walls
- High electric fields from power transformers or bad wiring (these can cause hallucinations)
- High levels of Radon gas (a radioactive gas that comes from the earth into the basements of many homes that may cause hallucinations at high levels)
- Old or defective wiring
- Malfunctioning heating or air conditioning
- Neighbor's activity

You need to verify the phenomenon the client has complained of and document it in some form. Photos, video, and sound recordings can be very useful. If you determine that there are no natural explanations for the phenomenon you observe you should move to attempting a resolution to the phenomenon.

Resolution of demonic infestation generally involves these steps:

1. Education

- Talk with the client about the nature of demonic trickery so they will no longer be deceived into thinking they are helpless, that it is a ghost, it is their friend, or warrants their sympathy.
- Talk with the client about their religious beliefs and spiritual life. Find out if they have been involved in the occult or other religious or spiritual activities that can invite the demonic in. If they have help them renounce this and confess it in the sacrament of reconciliation. Remove all objects and books associated with the occult from the home.
- Help the person understand that the foundation of their spiritual life (the Sacramental life) is essential for any lasting help to be achieved.

2. Clear out the evil spirits

- Remove any possibly cursed objects or occult books and paraphernalia.
- Have the house thoroughly blessed and possibly have a simple exorcism performed on the premises.
- If it is judged wise say mass/prayers in the home.

3. Fortify the family and home spiritually

- Immediately after the house blessing have the blessing of the threshold done (Epiphany blessing of the threshold) to resist the demons coming back into the house once expelled by the prayers and blessings.
- Place a blessed religious symbol in each room in plain sight.
- Encourage the person to develop a positive relationship with God and to strengthen their spiritual life.

Be aware that the process of infestation, either the lie of a “good ghost” or the instilling of fear through noises, often leads to the deeper problem of demonic oppression.

Demonic oppression

Demonic oppression is when the demonic problem becomes personal and interacts in a more focused way with one victim. The goal of demonic oppression is to put strain on the victim emotionally, psychologically, physically, and spiritually causing them eventually to “give in ” and accept more complete control from the demons. If a demonic infestation took the form of a helpful spirit that pretense is generally dropped while things progress. At some point the demonic have enough of a hold on the person’s life, mind and soul that they can afford to let the truth be known: they want to destroy the victim and have their soul damned, usually through suicide.

This process can involve:

- Affecting the lower faculties of the victim, the emotions and the body. This can take the form of depression, withdrawal from friends and family, anger issues, scratching or biting the body, speaking in the mind of the person, beatings from disembodied spirits, and other forms of assault. This is done to wear the victim down emotionally and isolate them from people that care about them. Of course not every case of depression is demonic.
- Affecting the thoughts of the victim. This can take the form of paranoia, distrust of others, irrational beliefs, intrusive thoughts that seem to come from somewhere else. This is done to wear the victim’s sense of reality down and eventually make them more vulnerable. This could be normal psychosis.
- Affecting the sleep of the victim. The victim is often bothered by nightmares of a demonic nature, disturbed in their sleep so they get little rest, or waking to see things in their room. This is done to wear the victim down and make them fatigued. Of course sleep disorders need to be ruled out by a sleep study. See the wes bite www.nightterrors.org for more information on sleep disorders.
- Causing the victim to “hear voices”, either in their head or in the room with them. The voices often encourage the victim to do negative things and avoid positive people. It is important to be sure these voices are not part of a mental illness or side effect of a medication or physical disease.
- Taking over the victim’s body in some limited way. The demons speak and interact with the victim’s body as if it were their own to some extent. In oppression usually the victim does recall what happens during these episodes as it is not full possession.
- Causing the victim to experience negative things when the perceive holy things (not being able to hear the words of someone praying, seeing scary images superimposed on holy images, etc.)
- Distorting the victim’s perceptions. This includes sometimes not perceiving words associated with God, such as Jesus, prayer, Church, Holy, etc.
- Touching the victim in various ways.
- Causing writing or occult symbols to appear on the victims body.

Depending on how far the oppression has gone it can be hard to communicate with the victim in a normal way. They may appear distant or “spaced out” when you talk about God or prayer. It is good to ask if they are hearing voices when they seem to not pay attention to what is going on around them. Always have a full medical work up done to be sure the symptoms are not medical or simply psychiatric.

The resolution of demonic oppression is often the same as infestation with deliverance prayers used in addition to the steps outlined above. It is possible to learn through attempts at intervention that what looked like oppression is transitory possession or full possession. Be prepared. There are many forms of deliverance prayers, most not approved as formal prayers of the Church. I would advise you to ask your ordinary what prayers they wish you to use.

Demonic possession

Demonic possession is rare. For every ten serious house cases you might see there may be one case of claimed possession. In some diocese there seems to be more cases of possession going on than in others.

Demonic possession is when the demons completely take over the lower faculties of the body (the physical body and the emotions). They can never take over the free will of the person, though while using their body they can certainly do things with it that that person wouldn't want. The periods of time when the person’s body is not under their control can be rare, frequent, or constant. When the person is in control of their body they usually hear the demons talking to them (and each other) in their head, threatening them and giving instructions on what to do or not do at all times. The person’s ability to actively ask for help will likely be severely curtailed by threats and punishments.

Resolution of demonic possession can be a complex and dangerous process and while it also involves education, casting the evil spirit out, and fortification afterwards, the details can't be summed up here. Please work with your Ordinary, Clergy and the Priests or experts they approve you to consult with.

Deliverance, Simple Exorcism, and Solemn Exorcism

Deliverance work is praying for, or requesting, intervention from Heavenly sources to remove evil affecting a person, or the effects of evil. Deliverance prayers can be said by laity or priests and they are used for situations where a person is being oppressed by evil forces, often demons. Deliverance prayers should be led by a priest with some experience in this area.

Deliverance prayers should not be used where demons are actually manifesting in a person, except with permission from your Ordinary/Clergy.

Deliverance work is commonly done with a small group of people praying over or for an individual. The individual usually sits quietly and prays along with the people to have the negative influences removed from their life. Deliverance work is sometimes done for physical ailments, inner healing of traumatic memories, etc.

Deliverance prayers can also be said in a home where demonic infestation is taking place. If during deliverance prayer it becomes apparent that the person is possessed the process should be stopped and the case should be referred to the local ordinary. Trying to use deliverance prayers on a possessed person will usually only anger and inflame the possessing demon and make the situation worse. Trying to use deliverance prayers on a possessed person will very likely put you in serious danger and probably wont free them.

A Simple Exorcism for priests and laity was defined by Pope Leo XIII and can be used on locations or situations where the activity of the devil is suspected. Simple exorcisms are included in many prayers, blessings and sacraments. The simple exorcism should be used with great caution when it comes to people because it includes not only petitions for intervention but commands to the evil to depart. A Simple exorcism should never be used on a person except with permission from the ordinary. It can be used as a test of whether a person is possessed only with permission from the ordinary and this should be done by someone with some experience because once the demon takes over the body you need to know how to handle that situation.

A Solemn Exorcism is a formal ritual of the Roman Catholic Church that commands the evil in a person’s body to depart and not return. A solemn exorcism can only be performed by an ordained priest who is given permission by his Bishop (or Ordinary) to perform the Ritual. The solemn exorcism carries the weight of Christ’s Church behind the command. Lay demonologists would never use the Roman Ritual of exorcism.

Dealing with the possessed outside of solemn exorcism.

- It is preferable to have family members of the possessed present at all times, particularly if they are of the opposite sex from you. If the demon comes forward and attacks you this could be interpreted wrongly later when the demon disappears or family members walk in.

- Words related to God or the Church are often not heard by the possessed. They might also become garbled in their perception. It is distressing to the possessed person to see a person’s lips moving but not be able to understand or hear what they are saying.

- Asking the possessed person in their human state about spiritual or theological issues could cause the demon to come forward and manifest in the person.

- If the demon manifests and attacks you, use minimal force to restrain the victim and be as gentle as possible. If they are truly possessed they will have as much strength as the demon wishes to create, so you may get hurt. Their strength is always limited by God, particularly when we act in faith, charity, and obedience. If we move as a mortal ego against the demon (not relying on God but challenging the demon ourselves) we may experience more of their strength and be harmed.

- If the demon manifests and talks to you do not answer its questions. Do not question it outside of the appropriate interrogation at the appropriate time. Do not respond if it taunts you. Do not react if it talks about your sins or secrets.

- If the demon manifests and you have no other choice ask for intervention from Jesus to subdue the situation until the appointed prayer session against that demon. There is not way to predict and control every situation when dealing with demons, we need the guidance and protection from God as we dynamically respond to each moment.

Dealing with backlash and spiritual attacks

“Then he went on to describe the double vision. It was not like seeing another table beside the real table or another wall beside the real wall. It was not a vision of eyes or a hearing with your ears or a touching with your hand. It was another level of reality. An exorcism sharpens your awareness of that reality, he said. You know what stands behind and around and beneath and above all that is visible and tangible. The intertwining cords of spirit appear everywhere. Good and bad spirit. Beauty and ugliness. Holiness and sin. God as a tremendous majesty. Personal evil is a formidable force. Nothing escapes those cords.” (Hostage to the Devil, page 454)

“No one who, like me, conjures up the most evil of those half-tamed demons that inhabit the human beast, and seeks to wrestle with them, can expect to come through the struggle unscathed.” -Freud

Demons are a very dangerous reality that must be approached from a deep and solid spiritual basis. You simply will not understand this fully until you encounter a demon, whether in a person or disembodied. Once you do encounter one your world view will be forced to accommodate the presence of evil as an objective, personal, reality. This may make you feel mentally unstable or overwhelmed for at least a short time. You will never be able to go back to thinking of demons as an abstract idea or thrilling possibility.

It is very important to monitor the effects of working with demons and negative situations on yourself. People that work in direct human services are aware of this need to take breaks from the work and have colleagues to talk with, exorcists need to do the same. One priest used the analogy of radiation: if you are in a house with preternatural evil in it, it is like being exposed to radiation. You will not know the radiation is there or that you are being dosed with it, you only become aware sometime later when the effects are felt.

Spending time in stressful situations where there could be human and/or preternatural negativity can be damaging to you. Look for signs of stress: difficulty with sleep, increase or decrease in eating, loss of interest in the fun things in life, etc. If you are getting stressed or feel like your reactions are causing you to be biased, then take a break.
Inde Ab Aliquot Annis

On The Current Norms Governing Exorcisms

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
September 29, 1985
Translated by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist of Diocese of Rome
Prot. no. 291/70; ASS 77 (1985): 1169-70; EnchVat 9, nn. 1663-67
Excellentissime Domine

For some years there has been an increase in the number of ecclesiastic gatherings which seek liberation from demonic influences, even though they are not properly and truly exorcisms. These groups, even when a priest is present, are led by lay persons.
Since the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been asked what ought to be thought about this, this dicastry is of the opinion that all other ordinaries should have the following response:

1. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one is able to legitimately undertake exorcisms of the possessed unless expressed and individual permission has been obtained from the ordinary of the place (section 1). The canon also establishes that this permission ought to be conceded by the ordinary of the place only to priests who are distinguished in piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (section 2). Bishops are, therefore, strongly urged to see to the observance of these norms.

2. From these prescriptions it follows, therefore, that no member of the Christian faithful can use the formula of exorcism against Satan and fallen angels, extracted from that which was made law by Leo XIII, and even less are the able to use the entire text for exorcism. Bishops are to bring this to the attention of the faithful as it is deemed necessary.

3. Finally, for the same reasons, bishops are asked to be vigilant that -- for even cases in which true diabolical possession is excluded, diabolical influence nevertheless seems in some way to be revealed -- those who do not have the required faculty not serve in the leading of meeting where, in order to gain freedom, prayers are used which dignify demons by directly questioning them and in searching to make known their identity.

The announcement of these norm, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, pastors ought to avail themselves of this occasion to recall what the tradition of the Church teaches about the proper function of sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the saints in the spiritual fight of Christians against evil spirits.

May I take this occasion to convey my great feelings of esteem for you, remaining your servant in the Lord, Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect Translated to Italian by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist to the Diocese of Rome in his Exorcist Tells His Story, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco (1999), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90

Comments from Father Amorth Concerning Inde Ab Aliquot Annis
The above-cited letter warns against any direct dealings with demons and states that their name should not be asked by those who have not been granted the specific faculty to do so. The Acts of the Apostles report a particularly fitting event ... (of the consequences of acting without faculty to do so in the story of the Seven Brothers --Acts 19:11-20). (from An Exorcist: More Stories, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco: (2002), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90 )

I will now explain some of that is forbidden and what is required, according to these guidelines (of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis).

• First, official exorcisms are not allowed; they are reserved exclusively for the exorcist. The same holds true for the exorcism of Leo XIII, even though it is now part of the public domain. The private use of such exorcisms is another matter; at least, this is how I understand the above-cited document.

• We must avoid addressing the demon directly and to find out his name and -- I add -- anything else. All other considerations aside, a direct dialogue with the demon can be dangerous to anyone who dares to initiate it without the due authorization of the Church, and therefore without her protection.

At the end, the document reminds one of the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints.... (from Exorcist Tells His Story, Ibid, pp.190-91)

Although Demonology falls into the paranormal field, it is still on a whole other level than your common paranormal case. Many investigators have found this out the hard way. Once you get into the field of Demonology, it’s not that easy to get out of. If this is a field that you think you may be interested in please think very carefully about it, pray about it, and talk with your family about it before deciding anything. This is not something that you can just jump into, or do simply because you find it “fascinating”.

If you are in need of a Christian Demonologist or a Paranormal Team experienced with Demonology, contact us.

"Paranormal S.W.A.T. Team"

If you are interested in becoming a Christian Demonologist, here are some words of caution. This is a very dangerous field. You are dealing with the diabolical. Nothing is beneath a demon. You must have a strong faith in God and Jesus Christ, and you must have a serious mind and personality. When you deal with the demonic you are not only putting yourself at risk, but your loved ones as well if you’re not careful.

Some Christian Demonologist, including myself, have at least one or two mentors, or people that have given or continue to give them guidance in the field. It is very difficult to learn everything you need to from just one person. That is simply because not all Demonologists study, or learn the same things and some may know more about a particular subject than others. Other than getting the proper help and teaching from the church, it also a great idea to try and get help and guidance from a willing, reputable, and experienced Demonologist.

To be a Christian Demonologist is not something you can do as a hobby. When a person becomes a Christian Demonologist it is usually because they feel they were called by God to do it. They have spoken with their family about it, prayed about it, and they also receive support, backing, and teaching from their church. This is a very dangerous field because of what you’re dealing with on a regular basis. Some Chrisitan Demonologist live pretty secluded lives, and do not have many friends. The friends they do have however are usually very close friends and understand and support them. It is a simple fact that most people do not truly understand how this field of work and study affects the Demonologist, or what it takes to do it.

There are however three basic requirements that most churches agree on when it comes to Christian Demonology. Number one, you should be a born-again Christian. Number two, you need to study certain subjects. Number three, you need to learn those subjects with the help of the church (The clergy), Ordinary (teacher).

When you are studying to be a Christian Demonologist you never really quit learning. This field of work requires constant learning, and studying, and there are no experts. The Catholic tradition for Demonology is the most popular because the Catholic Church pretty much established the field. The Catholic Church for example usually requires the person to be either clergy, or to be ordained once they have finished their initial studies into the subject. Some of the Catholic churches require the person studying to become a Christian Demonologist to write an essay type paper to make sure that they understand the field, etc. before being ordained.

Binding Evil Spirits & Prayer

2011-09-17T03:15:00.000-07:00

OUR PRAYERS

Binding Evil Spirits with the Blood of Jesus Christ

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I stand with the power of the Lord God Almighty to bind Satan and all his evil spirits, demonic forces, satanic powers, principalities, along with all kings and princes of terrors, from the air, water, fire, ground, netherworld, and the evil forces of nature.

I take authority over all demonic assignments and functions of destruction sent against me, and I expose all demonic forces as weakened, defeated enemies of Jesus Christ. I stand with the power of the Lord God Almighty to bind all enemies of Christ present together, all demonic entities under their one and highest authority, and I command these spirits into the abyss to never again return. Their assignments and influences are over.

I arise today with the power of the Lord God Almighty to call forth the heavenly host, the holy angels of God, to surround and protect, and cleanse with God’s holy light all areas vacated by the forces of evil. I ask the Holy Spirit to permeate my mind, heart, body, soul and spirit, creating a hunger and thirst for God’s holy Word, and to fill me with the life and love of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Destroying Demonic Influence (use the appropriate sins - do not need to recite all of them)

Through the power of Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I come against every source of sin in my life. I ask you Lord Jesus to send forth an assignment of warring angels to strike down and destroy every demonic entity that has been influencing my sinful behaviors of envy, criticism, impatience, resentment, pride, rebellion, stubbornness, unforgiveness, gossip, disobedience, strife, violence, divorce, accusation, anger, manipulation, jealousy, greed, laziness, revenge, coveting, possessiveness, control, retaliation, selfishness, deceitfulness, deception, dishonesty, unbelief, seduction, lust, pornography, idolatry and witchcraft.

May your warring angels strike down and destroy every demonic influence that has contributed to my physical and psychological infirmities of nerve disorder, lung disorder, brain disorder or dysfunction, AIDS, cancer, hypochondria, hyperactivity, depression , schizophrenia, fatigue, anorexia, bulimia, addictions, gluttony, perfectionism, alcoholism, self-abuse, sexual addictions, sexual perversions, attempted suicide, incest, pedophilia, adultery, confusion, ignorance, procrastination, self-hatred, isolation, loneliness, ostracism, paranoia, nervousness, passivity, indecision, doubt, oppression, rejection, poor self-image, anxiety, shame, timidity and fear.

I arise today through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit’s gifts of peace, patience, love, joy, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, forgiveness, goodness, fortitude, discipline, truth, relinquishment, good self-image, prosperity, charity, obedience, a sound mind, order, fulfillment in Christ, acceptance of self, acceptance of others, trust, freedom from addictions, freedom of having-to-control, freedom from shame, wholeness, wellness, health, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and the light and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer against Evil

Spirit of our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Most Holy Trinity, descend upon me. Please purify me, mold me, fill me with yourself, and use me. Banish all the forces of evil from me; destroy them, vanquish them so that I can be healthy and do good deeds.

Banish from me all spells, witchcraft, black magic, demonic assignments, malefice, maledictions and the evil eye; diabolic infestations, oppressions, possessions; all that is evil and sinful; jealousy, treachery, envy; all physical, psychological, moral, spiritual and diabolical ailments; as well as all enticing spirits, deaf, dumb, blind, mute and sleeping spirits, new-age spirits, occult spirits, religious spirits, antichrist spirits, and any other spirits of death and darkness.

I command and bid all the powers who molest me—by the power of God Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior—to leave me forever, and to be consigned into the everlasting lake of fire, that they may never again touch me or any other creature in the entire world. Amen.

Prayer for a Spiritual Canopy

Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all the times I have not submitted to your will in my life. Please forgive me for all my sinful actions, making agreements with the enemy, and for believing the devil’s lies. I now submit to you as my Lord, dear Jesus. Now I break every agreement that I have made with the enemy.

Lord Jesus, please have your warring angels remove and bind to the abyss all demons and their devices that had access to me because I believed their lies. I now ask you to establish a hedge of protection around me, over me and under me, and seal it with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ.

I now choose to put on the full armor of God and ask that you cleanse me and seal me, body, mind, soul and spirit, with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ. Please have your warring angels bind up and remove all demons, their devices, and all their power from within this protective hedge and have them sent to the abyss.

Please have your warriors destroy all demonic, occult or witchcraft assignments directed against me including all backups and replacements. Please have your warriors remove all trafficking people and send them back to their own bodies and seal them there with your blood, Lord Jesus Christ. Please have your angels stand guard over me and protect me from all the attacks of the enemy.

After you have done these prayers for yourself and those affected by the demonic presences - use the following ritual to cleanse the home and protect it.

Using pure salt (crystal sea salt is a good material), pour a handful of it at each corner of the house, starting that North corner, moving to the West, then South, and finally to the East. As you do this - be sure the door closest to the North-East direction is open, and all windows and other doors are closed. While you do this pray the following:

Heavenly Father, with this salt, I ask you to bless the corners of this home, to place an angel at the guard, to not let in Satan's minions and cast out any that infest this home. I pray this in your Son's holy name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Take a small jar and pour some olive oil into it. Take it in your hands and pray:

Heavenly Father, bless this oil, annoint it with your Son's blessed blood, purify it and empower it with your protection. Wherever I annoint this oil upon this house, no minion of Satan can cross it. I pray this in your Son's holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen

If you have a two story home then start upstairs and begin anointing the windows and doors with the olive oil, praying and asking God to do the same thing as prayed when blessing the olive oil. Some people use tools, a feather or some other type of item, I use my fingers. It is recommended that you start with the windows and as you leave the room, spread some oil at the doorway. Always begin on the North side, circle to the Wesy, then South, and finally the East.

As you go through each room, keep praying for God to bind the demon, remove it from the home, cast it back to the abyss, plead the blood of Jesus Christ over the home, ask for His protection. Whatever you pray is up to you, just believe it and trust it will be done. Thank Him for doing this.

Just get some of the olive oil on your finger and make a line around each window, a line that the demon can not cross! The oil at the doorway keeps it from re-entering the room. I prefer to make a solid line of oil around the entire window and door, but usually I just make a line at all 4 sides and it still got rid of what ever I was trying to get rid of.

As you come down the stairs, spread some olive oil on the bottom of the stairway to keep the demon from going back up the steps. Then start at the door you have open downstairs facing the North East, and move through the rooms circling North, to West, to South, to East to where the door awaits open.

At the door pray:

Heavenly Father, I hereby bind any and all demons that have resided in this home, and by the power of the blood of Christ, cast them into the abyss. I call upon the Archangel Michael to choose an angel and assign him to protect this door. I seal this door (spread oil on all four sides of the door frame) from all evil with this oil. Annoint all whom enter this home with your peace and love, always protect them. Thank you Heavenly Father, Thank you Jesus, and Thank you Holy Spirit, for cleansing this home and blessing it. Amen

Some will go peacefully and calmly. This may not always be the case, it depends on how strong the entity is and how bad it wants to remain in your home to do evil deeds.

NOW this is not to say, that at a later time another demon might not enter the same home. Even though you’ve done this, a demon can still enter IF you’ve brought them in or invited them in. If one comes in on something you bring into the home, or on someone you’ve invited into your home, you’ve literally unknowingly given them permission to enter!

OUR FATHER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Our Father (Latin)

Pater noster, qui es in cælis,

sanctificetur nomen tuum;

adveniat regnum tuum;

fiat voluntas tua,

sicut in caelo et in terra.

Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie,

et dimitte nobis debita nostra,

sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;

et ne nos inducas in tentationem

Sed libera nos a malo. Amen

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women,

Ghosts...Spirits Are In The Bible

2011-05-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Cryptic Shadows does not discuss beliefs surrounding the paranormal and religion. This is a personal matter for each individual. We have however received many questions regarding the subject, so this article was written specifically for you. Following is some information you might find helpful.....

I write this to show that yes, the Bible does contain ghosts, or "spirits." Some have expressed their confusion stemmed from the teachings of their church, which claims, "ghosts are impossible...because when one dies, they are either in heaven or hell."

The spirit realm and physical realm do co-exist; yet are on different planes. It is believed that some ghosts may not be people on the other side; they could be residual energy or thoughts left over from traumatic or emotional past events or ghosts in forms mentioned in the Bible. The Bible is full of "paranormal" activity...and ghosts / spirits.

Ghosts and spirits are one in the same - they are people on the other side of the grave...in the afterlife as shown in the Bible or in some cases Fallen Angels or Angels of Light as stated in the Bible. They are common in scripture, if you look for them mentioned within the Bible. One of the first verses that most are aware of is in I Samuel 28:15, where Saul has a medium, "call up" the prophet Samuel from the other side of the grave:

"And Samuel saith to Saul, Why hast thou troubled me, to bring me up?"

The scripture is very clear that this was Samuel; and as Samuel had died and crossed over to the other side...that would make him a spirit or ghost.. This passage should also plainly show that mediums or any of us can have contact with people on the other side. This medium, whom Saul used, saw many people on the other side, when she was calling up Samuel. One should also note in this verse, that Samuel had maintained his form of an old man wearing a mantel, just like many documented ghost sightings of apparitions, report the ghost to be dressed in "period dress" from their own time era, here on earth.

When Saul compels a seer to summon the prophet Samuel, they witness “a spirit coming up out of the ground” (vs. 13 NIV). The spirit is recognized as the dead prophet who validates himself by prophesying against Saul (vss. 16-19). So was Samuel a ghost? And where was he before his invocation? Whatever your answer, the manifestation of Samuel’s “ghost” is possible evidence of another category of existence, neither demon nor angel but disembodied man, still able to interact with our earthly plane.

Moving into the new testament, we see Jesus having "appeared" to many after his resurrection. To "appear" indicates the idea of manifesting from the invisible to the visible, just as a spirit or ghost might manifest, from the spirit to the physical realm. It is interesting to note that he "appeared" to Simon (Luke 24:34); and he "appeared" to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9). Jesus "appeared" to two of his followers in a different form that was not recognizable to them. What? I mean they had a conversation with him and still didn't recognize Jesus physically! Yes, the scripture says:

Mark 16:12, "...to two of them, as they are going into a field, walking, he was manifested in another form."

He also "appeared" to the eleven disciples and stood in the midst of them during their conversation (Luke 24:36). Can you imagine that? He manifested right before their eyes from the realm of spirit. But what is interesting to note is Jesus' statement concerning their fear of him "appearing" right before their eyes:

Luke 24:39 "...handle me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me having."

Well, at first blush, one might argue, hey, Jesus wasn't a spirit or ghost because he had flesh and bone. I would sort of agree, but I might add that Jesus still was "appearing" like a ghost or a spirit would do and I have seen Spirits that appear to have flesh and bone just like you and me then they vanish in thin air. Does flesh and bone "appear" out of thin air? Those of you who have actually seen a FBA (Full Body Apparition) know how much it can look like flesh and bone, but is not. However, the biggest point might be missed if one does not consider Jesus' statement further, about not being a spirit or ghost...he was in effect stating that spirits (ghosts) do exist, but that he was not like them!

Notice, the disciples immediately assumed they’d seen a ghost, suggesting that ghosts were an admissible category within their culture. Even more interesting, Jesus does not rebuke them for this belief. In fact, He seems to substantiate it: “a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (vs. 39). This is important because, Christians have historically maintained that Christ resurrected in His same body. Even though the risen Jesus had the ability to vanish (Lk. 24:31) and suddenly appear in locked rooms (Jn. 20:19, 26), He was not a ghost. Among other things, this tells us that ghosts are not resurrected souls (and vice-versa), which means they are… something else.

This common belief in ghosts is found in another new testament passage, as well. You may remember Jesus walking on the water towards his disciples who were in a boat on the sea. The verse in Matthew 14:26 states:

"and the disciples having seen him walking upon the sea, were troubled saying, 'It is an apparition, and from the fear they cried out."

Apparitions were obviously believed to exist and even by the followers of Jesus who were learning rapidly about the spirit realm from him. Other people obviously believed in ghosts during Jesus' time on earth, because they "appeared" in the city of Jerusalem after Jesus' resurrection:

Matthew 27:52-53, "and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who have fallen asleep, arose; and having come forth out of the tombs after Jesus' rising, they went into the holy city and appeared to many." This to me says that there are ghosts and spirits and they are not all demonic or bad spirits.

The writer of Hebrews, (probably the apostle Paul) mentions the fact of spirits being all around us, in Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us."

This appears to be confirmation of the spirit and physical realms co-existing with one another, but on different planes. It is a spiritual truth, that what exists here on earth, must first exist in the spirit realm; for spirit is the life-giving force behind all. And that spirit is God. God is life. The Bible proclaims in the Lord's Prayer, "On earth (physical realm), as it is (first) in heaven (the realm of spirit)."

But there is one last Bible passage I wish to share that many overlook which actually confirms the manifestation of spirits from the spirit realm into this physical world. That verse can be found in Mark 9:4, in the infamous Mount of Transfiguration passage:

"and there appeared to them, Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus."

This passage not only confirms that spirits can manifest here, but it shows a very important spiritual truth, as well. Jesus spoke with people on the other side of the grave. Therefore, those on the other side of the grave can speak to us! No matter how you look at this passage; the fact remains, it is not only possible for ghosts to exist, but Jesus, who is to be our example, shows us that some spirits communicate with us! Why did Jesus choose only to reveal this truth to James, John and Peter? To many, this truth has been spoken against by traditional Christian doctrine for years. Yet, Jesus felt it important enough to reveal to these three disciples what was really going on "behind the scenes." Jesus seemed to understand quite a lot about what was going on "behind the veil" of this physical world. Perhaps, we should follow his example and not fear or question the existence of ghosts; but seek to understand the truth of the spirit realm.

Another point to consider is that many of us can recall our surprise when we first learned that The Bible speaks not only of a resurrection, but of resurrection(s) - more than one, spread out over a long span of time. So the claim that ghosts can not exist because you only die once and go straight to heaven or hell doesn't really stand valid, as it was not the case in these scriptures.

Resurrections Up To Now

Through Bible History, there are a number of recorded resurrections of people back to normal physical life after they had died from old age, illness or injury. All of these people would have died a natural death again later. A few examples:

The widow's son by Elijah (1 Kings 17:19-24)

The Shunammite's son by Elisha (2 Kings 4:32-35).

A man whose body had been placed in Elisha's tomb (2 Kings 13:21).

Lazarus by Jesus Christ (John 11:43-44).

The ruler's daughter by Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:23-26).

A number of people at the moment of the death of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:51-53)

Eutychus raised back to life through Paul after he fell out of a third-floor window (Acts 20:9-10).

Tabitha by Peter (Acts 9:36-43)

Of course, the greatest resurrection up to now, the only one to glorious spirit life so far, was that of Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 24:1-53).

The Resurrection At The Return Of Christ

Those who have been truly called, and have repented, through all the ages up to the day of The Return of Jesus Christ will be resurrected from the dead, or instantly changed if they are alive that day, to eternal spirit life. They will serve Him, and rule the world with Him, during the 1,000 years (see The Elect):

"For this we declare to you by the word of The Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of The Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 RSV).

"Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom judgment was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4 RSV)

"This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with Him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:5-6)

The Resurrection At The End Of The 1,000 Years

All of the people who have lived through the ages who did not have the opportunity to learn of Christ and be converted will be resurrected back to physical life at the end of the 1,000 years - not as any sort of "second chance," but as their first chance. Then, for that relatively short time between the second resurrection and the final judgment, they will learn the truth and have the opportunity to repent and be converted. Those that choose to obey God will then be transformed into eternal spirit beings just as those who were changed at the Return of Christ 1,000 years before.

Acts 2:4:

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

(King James Version)

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

(Revised Standard Version)

Mark 9:4, in the infamous Mount of Transfiguration passage:

"and there appeared to them, Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus."

The writer of Hebrews, (probably the apostle Paul) mentions the fact of spirits being all around us, in Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us."

Quite a bit of evidence in addition to Scripture suggests that there is another "dimension" beyond our own. Scripture is adamant that there is life after death.

So imagine this if you will:

SPIRITS:

Spirits have passed over and embraced the light of their holy father--and are happily living as sons and daughters of God (even as good spirits).

GHOSTS:

There are numerous Ghosts among us here on the earth because when these passed they refused to embrace the light of the Father for various reasons such as:

(1) they don't know they are dead,

(2) They may have committed crimes and such and are afraid they will be sent to hell--so they do not embrace the light and roam the earth instead? Much like in the movies "the Others" these can't understand what mortals are doing in their "space" and find it hard to understand why mortals don't normally communicate with them...

Ghosts can communicate with those who are psychically sensitive to them.

"In Matthew 14:26 when Jesus is walking on the water the disciples are afraid because they think that he is a "ghost". If ghosts do not exist then how do they even know about them?"

In the New Testament the exsistence of Spirits is clearly implied, most notably in Luke 24:39, when Jesus tells his followers: ‘Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do!’ Jesus wanted his followers to know that he was the only one who actually rose from the dead in the flesh...unlike ghosts or spirits who appeared after death and were not composed of flesh and bone. Much as we envision ghosts today (as transparent figures).

In 1 Corinthians 15:50 and 2 Peter 1:18 it is stated that flesh and blood cannot enter the celestial kingdom; in John 3:13 it is noted that heaven is for spiritual beings and that we are all spirit in essence and will return from whence we came: ‘And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from the heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

St. Paul attempted to clarify the idea that Jesus had risen physically from the tomb and in so doing made a distinction between our earthly form and our spirit: ‘There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial is another…There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-44).

Elsewhere, in 2 Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of having attained separation of the spirit and the body at will and having ascended ‘in the spirit’ to the third heaven

In Matthew 12:43 Jesus says, “Then an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.” This is the scripture that REALLY makes me think.

In the story of the man possessed by demons and Jesus cast them out (performs an exorcism), it says, “And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside” (Luke 8:31-34).

Demons have personalities, for Jesus conversed with them. God’s Word clearly teaches

that demons can “enter in” to something, or someone; can “take possession of;” or, “control of”

human beings, or animals, such as these swine in this incident Luke tells of. Demons are evil spirits...not all spirits in the Bible are evil; therefore to claim that all ghosts are from the devil is simply an untrue statement. The facts are in the scriptures.

1 Corinthians10:20, tells us, “some have fellowship of demons.”

Satan is spoken of as a “wondering spirit,” invisible though he maybe to physical eyes.

His demons can enter houses; give information through mediums; disclose past events and, to a limited extent, can forecast future events, as well. Satan cannot create. He and his demons are “fallen angels. Angels are not in the physical form...they are spirits as the Bible clearly indicates.

Much of the strange phenomena can be explained when we understand it. In the story of the walls of Jericho falling in Joshua 5:13, we read that before battle Joshua, met an angel, called, “The Captain of Host of the Lord.” We are told that it was the armies of the Host of Heaven that threw down those walls.

In 1 Chronicles 14:13-17 we read of God's angel spirits helping out in a battle when Philistines were raiding the camps of Israel/ This passage says, “Once more the Philistines raided the valley; so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, `Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.' So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. So David's fame spread throughout every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him.”

Ministry of Angels is seen all through Scripture and Angels are Spirits. They were placed as guardians of Garden of Eden; sent to deliver Lot just before Sodom destroyed; Jacob wrestled with angel at Bethel; when Elijah was despondent under the Juniper tree, angels brought him bread and water; angels smote 185,000 Assyria soldiers in one night; and Daniel was minister to by angels in the lion's den. When Jesus was born angels were there; an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, saving Mary and Jesus’ life; angels ministered to Jesus after His time of fasting in the wilderness; at Gethsemane angels appeared to strengthen Jesus; angels liberated Apostles from prison; sailed with Paul and saved him from shipwreck; and Jesus said that Lazarus was carried by angels to heaven.

How Do You Test the Spirits?

The Bible says we are to test the spirits to see if they are of God. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (I John 4:1-3).Even though in the natural world there are certain laws, one law may counteract another law. For instance, the law of gravitation holds steel on table, but the law of magnetism can lift it from the table. Lazarus came under law of death. But a higher law – the Resurrection – came into play and raised him from the dead!

It is considered a gift to have the ability to know supernaturally--the discerning of spirits. (I Cor. 12:10) This gift is self-explanatory. It is the discerning of bad spirits and of good spirits. The Greek word for discerning means "through judgment.

God has placed spiritual gifts within the Body, His Church, to bring victory. Let me give you a few of the spirits that are named in the Bible:

The spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14); the spirit of sleep (Isaiah 29:10); the spirit of bondage (Romans 8:15); a perverse spirit (Isaiah 19:14); the spirit of infirmity (Luke 13: 11); the spirit of divination (Acts 16:16).

There is a whole list of spirits. Some are good, and some are bad. The Bible talks about the spirit of truth (John 16:13); a right spirit (Psalms 51:10); a free spirit (Psalms 51:12); an excellent spirit (Daniel 6:3).

These are just a few of those mentioned in the Bible. We are to embrace good spirits, but bad spirits are to be resisted and cast out.

An example of the gift of discernment in operation Is given In the case of Simon the sorcerer. (Acts 8:21-22)

Peter discerned his motives and said in verse 20, "...because thou hast thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money, thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."

Peter could discern that he was a sorcerer by the gift of discernment.

Both the “spirit-world” and the “natural-world” lie very close to each other, and sometimes can be overlapping in their laws. Supernatural “miracles” and not contrary to nature, it’s just that a “higher law” comes into the situation.

Do these stories validate the existence of ghosts? Maybe. Maybe not. More importantly, what they do is to expand the boundaries of possibility and our understanding of paranormal phenomenon. It is simply too easy to resign all paranormal phenomenon into the category of the demonic. Samuel’s “appearance” was not viewed as demonic, nor was the Transfiguration of Moses and Elijah. Furthermore, we have no need to “test the spirits and see whether they are from God” (I Jn. 4:1) if all spirits (or spiritual phenomenon) are categorically evil. So while the Bible cautions us about deceiving spirits, it does not go so far as to say that all “encounters” are necessarily of the “deceptive” order.

I understand that this might trouble some people. The larger issue, as I see it, is coming to grips with the world we live in. Scripture paints a universe of vast mystery, teeming with intellects (visible and invisible) both good and evil, and phenomenon beyond our wildest imaginings. This is why the Bible contains wondrous stories — stories we often take for granted — about miracles, visions, reviving corpses, warrior angels, talking mules, fiery chariots, demonized swine, tongues and prophecies. We simply live in a supernatural world. The downside—paranormal phenomenon does not always fit tightly into our theological framework. Like it or not, it still exists.

When it comes to ghost stories, some are merely the work of pranksters, a hoax, however, some “ghost stories” are stories involving genuine spirits – demons or angels – good or bad – Godly or devilish!

Just Food for Thought....

This article was written using scriptures directly from the Holy Bible. Commentary was added to provoke thought and does not represent our beliefs one way or the other. Hopefully the information gathered will provide some clarity to those with questions, and bring better understanding on the subject. Thanks for reading.....

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A Ghost in the Country - The Haunting in Eads, TN

2011-05-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Parapsychic Sciences - Parapsychology

2011-05-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Psychic phenomena are controversial, and any discussion of the paranormal provokes debate. For more than a century psychical research, or parapsychology as it is called today, has been attempting to use scientific methods to unravel the mysteries of psi (psi is the first letter of the Greek word psyche and is used to denote any type of psychic phenomena). Recent developments in parapsychology and neuroscience have revealed new clues about the way ESP and other psychic abilities are processed by the brain. Parapsychic science is the unity of contemporary science and philosophy with metaphysics to provide us with the ability to understand and communicate with the spiritual realm. It covers many areas of psychic science including the investigation of psychic phenomena, extra-terrestrial activity, telepathy, near-death experiences, and parapsychology.

Psychic abilities and experiences are much more common than most people think, and involve a wide variety of seemingly unrelated experiences including precognition (dreams or visions of the future), telepathy (mind to mind communication), clairvoyance (receiving psychic impressions from a location or object), psychokinesis oe PK (mind over matter), as well as hauntings, poltergeists, reincarnational memories and a variety of other paranormal events. PK, psychic healing and poltergeist-type phenomena are referred to as projective (or expressive) psi, since they seem to involve some type of force or energy directed by the human mind, interacting with the external environment.

ESP, precognition and some types of haunting are referred to as receptive psi, since they involve receiving information without the aid of normal means of communication. One of the most interesting discoveries in the field of parapsychology is that environmental factors, particularly magnetic and electromagnetic fields, apparently affect the brain’s ability to produce psychic effects or receive psychic impressions. The Earth itself produces its own magnetic field, which varies in response to a variety of climatic and geological factors. Sun spots and solar flare activity, for example, in addition to causing radio and TV signal interference, the aurora borealis, and other straight-forward physical effects, also has an effect on paranormal phenomena and experiences.

Several recent studies have shown that projective psi phenomena, such as psychokinesis and poltergeist effects, are more active when the Earth’s geomagnetic field is high, as ist is during solar magnetic storms. Psi receptive phenomena such as ESP and precognition, on the other hand, seem to be inhibited during times of high geomagnetism and increase when the Earth’s magnetic field is at its lowest ebb. Hauntings and other types of spontaneous paranormal phenomena such as UFO encounters, also seem to be more prevalent in the presence of man-made electromagnetic fields of high intensity, such as those produced by high-voltage electrical transmission wires and household appliances.

Parapsychology is a branch of psychology specifically involved with the studies of paranormal events. The parapsychologist ascertains the history, principles, and theories behind psychic phenomena involving telepathy, clairvoyance, sensory awareness, psychometry (psychoscopy or "psychic touch"), dermo-optic perception, spiritual healing, auras, mediumship, and so forth. A parapsychologist can also counsel individuals who have suffered trauma due to alien and spirit encounters and other paranormal experiences.

The parapsychic sciences and parapsychology are very extensive fields of study. I have provided some basic information within this blog.

The Parapsychological Association is an international professional organization of scientists and scholars engaged in the study of psi (or 'psychic') experiences, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, psychic healing, and precognition. The primary objective of the PA is to achieve a scientific understanding of these experiences.

First established in 1957, the PA has been an affiliated organization of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) since 1969. The PA is a non-profit, non-adjudicating organization that endorses no ideologies or beliefs other than the value of rigorous scientific and scholarly inquiry.

Many feel that the strangest, and most interesting, aspect of parapsychological phenomena is that they do not appear to be limited by the known boundaries of space or time. In addition, they blur the sharp distinction usually made between mind and matter. In popular usage, the basic parapsychological phenomena are categorized as follows:

Psi : A neutral term for parapsychological phenomena. Psi, psychic, and psychical are synonyms.

Telepathy : Direct mind-to-mind communication.

Precognition : Also called premonition. Obtaining information about future events, where the information could not be inferred through normal means. Many people report dreams that appear to be precognitive.

Recognition : Obtaining information about past events, where the information could not be inferred through normal means. Many people get this information by touching objects or just by visiting a location. Often a feeling of De Ja Vu.

Clairvoyance : Sometimes called remote viewing; obtaining information about events at remote locations, beyond the reach of the normal senses.

ESP: Extra-sensory perception; a general term for obtaining information about events beyond the reach of the normal senses. This term subsumes telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition.

Psychokinesis : Also called PK; direct mental interaction with physical objects, animate or inanimate.

Bio-PK : Direct mental interactions with living systems.

NDE : Near death experience; an experience reported by those who were revived from nearly dying. Often refers to a core experience that includes feelings of peace, OBE, seeing lights and other phenomena.

OBE : Out-of-body experience; the experience of feeling separated from the body, often accompanied by visual perceptions as though from above the body.

Reincarnation: The belief that we live successive lives, with primarily evidence coming from the apparent recollections of previous lives by very small children.

Haunting : Recurrent phenomena reported to occur in particular locations that include apparitions, sounds, movement of objects, and other effects.

Poltergeist: Large-scale PK phenomena often attributed to spirits, but which are now thought to be due to a living person, frequently an adolescent.

Who is interested in Parapsychology?

Physicists tend to be interested in parapsychology because of the implication that we have a gross misunderstanding about space and time and the transmission of energy and information.

Biologists are interested because psi implies the existence of additional, unexplained methods of sensing the world.

Psychologists are interested for what psi implies about the nature of perception and memory.

Philosophers are interested because psi phenomena specifically address many age-old philosophical problems, including the role of the mind in the physical world, and the nature of the objective vs. the subjective.

Theologians and the general public tend to be interested because personal psi experiences are often accompanied by feelings of profound, ineffable meaning. As a result, psi is thought by some to have "spiritual" implications.

From the materialistic perspective, one of the foundations of the current scientific worldview, human consciousness is nothing but an emergent product of the functioning of Brain, Body, and Nervous System (BBNS). That is, no matter how different mind may seem from solid stuff like bodies, it is generated solely by the electrochemical functioning of the BBNS, and so it is absolutely dependent on it. When the BBNS dies, so does consciousness. From this perspective, claims of survival of bodily death, or ghosts, or apparitions, must be due to wishful thinking. Furthermore, the limits of material functioning automatically determine the ultimate limits of mental functioning, thus ESP and PK appear to be impossible, given our current understanding about how the world works.

And yet, psi phenomena have occurred in all cultures throughout history, they continue to occur, and some of the reported phenomena have been persuasively verified using scientific methods. Because psi seems to transcend the assumed limits of material functioning, and therefore the BBNS, some interpret psi as supporting the idea that there is something more to mind than just the BBNS, that there is some sort of "soul," or the like.

This "non-physical" aspect, an aspect that does not seem to be as tightly bounded by space or time as present scientific models require, might survive bodily death. If so, there may be important truths contained in some spiritual ideas and practices. Of course, parapsychology is a very long way from being able to say that "the data shows that X" (insert your favorite religious group here) are specifically right about religious doctrines A, B, and C but dead wrong about dogmas P, Q and R.

We must emphasize that there is a big difference between simply noting that the findings of parapsychology may have implications for spiritual concepts, versus the idea that parapsychologists are driven by some hidden spiritual agenda. Some critics of parapsychology seem to believe that all parapsychologists have hidden religious motives, and that they are really out to prove the existence of the soul. This is no more true than claiming that all chemists really harbor secret ambitions about alchemy, and thus their real agenda is to transmute mercury into gold. The reasons why serious investigators are drawn to any discipline are as diverse as their backgrounds.

Psychic Phenomena

Science has reached out to the farthest ends of the universe and it is exploring the deepest oceans. Everything in between is being researched and human knowledge grows by leaps and bounds. Regrettably, the human psyche and its wondrous potential have been woefully neglected for a very long time. Only recently, Professor Fredric Schiffer of Harvard University published his findings about the binary functions of the mind and opened an exciting new frontier of human nature.

There is, of course, a valid reason that anything that has to do with the invisible aspects of the human mind is approached with caution. For every respectable parapsychologist there are many others whose actions discredit the intangible realm, behind matter.

To begin with, let's define the object of this consideration:

The word psychic describes anything in connection with the psyche. This word dates back to ancient times when a goddess by the name of Psyche was in charge of the invisible but essential part of human existence. Over time the word and its meaning evolved and presently the thesaurus offers the following synonyms:

Mind, soul, self, subconscious, spirit, subliminal self, inner self, ego and individuality.

These words have wide range of meanings and, therefore, it makes sense not to use them in the context of this article. Instead, a definition of the source of psychic phenomena will be presented thereby establishing a clear conceptual basis these phenomena can be referenced to.

There are two types of energy:

The energy of matter and the energy behind matter, which religion calls the spiritual energy and science calls the energy of the quantum vacuum.

The energy of matter oscillates between the stages of energy and of matter. In a movie consecutive frames give the impression of continued action, which progresses with each frame. The succession of matter phases marks the change, which was achieved in the energy phase and expresses it in a material dimension of width, height and length. The progression of matter phases creates time, the fourth dimension of matter.

The energy behind matter is very different from the energy of matter. It always remains energy and, therefore, does not constitute space or time. In this realm of pure energy everything is interrelated. Most importantly, these energies can be programmed and they determine what happens in consecutive matter phases like software determines how a computer operates. For simplicity's reason let's call these the spiritual energies.

Any kind of change for matter happens in its energy phase. Were the oscillation of matter to stop in a matter phase everything would stop dead at this instance. For instance, when a body moves the displacement takes place in the energy phases and matter follows energy's lead in consecutive matter phases thus expressing the movement, which has taken place in the preceding energy phases.

For movement to take place a command has to be issued. The processes that determine what matter has to do take place in the spiritual energies, which give the appropriate command to the matter energies. These perform according to these commands and in the ensuing matter phases this performance is expressed by whatever kind of action the energies of matter took.

For instance, someone thinks that he wants to go to the refrigerator. First comes the thought in his spiritual energies. This thought issues a command to the energies of matter, which then progress towards the refrigerator. The movement of the energies of matter is expressed in consecutive matter phases as this someone walks to the refrigerator.

From the above it is clear that every moment of a person's life involves spiritual activity. Without the directions given to a person by the energies behind matter - the spiritual energies - nothing can happen in the realm of matter. Considering this it is logical to call these energies the spirit of a person. This means that from all the names given to these energies in the thesaurus "spirit" is the correct one.

The way Professor Schiffer explains the difference between the left - the conscious - and the right side - the unconscious - of the brain it is clear that these two halves are designed like a biological computer. The conscious corresponds to the processor and the working memory, the unconscious corresponds to a hard drive i.e. memory storage. Consequently, every person has two minds. Together these constitute a personality.

This opens a very interesting possibility. The conscious minds puts data into the unconscious mind with thoughts, words and actions. This data is stored and retrieved when a situation arises that it can be used. If such data is used to make the conscious mind do something specific on a specific occasion then this works like a computer program that makes a computer perform a certain task. Consequently, a person can program himself/herself with an easy trick: one just has to talk to oneself as a second person. To make a New Year resolution stick one should not say: next year I'll do this and I won't do that. We all know that does not work too well. Instead one should address oneself on a first name basis and say, for instance, "next year, Joe, you do this and don't do that". That programs one's own subconscious and a New Year resolution made this way has a good chance to succeed.

Since it has no memory the conscious mind is blank at the time of birth. All of its skills have to be learned and developed as a person grows up. The unconscious mind is the spirit of a person and it contains all the data put in during all previous lifetimes. It consists of spiritual energies or energies of the quantum vacuum as they are called, as well. Such energies are all interconnected and, therefore, a person who can use his/her right side of the brain to tune into this type of energies can extract information from or make use of these energies.

With its access to memories of previous lifetimes the unconscious mind also has access to a vast reservoir of previous experiences from which the conscious mind can draw if it pays attention to feelings and hunches etc. because the unconscious mind cannot talk, it just transmits images or feelings. Every time the conscious mind thinks or plans the unconscious mind checks on the information stored in its energies and issues responses in form of feelings and images. As this check is done by spiritual energies the information is provided instantly as in the spiritual realm time does not exist.

For instance, someone nearly drowned at some point of time in the present or a previous lifetime. Such person's subconscious will issue a warning not to get too close to any kind of water deep enough to be dangerous. This person will feel uncomfortable whenever he/she gets close to open water. A general term for this kind of warnings if it is too strong is psychosis and the job of psychotherapist is to uncover the hidden reasons for this situation. Once these are detected the psychotherapist can "talk the person out" of his/her anxieties i.e. reprogram the unconscious energies.

Everybody is a spiritual person for spirituality is the basis of life itself. Even though the words "spiritual" and "psychic" by our definition mean the same a psychic person is thought to be someone with special gifts or powers. Such person has abilities a normal "spiritual" person does not have. He/she can use his/her right side of the brain, to provide insights in or to establish connections with the spiritual realm and interpret the findings. Hence, we are not talking of spiritual but of psychic phenomena.

The term "psychic" is applied to a wide range of abilities and situations. To facilitate understanding categories of psychic phenomena are presented, which sum up the ones that are related. In each category the ones that are closely related are grouped together.

ESP = Extra Sensory Perception

- Telepathy

- Tele-empathy

- Clairvoyance

- Precognition & Recognition

- Premonition

- Remote Viewing

- Psychometry

- Psi detectives

- Dowsing

- Earth Radiation

- Deja Vu

- Psychic Archaeology

Altered States of Consciousness

- OBE - out of body experience

- Near Death Experience

- Dreams

- Psychic Dreams

-Hallucinations

- Hypnosis

Powers of the Mind

- Telekinesis = Psychokinesis

- Levitation

- Teleportation

- Psychic healing

- Influencing plants

- Influencing weather

Psi Manifestations

- Prophesies

- Divination - auguri

- Oracles

- TV Psychics

- Communication with animals

- Trance mediums

- Spirit doctors

- Psychic photography

- Psychic audio contacts

- Hauntings

- Poltergeists

Death and Re-incarnation

Parapsychology is the branch of Psychology which studies behavior transcending known modes of sensory cognition and motor activity. Scientific study of the so called supernatural phenomena can be said to have commenced from 1882 with the founding of the society for Psychical Research in London. Similar societies now exist in many countries. The term parapsychology has been popularized by Dr.J.B.Rhine of the Duke University in U.S.A. The Parapsychology Laboratory was established at Duke University in 1934. There, psi phenomena were studied by means of laboratory experiments under controlled conditions. Many people therefore relate the term parapsychology mainly to this type of investigation.

Since the phenomena under study are rare and often contrary to common sense and the known laws of nature, most scientists remain skeptical as to the authenticity of the phenomena. Personal prejudices and beliefs of the investigator can have greater effect on the study than in other sciences. The possibility of the investigator being fooled by clever charlatans and of biased observation and reporting make people hesitate to consider evidence from studies as conclusive. All sorts of criticisms are made on the study, sometimes even going to the extent of questioning the personal integrity and honesty of the research worker.

The number of psychologists believing that the existence of genuine parapsychological phenomena has been demonstrated scientifically has increased considerably in recent times. Still, some even now try to explain away the reported occurrences in terms of known psychological concepts like suggestion, hysteria, hallucination, etc. or in terms of fraud, trickery, etc. Some accept the genuineness of psi capacities like extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK), but do not consider the evidence for survival or for life beyond death or for the existence of spirits adequate. There are scientists on the other extreme who believe that enough evidence has been gathered to prove the existence of spirits and think that it is possible to communicate with the spirits of dead individuals.

PSI CAPACITIES

1. Extrasensory Perception (ESP)

This term refers to non-sensory cognition. ESP is of two kinds: matagnomy and precognition. Metagnomy is cognition of the present obtained through means other than sensory, while the latter relates to the future. Metagnomy itself is of two types: clairvoyance and telepathy

A. Clairvoyance

This is extrasensory cognition of events and things of the past or present. To study this phenomenon in the laboratory, a pack of ESP cards or Zener cards are used. A pack of cards contains 25 cards, consisting of five sets, each set having one of the five symbols; cross, circle, star, wavy lines, and square. In a simple experiment to test clairvoyance, the 25 cards are shuffled and kept face down on the table. The subject has to guess the order of cards in the pack. The probability of correct guess by chance alone is 5 out of 25 or 1/5 of the total number of trials when the experiment is repeated. If chance were the only factor accounting for the correct guess, the number of correct guesses should come closer and closer to 1/5 of the total number of trials as the number of trials increase. In actual experimentation involving large numbers of subjects and long series of trials extending over several years, deviations significantly different from chance scores have been obtained (about 7 hits per 25). Many variations of the experiment have been tried. Special care has been given to rule out the possibility of sensory cues.

Many spontaneous phenomena have been recorded relating to persons who seem to possess the faculty of clairvoyance to a remarkable degree. Cryptoscopy is the ability to see things enclosed in a box or cover. Divination or dowsing is a commonly heard of form of clairvoyance where hidden objects, underground minerals, metals, water etc. are located, often using a divining rod which is a forked twig held in the hands. Some people are reported to show transposition of the senses like being able to read with fingertips. In autoscopy, the individual claims to see the organs inside his body. Some persons when handed over an object like a watch can sometimes say details regarding the people who have used it. This is referred to as psychometric.

B. Telepathy

Telepathy is extrasensory transfer of emotions and thoughts from one individual to another. For studying telepathy in the laboratory, two persons are required - an agent or sender and a percipient or receiver. In what is called the general ESP test, the sender looks at a card and the subject guesses the symbol and writes it down. After a large number of trials, the number of correct guesses can be counted. Here it can be seen that the factor accounting for the more than chance success score can be either telepathy, or clairvoyance or both. Therefore tests of pure telepathy were devised where the agent simply thinks of one of the given symbols and the subject makes a guess. The agent writes down the symbol only after the subject has done so. Elaborate precautions are reported to have been used to prevent involuntary subliminal articulation and other means by which the subject might get cues. In long distance telepathy experiments, the agent and the receiver were seated miles apart. Consistently high scoring rates have been reported.

It is generally believed that telepathy is greater between persons having a similar mental make-up and who are in rapport with each other. The phenomenon of one individual's mental state and feelings influencing another when they have no normal means of knowing it, is known as sympathism. Many persons are supposed to have much ability in thought reading. Cumberlandism is a parlor game where a blindfolded man is told where an object is hidden by simply touching his hand. The alleged cases of mass hypnotism could be controlling the minds of others through telepathic suggestion. A Russian Parapsychologist Vasiliev has succeeded in hypnotizing his subject telepathically.

C. Precognition

This term refers to the direct cognition of the future. This does not of course include rational inference. In a commonly used version of the experiment, the subject is asked to guess the future order of a pack of ESP cards. Then the cards are mechanically shuffled and the number of hits are counted as before. Once the phenomenon of precognition was proved, it became theoretically rather impossible to conduct experiments on pure telepathy. Precognitive clairvoyance can be said to be the operating factor.

Spontaneous cases of precognition occur most frequently through dreams. Some people experience duplicative precognition. The person has a dream and later on the same events unfold just as he had seen them in the dream. Many fortune tellers use crystals, coffee grounds, candles, etc. as an aid in precognition. It is possible that precognitive ability plays a role in palmistry, astrology, etc. However, enquiries with a scientific purpose have shown that most fortune tellers are quacks who just exploit the credulous people. Modern psychology has shown that suggestion can have a strong influence on human beings. Even death can be brought about by mere suggestion. The suggestions made by fortune tellers are believed and are acted upon in such a manner as to make them come true.

A large number of spontaneous cases are reported in journals of parapsychology which seem to indicate that ESP occurs in the case of animals as well.

2. Psychokinesis (PK)

This is the movement or change of state caused in an object by an individual through non-physical means. In a typical experiment, the subject attempts to influence the outcome of a mechanically performed dice throw. Just like ESP, the existence of PK also has been demonstrated experimentally by testing a large number of subjects. PK scores are generally smaller than ESP Scores, but almost anybody can get moderate success. The number of dice used per throw, the size and shape of the dice etc. have no effect on the scoring rate.

Many of the legendary feats reported by observers seem possible if we accept PK as a fact. There is experimental evidence that some people can influence plant growth and healing of wounds in mice through PK. Many people seem to have witnessed levitation which is lifting objects without contact. In psychogalvanometry, an individual sends an electric current through a galvanometer by holding the electrodes in his hands. Apport is bringing objects through the wall into a closed room. In psychography, changes are brought about on a photographic plate. Some people regard faith-healing of diseases as a form of psychokinesis. The ability to prevent vegetable mater from putrefying has been reported. According to popular conception, poltergeist, in which disturbances occur in a house in the form of objects moving about, stones falling, objects catching fire, etc. are due to the presence of a mischievous ghost. Some Parapsychologists hold the view that the disturbances are caused unconsciously through PK by an adolescent who is more or less ignorant of the fact that he or she is responsible for the occurrence. In the production of organic stigmata (wounds in the form of cross etc. produced on the skin), some process akin to PK might be operating. Hyloclasty involves microscopic effects on matter. Objects are broken into pieces by touching, perfume is extracted from flowers, etc.

Some such process is probably involved in the invulnerability to fire found in fire-walking ceremonies and the ability to withstand extreme cold. The ability to arrest vital physiological functions without damage has also been reported by investigators.

NATURE OF PSI CAPACITIES

Though experimentally, telepathy, clairvoyance, pre-cognition and psychokinesis are often treated as different, the available evidence indicates that there is just an overall psi capacity. Persons getting high scores in one type get high scores in the other types and when an individual's score falls in one, it falls in the others also. Psi phenomena are the product of the overall psychic field, which is a joint product of the personality and beliefs of all those who are involved: the experimenter, subjects and even those who are around as helpers or even mere observers, and the psychic nature of the place. Some places and certain periods of time may facilitate the operation of psi.

The `Experimenter effect' which has been demonstrated in many experiments, indicates that experimenters psychically (through ESP or PK) influence the outcome of the experiment and tend to get results in line with their attitudes and expectations. This would mean that there is no `objective truth' independent of the observer, which can be discovered through experiment (similar to the concepts of operationism, uncertainty principle, etc. in modern physics).

Motivational factors have been found closely related to ESP and PK. Boredom and distraction decrease the scoring rate. There is a general decline from run to run as the experiment proceeds as well as a decline within each run. There is an end spurt as the experiment is drawing to a close. Novelty increases the scoring rates. Children showed best results under competition. Immediate checking of results on each trial has a facilitating effect on performance. Subjects perform better on their own preferred method. Though use of hypnosis has given contrary findings in different studies, there is some indication that hypnotic training may help to develop psi ability, perhaps by increasing motivation and removing inhibitions.

Higher scoring rates are obtained when the experimenters and subjects had mutually positive attitudes. It was found that when packs prepared by the experimenter were mixed with packs prepared by another person, subjects were found to respond differentially by getting higher scores on those prepared by the experimenter. Better scores were obtained when the agent is a person liked by the subject and also belonging to the opposite sex. Familiarity with the experimental situation, relaxation and informality of the situation promote psi. Persons who believed in ESP and those having religious values got higher scores. Experimenters believing in ESP also produced higher scores. Many high scoring subjects were artists. High scorers are generally sociable and extraverted, which perhaps enable them to feel at ease in the experimental situation.

Caffeine helps and sodium amytal hinders psi. In PK, a lag effect has been observed when the target number is changed. In some experiments on precognition a displacement effect has been noted. Some subjects were found to respond consistently to the second target ahead, instead of the first, indicating precognitive telepathy.

Some people have been found consistently to get below chance level scores, indicating that psi is operating in the opposite direction. Negative attitudes of the subjects or experimenter, introverted personality of the subjects and frustration resulting from procedural complications or delaying checking of performance are some of the factors found associated with psi missing. The preferential effect results when the subject is presented with two contrasting conditions simultaneously and he responds differentially by psi-hitting on one and psi missing on the other. For instance, sometimes positive scores are obtained on high-value faces of dice and negative deviations are obtained on low faces in PK experiments. Often in differential response situations, the hit distribution curve of one condition is of the U shape while the other gives its water reflection image.

Inducing And Developing Psi Capacities:

Though hypnosis is associated with psi in the minds of laymen, actual studies have failed to find any significant relationships. Hypnosis is artificial semi-sleep. Those with a hysteric temperament (with lot of Inertia), being very suggestible, easily fall into this state and readily accept and obey suggestions given by another person. Those with an Activated or Stable temperament can go to the semi-sleep condition if they really want to, but they find it difficult to accept and obey suggestions. Psi continues to work in hypnosis, if the subject is already psychic in normal waking consciousness; hypnosis does not have much relevance in increasing psi operation. There are some extra-ordinary reports of psi phenomena like hypnotic regression to past lives. Attempts at replication have generally failed. Hysterics give imaginary accounts of past lives which fail to get authenticated.

Some investigators have reported that hypnosis is to a limited extent helpful in training for psi, by removing inhibitions in the case of some subjects, though for actual performance, hypnotic condition is not particularly helpful. A relaxed meditative state helps psi performance. Psi in general is a function of overall personality and holistic personal growth which increases flexibility of mind, promotes psi.

Those who have a high degree of psi do not use it because of the feeling that normal life loses all meaning once you go beyond the regularities which give it any meaning.

THE PROBLEM OF SURVIVAL/EXISTENCE OF SPIRITS:

Apart from psi capacities, there is another field of investigation which is more controversial. This is about whether the human being has a soul which survives bodily death and if so whether the spirits can communicate with living persons.

Spiritualism and Mediumship

In almost all parts of the world there are persons who claim to be mediums through whom dead persons are supposed to communicate with the living. Usually the medium enters a trance-like state and the spirits talk through the medium. Sometimes the medium uses an ouija board which contains all the alphabets and a planchette (a moving handrest on wheels with a pointer or a pencil attached) using which automatic writing can be produced. Spiritualism has grown into a cult in many countries where people who believe in the existence of a non-material spiritual world try to communicate with the spirits of the dead. The seances are held usually at night in dim light. Ostensible messages are received from dead persons for relatives and friends and descriptions of conditions beyond the grave are given. Often the medium will have one or more `spirit controls' who can speak directly through the medium, make predictions and convey messages to and from the spirit world.

There are many mediums who produce what is called physical or mediumistic phenomena. These include transportation of physical objects, levitation of the medium or surrounding objects, raps and various noises, playing musical instruments, etc. The strangest occurrence is the supposed appearance of a filmy substance called ectoplasm. This is supposed to be a semi-material substance derived from the body of the medium. It is believed that the spirits are able to materialize at a seance using ectoplam coming from the medium. The materializations may take the shape of a hand, face or body or any other shape. This supposed objectivisation of forms is known as teleplasty. Many photographs are available supposed to be those of materializations.

A scientific investigation into spiritualism and mediumship has been very difficult. Mediumship is often a means to earn a livelihood for the medium. Even mediums whom many researchers have found to be genuine resort to guessing, inference and trickery. Many use elaborate mechanical devices for producing physical phenomena. There are cases where living persons mistakenly believed to be dead have communicated through mediums.

Many psychical researchers hold the view that genuine mediums have ESP and PK and that in trance, their unconscious mind, gets the desired information through ESP and gives it out in a dramatic form as though a dead man is speaking. This type of explanation has to be extended very far to account for the findings of some cross-correspondence experiments. In these, a spirit gives parts of a message through different mediums in different countries. The message makes sense only when all the parts are put together. Some investigators are more inclined to believe that the unconscious minds of the mediums are collaborating and influencing each other in producing this or that telepathy from a living person is causing this rather than to accept the existence of a spirit.

Apparitions:

Apparitions are mainly of four types: the crisis apparitions, post-mortem apparitions, haunting apparitions and experimental apparitions.

An apparition of an individual is considered to be a crisis apparition if it appears within the 12 hour period following his death. Many cases are reported where the apparition of the dead man appears to his relatives or friends who would not have even known of the event. One obvious explanation would be telepathy. It has been suggested that telepathy operates more when an individual is in a crisis situation. He sends a telepathic message which may be received by his relative or friend only after some time when his mind is in a receptive state (deferred telepathy). The message received by the unconscious mind enters the conscious mind in the form of an apparition of the dying man. Some others present at that time might through telepathy, share the experience.

Post-mortem apparitions are apparitions appearing 12 hours after the crisis.

Haunting is an apparition seen repeatedly at the same place at certain times over a relatively long period of time. Several explanations other than that of survival have been suggested to account for the cases investigated. One explanation is based on ESP. It has been mentioned that what one clairvoyant reads in an object is likely to be seen by other clairvoyants who later on see the object, even when the reading is incorrect. It is also believed that objects differ in the evocatory power or the power to stimulate clairvoyance. Some researchers speak of psychic impregnation of space by the dying man. The places which become haunted might be places which stimulate clairvoyance in the sensitives. Such persons might easily see, through clairvoyance, the image of an individual who had lived in that place or see an interesting event which had taken place there. Other clairvoyants coming to the location might have the same vision again and the place is supposed to the haunted. It is also possible that belief in the existence of a ghost inhabiting a place in the minds of many people living in the locality might create a telepathic image in the minds of people who come to that place. The other explanation is that of teleplasty. A dying man creates a teleplastic phantom as a medium produces a materialization in trance. The teleplastic phantom becomes independent, shows automatic behavior and is seen as a ghost.

The non-physical nature of apparitions is clear from the studies on apparitions. They do not normally cause any change in the environment, though it is reported that sometimes the sensation of coldness is felt at that time.

In Experimental apparition, one person deliberately produces by volition an apparition of himself or of another man doing a particular act before a subject who is seated elsewhere. This process takes place through telepathic suggestion.

L.E. Rhine, on the basis of her studies of spontaneous cases, comes to the conclusion that there are several cases where it appears that the deceased personality had induced the experience and a few cases where the initiative of the deceased person is the only possible explanation.

Reincarnation:

Many cases are on record where an individual, usually a child, claims to remember his past birth and successfully identifies relatives and articles belonging to the deceased personality. Another explanation for such cases is that as a result of similarity of mental make-up, the individual is able to know the experiences of another individual who lived in the past, through ESP. This is parallel to the sympathism that occurs between two living individuals. Psychometric ESP, mediated by some object can also account for such cases. However, cases collected by Ian Stevenson, where persons have talked languages or performed skills not learned before and where birth marks have been related to injuries in the previous life (PK through sympathism?) are suggestive of actual reincarnation.

Possession

Most of the reported cases of possession are clearly a manifestation of hysterical dissociation of personality. The possession is an unconscious device to dominate over others, to do something which is normally objectionable or to vent out repressed emotions. Rarely, schizophrenic disintegration of personality may also lead to split or multiple personality which can be mistaken for possession by a discarnate spirit.

Other Phenomena Related to Survival:

Some psychics claim that the human being has an astral body which by practice can be projected out of the physical body. Spontaneous astral projection is supposed to take place during dreams, acute ill-health, drug experiences, etc. This is often called OBE (Out of the Body Experience).

In bilocation, where a person is seen at two places at the time, one could be an apparition. There are mystics who claim that they can leave their physical body and move about in their astral body.

In many primitive cultures, there are people who claim that they have brought spirits under their control through sorcery or black magic and that with their help they can work wonders. It is possible that PK is the real operating factor, if any.

The similarity in descriptions of death-bed experiences (NDE or near death experience) of those who died on the hospital table and were brought back to life also lend support to the survival hypothesis. According to spiritists, the experience of passing through a dark tunnel with light at the other end is passing of the astral body through the pineal gland in the brain, while to the skeptics it is the experience of the process of brain gradually stopping to function. The other experiences of dead relatives appearing and seeing gods are explained as hallucinations produced by intense expectation.

The evidence for ESP and PK is considered compelling by most psychologists, but the law of parsimony of science demands that until more conclusive evidence is obtained, it is safer to consider survival only as a hypothesis in view of the a priori objections and complexities involved in effecting a compromise with the known laws of science.

Miscellaneous Psi Phenomena:

Para Psychology studies report of extra ordinary and unusual psychological experiences like Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO). Kirlian photography is photographs taken of objects(of the portion of the object touching the photographic plate) in a high energy electro-magnetic filed in a dark room. Some people relate the ‘aura’ seen around the object touching the photographic plate as related to astral phenomena.

PSI AND THE NATURE OF MAN

Attempts to understand psi in purely physical terms have become less popular in recent years. For instance, the theory that telepathy involves transmission of some kind of electro-magnetic waves has been discredited in experiments in which the agent and the subject were seated in metal cabins.

All the available evidence seems to point to the fact that psi operates through the unconscious. Spontaneous ESP comes as intuitive hunches, strong emotions, hallucinations, automatic writing or dreams. In a telepathy experiment, where shocks given to the agent were the stimuli, even when the subject did not consciously succeed in responding correctly, his physiological measures like brain-wave pattern and electrical conductivity of the skin indicated that he was responding unconsciously to the shocks received by the agent. The importance of good interpersonal relations in effecting psi has led to the concept of a subliminal or transcendental self or collective unconscious which does not exist in space or time and which is neither one nor many. Some people speak of a paranormal reality consisting of the past, present and future which is a substratum and background for the world of the senses.

In many countries, methods like yoga are supposed to help an individual in developing psi capacities and in inducing ecstatic states of consciousness about which little is known. Certain drugs are believed to help temporarily. Practices associated with witchcraft also may have such an effect.

Some people think that psi capacities are developing in man in evolution. Some postulate `collective psychism' and `ideo-plasty' in evolution. A spider learns to make his web from the collective spider mind through telepathy. New organs develop in animals during the course of evolution through ideoplasty.

Our conscious self is perhaps an adaptation of the total personality for biological survival. There appears to be a mechanism repressing psi capacities. Perhaps the sense organs are mechanisms of limitation which limit our perceptions to the immediate environment. Our motor control similarly limits our control to the physical body. The evidence for precognition gives support to the theory of determinism or fate. Perhaps, the past, present, and future exist simultaneously and we are simply passing through it. We may be able to get glimpses of the future under certain conditions. At the same time, the phenomenon of PK indicates that our potentiality to act upon the physical world is not limited to our motor capabilities. Probably our will and actions are also part of the predetermined course of events.

Psi capacities are supposed to be a function of overall integration of personality. Methods like yoga are supposed to develop psi capacities. Forcing psi capacities without overall development of personality is supposed to produce imbalance in the person.

PSYCHIC FIELD THEORY

The psychic field existing at any time and place is a function of the evocatory power depending on the psychic history of the place, the psychic nature of people present there at that time, etc. In the case of rigid people, psi operates negatively by suppression of the paranormal. In the case of people with a high level of Stability, psi operates positively, if they desire so. Any psychic event takes place as a function of the psychic field.

Angela Ashton of Cryptic Shadows Paranormal Research (CSPR) is a Renowned Parasychologist & Recognitive in the Scientific Study of Paranormal Science & Phenomena. If you, or someone you know suspect you may have a haunting, please feel free to contact her at the contact info listed on the CSPR website for assistance. There is no charge for their services & evidence gathered is used in the field of Paranormal Science Investigation & Study for further knowledge on this subject. To learn more about Angela's Non-Profit Organization, Cryptic Shadows & their experience and field of expertise, check out their Business Profile on Linked In.

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Parapsychology and the Paranormal

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Angela Ashton, Cryptic Shadows Founder and Paranormal Scientist talks about the Paranormal and PSI. Along with being a Paranormal Investigator and Paranormal Scientist, Angela is currently involved in Parapsychology studies and experiences different levels of PSI Power, mostly in the form of Retrocognition with some instances of Precognition.

“Paranormal” has been in the English language since at least 1920. It consists of two parts: para and normal. In most definitions of the word paranormal, it is described as anything that is beyond or contrary to what is deemed scientifically possible. The definition implies that the scientific explanation of the world around us is the 'normal' part of the word and 'para' makes up the above, beyond, beside, contrary, or against part of the meaning.

Para has a Greek and Latin origin. Its most common meaning (the Greek usage) is 'similar to' or 'near to', as in paragraph. In Latin, para means 'above,' 'against,' 'counter,' 'outside,' or 'beyond'. For example, parapluie in French means 'counter-rain' – an umbrella. It can be construed, then, that the term paranormal is derived from the Latin use of the prefix 'para', meaning 'against, counter, outside or beyond the norm.'

Psi Power

The term psi comes from the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet and is used as an informal abbrevation for "psychic phenomena". As such it covers all uses of the mind beyond the reach of accepted science. It is not an acronym and should therefore not be typed as "PSI" - a mistake I know I tend to make myself!

What Is Psi? What Is ESP?

The term psi is sometimes used interchangeably with ESP. In fact ESP stands for "Extra Sensory Perception". As such ESP covers phenomena known as "anomolous cognition", for example mental telepathy. Psi is a more general term that also covers "anomolous operation". In other words, ESP is the subset of psi that deals with knowing things - psi itself is a much wider field that also includes using the power of the mind to do things.

Parapsychology and Psionics

Psi research, studying the potential untapped power of the human mind, is the main focus of parapsychology and parapsychological research. The applied usage of psi power is known as psionics. This is what we informally call "mind over matter".

Parapsychology and psionics are hotly disputed subjects, with many critics dismissing them out of hand. It is true that many apparent psi successes are difficult to reproduce under laboratory conditions - however perhaps this is not surprising for something that comes from the mind. Psi powers fit into the category of phenomena for which there is little solid scientific evidence but a wealth of anecdotal experience. It could be classified as "unproven but interesting".

Types of Psi

Some of the mental powers that fit under the category of "psi powers" include:

Teleportation Telepathy Telekenisis (also called psychokinesis)

Precognition

Clairvoyance

What Is Clairvoyance?

The term clairvoyance means "clear seeing" and is sometimes referred to as "second sight" or "the third eye". It is often categorised as a form of psi power / ESP although some people prefer a more mystical explanation.

Strictly speaking, clairvoyance refers only to visual information. A classic example of clairvoyance is remote vewing. However the term is also used rather loosely and some people also use the word clairvoyance to refer to picking up sound (technically, "clairaudience") and other information that is beyond the strict definition of the term.

The combined term for all these forms of psychic information gathering - clairvoyance, clairaudience, precognition and more - is "clairsentience". What is known informally as a psychic clairvoyant reaing will often contain elements of all these disciplines depending on the abilities and preferences of the psychic or medium.

Parapsychologists have studied clairvoyance for years however there is still no clear evidence one way or the other since it is difficult to test and measure. Some people believe that clairvoyance is a natural ability, others that it can be learned - you can buy training courses or attend classes that claim to develop and improve any latent natural ability one might have.

At the other extreme, clairvoyant powers are often claimed by spiritualists and mediums and the developing of such powers is considered to indicate an increasing rapport with the spirits.

Retrocognition

The term retrocognition refers to the knowledge of things that have already happened. That doesn't sound too exciting until you add the words "which could not be known by normal means". In many ways retrocognition is the opposite of precognition and is sometimes called postcognition.

Like precognition, retrocognition is a psi ability that can take many forms. For instance psychometry can be considered a form of retrocognition.

Psychometry

Psychometry differs from many other forms of divination in that it is primarily concerned with seeing into the past ("retrocognition") rather than the future ("precognition"). Psychometry in parapsychology should not be confused with the psychological discipline of psychometrics which concerns testing and analysis of psychological traits.

The word psychometry was invented by US physiology professor Joseph R. Buchanan in 1842. It literally means "soul measurement" - from the Greek "psyche" (soul) and "metron" (measure).

At its most effective, psychometry allows the psychic to gain a picture of the events surrounding the past of an object. If this information is accurate then it could potentially be of use in detection of crime.

How Does Psychometry Work?

Touch or, at the least, close proximity appears to be essential for effective psychometric reading. Many scryers have reported greater success with metallic objects - that could provide some clues to a possible scientific basis for the phenomenom.

Buchanan hypothesised that an object contained some form of "memory" of its past, a sort of soul, that psychics can read and interpret. Some people liken this to the theosophical concept of the Akashic reord.

Others have suggested that psychometry is in some way akin to aura reading.

"Pseudo-psychometry" is an effect often presented by mind magicians ("mentalists") and there are many ways to achieve the effect of which the most well-known is probably Theodore Annemann's. As always, the fact that something can be faked does not mean that it is never genuine.

Perhaps the most spectacular form of retrocognition is past life recall or regression. Here the events perceived often occured in the far past and could not possibly have been known about by normal means.

Whether the psychic really "lived" these lives or is picking up on some sort of historical "psychic shadow" is a question for philosophers. It doesn't change the nature of the experience.

Precognition

What Is Precognition?

The term precognition means "prior knowledge" and is used to refer to any form of knowledge about future events that cannot be explained by normal means. Examples of precognition can be as basic as a feeling - "something bad's going to happen" - or a detailed vision of future events, for example in the form of a precognitve dream. Such visions can be clear and straightforward or as cryptic and ambiguous as the prophecies of Nostradamus.

Where precognition is taking place at an emotional level of gut feeling, it is sometimes referred to as "presentiment".

Premonitions and prophecy are common in history and folklore. On a small scale most of us have probably experienced them ourselves - knowing what someone is about to say or thinking about a friend moments before they phone.

There are three main problems with establishing the validity of precognition. The first is that very often what appears to be some form of ESP may in fact simply be subconscious intuition. It can be difficult to tell them apart. For instance, there are a lot of non-verbal cues that could give us an idea of what someone is about to say or do, especially if we know them well.

The situation is made worse by the fact that many premonitions and predictions are vague. Was an event really predicted, or was the prediction vague enough to have referred to any number of possible events? It's easy to make a vague prediction appear right after the fact.

The third major problem is statistical. Many, many instances of precognition occur every day - most are false and never reported. How many times have we "felt" that we shouldn't fly today, or that this will be our lucky week to buy a lotto ticket? Most of the time these premonitions come to nothing. Yet on the rare occasion one proves right and we tell the media about it, that particular premonition becomes big news.

Parapsychology researchers attempt to devise experiments to avoid these problems. The most well-known involves Zener cards. A deck is shuffled and the psychic attempts to predict the order in which they will be dealt. In such an experiment no-one knows the order of the cards so there can be no subconscious cues, the outcomes are specifically defined and the results can be analysed statistically.

Philosophy and Physics

If precognition does exist, it poses great philosophical questions and challenges much of our world view. Does it mean that the future is fixed? Is the prophecy definite or simply a likely possibility? Can we change the predicted future or will our actions simply bring it to pass? Such questions have formed the basis of much science fiction.

It's interesting to note that precognition might not actually be in conflict with the laws of nature. Many of the fundamental equations of the universe are "time reversible" - time could equally well run backwards as forwards. Why should we not remember the future? Our perception of time as being one-way is itself the oddity, a phenomenom known as the "arrow of time". Just as our perception of this world as having only one dimension through space and time seems impossible after the things I have seen and experienced in this life time.

Paranormal researchApproaching the paranormal from a research perspective is often difficult because of the lack of acceptable physical evidence from most of the purported phenomena. By definition, the paranormal does not conform to conventional expectations of the natural. Therefore, a phenomenon cannot be confirmed as paranormal using the scientific method because, if it was, it would no longer fit the definition. Despite this contradiction, studies on the paranormal are periodically conducted by researchers from various disciplines. Some researchers simply study the beliefs in the paranormal regardless of whether the phenomena are considered to objectively exist. This section deals with various approaches to the paranormal: anecdotal, experimental, and participant-observer approaches and the skeptical investigation approach.

Anecdotal approach to the Paranormal

Charles Fort, 1920. Fort is perhaps the most widely known collector of paranormal stories.An anecdotal approach to the paranormal involves the collection of stories told about the paranormal.

Charles Fort (1874–1932) is perhaps the best known collector of paranormal anecdotes. Fort is said to have compiled as many as 40,000 notes on unexplained paranormal experiences, though there were no doubt many more than these. These notes came from what he called "the orthodox conventionality of Science", which were odd events originally reported in magazines and newspapers such as The Times and scientific journals such as Scientific American, Nature and Science". From this research Fort wrote seven books, though only four survive. These are: The Book of the Damned (1919), New Lands (1923), Lo! (1931) and Wild Talents (1932); one book was written between New Lands and Lo! but it was abandoned and absorbed into Lo!.

Reported events that he collected include teleportation (a term Fort is generally credited with coining); poltergeist events, falls of frogs, fishes, inorganic materials of an amazing range; crop circles; unaccountable noises and explosions; spontaneous fires; levitation; ball lightning (a term explicitly used by Fort); unidentified flying objects; mysterious appearances and disappearances; giant wheels of light in the oceans; and animals found outside their normal ranges (see phantom cat). He offered many reports of OOPArts, abbreviation for "out of place" artifacts: strange items found in unlikely locations. He also is perhaps the first person to explain strange human appearances and disappearances by the hypothesis of alien abduction, and was an early proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Fort is considered by many as the father of modern paranormalism, which is the study of the paranormal.

The magazine Fortean Times continues Charles Fort's approach, regularly reporting anecdotal accounts of the paranormal.

Such anecdotal collections, lacking the reproducibility of empirical evidence, are not amenable to scientific investigation. The anecdotal approach is not a scientific approach to the paranormal because it leaves verification dependent on the credibility of the party presenting the evidence. Nevertheless, it is a common approach to paranormal phenomena.

Parapsychology

Participant of a Ganzfeld experiment which proponents say may show evidence of telepathy.Experimental investigation of the paranormal has been conducted by parapsychologists. Although parapsychology has its roots in earlier research, it began using the experimental approach in the 1930s under the direction of J. B. Rhine (1895–1980).[13] Rhine popularized the now famous methodology of using card-guessing and dice-rolling experiments in a laboratory in the hopes of finding a statistical validation of extra-sensory perception.

In 1957, the Parapsychological Association was formed as the preeminent society for parapsychologists. In 1969, they became affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. That affiliation, along with a general openness to psychic and occult phenomena in the 1970s, led to a decade of increased parapsychological research. During this time, other notable organizations were also formed, including the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine (1970), the Institute of Parascience (1971), the Academy of Religion and Psychical Research, the Institute for Noetic Sciences (1973), and the International Kirlian Research Association (1975). Each of these groups performed experiments on paranormal subjects to varying degrees. Parapsychological work was also conducted at the Stanford Research Institute during this time.

With the increase in parapsychological investigation, there came an increase in opposition to both the findings of parapsychologists and the granting of any formal recognition of the field. Criticisms of the field were focused in the founding of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (1976), now called the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and its periodical, Skeptical Inquirer. Eventually, more mainstream scientists became critical of parapsychology as an endeavor, and statements by the National Academies of Science and the National Science Foundation cast a pall on the claims of evidence for parapsychology.[citation needed] Today, many cite parapsychology as an example of a pseudoscience.

Though there are still some parapsychologists active today, interest and activity has waned considerably since the 1970s. To date there have been no experimental results that have gained wide acceptance in the scientific community as valid evidence of the paranormal. But then again scientific evidence is just that...evidence gathered as to cause a belief that something exists. Scientific evidence is needed to form the belief for proof.

Belief polls

While the validity of the existence of paranormal phenomena is controversial and debated passionately by both proponents of the paranormal and by skeptics, surveys are useful in determining the beliefs of people in regards to paranormal phenomena. These opinions, while not constituting scientific evidence for or against, may give an indication of the mindset of a certain portion of the population (at least among those who answered the polls).

One survey of the beliefs of the general United States population regarding paranormal topics was conducted by the Gallup Organization in 2005. The survey found that 73%of those polled believed in at least one of the ten paranormal items presented in the survey. The ten items included in the survey were: extrasensory perception (41% held this belief), haunted houses (37%), ghosts (32%), telepathy (31%), clairvoyance (26%), astrology (25%), communication with the dead (21%), witches (21%), reincarnation (20%), and channeling spiritual entities (9%). These items were selected as they "require the belief that humans have more than the 'normal' five senses." Only one percent of respondents believed in all ten items.

Another survey conducted in 2006 by researchers from Australia's Monash University sought to determine what types of phenomena people claim to have experienced and the effects these experiences have had on their lives. The study was conducted as an online survey with over 2,000 respondents from around the world participating. The results revealed that around 70% of the respondents believe to have had an unexplained paranormal event that changed their life, mostly in a positive way. About 70% also claimed to have seen, heard, or been touched by an animal or person that they knew was not there; 80% have reported having a premonition, and almost 50% stated they recalled a previous life.

Polls were conducted by Bryan Farha at Oklahoma City University and Gary Steward of the University of Central Oklahoma in 2006, and compared to the results of a Gallup poll in 2001.They found fairly consistent results.

Percentage of US citizens polled

Poll: Farha-Steward Gallup

psychic/spiritual healing 56 26 54 19

ESP 28 39 50 20

haunted houses 40 25 42 16

demonic possession 40 28 41 16

ghosts/spirits of the dead 39 27 38 17

telepathy 24 34 36 26

extraterrestrials visited

Earth in the past 17 34 33 27

clairvoyance and prophecy 24 33 32 23

communication with

the dead 16 29 28 26

astrology 17 26 28 18

witches 26 19 26 15

reincarnation 15 28 25 20

channeling 10 29 15 21

Other surveys by different organizations at different times have found very similar results. A 2001 Gallup Poll found that the general public embraced the following: 54% of people believed in psychic/spiritual healing, 42% believed in haunted houses, 41% believed in satanic possession, 36% in telepathy, 25% in reincarnation, and 15% in channeling.[39] A survey by Jeffrey S. Levin, associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk found that over 2/3 of the U.S. population reported having at least one mystical experience.

A 1996 Gallup poll estimated that 71% of the people in the United States believed that the government was covering up information about UFOs. A 2002 Roper poll conducted for the Sci Fi channel reported that 56% thought UFOs were real craft and 48% that aliens had visited the Earth.[

A 2001 National Science Foundation survey found that 9 percent of people polled thought astrology was very scientific, and 31 percent thought it was somewhat scientific. About 32% of Americans surveyed stated that some numbers were lucky, while 46% of Europeans agreed with that claim. About 60% of all people polled believed in some form of Extra-sensory perception and 30% thought that "some of the unidentified flying objects that have been reported are really space vehicles from other civilizations.

belief% - not sure * belief% - not sure

More difficult to explain away are the examples of retrocognition where someone is consciously aware of the details of a previous happening. These "visions" can either be seen as a movie or through the eyes of one of the participants. Unfortunately this is one of the many forms of psi ability that is not amenable to laboratory testing - for most psychics, such flashes occur spontaneously and cannot be reproduced at will.Another theory is that psychometry is unconscious ESP. The object is essentially acting as a focus for the reader's psi power.The basis of psychometry is that the psychic takes an object and - usually as a result of physical contact - is able to "see" its past. This might take the form of knowing to whom it has belonged or simply feeling strong emotions connected with it. For example, has this weapon ever been fired in anger?As with precognition, retrocognition can occur at many levels. At its simplest it's simply a "feeling": regonising a place, person or set of circumstances; somehow "knowing" what happened in a certain situation. The common feeling of "deja vu" could be a low level form of retrocognition. As always, skeptics often explain such feelings as coincidence or information subconsciously gathered by ordinary means.The experience of clairvoyance differs from person to person. In the field of ESP and psi research, it normally takes the form of simply sitting in a room and concentrating. Informally, many clairvoyants prefer to use various techniques and equipment as suits their personality and beliefs. There is a viewpoint that all forms of scrying are in fact simply clairvoyance exhibiting itself through a mechanism of the psychic's choice.It has been suggested that such abilities might be connected with the pineal gland in the brain however I'm not personally aware of any scientific research to support this.In adition, clairvoyance strictly refers to obtaining information from the current time period. However in practice the term is not always restricted to contemporaneous events. Many clairvoyants also claim to receive images the past and/or future (the latter being precognition). In this case, their clairvoyant abilities are seen as part of a larger psychic power.Some people argue that all forms of scrying are in fact subconscious application of psi powers. Clairvoyance / Clairsentience Despite the dismissal of parapsychology by much of the scientific establishment, there are some groups doing serious research into the subject, for instance Edinburgh's Koestler Parapsychology Unit (KPU).

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S = Spiritual W = Warfare A = Assistance T = Team Paranormal S.W.A.T. Founded by Angela Ashton, Demonologist / Paranormal Scientist .

Our Group handles demonic cases as well as all other types of hauntings & paranormal activity. We also have qualified staff and Clergy available for cleansing and/or home blessings. Email us at: para.swat.team@groups.facebook .com or info@csparanormalresearch.com

Get Educated before making your decision and KNOW YOUR ENEMY!

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S = Spiritual

W = Warfare

A = Assistance

T = Team

Paranormal S.W.A.T. Founded by Angela Ashton, Demonologist / Paranormal Scientist .

Our Group handles demonic cases as well as all other types of hauntings & paranormal activity. We also have qualified staff and Clergy available for cleansing and/or home blessings.

Email us at: para.swat.team@groups.facebook .com

or info@csparanormalresearch.com