Possession

Possession is the process of a spirit entering a body. It is a type of indwelling and can variably be called incarnation, implantation, quickening (each of these can be their own specific occurrences as well). Though technically when a spirit attaches to a infant body and becomes a person, that is an instance of possession, it is commonly called the quickening. The term possession is mostly commonly used to refer to spirit beings, and sometimes fae, that are able to find room and enter into a living person (who already has a spirit). This duality of spirit, or burdened soul, is the result of allowance or extreme openness and vulnerability to such a phenomenon.
Most spirits have the ability to attach to physical living creatures with a compromised aura. If the creature is overwhelmed by fear, are convinced to invite the spirit to accompany them, or are physically weak enough, the spirit can hitch a ride on it. When they enter that creature and attempt to control them, it is called implantation. If the spirit gains control then it is possession. Many spirits, though, do not care to expend the effort to wear down and possess a host.
[Any spirit has the potential to possess, but many are so small or uninterested that they never attempt it or would not be able to with the victims most commonly available. Sentient beings can be possessed by spirits as they have souls (which can potentially carry a spirit) but lack innate spirits. Tacient and cecient beings can easily by controlled by magic without any need for possession—though they lack souls and thus the ability to carry a spirit.]
A spirit can take up residence in any seat of spirit. If it is empty, it is as an act of natural ease for the spirit to indwell it. If the seat is already occupied, then there must be an openness in the person's mind/aura or it must be overwhelmed by the intruding spirit.
The possessed individual can be imparted with the knowledge and perception of the spirit as well as it's power to enhance and alter the body by transfiguration. Many darkly possessed people are reported to have supernatural strength, breaking out of bonds and easily fighting off the supernaturally unprotected that try to subdue them.
== Types ==
* Negative (Ash. dibuq)
** The entry of a controlling spirit that harms the possessed or uses them to harm others. The possessed usually has no memory of being possessed.
* Positive (Ash. ibur, muhum/mahu)
** The embodiment of a benign spirit for the purpose of being aided or guided by it. Differs from a trance or spirit filling, which is only an influence and not an implantation on the soul.
== Possessional Beings ==
Some spirits are particularly attuned or have an affinity for possession. They can be spirits or fae utilizing their spirit nature.
* Wraith
* Brollachain / Brollachaun
* Demons
* Vengeful Ghosts
* Dibuqim
* Shedim
* Gidimene
== Ghost Possession ==
If a ghost is mad enough with attachment it can possess the object of it. Someone amenable to the deceased person can also open themselves up—by the ghost's persuasion or their own conclusion—to being possessed by the ghost. It is important in these situations for the exorcist to properly identify the possessing spirit as a ghost, a person that can be spoken to and potentially reasoned with, rather than a spirit or a demon.
== Exorcism ==
Exorcism is the removal of possessing spirit. It is cast out by will, most often requiring the will of those other than the host to initiate the separation. Self exorcisms are very rare. Alchemy can also be used to assist in the process, the herbs olibanum, failonswort, juniper, and mullein being known for their exorcistic properties.
== Sources ==
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_possession
http://www.enchantmentsnyc.com/stories/10-herbs-for-purification-protection-and-exorcism
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2696607
Category:Spirits
Category:Ontology
Category:Inhabitation