Possession

The word *possession* means, in simplest terms, that a spirit is inside the body of a human. While there, it speaks through the human's mouth (the voice may or may not change; communication may be in the person's usual language or in an unknown tongue), and it takes control of the person's body.

Two types of possession by spirits exist: voluntary and involuntary. It is the human who either willingly volunteers to serve as a host or is invaded.

Involuntary possession means the spirit is not welcome; it has just made itself at home. Such a spirit often behaves destructively toward its host or others, but in general, the phenomenon is nowhere as dramatic as what is depicted in movies or horror fiction. The spirit behaves like a parasite, but on a grander scale, sometimes causing illness or coma. Often these are spirits who, for one reason or another, seek a human host in which to hide. They are trying to lie low, although often unsuccessfully.

Certain types of spirits are most likely to engage in involuntary possession, for instance Jewish dybbuks or Japanese fox spirits. In general, invasive spirits who engage in involuntary possession need to be exorcised.

Involuntary possession is rare. Voluntary possession, on the other hand, occurs every day, all around the world.

Voluntary possession, more accurately called *ritual possession*, *very* rarely occurs outside formal ritual. Spirits *very* rarely possess the noninitiated, someone who has not been taught to handle the experience. Ritual possession is a skill that is learned and taught. It is not something that the average independent practitioner needs to worry about.

How is it possible for spirits to speak directly to people, deliver prophecies, and provide healing? The easiest, most efficient way is through the bodies of their devotees. During ceremonies and ritual, spirits are invited to join people, to enter into human bodies, and to speak through human mouths. The person who is possessed by a spirit is temporarily *in possession* of whatever powers that spirit possesses, healing via touch or demonstrating perfect clairvoyance.

This type of ritual possession exists around the world and is shared by *multitudes* of spiritual traditions. It is not an uncommon phenomenon. Voluntary possession is temporary; a spirit may be present in a human body for minutes or possibly hours, but very rarely longer. Spirits rarely make surprise appearances (although sometimes unexpected spirits turn up during ceremonies). Contrary to sensationalized versions, it is usually people who seek possession, more than spirits. Spirits often must be seduced or cajoled before they begin to appear. Singing and dancing lures and entices spirits into bodies of devotees. Other ritual enticements include music (especially drumming), costumes, masks, incense, and offerings (gifts or bribes for the spirits).

Why is possession sought?

* To be in the presence of the sacred
* To obtain the blessings of the spirits
* Because spirits are able to provide healing and oracles in this fashion
* Because possession is perceived as the supreme blessing a spirit can bestow upon celebrants

For the brief time that a spirit inhabits a human body, that person *is* the spirit. What happens to the human soul within that body? it's hard to say, but it emerges unharmed immediately after the spirit's departure. Most people have no memory of what transpired during possession or of messages they delivered. The general consensus among spiritual traditions is that somehow the human personality is pushed down or pushed out of the way by the spirit.

The Dinka people of the Sudan describe ritual possession as being "caught by the Creator." The typical term used for a possessed person is *horse*. The human becomes a vehicle for the spirit the way horses are vehicles for people. The title of Maya Deren's 1953 book and film, *Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti*, references this phenomenon. The exact terminology, that the possessed person serves as a spirit's "horse" or "mount," exists in rural India and elsewhere as well.

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes