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Demonic possession and belief in demons may stem from psychological conditions rather than actual reality, says LITZ BUTCHER
The concept of demons has been part of human mythology and religious beliefs for millennia. Major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism refer to demons in their sacred texts and teachings.
Demonic possession is a belief found in various cultures and religious traditions where evil supernatural entities known as demons or evil spirits are believed to be able to take control of a person’s body and mind.
In this state, the individual is said to be “possessed” by the demon, and his actions and behavior can be influenced or controlled by the entity.
Common signs of alleged demonic possession often include drastic personality changes, speaking in tongues or languages unknown to the person, aversion to sacred objects or prayers, and displaying extraordinary physical strength. The possessed individual may exhibit a range of symptoms, which may vary according to cultural and religious beliefs.
Exorcism is a common practice performed in some religious traditions to try to expel the demon and free the possessed individual from its influence. Exorcisms are rituals or prayers performed by religious authorities or trained practitioners aimed at expelling the evil entity and restoring the person to his normal state.
There have been countless stories, myths and personal stories about demons, but there is no concrete scientific evidence to support their existence. Evidence presented in paranormal investigations is often anecdotal and lacks rigorous scientific research.
Could reports about demons just be hoaxes?
Reports of demonic possessions and possessions are common, but skeptics argue that such stories can be attributed to hoaxes, psychological disorders, or simple misunderstandings about natural phenomena.
Despite this, some researchers continue to search for empirical evidence of demonic activity.
It is essential to note that belief in demonic possession and exorcism varies widely between cultures and religious denominations.
In contemporary times, skepticism and scientific explanations often attribute cases of alleged possession to psychological and medical conditions such as dissociative disorders, epilepsy, or schizophrenia. These conditions can lead to behaviors similar to the traditional signs associated with demonic possession.
Psychologists state that experiences attributed to demonic encounters may result from psychological phenomena such as hallucinations, sleep paralysis or dissociative disorders. These experiences can be vivid and terrifying, leading individuals to interpret them as demonic encounters.
Another psychological perspective suggests that the idea of possession is a metaphorical battle with personal demons and that the subsequent ability to identify one’s inner personal demons may be the path to recovery from depression and other mental health issues.
Personal demons populate the dark corners of the mind; they are a manifestation of troubling issues from one’s own past experiences arising from issues such as emotional, physical and sexual abuse, alcohol and substance abuse.
These ‘dark’ states of mind are difficult to face. The required “shadow work” can be a long and challenging road, but often leads to great stories of victories over personal demons.
As we navigate the realms of the unknown, it is critical to respect the diversity of beliefs and perspectives that shape our understanding of this enduring conundrum, and treat any reported incident seriously but with healthy skepticism.
What is your opinion on demons? Do they exist? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
LITZ BUTCHER says, “I am a seer rather than a psychic or clairvoyant; that sums up what I do: I see things that are not normally visible. Coming from a psychic, witchy family, it’s no surprise that from my earliest memories I’ve had an obsession with witches, ghosts, and all things paranormal. My home library is filled with books, articles and magazines on everything from meditation to curses, how to make a hoodoo cleansing bath and the best way to summon a Crossroads demon! In my free time I watch true crime shows and write fiction.” Follow Litz:
