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Demonic possession is held by many belief systems to be the control of an individual by a malevolent supernatural being. Descriptions of demonic possessions often include erased memories or personalities, convulsions, “fits” and fainting as if one were dying. Other descriptions include access to hidden knowledge (gnosis) and foreign languages (glossolalia), drastic changes in vocal intonation and facial structure, the sudden appearance of injuries (scratches, bite marks) or lesions, and superhuman strength. Unlike in channeling or other forms of possession, the subject has no control over the possessing entity and so it will persist until forced to leave the victim, usually through a form of exorcism.

Many cultures and religions contain some concept of demonic possession, but the details vary considerably. The oldest references to demonic possession are from the Sumerians, who believed that all diseases of the body and mind were caused by "sickness demons" called gidim or gid-dim. The priests who practiced exorcisms in these nations were called ashipu (sorcerer) as opposed to an asu (physician) who applied bandages and salves. Many cuneiform tablets contain prayers to certain gods asking for protection from demons, while others ask the gods to expel the demons that have invaded their bodies.

Shamanic cultures also believe in demon possession and shamans perform exorcisms. In these cultures, diseases are often attributed to the presence of a vengeful spirit (or loosely termed demon) in the body of the patient. These spirits are more often the spectres of animals or people wronged by the bearer, the exorcism rites usually consisting of respectful offerings or sacrificial offerings.

Christianity holds that possession derives from The Devil, i.e. Satan, or one of his lessor demons. In many Christian belief systems, Satan and his demons are actually fallen angels.

Verb

to possess (third-person singular simple present possesses, present participle possessing, simple past and past participle possessed)

1. (transitive) To have; to have ownership of.

   He does not even possess a working telephone.

2. (transitive) To take control of someone's body or mind, especially in a supernatural manner.

   They thought he was possessed by evil spirits.

3. (transitive, dated, with of) To vest ownership in (someone) with ownership.

Synonyms

• ((with of), to vest ownership): seise
• (qualities or characteristics): inhold

Possesses Network, Demonic Possession and Demonolatry @ Possesses.net
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• Demons (242)

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• The Mystica: Demonology
  themystica.com
  Article on the study of Demons.
• Demonology and Demonolatry
  members.tripod.com
  Explains the differences between the two terms. Also contains various grimoires in html and pdf format.
• All About Demons
  angelfire.com
  Evocation, invocation, energy work, methods, and a FAQ.
• Wikipedia: Demonolatry - Very short definition.
• Wikipedia: List of Specific Demons and Types of Demons - Large list of demons from various cultures and mythology.