Prayers for Exorcism Ritual
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PRAYER
(English Version) Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
PRAYER FOR PROTECTION AGAINST CURSES, HARM, ACCIDENTS
Lord Jesus, I ask You to "protect" our Family (whom I mention by name) from sickness, from all harm and from accidents. If any of us has been subjected to any curses, hexes or spells, I delare these curses, hexes or spells null and void in the name of Jesus Christ. If any evil spirits have been sent against us, I decommission you in the name of Jesus Christ and I send you to Jesus to deal with as He will. Then, Lord, I ask You to send Your holy angels to guard and protect all of us.
NINE MONTHS: FROM THE MOTHER'S WOMB
As you pray this prayer, think of either yourself or someone you are praying for as the little child in the Mother's womb
First Month
Lord Jesus, I present to you the first month in the mother's womb. Look at this being that is in development. Recreate this unborn child with Your love. Heal every wound of rejection toward its existence; whether it arrived by accident or through failure of the use of contraception. Placate the fear and all visual anguish due to any attempt at abortion. Console this little being wounded due to its development as a boy or girl or due to the burden of its last name (ancestry) in its choice to live by its own strength. We put before you Lord, all the paternal and maternal inheritance it is suffering from today. In this month, this tiny person's heart begins to beat. Give peace Lord, to this organ, which is developing and give it all the parental tenderness, which it is lacking.
Blessed Mother, fill with your maternal tenderness and sweetness, all that this baby has not received from its mother.
Second Month
Lord, we place before you the second month in the mother's womb. Jesus, liberate all the Christic freedom that you have given to Your tiny being. Heal all rebellion and all that it has experienced as aggression. Touch the shelter, which it has made against love. Open its heart in order to receive life in abundance. Lord, we implore you to touch any malformation in the eyes, ears or mouth.
You know that this is the moment of the formation of the liver, touch the weakness received due to any maternal illness.
You who carried the child in your womb; add any other circumstances which surrounded this pregnancy in this month such as falls, trips, oppression, death, danger of abortion, etc.
Third Month
Lord, we place before you the third month in the mother's womb. Lord, touch the rejection received in this state of development. Affirm its sexuality; heal all confusion or ambiguity, which this pre-born child has received in maturation. Affirm this being's femininity or masculinity. Give it grace to receive its proper designation. Harmonize its spirit, soul and body, emotions and sexuality. Give it the grace today to say "yes" to life. Restore totally its paternal and maternal image.
We place before you Lord, any malformation of the vocal chords, eyes, kidneys, arms and legs. Touch any malformation of its sexual organs, etc.
Add all other events which have influenced the development of the pregnancy; epidemic diseases, anger, illness, violence, injuries, hurts, disputes, fights, altercations, change of address, economic problems, criticisms, war, revolutions, slander etc.
Fourth Month
Lord, we place before you the fourth month in the mother's womb. Heal Lord, all fear and anguish of being destroyed, the lack of paternal presence and the lack of tenderness. Touch the auditive memory due to shouting, disputes, fighting and violence.
Heal the sadness and the sensation of abandonment which is received from the mother because the husband has often left her alone and is often traveling.
Heal the rejection which may have been received from maternal and paternal grandparents: heal the insecurity and sadness which has developed. Heal all aggression from strikes and/or from sickness. Harmonize all that would be unstabilized or out of kilter and fill it with your tenderness and mercy. We place before You, Lord, the nervous system and any malformation resulting from paternal or maternal inheritance that would impede it to receive Your Resurrection.
Heal any negative episode which was experienced this month; excessive ingestion of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, violence, falls, hereditary sicknesses, etc.
Fifth Month
Lord Jesus, we place before you the fifth month. Heal the auditive memory this child has received in this month as well as all manipulation or words said against its existence. We place before You Lord, any fright received from the outside due to noises, falls or unforeseen hits or strikes or accidents. Heal its hearing that has suffered due to the authoritarian, shrill voice of its father. Place in its heart forgiveness for all the aggression felt due to the sexual relations of the parents. Heal all the loathing and rejection of life. Free this being of any desire to close in on its self and the choice of trying to rely only on its own strength.
We place before you Lord, its circulatory system, nervous system, respiratory system; we implore You Lord, to heal any physical disability received from its intra-uterine life.
Sixth Month
Lord Jesus, we place before you the sixth month in the mother's womb. Cover this baby with peace. If it has felt violated by any violence because of an operation done to the mother; heal all mistrust and desire to exclude itself from life. Give this being the grace to accept itself.
We place before you the skeletal system; fortify it from all debility and malformation. Place in its heart the acceptance for any physical limitation which it may have received in the mother's womb.
Seventh Month
We present to You Lord Jesus, the seventh month of gestation. Touch this tiny person that was born in this month, with out its required birth weight. Blessed Mother, supplement those two months that are lacking. You know Lord, the reason for which it was expelled from its mother's womb. Touch the wound of abandonment and lack of tenderness in not having been fed with its mother's milk.
Place forgiveness in its heart of the maternal fear and apprehension due to any length of stay in an incubator. We present this child which has continued to develop. Liberate this child's Christic freedom, harmonize it and give it the grace to receive life in abundance.
Heal all rebellion. Heal the sensation of feeling unwanted due to the burden of a large family with numerous brothers and/or sisters. Heal the self-rejection and feelings of being inferior due to being manipulated by its parents.
Eighth Month
Lord Jesus, heal this child in the eighth month of gestation. Heal it from lack of oxygen that was suffered due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around its neck. Heal it from any blackouts, forgetfulness, difficulties in breathing, asthma and choking episodes. Lord, allow sufficient oxygen to flow to its heart and brain. Heal it of suicidal tendencies of hanging. Heal it of all tendenceis of self-hatred, self-destruction, suicide, depression or despair. Lord, you are the Resurrection and the Life. Restore this child through Your Eucharistic Presence. Restore the lost hope and the sensation of hopelessness and despair through the power of your Resurrection. Through Your Precious Blood Jesus, remove the hate or rancor and resentment of this child.
Ninth Month
Lord Jesus, we present to You this child in the ninth month of pregnancy. Jesus, as You and Your mother by means of the Visitation healed the unborn St. John the Baptist in the womb of St. Elizabeth, heal the wounds of sin. Visit this child with Your grace for those women who did not realize they were pregnant until late in months and for those mothers who were bedfast for nine months.
Savior, on the bed of Your cross, heal the mother and the child in her womb as well as any child born by breach birch. Lord heal any tendency toward homosexuality due to sexual activity in this month.
Heal all children, who almost caused the death of their mother of any guilt Lord, fill that emptiness with Your love and grace. Touch all those Lord, who feel they made their mother sick by toxemia, gestational diabetes or premature labor. Heal Lord all children who swallowed amniotic fluid.
Conclusion
Heal Lord the memory of the skin of the children who were born with the umbilical cord around their neck. Heal the consequence and bondage with death of those children who have received the influence of anestisa. Touch those who are born with excess weight placing their mothers in danger.
Come and heal Lord, the guilt of children who lost their mother at the moment of birth. Heal the negative circumstances experienced in the 9th month and difficulties enveloped in the birth.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill this new-being with the grace of the Resurrection. Open its heart to know how to receive and give love. Harmonize its spirit, soul, and body. Balance the emotions, sensations and sexuality. Fill all the gaps of paternal maternal tenderness. Bestow the grace to choose life. Open its being to the joy and the reception of others. Grant a heart that forgives with ease, and the desire to rid oneself of the frustrations and desires of vengeance. Open its heart to the paternal love of God and simplicity of accepting its life as its is. Holy Spirit, pour Your abundant grace into this tiny being's heart so as to accept his or her place as creature, appreciating the beneficial good which is received from the Creator. Amen
SPIRITUAL WARFARE PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I love You, I praise You, and I worship You. I thank You for sending your Son Jesus Who won victory over sin and death for my salvation. I thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit Who empowers me, guides me, and leads me into fullness of life. I thank You for Mary, my Heavenly Mother, who intercedes with the holy angels and saints for me.
Lord Jesus Christ, I place myself at the foot of Your cross and ask You to cover me with Your Precious Blood which pours forth from Your Most Sacred Hearth and Your Most Holy Wounds, Cleanse me, my Jesus, in the living water that flows form Your Heart. I ask You to surround me, Lord Jesus, with Your Holy Light.
Heavenly Father, let the healing waters of my baptism now flow back through the maternal and paternal generations to purify my family line of Satan and sin. I come before You, Father, and ask forgiveness for myself, my relatives, and my ancestors, for any calling upon powers that set themselves up in opposition to You or that does not offer true honor to Jesus Christ. In Jesus' Holy Name, I now reclaim any territory that was handed over to Satan and place it under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
By the power of Your Holy Spirit, reveal to me, Father, any people I need to forgive and any areas of unconfessed sin. Reveal aspects of my life that are not pleasing You, Father, ways that have given or could give Satan a foothold in my life. Father I give to You and unforgiveness; I give to You my sins; and, I give to You all ways that Satan has a hold of my life. Thank You, Father for these revelations, thank You, for Your forgiveness and Your love.
Lord Jesus, in Your Holy Name, I bind all evil spirits of the air, water, ground, underground, and netherworld. I further bind, in Jesus' Name, any and all emissaries of the satanic headquarters and claim the Precious Blood of Jesus on the air, atmosphere, water, ground and their fruits around us, the underground and the netherworld below.
Heavenly Father, allow Your Son Jesus to come now with the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy angels and the saints to protect me from all harm and to keep all evil spirits from taking revenge on me in any way.
(Repeat the following sentence three times; once in honor of the Father, once in honor of the Son, and once in honor of the Holy Spirit.)
In the Holy Name of Jesus, I seal myself, my relatives, this room (place, home, church, car, plane, etc…), and all sources of supply in the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
(To break and dissolve all satanic seals, repeat the following paragraph three times in honor of the Holy Trinity because satanic seals are placed three times to blaspheme the Holy Trinity.)
In the Holy Name of Jesus, I break and dissolve any and all curses, hexes, spells, snares, traps, lies, obstacles, deceptions, diversions, spiritual influences, evil wishes, evil desires, hereditary seals, known and unknown, and every dysfunction and disease from any source including my mistakes and sins. In Jesus' Name, I break and dissolve any and all links and effects of links with: astrologers; bohmos; channelers; charters; clairvoyants; crystal healers; crystals; fortune tellers; mediums; the New Age Movements; occult seers; palm, tea leaf, or tarot card readers; psychics; santeros; satanic cults; spirit guides; witches; witchdoctors; and Voodoo. In Jesus' Name, I dissolve all effects of participation in seances and divination, ouija boards, horoscopes, occult games of all sorts, and any form of worship that does not offer true honor to Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit, please reveal to me through word of knowledge any evil spirits that have attached themselves to me in any way. (Pause and wait for words to come to you, such as: anger, arrogance, bitterness, brutality, confusion, cruelty, deception, envy, fear, hatred, insecurity, jealousy, pride, resentment, or terror. Pray the following for each of the evil spirits revealed)
In the Name of Jesus, I rebuke you spirit of _________________. I command you to go directly to Jesus, without manifestation and without harm to me or anyone, so that He can dispose of you according to His Holy Will. I thank You, Heavenly Father for Your love. I thank You, Holy Spirit for empowering me to be aggressive against Satan and evil spirits. I thank You, Jesus, for setting me free. I thank you, Mary for interceding for me with the holy angels and the saints.
Lord Jesus fill me with charity, compassion, faith, gentleness, hope, humility, joy, kindness, light, love, mercy, modesty, patience, peace, purity, security, serenity, tranquility, trust, truth, understanding, and wisdom. Help me to walk in Your Light and Truth, illuminated by the Holy Spirit so that together We may praise, honor, and glorify Our Father in time and in eternity. For You, Lord Jesus, are, "…the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6 NAB), and You "…have come that we might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 JB)
"God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. MY strength and courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior" (Isaiah 12:2 JB). Amen. Alleluia. Amen.
PRAYERS OF DELIVERANCE
Kyrie eleison. God, our Lord, King of ages, All-powerful and All mighty, you who made everything and who transformed everything simply by your will. You who in Babylon changed into dew the flames of the "seven-times hotter" furnace and protected and saved the three holy children. You are the doctor and the physician of our soul. You are the salvation of those who turn to you. We beseech you to make powerless, banish, and drive out every diabolic power, presence, and machination; every evil influence, malefice, or evil eye and all evil actions aimed against your servant...where there is envy and malice, give us an abundance of goodness, endurance, victory, and charity. 0 Lord, you who love man, we beg you to reach out your powerful hands and your most high and mighty arms and come to our aid. Help us, who are made in your image; send the angel of peace over us, to protect us body and soul. May he keep at bay and vanquish every evil power, every poison or malice invoked against us by corrupt and envious people. Then, under the protection of your authority may we sing, in gratitude, "The Lord is my salvation; whom should I fear? I will not fear evil because you are with me, my God, my strength, my powerful Lord, Lord of peace, Father of all ages."
My Lord, you are all powerful, you are God, you are Father. We beg you through the intercession and help of the archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel for he deliverance of our brothers and sisters who are enslaved by the evil one. All saints of heaven come to our aid. From anxiety, sadness and obsessions--We beg you. Free us, O Lord from hatred, fornication, and envy--We beg you. Free us, O Lord from thoughts of jealousy, rage, and death--We beg you. Free us, O Lord from every thought of suicide and abortion--We beg you. Free us, O Lord from every form of sinful sexuality--We beg you. Free us, O Lord from every division in our family, and every harmful friendship--We beg you. Free us, O Lord from every sort of spell, malefice, witchcraft, and every form of the occult--We beg you. Free us, O Lord Lord, you who said, "I leave you peace, my peace I give you," grant that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, we may be liberated from every spell and enjoy your peace always. In the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS AGAINST EVERY EVIL
Spirit of our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Most Holy Trinity, Immaculate Virgin Mary, angels, archangels, and saints of heaven, descend upon me. Please purify me, Lord, 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, malefice, ties, maledictions, and the evil eye; diabolic infestations, oppressions, possessions; all that is evil and sinful, jealousy, perfidy, envy; physical, psychological, moral, spiritual, diabolical ailments. Burn all these evils in hell, that they may never again touch me or any other creature in the entire world. I command and bid all the powers who molest me by the power of God all powerful, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary to leave me forever, and to be consigned into the everlasting hell, where they will be bound by Saint Michael the archangel, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael, our guardian angels, and where they will be crushed under the heel of the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
PRAYERS FOR INNER HEALING
Lord Jesus, you came to heal our wounded and troubled hearts. I beg you to heal the torments that cause anxiety in my heart; I beg you, in a particular way, to heal all who are the cause of sin. I beg you to come into my life and heal me of the psychological harms that struck me in my early years and from the injuries that they caused throughout my life. Lord Jesus, you know my burdens. I lay them all on your Good Shepherd's Heart. I beseech you--by the merits of the great, open wound in your heart--to heal the small wounds that are in mine. Heal the pain of my memories, so that nothing that has happened to me will cause me to remain in pain and anguish, filled with anxiety. Heal, O Lord, all those wounds that have been the cause of all the evil that is rooted in my life. I want to forgive all those who have offended me. Look to those inner sores that make me unable to forgive. You who came to forgive the afflicted of heart, please, heal my own heart. Heal, my Lord Jesus, those intimate wounds that cause me physical illness. I offer you my heart. Accept it, Lord, purify it and give me the sentiments of your Divine Heart. Help me to be meek and humble. Heal me, O Lord, from the pain caused by the death of my loved ones, which is oppressing me. Grant me to regain peace and joy in the knowledge that you are the Resurrection and the Life. Make me an authentic witness to your Resurrection, your victory over sin and death, your living presence among us Amen.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
EXORCISM (Part 2)
All about Exorcism
The Laity and Deliverance
HOW DO DELIVERANCE PRAYERS DIFFER FROM EXORCISM PRAYERS?
Today solemn exorcism is limited to the priest who prays in the name of the church. There are three requirements in order for this rite to be performed; the person must be possessed, a priest must perform the exorcism, and finally an exorcism could only be performed with the permission of the bishop (see signs of possession).
With private exorcism a lay-person or religious can pray in his/her own name (not in the name of the church). What this means is the laity cannot use the Roman Ritual of Exorcism to pray in the name of the church.
HOW DO EVIL SPIRITS ENTER US?
Evil spirits enter us through many ways as indicated in the examples below.
Innocent Victim :
In some cases, evil spirits enter an innocent victim. The victim may be an unborn baby who is cursed from the mother's womb. The curse can be from a jealous relative, friend, enemy, or even the child's own parents.
Innocent victims may also include children who are not loved, who are mistreated or abused or rejection by other children, siblings, parents, etc. The abuse can range from sexual abuse, mental abuse, or physical abuse.
Those who Choose Evil:
In other cases, an evil spirit may enter us because of involvement in evil practices such as the occult. The occult is any practice that involves ceremonies, rituals, chants, magic, or activities that are obviously not God centered. These activities or rituals can change the course of nature, the lives of those who are involved in such practices, and of course, the innocent victims.
• The Ouija board is a popular occult board game and there is also Dungeons and Dragons. Satan's main target in Dungeons and Dragons game is our youth. With Dungeons and Dragons, the most powerful and successful players are those who use magic. There is a Dungeons Master Guide that even teaches new beginners how to communicate with the dead, cast spells, and learn to chant.
• The use of magic revolves around evil spirits, psychic abilities and contacting spirits. Magic is a power that does not involve God. It is a power that is derived from such things as voodoo, sorcery, primitive religions and Satanism. Most witches who use magic swear that they do not worship Satan but worship the gods and goddesses of nature (The gods and goddesses of nature are hardly Jesus Christ! Of course they worship Satan! Do not let someone who practices this occult tell you otherwise!). Many of these individuals are unknown because they blend in quite well. They can be found attending church services in every denomination and they practice their magic on the side. If someone tells you white magic is ok--don't believe them!!
• Use of new age tools such as crystals, divination, astrology, tarot cards, crystal balls, reincarnation, pendulums, Yoga, Transcendental Meditation
• Those who make a pact with Satan or attend Satanic services or rituals.
• Going to Séances, fortune tellers, Horoscopes, or spiritualist meetings for the purpose of contact the dead.
• Those who use alcohol or mind changing drugs such as LSD, cocaine, marijuana
• Sex out of wedlock, active homosexuals, masturbation, adultery
• Those who have an abortion
• Those who try to commit suicidal or have suicidal tendencies.
LAITY
You can renouce a spirit through personal deliverance prayers but in order for you to achieve freedom you must be spiritually prepared by making a commitment to God. You must stop any sinful acts (see Ten Commandments) and confess your sins. Before you can renounce evil in your life you must want to change and follow God where ever he leads you.
It is very important to have a guide to follow that is why we highly recommend Neal Lozano's book "UNBOUND". Neal will walk you through the steps to finding freedom. "UNBOUND" can be purchased at Neal's website or on Amazon.
Neal suggests that you find someone with experience to pray with you for deliverance. If there is no one to help you with deliverance prayers then you can apply what you have learned from Neal's book and say deliverance prayers for yourself.
If you cannot afford the book (@ $12.00) there are steps you can take on your own but they may not be as effective without the proper training necessary to know what spirit is behind your affliction. That is why we recommend Neal's book.
We will briefly go over Neal's five keys with our own summary. Reflect on these keys. Start at the beginning of your life while you were in your mother's womb (see Prayer Ninth Months from the Mothers Womb). Move on next to your infancy, childhood, teenage years, adult life.
1) Repentance and Faith
If you do not already have a relationship with God you must start one. Pray and ask God to enter your life (see finding God).
Examples:
Lord please forgive me for ______
Lord I am sorry for____
2) Forgiveness
To forgive another is a very difficult task and because of this fact, many people choose not to forgive. Unforgiveness is death to the soul and this death is reflected in the lives of those who are unforgiving. When we are unforgiving we store up hatred and revenge and this is what makes us unhappy, depressed, filled with anxiety, full of self-hatred, loneliness, hatred and unkindness towards others, the inability to love, and finally, we are unpleasant to be around. Forgiveness is a very important part of healing and deliverance. If you are having difficulty in forgiving someone go straight to God and ask Him for help. It is good to cry and let the hurt out. Ask God to replace the hurt with His love. Ask Him to help you to forgive.
Examples:
In the name of Jesus I forgive_____ for________ (be specific)
3) Renouncing the works of your enemies
When you renounce a troubled area of your live (example:I renounce the spirit of FEAR) you are giving up the power Satan has over you. You are the one in charge and you are the one who wants the evil influence to leave.
Neal tells us that renunciation does three things:
a) Identifies the lie and the power behind the lie
b) Breaks the power
c) Gives us personal responsibility (we are telling the evil we have had enough and want it to leave.
Examples:
I renounce every physical and sexual tie with____ and I take back the authority I gave him or her (or what he/she took from me)
I renounce my addiction to drugs
I renounce the spirit of fear that entered me when I was raped.
4) Standing in the authority you have in Christ
As Neal states in his book, "We have been given authority in His name to advance the Kingdom of God. We can exercise this authority over evil spirits as we serve Him, is our own lives.
Mark 16:17-18 - "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Examples:
In the name of Jesus I break the power of every spirit that (person or self) have renounced, and I command them to go right now.
5) Receiving God's blessing of your identity and destiny
Satan's plan is for you to be miserable your whole life and to hate God. As Neal states in his book: "At the heart of Satan's attack upon you is his attempt to rob you of your true identity and destiny. Satan will do anything he can to keep you from knowing God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
An example prayer from "Unbound":
My Father, thank You for sending Jesus and showing me the way home to You.
I have opened myself to You. My life is hidden in Christ. Please bless my life. As
I identify with Christ, I, too, can hear Your words spoken over me: "You are my
son/daughter, whom I love: with you I am well pleased." In Christ I receive this
blessing--and every spiritual blessing You have for me. Thank You, Father, for
knitting me together in my mother's womb, for calling me by name and for
having a special plan for my future.
Y our works are wonderful!
Examples:
Say prayers of thanks to God.
The Church and Exorcism
WHAT IS POSSESSION?
Possession is when Satan enters and takes over the physical and mental capabilities of a victim, however, the soul and will remain free. Satan acts through the victim without the victim's consent, thus the victim is morally blameless. Satan does not act alone when he possesses an individual. He works side by side with many evil spirits such as spirits of lust, hate, destruction, suicide, revenge, anger, anxiety, desperation, death, torment, etc. Such an example is found in Luke 8:30 the case of the possessed man in the territory of the Gerasenes: "Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He replied, "Legion," because many demons had entered him ".
Satan's army of evil, torment many unknowing lost souls to the point of destruction of others and of themselves. Today a more favorable climate exists for cases of possession and obsession then ever before. Our world has become a playground of pornography, sex, money, material possessions, drugs, and alcohol. There are so many instruments to spread these Satanic messages such as television, Internet, radio, music, and even the clothing we wear; thus our children are exposed to a multitude of temptations and are wide open to evil. The "predominant" Gods of this age we live in include money, television, music, and sex. Unfortunately, the "cure"-exorcism, is considered an "ancient" ritual and is snubbed by most religious leaving many victims to suffer indescribable torments, and in some instances, even suicide.
SIGNS OF POSSESSION (FROM THE ROMAN RITUAL OF EXORCISM)
The following are symptoms of possession as represented in the Roman Ritual of Exorcism. In most cases, a victim will have one or more of the traits listed.
• Victim speaks or understands unknown languages without ever studying the language being spoken or heard
• Victim clearly knows things that are distant or hidden
• Victim can predict future events (sometimes through dreams)
• Victim has an intense hatred for holy things
• Victim shows a physical strength far above his age or normal condition
The Extraordinary Activities of Satan Defined - The following is taken from Fr. Gabriele Amorth's second book "An Exorcist More Stories." Fr. Amorth's book is published by IGNATIUS released in 2002. The boundaries between one category and another are not clear-cut, because there is a lot of mingling and compounding of symptoms.
External Pain - deals strictly with physical suffering. This includes the beatings, scourging, and injuries caused by inexplicable pushing, falling objects, and so on, that we read about in the lives of many saints, such as the Curé of Ars. Saint Paul of the Cross, and Padre Pio. These occurrences are not as rare as we may think, and the demon's activity is usually confined to external activity; internal activity, if any, is only temporary and limited to the duration of a particular disturbance.
Diabolic Possession - is the gravest form of demonic activity, which allows a continuing presence of a demon in a human body. The evil symptoms do not have to be continuous but can alternate between periods of crisis and periods of rest. Possession implies intervals of temporary suspension of mental, intellectual, affective, and volitive faculties. Symptoms can include the knowledge of languages unknown to the victim, superhuman strength, and the ability to know the occult or someone else's thoughts. Typically, there is an aversion to anything sacred, often in conjunction with blasphemy. There are also frauds who pose as demoniac; therefore, we need to be extremely wary.
Diabolic Oppression - is a ransom discomfort. We must remember that symptoms and gravity differ greatly case by case. This oppression can strike health, job, affections, relationship with others, and so on. Its symptoms include unexplainable rages and a tendency to complete isolation. Oppression can affect both individual and groups (even very large groups).
Diabolic Obsession- causes an almost split personality. Our will remains free, but it is oppressed by obsessive thoughts. The victim experiences thoughts that may be rationally absurd but of such a nature that he is unable to free himself. The obsessed person lives in a perpetual state of prostration, with persistent temptations to suicide. We must be aware that the temptation to commit suicide is also present in diabolic possession and diabolic oppression.
Diabolic Infestation - In this case, the malefic activity is directed toward places (houses, offices, stores, fields), objects (cars, pillows, mattresses, dolls) and animals, therefore it only indirectly affects man. Origen tells us that the early Christians resorted to exorcisms in these situations.
Diabolic Subjugation - The term indicates a voluntary pact--implicit or explicit---with Satan, by which we submit to the lordship of the demon. There are also involuntary times with the evil one; these cases fall into the preceding categories, especially the most severe: possession.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME POSSESSED?
Below, Fr. Amorth explains that there are four principal causes that may cause one to fall victim to these evils.
Pure Divine Permission
Clearly, nothing happens without divine permission, but God never wills evil, suffering, or temptation. He gave us freedom and allows the existence of evil, but knows how to turn it into good. When he gives the demon his permission to torment us, he does so to strengthen us in virtue, as in the biblical example of Job, as well as of many blessed and saints. We must keep in mind that diabolical harassment in itself has nothing to do with the state of grace of its victims.
Subject to a Curse
Here too, the victim is innocent, but there is culpability on the part of whoever casts and/or commissions the curse. By the word curse, I mean the intention of harming others through demonic intervention. This can be achieved in many ways: malefice (or spell), binding, evil eye, malediction, and so on. The matter is serious, but we need to be on guard against misconceptions. By their nature, curses lend themselves to all sorts of abuses, especially when we consider the current escalation in the number of frauds, suggestions, manias, and more.
Grave Hardening of Sin
Judas Iscariot is the classical Gospel example. The many individuals who abandon themselves to sexual perversions, violence, and drugs fall into this group. The heinous crime of abortion aggravates this situation; its terrible repercussions are clearly seen during exorcisms, because to liberate a victim who is guilty of abortion usually requires a very long period of time. Due to the current devastation of the family and the laxity of morals, the repercussions that stem from the scourge of abortion are much more common than in the past. When we take all these factors into account, we can understand why the number of individuals stricken by evil ailments has multiplied.
Proximity to Evil Places or Persons
This includes attending spiritualistic session, dabbling in magic, or consulting magicians, witch doctors, and some card readers; also, practicing the occult, belonging to satanic sects, or practicing in rites that climax with black masses, and so on, put us at great risk.
To this category we can add the influence of mass media, such as pornographic shows and violent horror movies broadcast by many TV stations. We witness the effects of the widespread presence of rock music, culminating in satanic rock performed in what we could easily refer to as "churches or rock", such as stadiums, parks, and discothèques. We should not be surprised that, today, there is an explosion of these activities: a decline in faith life is directly connected to an increase in superstitions. I will not tire or repeating that members of the clergy have done nothing to oppose, or at least warn against, all these evils, because they are completely ignorant even of what the Bible explicitly says on the subject. This forth category has greatly contributed to the increase in evil ailments in the last decades, especially among the young. Taken from (An Exorcist More Stories by Fr. Gabriele Amorth, published by IGNATIUS PRESS can be purchased at Amazon.com).
WHO CAN PERFORM AN EXORCISM?
In the early church (according the Early Church Fathers) the casting out of demons was widely accepted and exorcism could be performed by anyone. Why then has this practice changed? It has been found that in severe cases if the one who is casting out the demons is not experienced or grounded in faith and does not have sufficient spiritual protection it can be harmful for both the victim and the so called exorcist. We find in Matthew 17:20-21 a case in which the apostles could not cast out a demon from the epileptic demoniac. Jesus rebuked them for not being prepared and told them only through prayer and fasting could this demon be cast out.
Before Vatican II the exorcism prayer was part of the Baptismal rite. Why? In the days of the early church there were many pagans coming into the church. Part of the long preparation for these pagans coming into the church was exorcism on Holy Saturday before Easter.
Around the third century, Pope Cornelius was the first to make the exorcist a minor order (See on Internet about this). He announced that an exorcist could be a priest, deacon or in the subdiaconate. The minor order of exorcism has since been dropped by Pope Paul VI in 1972. He did not believe there was a need and it was obsolete.
From the Commentary of the Code of Canon Law
Canon 1172 - (1) No one can perform exorcisms legitimately upon the possessed unless he has obtained special express permission from the local ordinary. (2) The local ordinary is to give this permission only to a presbyter who has piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life.
An exorcism is a sacramental by which "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. The canon pertains to solemn exorcisms observing the Rite of Exorcism of the Roman Ritual, not to the simply exorcism that are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or the baptism of infants.
One of the praenotanda to the 1998 Rite of Exorcism (n13) has completely reordered this canon. There are significant differences between the new law and the canon.
An exorcist is to be a priest (sacerdos) not a presbyter (presbyterus) as in the canon, which means bishops as well as presbyters may be appointed exorcists.
The priest must have specific preparation for this office.
"For the most part" (plerumque), the local ordinary who appoints the exorcist should be the diocesan bishop, which implies that the vicar general and episcopal vicar should not do it without a special mandate, except in a case of need when the bishop cannot be reached.
The exorcist, whether appointed to the stable office of exorcist or ad actum, is to fulfill this ministry under the direction of the diocesan bishop.
The Ritual of Exorcism
by Father Cliff Graham
Exorcists in this day and age are on the verge of extinction. No one, religious or lay, would like to acknowledge the fact that Satan is alive and well, tormenting and destroying souls. Many religious do not believe in possession and many are afraid to believe that it can occur. It seems that most religious fear Satan and what he can do to them, more then they believe in God who can do ALL things. Fear is Satan's dear friend. When someone fears Satan, Satan has power over them. The religious clergy fail to realize that Satan's biggest fear, more than exorcism, is confession. A priest who preaches, and hears confessions, should not be afraid to be an exorcist. To not use the powers of exorcism that Christ has given, is a direct betrayal of His command.
PROCEDURE OF THE EXORCIST
The appendix of the Roman Ritual has the longer rite of exorcism and states that the exorcist should "Superpelliceo et stola violacea indutus," (wear an alb and a purple stole) right before the part of the prayer that begins "Ecce crucem domine, fúgite partes advérsae." The priest is instructed to "imponat extreman parte stolae ejus" (having made the sign of the cross over the victim, place the ends of the stole around this person's neck).
One may have two normal sized stoles sewn together in order to have a very long stole to extend from the priest to the victim's neck. It is truly amazing how the blessed stole calms and controls the possessed person. Certainly one initially may encounter violent reactions, but that is to be expected. The stole not only symbolizes, but demonstrates the power of the priesthood. Jesus binds the evil spirits with the use of this sacramental.
The Ritual next instructs the priest to place his right hand on the head of his victim. Of course, the imposition of hands was used by Jesus to heal the sick. The church mimics this use in the Sacrament of the Sick and in other ways. Jesus blessed children in this way. It has been noted by many individuals that hands of the priest's calm or burn them. If an assistant priest is present, they also may place hands on the person's head. A Bible containing both the Old and New Testaments should be on hand when questioning and commanding the demons to respond. After invoking the Holy Spirit, there is surprising response and confirmation, which are keys to opening up and freeing the person. For example, a woman who had been a war orphan revealed through scripture that she was not baptized. Another woman opened the Bible to Tobias where it stated that she was not married in the church. A couple opened the Bible to the Old testament reading on abortion, which confirmed, at some point to unforgiving sin. Others opened to a passage focusing on a generational curse. While still others read a verse on incest in the family. One girl indicated the story of Jacob and Essau. Her twin brother was murdered at three months of age. She was the second to be born and like Jacob became the first through infanticide. Others have indicated a need for greater humility, faith and fasting. The Rite of Exorcism uses passages from Jn. 1:1-14; Mk. 16:15-18; Lk. 1:17-20; Lk. 11:14-22; also use what ever passage the Holy Spirit inspires. This can hasten along deliverance and yield many crucial answers to the puzzle. It is always good to have on hand a collection of prayers that may be said both by the exorcist and those assisting. The Raccolta has a fine collection, as do other prayer books.
The rules for exorcism state that one should have relics of the saints at hand. Not all relics are of equal worth. First class relics are to be preferred. The greater the sanctity of the saint the more powerful the cure. One can tell by the reactions of the demons which relic gives better results.
According to the Act of the Apostles, handkerchiefs that were touched to Saint Paul and carried back to the sick curing them (remember the sick woman who was cured by touching the hem of Jesus?). The shadow alone of Saint Peter healed many. Although the Blessed Sacrament is the Body and Blood of Jesus, True God and True Man, and not any mere sacramental, it is an excellent practice to use it to bless the sick and possessed. The rules of exorcism in number 13 of the Roman Ritual states, "Sanctissima vero Eucharistia super caput obssessi, aut aliter ejus corpori ne admoveatur, ob irreverentiae periculum" (The Blessed Sacrament should not be placed on the head or any other part of the body of the possessed persons, due to the possibility of desecration). This rule or admonition need not apply in those cases where there is no danger or irreverence, that is cases in which the person's actions are nonviolent.
It is truly astounding to observe how many days (when proper use of the Blessed Sacrament is applied to the body of the possessed), can be taken off the whole length of time needed to dislodge the demons. It shortens the process. It may be wise in other cases for the priest himself to carry around his neck the Blessed Sacrament in a Pyx. This may prove at times, necessary for protection.
A Franciscan named Father Dominic Szymanski (a one time companion of St. Maximillian Kolbe) was working with a Benedictine priest, when Fr. Dominic asked the Benedictine if he was wearing the medal of St, Benedict. The Benedictine responded, "Yes, I am." Father Szymanski told him that he saw the devil in the form of a blue light going around him in circles, and that the evil spirit was unable to touch him because he was wearing the medal.
The St. Benedict medal can be pinned to the clothes of infants who are agitated, pregnant mothers or anyone who wants protection from evil. The use of the scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Rosary are two sacramentals specifically mentioned in the Vatican II document on the church "Lumen Gentium." The blessing of the rosary states, "Nos eriperes de potestate diaboli" Our Lord Jesus Christ through His life, death and resurrection has "snatched us from the power of the devil." Abundant graces are granted through proper recitation of the rosary, "Ab omni hoste visibili et invisibili et ubíque in hoc sáeculo liberetur" (from every enemy both visible and invisible and everywhere in this lifetime be freed). St. Dominic freed a heretic from 15,000 devils, when the man had blasphemed the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. St. Dominic preached on the fifteen mysteries of the rosary and asked the faithful to pray and meditate. For every mystery, 1,000 demons left him in the form of burning coals until he was delivered. The rosary is the chain that Our Lady uses to bind Satan. It is often seen in a possessed individual, that the demon is irritated and they complain that the rosary burns them and they often destroy the rosary.
Another medal of great importance which was used in the conversion of the worldly Jew, Alphonse Ratisbone, propagated by St. Maximillian Kolbe, and used by the founder of the Legion of Mary-Frank Duff-is the Miraculous Medal (Medal of the Immaculate Conception of Mary). While placing the medal around the neck, the Presider prays, "Ut piisima et Immaculáta caelórum Domina vos prótegat atique defendat'' (May the Holy and Immaculate heavenly Lady protect and defend you). Our Lady promises special graces to those who wear this medal around their neck. The same is true for the scapular. If worn with faith, "They shall not suffer the eternal flames of Hell" and "shall be delivered from Purgatory on the Saturday after their death."
Then there is the crucifix, which should always be present. The victim will often stare at the cross and be forced to look away. The cross is symbolic of the defeat of Satan through the death of Christ. The long prayer for Solemn Blessing of the Crucifix, "Ut quóties triúmphum divínae humnilitátis, quae supérbiam nostri hostis dejecit" and (how often the divine humility has triumphed casting out the pride of our enemy). "Dignáre respícere, bene + dícere et Sancti + ficáre hanc creaturm incensi, ut omnes languores, omnesque imfirmitates, atque insidiar inimici, odorem ejus sentientes, efffugiant, et separatur a plasmate tuo; ut num quam lædatur amorsu antiqui serpentes" (Deign to care for bless and sanctify those being inflamed by passion and weakness, any sickness, deceits of the foe and suspicious resentments felt by them. Be cast out and driven away from your creature) and "Numquam lædatur a morsu antiqui derpentis" (Never to be hurt by the bite of the ancient serpent).
The following are selected paragraphs pertaining to the instruction of the Exorcist as indicated in the Old Rite - Rules of the Roman Ritual of Exorcism.
(RULE 1)The priest who with the particular and explicit permission of his Bishop is about to exorcise those tormented by Evil Spirit, must have the necessary piety, prudence and personal integrity. He should perform this most heroic work humbly and courageously, not relying on his own strength, but on the power of God; and he must have no greed for material benefit. Besides, he should be of mature age and be respected as a virtuous person.
(RULE 2) Let the exorcist note for himself the tricks and deceits which evil spirits use in order to lead him astray. For they are accustomed to answering falsely. They manifest themselves only under pressure--in the hope that the exorcist will get tired and desist from pressuring them. Or they make it appear that the subject of Exorcism is not possessed at all.
(RULE 3) Sometimes, Evil Spirit betrays its presence, and then goes into hiding. It appears to have left the body of the possessed free from all molestation, so that the possessed thinks he is completely rid of it. But the exorcist should not, for all that, desist until he sees the signs of liberation.
(RULE 4) The Exorcist must remember, therefore, that Our Lord said there is a species of Evil Spirit which cannot be expelled except by prayer and fasting. Let him make sure that he and others follow the example of the Holy Fathers and make use of these two principal means of obtaining divine help and of repelling Evil Spirit.
(RULE 5) During Exorcism, the exorcist should use the words of the Bible rather than his own or somebody else's. Also, he should command Evil Spirit to state whether it is kept within the possessed because of some magical spell or sorcerer's symbol or some occult documents. For the exorcism to succeed, the possessed must surrender them. If he has swallowed something like that, he will vomit it up. If it is outside his body in some place or other, Evil Spirit must tell the exorcist where it is. When the exorcist finds it, he must burn it.
In order for Satan to be driven out of the possessed, the exorcist must be humble. He must rely on God and only God for his answers and direction. Sometimes God forces the demon inside the possessed to reveal truths. However, the exorcist must be careful not to believe all that the demon possessing the victim might say. The demon will reveal exactly what the exorcist wants to hear even though it is not the truth, in order to side track him. The exorcist, out of his own curiosity, should not ask questions to the possessed regarding matters other than the exorcism at hand. Only through much prayer, fasting and humility of the exorcist along with the willingness of the victim, and of course, the grace and Will of God, can one be freed of this affliction.
Sacraments
by Father Cliff Graham
When praying with a person for healing and deliverance, it is helpful to use sacramentals. The use of sacramentals affects cures and at expels the enemy.
The use of blessed olive oil is particularly effective, because it contains the prayer of exorcism at the very beginning. "Exorcizo te, creatura olei" (I exorcise, creature oil). "Omis virtus adversarii, omnis exceritus diaboli, omnis incúrus, omne phatasma Satanæ eradicare" (All power of the adversary, all diabolical armies, all hostile attack, eliminating every satanic apparition). "Uf fiat ómnibus, qui eo usuri sunt, salus menti et corporis" (and all who would use this would have health of mind and body). Further into the prayer, it states that all those who are sick would be free of "Ab omni languore" (all weakness, languor, listlessness), "omni qui infirmitate" (all sickness) and "insidiis inimici liberéntur", (freed of any snares of the enemy). And "cunctae adversitates separéntur a pusmate tuo" (all of the opposing powers that separate your creature from you).
Quite often, when using the sacramental, a person blessed or having consumed the blessed oil will have a reaction. This sacramental is very much hated by evil spirits and sometimes cures diseases and states of depression and oppression.
An amber colored glass of blessed oil and an identical glass containing holy water were placed in front of a year and a half-old child. The child refused the blessed oil, whereas she always chose the holy water. This experiment was repeated two dozen times, and despite not being able to see the contents, the child would not touch the oil. A four-year-old boy, in a guttural voice said, "I'm going to destroy that blessed oil," despite his not knowing that the exorcist had blessed the household kitchen oil. Another instance using blessed oil involved a high school student with a high fever. After administering the oil, his fever instantaneously disappeared.
For people who may not be candidates for the sacrament of the sick, this sacramental can be used, even if they are not in the state of grace.
Another sacramental feared by demons is holy water, which one can be sprinkled with or drink. "Benedictio aquae in vigilia Ephipaniae Domini" (The blessing of water in the vigil of the Epiphany of the Lord) contains multiple exorcisms and should be used if time allows, especially in the case of a solemn public exorcism. The blessing in the Roman Ritual is titled, "Benedicto auri, thuris et myrahae in Festo Ephiphaniæ" (Blessing of gold, frankincense and myrrh on the Feast of Epiphany). The blessing on the Feast of the Epiphany also has the longest blessing of water and contains all of the exorcisms of the water and salt. This blessing seems to be more effective than just an ordinary blessing (salt should also be included).
Incense is very annoying to evil spirits. It is also good to have blessed candles, especially if blessed on the Feast of St. Blaise.
Another sacramental that is especially efficacious against the devil is the Medal of St. Benedict. Priest should use the long form of the St. Benedict prayer, which contains a prayer of exorcism. This is the only medal in the Roman Catholic Church that has an exorcism prayer on the medal. It begins: "Exorcizo vos, numísmata,…" (I exorcise you medal) Once petitioning the Holy Trinity to eliminate all the power of the enemy. Then "Ut fiant ómnibus, qui eis usuri sunt, salus mentis et corporis" (That all those who would use it would have health of mind and body). The medal itself has initials inscribed that form a prayer of exorcism as indicated below.
In the angles of the cross are found these four letters: C.S.P.B. They stand for the words: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti --"The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict."
On the vertical bar of the cross itself are found the letters: C.S.S.M.L., and on the horizontal bar ofthe cross: N.D.S.M.D. They signify: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux, Non Craco Sit Mihi Dux May the holy Cross be my light. Let not the dragon be my guide."
Round the margin of the Medal, beginning at the right hand on top, are the following letters: V.R.S.N.S.M.V.--S.M.Q.L.I.V.B They stand for the verses:Vade Retro, Satana! Nunqum Suade Mihi Vana. Sunt Mala Quae Libas; Ipse Venena Bibas. "Begone, Satan! Suggest not vain things to me. Evil is the cup thou offerest; Drink thou thine own poison."
In most instances, the medal produces a tranquilizing effect when worn. Some individuals experience the opposite--a burning sensation.
Blessing and imposition of the scapular of Saint Michael the Archangel is another practice very much feared and detested by evil spirits. This scapular takes the shape of a shield with one cord being black and the other blue. On the shield we read the words "Quis et Deus" ("I am like God"). This was Michael's reply to Lucifer, who stated "non serviam" (I will not serve). Michael means "Quis ut Deus" (Who is like unto God).
BLESSING OF THE MEDAL OF ST BENEDICT:
The exorcism prayers below in English can be said by any priest.
ENGLISH VERSION
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord
R. Who made heaven and earth.
In the name of God the Father + Almighty, who made heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, I exorcise these medals against the power and attacks of the evil one. May all who use these medals devoutly be blessed with health or soul and body. In the name of the Father + Almighty, of his Son + Jesus Christ our Lord, and of the Holy + Spirit the paraclete, and in the love of the same Lord Jesus Christ who will come on the last day to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. R. AMEN
Let us pray. Almighty God, the boundless source of all good things, we humbly, ask that, through the intercession of St. Benedict, you pour out your blessings + upon these medals. May those who use them devoutly and earnestly strive to perform good works, be blessed by you with health of soul and the help of your merciful love, resist the temptations of the evil one and strive to exercise true charity and justice toward all, so that one day they may appear sinless and holy in your sight. This we ask through Christ our Lord. R. AMEN
The medals are then sprinkled with holy water.
Finding Help
SELF-HELP
If you are seeking help, you must first start by ridding yourself of those things that prevent God from working in your life. In most cases, the bondage we are in is due to the lifestyle we live. God gave us the Commandments because He loves us and He wants us to be with Him in heaven one day. If you do not follow the commandments that God established then there is only one other rule to follow-the self-destructing rule of Satan.
When you do not live by God's rules the door is wide open for Satan to enter into your life. Are you willing to change your lifestyle? If you are willing to change there is hope for you. If you are not willing to change you may never find help. Reflect on the questions below. Do not become alarmed if many of these questions pertain to you. Confess your sins and work at eliminating them from your life. Ask God for help.
• Do you give God time in prayer everyday?
• Are you involved with the occult, horoscopes, séances, Ouija Board, Dungeon's and Dragons?
• Have you mocked God, use his name in vain?
• Do you wish harm to come to someone who has hurt you or who has annoyed you.
• Do you read books or see movies that are anti-God or occult oriented.
• Are you involved with new age practices such as yoga, crystals, Transcendental Meditation
• Do you go to church every Sunday? Do you neglect church so that you can participate in a sports related activity or so that you can sleep-in? Where are your priorities? Are they God centered or "ME" centered?
• Is your lifestyle not of God? Do you have sex out of marriage, are you committing adultery, do you approve of abortions.
• Are you an active homosexual? Do you masturbate? Do you fantasize about sex? Are your thoughts chaste? Do you read romance novels?
• Do you dress modestly so as not to arouse the opposite sex.
• Do you steal? Stealing can also be sharing copyright materials whether they are Movies, music CDs, software, etc.
• Do you lie to get out of jams? Do you find pleasure in saying negative things about people or do you speak about them behind their back?
• Are you jealous of what other people have? Are you greedy and selfish?
• Do you trust in God or do you trust instead in the material world around us?
HELP FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Many people are concerned for friends and family members and want to find them help (which is a pious thing to do). The big problem is that the majority of your friends and family members do not want help. They are very comfortable in their lifestyles and in most cases there is not any room for God. Freedom cannot be found for those who do not want help. The best course of action is to pray. Have as many people you know pray so that they may be converted.
NOTE:- THE ABOVE MENTIONED MEDALS CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE BY THE CHURCHES.
The Laity and Deliverance
HOW DO DELIVERANCE PRAYERS DIFFER FROM EXORCISM PRAYERS?
Today solemn exorcism is limited to the priest who prays in the name of the church. There are three requirements in order for this rite to be performed; the person must be possessed, a priest must perform the exorcism, and finally an exorcism could only be performed with the permission of the bishop (see signs of possession).
With private exorcism a lay-person or religious can pray in his/her own name (not in the name of the church). What this means is the laity cannot use the Roman Ritual of Exorcism to pray in the name of the church.
HOW DO EVIL SPIRITS ENTER US?
Evil spirits enter us through many ways as indicated in the examples below.
Innocent Victim :
In some cases, evil spirits enter an innocent victim. The victim may be an unborn baby who is cursed from the mother's womb. The curse can be from a jealous relative, friend, enemy, or even the child's own parents.
Innocent victims may also include children who are not loved, who are mistreated or abused or rejection by other children, siblings, parents, etc. The abuse can range from sexual abuse, mental abuse, or physical abuse.
Those who Choose Evil:
In other cases, an evil spirit may enter us because of involvement in evil practices such as the occult. The occult is any practice that involves ceremonies, rituals, chants, magic, or activities that are obviously not God centered. These activities or rituals can change the course of nature, the lives of those who are involved in such practices, and of course, the innocent victims.
• The Ouija board is a popular occult board game and there is also Dungeons and Dragons. Satan's main target in Dungeons and Dragons game is our youth. With Dungeons and Dragons, the most powerful and successful players are those who use magic. There is a Dungeons Master Guide that even teaches new beginners how to communicate with the dead, cast spells, and learn to chant.
• The use of magic revolves around evil spirits, psychic abilities and contacting spirits. Magic is a power that does not involve God. It is a power that is derived from such things as voodoo, sorcery, primitive religions and Satanism. Most witches who use magic swear that they do not worship Satan but worship the gods and goddesses of nature (The gods and goddesses of nature are hardly Jesus Christ! Of course they worship Satan! Do not let someone who practices this occult tell you otherwise!). Many of these individuals are unknown because they blend in quite well. They can be found attending church services in every denomination and they practice their magic on the side. If someone tells you white magic is ok--don't believe them!!
• Use of new age tools such as crystals, divination, astrology, tarot cards, crystal balls, reincarnation, pendulums, Yoga, Transcendental Meditation
• Those who make a pact with Satan or attend Satanic services or rituals.
• Going to Séances, fortune tellers, Horoscopes, or spiritualist meetings for the purpose of contact the dead.
• Those who use alcohol or mind changing drugs such as LSD, cocaine, marijuana
• Sex out of wedlock, active homosexuals, masturbation, adultery
• Those who have an abortion
• Those who try to commit suicidal or have suicidal tendencies.
LAITY
You can renouce a spirit through personal deliverance prayers but in order for you to achieve freedom you must be spiritually prepared by making a commitment to God. You must stop any sinful acts (see Ten Commandments) and confess your sins. Before you can renounce evil in your life you must want to change and follow God where ever he leads you.
It is very important to have a guide to follow that is why we highly recommend Neal Lozano's book "UNBOUND". Neal will walk you through the steps to finding freedom. "UNBOUND" can be purchased at Neal's website or on Amazon.
Neal suggests that you find someone with experience to pray with you for deliverance. If there is no one to help you with deliverance prayers then you can apply what you have learned from Neal's book and say deliverance prayers for yourself.
If you cannot afford the book (@ $12.00) there are steps you can take on your own but they may not be as effective without the proper training necessary to know what spirit is behind your affliction. That is why we recommend Neal's book.
We will briefly go over Neal's five keys with our own summary. Reflect on these keys. Start at the beginning of your life while you were in your mother's womb (see Prayer Ninth Months from the Mothers Womb). Move on next to your infancy, childhood, teenage years, adult life.
1) Repentance and Faith
If you do not already have a relationship with God you must start one. Pray and ask God to enter your life (see finding God).
Examples:
Lord please forgive me for ______
Lord I am sorry for____
2) Forgiveness
To forgive another is a very difficult task and because of this fact, many people choose not to forgive. Unforgiveness is death to the soul and this death is reflected in the lives of those who are unforgiving. When we are unforgiving we store up hatred and revenge and this is what makes us unhappy, depressed, filled with anxiety, full of self-hatred, loneliness, hatred and unkindness towards others, the inability to love, and finally, we are unpleasant to be around. Forgiveness is a very important part of healing and deliverance. If you are having difficulty in forgiving someone go straight to God and ask Him for help. It is good to cry and let the hurt out. Ask God to replace the hurt with His love. Ask Him to help you to forgive.
Examples:
In the name of Jesus I forgive_____ for________ (be specific)
3) Renouncing the works of your enemies
When you renounce a troubled area of your live (example:I renounce the spirit of FEAR) you are giving up the power Satan has over you. You are the one in charge and you are the one who wants the evil influence to leave.
Neal tells us that renunciation does three things:
a) Identifies the lie and the power behind the lie
b) Breaks the power
c) Gives us personal responsibility (we are telling the evil we have had enough and want it to leave.
Examples:
I renounce every physical and sexual tie with____ and I take back the authority I gave him or her (or what he/she took from me)
I renounce my addiction to drugs
I renounce the spirit of fear that entered me when I was raped.
4) Standing in the authority you have in Christ
As Neal states in his book, "We have been given authority in His name to advance the Kingdom of God. We can exercise this authority over evil spirits as we serve Him, is our own lives.
Mark 16:17-18 - "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Examples:
In the name of Jesus I break the power of every spirit that (person or self) have renounced, and I command them to go right now.
5) Receiving God's blessing of your identity and destiny
Satan's plan is for you to be miserable your whole life and to hate God. As Neal states in his book: "At the heart of Satan's attack upon you is his attempt to rob you of your true identity and destiny. Satan will do anything he can to keep you from knowing God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
An example prayer from "Unbound":
My Father, thank You for sending Jesus and showing me the way home to You.
I have opened myself to You. My life is hidden in Christ. Please bless my life. As
I identify with Christ, I, too, can hear Your words spoken over me: "You are my
son/daughter, whom I love: with you I am well pleased." In Christ I receive this
blessing--and every spiritual blessing You have for me. Thank You, Father, for
knitting me together in my mother's womb, for calling me by name and for
having a special plan for my future.
Y our works are wonderful!
Examples:
Say prayers of thanks to God.
The Church and Exorcism
WHAT IS POSSESSION?
Possession is when Satan enters and takes over the physical and mental capabilities of a victim, however, the soul and will remain free. Satan acts through the victim without the victim's consent, thus the victim is morally blameless. Satan does not act alone when he possesses an individual. He works side by side with many evil spirits such as spirits of lust, hate, destruction, suicide, revenge, anger, anxiety, desperation, death, torment, etc. Such an example is found in Luke 8:30 the case of the possessed man in the territory of the Gerasenes: "Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He replied, "Legion," because many demons had entered him ".
Satan's army of evil, torment many unknowing lost souls to the point of destruction of others and of themselves. Today a more favorable climate exists for cases of possession and obsession then ever before. Our world has become a playground of pornography, sex, money, material possessions, drugs, and alcohol. There are so many instruments to spread these Satanic messages such as television, Internet, radio, music, and even the clothing we wear; thus our children are exposed to a multitude of temptations and are wide open to evil. The "predominant" Gods of this age we live in include money, television, music, and sex. Unfortunately, the "cure"-exorcism, is considered an "ancient" ritual and is snubbed by most religious leaving many victims to suffer indescribable torments, and in some instances, even suicide.
SIGNS OF POSSESSION (FROM THE ROMAN RITUAL OF EXORCISM)
The following are symptoms of possession as represented in the Roman Ritual of Exorcism. In most cases, a victim will have one or more of the traits listed.
• Victim speaks or understands unknown languages without ever studying the language being spoken or heard
• Victim clearly knows things that are distant or hidden
• Victim can predict future events (sometimes through dreams)
• Victim has an intense hatred for holy things
• Victim shows a physical strength far above his age or normal condition
The Extraordinary Activities of Satan Defined - The following is taken from Fr. Gabriele Amorth's second book "An Exorcist More Stories." Fr. Amorth's book is published by IGNATIUS released in 2002. The boundaries between one category and another are not clear-cut, because there is a lot of mingling and compounding of symptoms.
External Pain - deals strictly with physical suffering. This includes the beatings, scourging, and injuries caused by inexplicable pushing, falling objects, and so on, that we read about in the lives of many saints, such as the Curé of Ars. Saint Paul of the Cross, and Padre Pio. These occurrences are not as rare as we may think, and the demon's activity is usually confined to external activity; internal activity, if any, is only temporary and limited to the duration of a particular disturbance.
Diabolic Possession - is the gravest form of demonic activity, which allows a continuing presence of a demon in a human body. The evil symptoms do not have to be continuous but can alternate between periods of crisis and periods of rest. Possession implies intervals of temporary suspension of mental, intellectual, affective, and volitive faculties. Symptoms can include the knowledge of languages unknown to the victim, superhuman strength, and the ability to know the occult or someone else's thoughts. Typically, there is an aversion to anything sacred, often in conjunction with blasphemy. There are also frauds who pose as demoniac; therefore, we need to be extremely wary.
Diabolic Oppression - is a ransom discomfort. We must remember that symptoms and gravity differ greatly case by case. This oppression can strike health, job, affections, relationship with others, and so on. Its symptoms include unexplainable rages and a tendency to complete isolation. Oppression can affect both individual and groups (even very large groups).
Diabolic Obsession- causes an almost split personality. Our will remains free, but it is oppressed by obsessive thoughts. The victim experiences thoughts that may be rationally absurd but of such a nature that he is unable to free himself. The obsessed person lives in a perpetual state of prostration, with persistent temptations to suicide. We must be aware that the temptation to commit suicide is also present in diabolic possession and diabolic oppression.
Diabolic Infestation - In this case, the malefic activity is directed toward places (houses, offices, stores, fields), objects (cars, pillows, mattresses, dolls) and animals, therefore it only indirectly affects man. Origen tells us that the early Christians resorted to exorcisms in these situations.
Diabolic Subjugation - The term indicates a voluntary pact--implicit or explicit---with Satan, by which we submit to the lordship of the demon. There are also involuntary times with the evil one; these cases fall into the preceding categories, especially the most severe: possession.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME POSSESSED?
Below, Fr. Amorth explains that there are four principal causes that may cause one to fall victim to these evils.
Pure Divine Permission
Clearly, nothing happens without divine permission, but God never wills evil, suffering, or temptation. He gave us freedom and allows the existence of evil, but knows how to turn it into good. When he gives the demon his permission to torment us, he does so to strengthen us in virtue, as in the biblical example of Job, as well as of many blessed and saints. We must keep in mind that diabolical harassment in itself has nothing to do with the state of grace of its victims.
Subject to a Curse
Here too, the victim is innocent, but there is culpability on the part of whoever casts and/or commissions the curse. By the word curse, I mean the intention of harming others through demonic intervention. This can be achieved in many ways: malefice (or spell), binding, evil eye, malediction, and so on. The matter is serious, but we need to be on guard against misconceptions. By their nature, curses lend themselves to all sorts of abuses, especially when we consider the current escalation in the number of frauds, suggestions, manias, and more.
Grave Hardening of Sin
Judas Iscariot is the classical Gospel example. The many individuals who abandon themselves to sexual perversions, violence, and drugs fall into this group. The heinous crime of abortion aggravates this situation; its terrible repercussions are clearly seen during exorcisms, because to liberate a victim who is guilty of abortion usually requires a very long period of time. Due to the current devastation of the family and the laxity of morals, the repercussions that stem from the scourge of abortion are much more common than in the past. When we take all these factors into account, we can understand why the number of individuals stricken by evil ailments has multiplied.
Proximity to Evil Places or Persons
This includes attending spiritualistic session, dabbling in magic, or consulting magicians, witch doctors, and some card readers; also, practicing the occult, belonging to satanic sects, or practicing in rites that climax with black masses, and so on, put us at great risk.
To this category we can add the influence of mass media, such as pornographic shows and violent horror movies broadcast by many TV stations. We witness the effects of the widespread presence of rock music, culminating in satanic rock performed in what we could easily refer to as "churches or rock", such as stadiums, parks, and discothèques. We should not be surprised that, today, there is an explosion of these activities: a decline in faith life is directly connected to an increase in superstitions. I will not tire or repeating that members of the clergy have done nothing to oppose, or at least warn against, all these evils, because they are completely ignorant even of what the Bible explicitly says on the subject. This forth category has greatly contributed to the increase in evil ailments in the last decades, especially among the young. Taken from (An Exorcist More Stories by Fr. Gabriele Amorth, published by IGNATIUS PRESS can be purchased at Amazon.com).
WHO CAN PERFORM AN EXORCISM?
In the early church (according the Early Church Fathers) the casting out of demons was widely accepted and exorcism could be performed by anyone. Why then has this practice changed? It has been found that in severe cases if the one who is casting out the demons is not experienced or grounded in faith and does not have sufficient spiritual protection it can be harmful for both the victim and the so called exorcist. We find in Matthew 17:20-21 a case in which the apostles could not cast out a demon from the epileptic demoniac. Jesus rebuked them for not being prepared and told them only through prayer and fasting could this demon be cast out.
Before Vatican II the exorcism prayer was part of the Baptismal rite. Why? In the days of the early church there were many pagans coming into the church. Part of the long preparation for these pagans coming into the church was exorcism on Holy Saturday before Easter.
Around the third century, Pope Cornelius was the first to make the exorcist a minor order (See on Internet about this). He announced that an exorcist could be a priest, deacon or in the subdiaconate. The minor order of exorcism has since been dropped by Pope Paul VI in 1972. He did not believe there was a need and it was obsolete.
From the Commentary of the Code of Canon Law
Canon 1172 - (1) No one can perform exorcisms legitimately upon the possessed unless he has obtained special express permission from the local ordinary. (2) The local ordinary is to give this permission only to a presbyter who has piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life.
An exorcism is a sacramental by which "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. The canon pertains to solemn exorcisms observing the Rite of Exorcism of the Roman Ritual, not to the simply exorcism that are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or the baptism of infants.
One of the praenotanda to the 1998 Rite of Exorcism (n13) has completely reordered this canon. There are significant differences between the new law and the canon.
An exorcist is to be a priest (sacerdos) not a presbyter (presbyterus) as in the canon, which means bishops as well as presbyters may be appointed exorcists.
The priest must have specific preparation for this office.
"For the most part" (plerumque), the local ordinary who appoints the exorcist should be the diocesan bishop, which implies that the vicar general and episcopal vicar should not do it without a special mandate, except in a case of need when the bishop cannot be reached.
The exorcist, whether appointed to the stable office of exorcist or ad actum, is to fulfill this ministry under the direction of the diocesan bishop.
The Ritual of Exorcism
by Father Cliff Graham
Exorcists in this day and age are on the verge of extinction. No one, religious or lay, would like to acknowledge the fact that Satan is alive and well, tormenting and destroying souls. Many religious do not believe in possession and many are afraid to believe that it can occur. It seems that most religious fear Satan and what he can do to them, more then they believe in God who can do ALL things. Fear is Satan's dear friend. When someone fears Satan, Satan has power over them. The religious clergy fail to realize that Satan's biggest fear, more than exorcism, is confession. A priest who preaches, and hears confessions, should not be afraid to be an exorcist. To not use the powers of exorcism that Christ has given, is a direct betrayal of His command.
PROCEDURE OF THE EXORCIST
The appendix of the Roman Ritual has the longer rite of exorcism and states that the exorcist should "Superpelliceo et stola violacea indutus," (wear an alb and a purple stole) right before the part of the prayer that begins "Ecce crucem domine, fúgite partes advérsae." The priest is instructed to "imponat extreman parte stolae ejus" (having made the sign of the cross over the victim, place the ends of the stole around this person's neck).
One may have two normal sized stoles sewn together in order to have a very long stole to extend from the priest to the victim's neck. It is truly amazing how the blessed stole calms and controls the possessed person. Certainly one initially may encounter violent reactions, but that is to be expected. The stole not only symbolizes, but demonstrates the power of the priesthood. Jesus binds the evil spirits with the use of this sacramental.
The Ritual next instructs the priest to place his right hand on the head of his victim. Of course, the imposition of hands was used by Jesus to heal the sick. The church mimics this use in the Sacrament of the Sick and in other ways. Jesus blessed children in this way. It has been noted by many individuals that hands of the priest's calm or burn them. If an assistant priest is present, they also may place hands on the person's head. A Bible containing both the Old and New Testaments should be on hand when questioning and commanding the demons to respond. After invoking the Holy Spirit, there is surprising response and confirmation, which are keys to opening up and freeing the person. For example, a woman who had been a war orphan revealed through scripture that she was not baptized. Another woman opened the Bible to Tobias where it stated that she was not married in the church. A couple opened the Bible to the Old testament reading on abortion, which confirmed, at some point to unforgiving sin. Others opened to a passage focusing on a generational curse. While still others read a verse on incest in the family. One girl indicated the story of Jacob and Essau. Her twin brother was murdered at three months of age. She was the second to be born and like Jacob became the first through infanticide. Others have indicated a need for greater humility, faith and fasting. The Rite of Exorcism uses passages from Jn. 1:1-14; Mk. 16:15-18; Lk. 1:17-20; Lk. 11:14-22; also use what ever passage the Holy Spirit inspires. This can hasten along deliverance and yield many crucial answers to the puzzle. It is always good to have on hand a collection of prayers that may be said both by the exorcist and those assisting. The Raccolta has a fine collection, as do other prayer books.
The rules for exorcism state that one should have relics of the saints at hand. Not all relics are of equal worth. First class relics are to be preferred. The greater the sanctity of the saint the more powerful the cure. One can tell by the reactions of the demons which relic gives better results.
According to the Act of the Apostles, handkerchiefs that were touched to Saint Paul and carried back to the sick curing them (remember the sick woman who was cured by touching the hem of Jesus?). The shadow alone of Saint Peter healed many. Although the Blessed Sacrament is the Body and Blood of Jesus, True God and True Man, and not any mere sacramental, it is an excellent practice to use it to bless the sick and possessed. The rules of exorcism in number 13 of the Roman Ritual states, "Sanctissima vero Eucharistia super caput obssessi, aut aliter ejus corpori ne admoveatur, ob irreverentiae periculum" (The Blessed Sacrament should not be placed on the head or any other part of the body of the possessed persons, due to the possibility of desecration). This rule or admonition need not apply in those cases where there is no danger or irreverence, that is cases in which the person's actions are nonviolent.
It is truly astounding to observe how many days (when proper use of the Blessed Sacrament is applied to the body of the possessed), can be taken off the whole length of time needed to dislodge the demons. It shortens the process. It may be wise in other cases for the priest himself to carry around his neck the Blessed Sacrament in a Pyx. This may prove at times, necessary for protection.
A Franciscan named Father Dominic Szymanski (a one time companion of St. Maximillian Kolbe) was working with a Benedictine priest, when Fr. Dominic asked the Benedictine if he was wearing the medal of St, Benedict. The Benedictine responded, "Yes, I am." Father Szymanski told him that he saw the devil in the form of a blue light going around him in circles, and that the evil spirit was unable to touch him because he was wearing the medal.
The St. Benedict medal can be pinned to the clothes of infants who are agitated, pregnant mothers or anyone who wants protection from evil. The use of the scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Rosary are two sacramentals specifically mentioned in the Vatican II document on the church "Lumen Gentium." The blessing of the rosary states, "Nos eriperes de potestate diaboli" Our Lord Jesus Christ through His life, death and resurrection has "snatched us from the power of the devil." Abundant graces are granted through proper recitation of the rosary, "Ab omni hoste visibili et invisibili et ubíque in hoc sáeculo liberetur" (from every enemy both visible and invisible and everywhere in this lifetime be freed). St. Dominic freed a heretic from 15,000 devils, when the man had blasphemed the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. St. Dominic preached on the fifteen mysteries of the rosary and asked the faithful to pray and meditate. For every mystery, 1,000 demons left him in the form of burning coals until he was delivered. The rosary is the chain that Our Lady uses to bind Satan. It is often seen in a possessed individual, that the demon is irritated and they complain that the rosary burns them and they often destroy the rosary.
Another medal of great importance which was used in the conversion of the worldly Jew, Alphonse Ratisbone, propagated by St. Maximillian Kolbe, and used by the founder of the Legion of Mary-Frank Duff-is the Miraculous Medal (Medal of the Immaculate Conception of Mary). While placing the medal around the neck, the Presider prays, "Ut piisima et Immaculáta caelórum Domina vos prótegat atique defendat'' (May the Holy and Immaculate heavenly Lady protect and defend you). Our Lady promises special graces to those who wear this medal around their neck. The same is true for the scapular. If worn with faith, "They shall not suffer the eternal flames of Hell" and "shall be delivered from Purgatory on the Saturday after their death."
Then there is the crucifix, which should always be present. The victim will often stare at the cross and be forced to look away. The cross is symbolic of the defeat of Satan through the death of Christ. The long prayer for Solemn Blessing of the Crucifix, "Ut quóties triúmphum divínae humnilitátis, quae supérbiam nostri hostis dejecit" and (how often the divine humility has triumphed casting out the pride of our enemy). "Dignáre respícere, bene + dícere et Sancti + ficáre hanc creaturm incensi, ut omnes languores, omnesque imfirmitates, atque insidiar inimici, odorem ejus sentientes, efffugiant, et separatur a plasmate tuo; ut num quam lædatur amorsu antiqui serpentes" (Deign to care for bless and sanctify those being inflamed by passion and weakness, any sickness, deceits of the foe and suspicious resentments felt by them. Be cast out and driven away from your creature) and "Numquam lædatur a morsu antiqui derpentis" (Never to be hurt by the bite of the ancient serpent).
The following are selected paragraphs pertaining to the instruction of the Exorcist as indicated in the Old Rite - Rules of the Roman Ritual of Exorcism.
(RULE 1)The priest who with the particular and explicit permission of his Bishop is about to exorcise those tormented by Evil Spirit, must have the necessary piety, prudence and personal integrity. He should perform this most heroic work humbly and courageously, not relying on his own strength, but on the power of God; and he must have no greed for material benefit. Besides, he should be of mature age and be respected as a virtuous person.
(RULE 2) Let the exorcist note for himself the tricks and deceits which evil spirits use in order to lead him astray. For they are accustomed to answering falsely. They manifest themselves only under pressure--in the hope that the exorcist will get tired and desist from pressuring them. Or they make it appear that the subject of Exorcism is not possessed at all.
(RULE 3) Sometimes, Evil Spirit betrays its presence, and then goes into hiding. It appears to have left the body of the possessed free from all molestation, so that the possessed thinks he is completely rid of it. But the exorcist should not, for all that, desist until he sees the signs of liberation.
(RULE 4) The Exorcist must remember, therefore, that Our Lord said there is a species of Evil Spirit which cannot be expelled except by prayer and fasting. Let him make sure that he and others follow the example of the Holy Fathers and make use of these two principal means of obtaining divine help and of repelling Evil Spirit.
(RULE 5) During Exorcism, the exorcist should use the words of the Bible rather than his own or somebody else's. Also, he should command Evil Spirit to state whether it is kept within the possessed because of some magical spell or sorcerer's symbol or some occult documents. For the exorcism to succeed, the possessed must surrender them. If he has swallowed something like that, he will vomit it up. If it is outside his body in some place or other, Evil Spirit must tell the exorcist where it is. When the exorcist finds it, he must burn it.
In order for Satan to be driven out of the possessed, the exorcist must be humble. He must rely on God and only God for his answers and direction. Sometimes God forces the demon inside the possessed to reveal truths. However, the exorcist must be careful not to believe all that the demon possessing the victim might say. The demon will reveal exactly what the exorcist wants to hear even though it is not the truth, in order to side track him. The exorcist, out of his own curiosity, should not ask questions to the possessed regarding matters other than the exorcism at hand. Only through much prayer, fasting and humility of the exorcist along with the willingness of the victim, and of course, the grace and Will of God, can one be freed of this affliction.
Sacraments
by Father Cliff Graham
When praying with a person for healing and deliverance, it is helpful to use sacramentals. The use of sacramentals affects cures and at expels the enemy.
The use of blessed olive oil is particularly effective, because it contains the prayer of exorcism at the very beginning. "Exorcizo te, creatura olei" (I exorcise, creature oil). "Omis virtus adversarii, omnis exceritus diaboli, omnis incúrus, omne phatasma Satanæ eradicare" (All power of the adversary, all diabolical armies, all hostile attack, eliminating every satanic apparition). "Uf fiat ómnibus, qui eo usuri sunt, salus menti et corporis" (and all who would use this would have health of mind and body). Further into the prayer, it states that all those who are sick would be free of "Ab omni languore" (all weakness, languor, listlessness), "omni qui infirmitate" (all sickness) and "insidiis inimici liberéntur", (freed of any snares of the enemy). And "cunctae adversitates separéntur a pusmate tuo" (all of the opposing powers that separate your creature from you).
Quite often, when using the sacramental, a person blessed or having consumed the blessed oil will have a reaction. This sacramental is very much hated by evil spirits and sometimes cures diseases and states of depression and oppression.
An amber colored glass of blessed oil and an identical glass containing holy water were placed in front of a year and a half-old child. The child refused the blessed oil, whereas she always chose the holy water. This experiment was repeated two dozen times, and despite not being able to see the contents, the child would not touch the oil. A four-year-old boy, in a guttural voice said, "I'm going to destroy that blessed oil," despite his not knowing that the exorcist had blessed the household kitchen oil. Another instance using blessed oil involved a high school student with a high fever. After administering the oil, his fever instantaneously disappeared.
For people who may not be candidates for the sacrament of the sick, this sacramental can be used, even if they are not in the state of grace.
Another sacramental feared by demons is holy water, which one can be sprinkled with or drink. "Benedictio aquae in vigilia Ephipaniae Domini" (The blessing of water in the vigil of the Epiphany of the Lord) contains multiple exorcisms and should be used if time allows, especially in the case of a solemn public exorcism. The blessing in the Roman Ritual is titled, "Benedicto auri, thuris et myrahae in Festo Ephiphaniæ" (Blessing of gold, frankincense and myrrh on the Feast of Epiphany). The blessing on the Feast of the Epiphany also has the longest blessing of water and contains all of the exorcisms of the water and salt. This blessing seems to be more effective than just an ordinary blessing (salt should also be included).
Incense is very annoying to evil spirits. It is also good to have blessed candles, especially if blessed on the Feast of St. Blaise.
Another sacramental that is especially efficacious against the devil is the Medal of St. Benedict. Priest should use the long form of the St. Benedict prayer, which contains a prayer of exorcism. This is the only medal in the Roman Catholic Church that has an exorcism prayer on the medal. It begins: "Exorcizo vos, numísmata,…" (I exorcise you medal) Once petitioning the Holy Trinity to eliminate all the power of the enemy. Then "Ut fiant ómnibus, qui eis usuri sunt, salus mentis et corporis" (That all those who would use it would have health of mind and body). The medal itself has initials inscribed that form a prayer of exorcism as indicated below.
In the angles of the cross are found these four letters: C.S.P.B. They stand for the words: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti --"The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict."
On the vertical bar of the cross itself are found the letters: C.S.S.M.L., and on the horizontal bar ofthe cross: N.D.S.M.D. They signify: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux, Non Craco Sit Mihi Dux May the holy Cross be my light. Let not the dragon be my guide."
Round the margin of the Medal, beginning at the right hand on top, are the following letters: V.R.S.N.S.M.V.--S.M.Q.L.I.V.B They stand for the verses:Vade Retro, Satana! Nunqum Suade Mihi Vana. Sunt Mala Quae Libas; Ipse Venena Bibas. "Begone, Satan! Suggest not vain things to me. Evil is the cup thou offerest; Drink thou thine own poison."
In most instances, the medal produces a tranquilizing effect when worn. Some individuals experience the opposite--a burning sensation.
Blessing and imposition of the scapular of Saint Michael the Archangel is another practice very much feared and detested by evil spirits. This scapular takes the shape of a shield with one cord being black and the other blue. On the shield we read the words "Quis et Deus" ("I am like God"). This was Michael's reply to Lucifer, who stated "non serviam" (I will not serve). Michael means "Quis ut Deus" (Who is like unto God).
BLESSING OF THE MEDAL OF ST BENEDICT:
The exorcism prayers below in English can be said by any priest.
ENGLISH VERSION
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord
R. Who made heaven and earth.
In the name of God the Father + Almighty, who made heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, I exorcise these medals against the power and attacks of the evil one. May all who use these medals devoutly be blessed with health or soul and body. In the name of the Father + Almighty, of his Son + Jesus Christ our Lord, and of the Holy + Spirit the paraclete, and in the love of the same Lord Jesus Christ who will come on the last day to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. R. AMEN
Let us pray. Almighty God, the boundless source of all good things, we humbly, ask that, through the intercession of St. Benedict, you pour out your blessings + upon these medals. May those who use them devoutly and earnestly strive to perform good works, be blessed by you with health of soul and the help of your merciful love, resist the temptations of the evil one and strive to exercise true charity and justice toward all, so that one day they may appear sinless and holy in your sight. This we ask through Christ our Lord. R. AMEN
The medals are then sprinkled with holy water.
Finding Help
SELF-HELP
If you are seeking help, you must first start by ridding yourself of those things that prevent God from working in your life. In most cases, the bondage we are in is due to the lifestyle we live. God gave us the Commandments because He loves us and He wants us to be with Him in heaven one day. If you do not follow the commandments that God established then there is only one other rule to follow-the self-destructing rule of Satan.
When you do not live by God's rules the door is wide open for Satan to enter into your life. Are you willing to change your lifestyle? If you are willing to change there is hope for you. If you are not willing to change you may never find help. Reflect on the questions below. Do not become alarmed if many of these questions pertain to you. Confess your sins and work at eliminating them from your life. Ask God for help.
• Do you give God time in prayer everyday?
• Are you involved with the occult, horoscopes, séances, Ouija Board, Dungeon's and Dragons?
• Have you mocked God, use his name in vain?
• Do you wish harm to come to someone who has hurt you or who has annoyed you.
• Do you read books or see movies that are anti-God or occult oriented.
• Are you involved with new age practices such as yoga, crystals, Transcendental Meditation
• Do you go to church every Sunday? Do you neglect church so that you can participate in a sports related activity or so that you can sleep-in? Where are your priorities? Are they God centered or "ME" centered?
• Is your lifestyle not of God? Do you have sex out of marriage, are you committing adultery, do you approve of abortions.
• Are you an active homosexual? Do you masturbate? Do you fantasize about sex? Are your thoughts chaste? Do you read romance novels?
• Do you dress modestly so as not to arouse the opposite sex.
• Do you steal? Stealing can also be sharing copyright materials whether they are Movies, music CDs, software, etc.
• Do you lie to get out of jams? Do you find pleasure in saying negative things about people or do you speak about them behind their back?
• Are you jealous of what other people have? Are you greedy and selfish?
• Do you trust in God or do you trust instead in the material world around us?
HELP FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Many people are concerned for friends and family members and want to find them help (which is a pious thing to do). The big problem is that the majority of your friends and family members do not want help. They are very comfortable in their lifestyles and in most cases there is not any room for God. Freedom cannot be found for those who do not want help. The best course of action is to pray. Have as many people you know pray so that they may be converted.
NOTE:- THE ABOVE MENTIONED MEDALS CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE BY THE CHURCHES.
Friday, April 9, 2010
EXORCISM (PART 1)
What is Exorcism :-
Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkizein - to bind by oath) is the practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed by causing the entity to swear an oath. The practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many cultures.
Christianity
In Christian practice the person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the church, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc. The exorcist often invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. Exorcism is primarily associated with the Catholic Church, although non-Catholic Christians also claim to perform exorcisms.
In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore, practitioners regard exorcism as more of a cure than a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence.
Roman Catholicism
In Roman Catholic dogma exorcism is a ritual but not a sacrament, unlike baptism or confession. Unlike a sacrament, exorcism's "integrity and efficacy do not depend ... on the rigid use of an unchanging formula or on the ordered sequence of prescribed actions. Its efficacy depends on two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist."[5] That being said, Catholic exorcism is still one of the most rigid and organized of all existing exorcism rituals. Solemn exorcisms, according to the Canon law of the church, can be exercised only by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, and/or sacrilege.
The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, though the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be an incredibly dangerous spiritual task. The ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications. Other formulas may have been used in the past, such as the Benedictine Vade retro satana. In the modern era, Catholic bishops rarely authorize exorcisms, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is more likely. In mild cases the Chaplet of Saint Michael could be used.
Anglicanism
In 1974, the Church of England set up the "Deliverance Ministry". As part of its creation, every diocese in the country was equipped with a team trained in both exorcism and psychiatry. According to its representatives, most cases brought before it have conventional explanations, and actual exorcisms are quite rare; although, blessings are sometimes given to people for psychological reasons.[6]
In The Episcopal Church, the Book of Occasional Services discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist".[7] Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan bishop. An exorcism is not usually performed unless the bishop and his team of specialists (including a psychiatrist and physician) have approved it.
Lutheranism
The Lutheran Church traces the practice of exorcism to the Scriptural claim that Jesus Christ expelled demons with a simple command (Mark 1:23–26; 9:14–29; Luke 11:14–26).[8] The apostles continued the practice with the power and in the name of Jesus (Matthew 10:1; Acts 19:11–16).[8] Contrary to some denominations of Christianity, Lutheranism affirms that the individual, both the believer and the non-believer, can be plagued by demons, based on several arguments, including the one that "just as a believer, whom Jesus Christ has delivered from sin (Romans 6:18), can still be bound by sin in his life, so he can still be bound by a demon in his life."[9]
After the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther abbreviated the Roman ritual used for exorcism.[10] In 1526, the ritual was further abbreviated. This form of the Lutheran Ritual for Exorcism was incorporated into the majority of the Lutheran service-books and implemented.[10][11] According to a Pastoral Handbook of the Lutheran Church,
“In general, satanic possession is nothing other than an action of the devil by which, from God's permission, men are urged to sin, and he occupies their bodies, in order that they might lose eternal salvation. Thus bodily possession is an action by which the devil, from divine permission, possesses both pious and impious men in such a way that he inhabits their bodies not only according to activity, but also according to essence, and torments them, either for the punishment or for the discipline and testing of men, and for the glory of divine justice, mercy, power, and wisdom.”
These pastoral manuals warn that oftentimes, symptoms such as ecstasy, epileptic seizures, lethargy, insanity, and a frantic state of mind, are the results of natural causes and should not be mistaken for demon possession. According to the Lutheran Church, primary symptoms that may indicate demon possession and the need of an exorcism include:
1. The knowledge of secret things, for example, being able to predict the future (Acts 16:16), find lost people or things, or know complex things that one has never learned (e.g., medicine). It is said that fortune-tellers often ask a spirit for help and that this spirit gives them certain powers. In that case, the evil spirit is assisting, not necessarily possessing the person bodily.
2. The knowledge of languages one has never learned. Just as the devil can bind one's tongue (Luke 11:14), it is reported from the early church as well as the time of the Reformation that certain demon-possessed people could speak languages they had never learned.
3. Supernatural strength (Mark 5:2-3), far beyond what they previously had or should have considering their sex and size. Much caution in judging demon possession is required. All of the circumstances and symptoms must be taken into consideration. Insanity should not be confused with possession. On the other hand, possession may be taking place even where these symptoms are absent.
The Church lists the secondary symptoms of horrible shouting (Mark 5:5), blasphemy of God and jeering at one's neighbor, deformation of movements (e.g. ferocious movements, facial contortion, immodest laughing, gnashing of teeth, spitting, removing clothes, lacerating self, Mk. 9:20; Lk. 8:26f.), inhuman revelry (e.g. when they take food beyond the capability of nature), torment of bodies, unusual injuries of the body and of those nearby, extraordinary motion of bodies (e.g., an elderly man who, being demon-possessed, was able to run as fast as a horse), and forgetfulness of things done. Other symptoms include the corruption of reason in man, which make him like an animal, melancholy, the acceleration of death (Mark 9:18 [suicide attempts]), and the presence of other supernatural occurrences.
After these determinations have been made, the Church recommends experienced physicians to determine whether there is a medical explanation for the behaviour of the individual. When a true possession is recognized, the poor one is to be committed to the care of a minister of the Church who teaches sound doctrine, is of a blameless life, who does nothing for the sake of filthy lucre, but does everything from the soul. The pastor is then to diligently inquire what kind of life the possessed one led up to this point and lead him or her through the law to the recognition of his sins. After this admonition or consolation has taken place, the works of a natural physician are to be used, who will cleanse the possessed one from malicious fluids with the appropriate medicines. The Pastoral Handbook then states:
“Let the confession of the Christian faith be once required of Him, let him be taught concerning the works of the devil destroyed by Christ, let him be sent back faithfully to this Destroyer of Satan, Jesus Christ, let an exhortation be set up to faith in Christ, to prayers, to penitence.
Let ardent prayers be poured forth to God, not only by the ministers of the Church, but also by the whole Church. Let these prayers be conditioned, if the liberation should happen for God's glory and the salvation of the possessed person, for this is an evil of the body
With the prayers let fasting be joined, see Matthew 17:21.
Alms by friends of the possessed person, Tobit 12:8-9.
Let the confession of the Christian faith be once required of Him, let him be taught concerning the works of the devil destroyed by Christ, let him be sent back faithfully to this Destroyer of Satan, Jesus Christ, let an exhortation be set up to faith in Christ, to prayers, to penitence.”
Psychology
The Christian practice of exorcism approaches the subject with a procedure of presuming mental or physical illness and employing mental health and medical professionals to rule out physical or mental causes before authorization of the exorcism ritual. When all possible benign causes are ruled out, the case is treated as a malignant demonic possession and an exorcism may be performed.
Hinduism
Beliefs and/or practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in the south. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the rituals described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Kerala.
The basic means of exorcism are the mantra and the yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.
Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana, reading the 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures of the deities (Shiva,Vishnu,Brahma,Shakti e.t.c) (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water from holy rivers, and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices.
Main Puranic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, exorcism exists depending on the Buddhist sect. Each differs from the other, some view it as metaphoric, or esoteric and even literal. Some Tibetan Buddhists view exorcism as being nothing more but a metaphoric symbolism to expel the negative thoughts and transform it into an enlightened mind.
Certain Buddhists believe in blessings, rather than exorcisms to rid themselves or property of negative thoughts and/or negative spirits.
Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkizein - to bind by oath) is the practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed by causing the entity to swear an oath. The practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many cultures.
Christianity
In Christian practice the person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the church, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc. The exorcist often invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. Exorcism is primarily associated with the Catholic Church, although non-Catholic Christians also claim to perform exorcisms.
In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore, practitioners regard exorcism as more of a cure than a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence.
Roman Catholicism
In Roman Catholic dogma exorcism is a ritual but not a sacrament, unlike baptism or confession. Unlike a sacrament, exorcism's "integrity and efficacy do not depend ... on the rigid use of an unchanging formula or on the ordered sequence of prescribed actions. Its efficacy depends on two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist."[5] That being said, Catholic exorcism is still one of the most rigid and organized of all existing exorcism rituals. Solemn exorcisms, according to the Canon law of the church, can be exercised only by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, and/or sacrilege.
The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, though the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be an incredibly dangerous spiritual task. The ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications. Other formulas may have been used in the past, such as the Benedictine Vade retro satana. In the modern era, Catholic bishops rarely authorize exorcisms, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is more likely. In mild cases the Chaplet of Saint Michael could be used.
Anglicanism
In 1974, the Church of England set up the "Deliverance Ministry". As part of its creation, every diocese in the country was equipped with a team trained in both exorcism and psychiatry. According to its representatives, most cases brought before it have conventional explanations, and actual exorcisms are quite rare; although, blessings are sometimes given to people for psychological reasons.[6]
In The Episcopal Church, the Book of Occasional Services discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist".[7] Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan bishop. An exorcism is not usually performed unless the bishop and his team of specialists (including a psychiatrist and physician) have approved it.
Lutheranism
The Lutheran Church traces the practice of exorcism to the Scriptural claim that Jesus Christ expelled demons with a simple command (Mark 1:23–26; 9:14–29; Luke 11:14–26).[8] The apostles continued the practice with the power and in the name of Jesus (Matthew 10:1; Acts 19:11–16).[8] Contrary to some denominations of Christianity, Lutheranism affirms that the individual, both the believer and the non-believer, can be plagued by demons, based on several arguments, including the one that "just as a believer, whom Jesus Christ has delivered from sin (Romans 6:18), can still be bound by sin in his life, so he can still be bound by a demon in his life."[9]
After the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther abbreviated the Roman ritual used for exorcism.[10] In 1526, the ritual was further abbreviated. This form of the Lutheran Ritual for Exorcism was incorporated into the majority of the Lutheran service-books and implemented.[10][11] According to a Pastoral Handbook of the Lutheran Church,
“In general, satanic possession is nothing other than an action of the devil by which, from God's permission, men are urged to sin, and he occupies their bodies, in order that they might lose eternal salvation. Thus bodily possession is an action by which the devil, from divine permission, possesses both pious and impious men in such a way that he inhabits their bodies not only according to activity, but also according to essence, and torments them, either for the punishment or for the discipline and testing of men, and for the glory of divine justice, mercy, power, and wisdom.”
These pastoral manuals warn that oftentimes, symptoms such as ecstasy, epileptic seizures, lethargy, insanity, and a frantic state of mind, are the results of natural causes and should not be mistaken for demon possession. According to the Lutheran Church, primary symptoms that may indicate demon possession and the need of an exorcism include:
1. The knowledge of secret things, for example, being able to predict the future (Acts 16:16), find lost people or things, or know complex things that one has never learned (e.g., medicine). It is said that fortune-tellers often ask a spirit for help and that this spirit gives them certain powers. In that case, the evil spirit is assisting, not necessarily possessing the person bodily.
2. The knowledge of languages one has never learned. Just as the devil can bind one's tongue (Luke 11:14), it is reported from the early church as well as the time of the Reformation that certain demon-possessed people could speak languages they had never learned.
3. Supernatural strength (Mark 5:2-3), far beyond what they previously had or should have considering their sex and size. Much caution in judging demon possession is required. All of the circumstances and symptoms must be taken into consideration. Insanity should not be confused with possession. On the other hand, possession may be taking place even where these symptoms are absent.
The Church lists the secondary symptoms of horrible shouting (Mark 5:5), blasphemy of God and jeering at one's neighbor, deformation of movements (e.g. ferocious movements, facial contortion, immodest laughing, gnashing of teeth, spitting, removing clothes, lacerating self, Mk. 9:20; Lk. 8:26f.), inhuman revelry (e.g. when they take food beyond the capability of nature), torment of bodies, unusual injuries of the body and of those nearby, extraordinary motion of bodies (e.g., an elderly man who, being demon-possessed, was able to run as fast as a horse), and forgetfulness of things done. Other symptoms include the corruption of reason in man, which make him like an animal, melancholy, the acceleration of death (Mark 9:18 [suicide attempts]), and the presence of other supernatural occurrences.
After these determinations have been made, the Church recommends experienced physicians to determine whether there is a medical explanation for the behaviour of the individual. When a true possession is recognized, the poor one is to be committed to the care of a minister of the Church who teaches sound doctrine, is of a blameless life, who does nothing for the sake of filthy lucre, but does everything from the soul. The pastor is then to diligently inquire what kind of life the possessed one led up to this point and lead him or her through the law to the recognition of his sins. After this admonition or consolation has taken place, the works of a natural physician are to be used, who will cleanse the possessed one from malicious fluids with the appropriate medicines. The Pastoral Handbook then states:
“Let the confession of the Christian faith be once required of Him, let him be taught concerning the works of the devil destroyed by Christ, let him be sent back faithfully to this Destroyer of Satan, Jesus Christ, let an exhortation be set up to faith in Christ, to prayers, to penitence.
Let ardent prayers be poured forth to God, not only by the ministers of the Church, but also by the whole Church. Let these prayers be conditioned, if the liberation should happen for God's glory and the salvation of the possessed person, for this is an evil of the body
With the prayers let fasting be joined, see Matthew 17:21.
Alms by friends of the possessed person, Tobit 12:8-9.
Let the confession of the Christian faith be once required of Him, let him be taught concerning the works of the devil destroyed by Christ, let him be sent back faithfully to this Destroyer of Satan, Jesus Christ, let an exhortation be set up to faith in Christ, to prayers, to penitence.”
Psychology
The Christian practice of exorcism approaches the subject with a procedure of presuming mental or physical illness and employing mental health and medical professionals to rule out physical or mental causes before authorization of the exorcism ritual. When all possible benign causes are ruled out, the case is treated as a malignant demonic possession and an exorcism may be performed.
Hinduism
Beliefs and/or practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in the south. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the rituals described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Kerala.
The basic means of exorcism are the mantra and the yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.
Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana, reading the 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures of the deities (Shiva,Vishnu,Brahma,Shakti e.t.c) (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water from holy rivers, and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices.
Main Puranic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, exorcism exists depending on the Buddhist sect. Each differs from the other, some view it as metaphoric, or esoteric and even literal. Some Tibetan Buddhists view exorcism as being nothing more but a metaphoric symbolism to expel the negative thoughts and transform it into an enlightened mind.
Certain Buddhists believe in blessings, rather than exorcisms to rid themselves or property of negative thoughts and/or negative spirits.
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