Spirit possession is a paranormal or supernatural event in which it is said that animas, demons, extraterrestrials, gods, spirits, or other disincarnate entities take control of a human body, resulting in noticeable changes in health and behaviour. The term can also describe a similar action of taking residence in an inanimate object, possibly giving it animation.
The concept of spiritual possession exists in many religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Haitian Vodou, Wicca, and Southeast Asian and African traditions. Depending on the cultural context in which it is found, possession may be considered voluntary or involuntary and may be considered to have beneficial or detrimental effects.
Spirit possession is cross-culturally more common among women than men.
Read more about Spirit Possession: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Spiritism and Spiritualism, Wicca, Examples
Famous quotes containing the words spirit and/or possession:
“Of what is real I say,
Is it the old, the roseate parent or
The bride come jingling, kissed and cupped, or else
The spirit and all ensigns of the self?”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“Some day the workers will take possession of your city hall, and when we do, no child will be sacrificed on the altar of profit!”
—Mother Jones (1830–1930)