“When Spirits Take Hold: Understanding Spirit Possession”

As the veil between worlds thins each autumn, talk of hauntings, ghosts, and the supernatural fills the air. Among the most chilling concepts in folklore and religion is spirit possession — the idea that a human being can be overtaken or influenced by a non-physical entity. Whether you see it as myth, metaphor, or metaphysical truth, spirit possession remains one of humanity’s oldest and most fascinating fears. What Is Spirit Possession? Spirit possession refers to the belief that an external force — a ghost, demon, deity, ancestor, or otherworldly being — can temporarily or permanently inhabit a person’s body. This idea appears across cultures: In Christianity , it’s often linked to demonic possession, requiring exorcism. In Vodou and Santería , possession by a loa or orisha during ritual is seen as sacred and desirable. In Shamanic traditions , spirits are invited into the body for healing or guidance. Sometimes possession is feared;...