Exorcism

Origin and history

The word "exorcism" comes from the Greek exorkismos, of exorkízein ("to expel by oath, by sworn invocation"). Practices of expulsion of harmful entities exist in all human cultures from antiquity: documented in Mesopotamia 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, in the Hellenistic-Roman world, Hebrew tradition (Solomon expelled demons; the New Testament Jesus performed multiple exorcisms), Islamic tradition (ruqya), shamanism of practically all indigenous cultures.

In Catholicism, exorcism became official Church discipline, with specific ritual codified in the Roman Ritual (1614, revised in 1999). It is one of the major sacramentals of the Catholic Church. Each Catholic diocese is required by canon law to have at least one official exorcist appointed. Famous case: the exorcism of the small Anneliese Michel in Germany 1975 (later popularised in cinema as The Exorcist) — produced renewed mass interest in the topic.

Catholic discernment process

Critical important: the modern Catholic Church is extremely cautious about exorcism. It does not perform it lightly. The discernment process requires: 1) Exhaustive medical evaluation by qualified doctors (most cases of "alleged possession" are mental illnesses requiring psychiatric treatment — schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, severe traumas). 2) Detailed psychological evaluation by qualified psychologists. 3) Spiritual evaluation by experienced priests. 4) Specific signs of authentic possession (according to traditional criteria): supernatural strength, speech in unknown languages without prior learning, knowledge of hidden information impossible naturally, severe physical aversion to sacred objects.

Only when the entire process rules out non-supernatural causes AND identifies authentic signs, the official exorcism is authorised. Performed by an officially appointed exorcist priest, with very specific liturgical ritual, prayers and invocations of the Roman Ritual. Catholic exorcism is NOT charlatanry: it is a serious spiritual discipline with rigorous discernment process. Most cases of alleged possession are psychiatric illnesses; very few rare cases require true exorcism.

Considerations and warnings

WARNINGS: 1) If you suspect "possession" or grave spiritual disturbance: FIRST consult medical doctor and qualified psychiatrist. The vast majority of cases are mental illness. To consult exorcist as first option without medical screening is dangerous (delays treatment of treatable real conditions). 2) Avoid self-styled "exorcists" outside legitimate religious traditions: they are generally charlatans who exploit emotional vulnerability, charge a lot for fake services, and can produce real psychological damage. 3) Light protection: smoke cleansings (palo santo, white sage, copal), salt water, sustained personal prayer, meditative work, qualified therapy — these are usually sufficient for most situations of energetic discomfort.