How to Obtain Permission for an Exorcism

Many people believe that demonic possession and exorcism are archaic beliefs and practices; even in the Catholic Church the belief has been waning steadily over the years. But lately, many priests, ministers, Muslim clerics and laity have begun to see evidence that demonic possession is not only a fact, but is growing frighteningly more common.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Schedule a visit with a psychiatrist and your medical doctor. Many of the signs exhibited in a possession are also symptoms of certain psychological disorders, or even physical illness, that need to be ruled out before proceeding with an exorcism. Go to a priest and let him know what signs and symptoms you are experiencing and be sure to include any medical or psychological findings.
2. Make sure you go to a priest who is somewhat knowledgeable about satanic possession, or who will be able to refer you to someone who is. A priest must have the permission of his bishop to perform an exorcism, although there are exorcists who have general permission to perform exorcisms if needed and not ask permission on a case-by-case basis.
3. Remember that exorcism is a very serious matter and a bishop will not give his permission unless he is absolutely certain that some or all of the signs are present. There are five general categories that qualify as signs of demonic possession, although there are many manifestations that fall under each category.
4. Find out if the victim is able to understand or speak in languages previously unknown and never heard or studied. This is one common sign, along with what may appear to be dual personalities and vocalizations in voices not belonging to the subject. Often there will be more than one, possibly many, voices using the body of the person.
5. Watch for what appears to be nearly inhuman strength in the person. It often takes a number of strong men to restrain a child or small adult. Victims of demonic possession are known to have the ability to levitate or lift heavy objects without being near them. They also lose control of their bodily functions and are able to twist their bodies and faces in horrific contortions.
6. Pay attention to what the victim tells you. Often they can accurately foresee events in the future, often in dreams. Many know deeply hidden secrets about those around them and scream accusations during the exorcism in an attempt to disrupt the process. They may know of situations that are happening elsewhere in the world or things that happened in the distant past.
7. Remember that the most intense and ever-present sign of demonic possession is complete and utter hatred of anything sacred. The name of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and even Mary and the Saints cause intense agony, as do holy objects such as crucifixes and holy water. They spew blasphemous words, demonstrate obscene gestures and are usually unable enter holy places.

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