How to Perform an Exorcism

Exorcism has been around for thousands of years, yet it was movies that made it mainstream. To those who've preformed this rite, it's not a work of fiction. Exorcisms involve demonic forces with a great deal of power and exorcists with a tremendous amount of faith. Performing an exorcism may take prior training and is often reserved for certain people within a religion, but most rituals follow these steps.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Exclude the possibility that the person has a mental illness rather than being possessed. It's essential to know the difference between forces of the devil and need for medical attention. Performing an exorcism on someone who isn't possessed can be dangerous, and overlooking the need for psychological help can be even more harmful to the person.

2. Evaluate your faith. Exorcisms need to be performed by someone with an incredible amount of faith. It is their power based in faith that will command the demons out.

3. Recite a series of prayers as outlined by the chosen faith. Most will begin with an appeal to a higher power asking for intervention, then use the name of the higher power to command the devil to leave.

4. Make the sign of the cross at the appropriate times during the prayers. Signing of the cross will be made on both the exorcist (the one performing the rite) as well as the subject.

5. Sprinkle holy water on everyone in the room and in the case of Catholic exorcism, touch the person with a relic associated with a saint. Again these are all done at the appropriate times during the prayers.

6. Command the demons out of the person. This will be after the demon reveals itself. Expect a fight from the demon. The demon has found a host and is unwilling to leave quietly. This is a fight for the person's soul.

Tips & Warnings

• Because of the dangerous nature of exorcism, all religions clearly warn against lay or inexperienced people performing this rite. Before attempting an exorcism, consult a local clergy for guidance.