INVESTIGATING AND RESEARCHING REAL DEMONS AND POSSESION!

BY GLENN HASS

In religion and mythology, occultism and folklore, a demon (or daemon, daimon; from Greek δαίμων daimôn) is a supernatural being that is generally described as a malevolent spirit. In ghost Hunting and many paranormal circles some believe them just to be the ghosts or horrible spirits that possess people and pretend to be the devil or his minons. ; however, the original neutral connotations of the Greek word daimon does not carry the negative ones that were later projected onto it, as Christianity spread.

In Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the derived Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism. In Western occultism and Renaissance magic, which grew out of an amalgamation of pagan Greco-Roman, Jewish and Christian tradition, a demon is considered a spiritual entity that may be conjured and controlled

Demonic possession is often the term used to describe the control over a human form by a demon. Descriptions of demonic possessions often include: erased memories or personalities, convulsions, “fits” and fainting as if one were dying. Unlike in channeling or other forms of possession, the subject has no control over the possessing entity and so it will persist until forced to leave the victim, usually through a form of exorcism. Other descriptions include access to hidden knowledge and foreign languages, drastic changes in vocal intonation and facial structure, sudden appearance of injury (scratches, bite marks) or lesions, and superhuman strength. Many cultures and religions contain some concept of demonic possession, but the details vary considerably. The Roma people believe that demons can also possess animals, plants, deceased persons or inanimate objects. The oldest references to demonic possession are from the Sumerians, who believed that all diseases of the body and mind were caused by "sickness demons" called gidim or gid-dim. The priests who practiced exorcisms in these nations were called ashipu (sorcerer) as opposed to an asu (physician) who applied bandages and salves.

Many cuneiform tablets contain prayers to certain gods asking for protection from demons, while others ask the gods to expel the demons that have invaded their bodies. Most illustrations portray these spirits as small, sadistic-looking or tormented-looking beings with a human likeness.

Demons are often referenced as familiars. Witches would provide shelter and nourishment via the witches' teat in exchange for the valuable services of familiars.

Anneliese Michel (September 21, 1952 – July 1, 1976) was a German Catholic woman who was said to be possessed by demons and subsequently underwent an exorcism. Two motion pictures, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem, are loosely based on Michel's story.

Robbie Mannheim (also known as Roland Doe; born 1 June 1935) is the pseudonym given by historian Thomas B. Allen to an anonymous individual most notably known for allegedly being possessed and later exorcised during his childhood in the late 1940s. The alleged events which were reported in the media of the time and the subsequent claims surrounding those events went on to inspire the 1971 novel The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty and the 1973 film of the same name, as well as Thomas B. Allen's own 1993 book Possessed and the following 2000 television film by the same name.

The identity of Mannheim has never been revealed however he is reported as having no memory of being possessed.

Most of the information regarding him and the events surrounding his alleged possession and exorcism comes from secondary and tertiary sources. Around the time of the alleged events there were several newspaper articles printed attributed to anonymous reports which were later sourced back to be that of the family's clergyman, Reverend Luther Miles Schulze.

Another article was written on the subject in the January 1975 edition of Fate magazine titled “The Truth Behind The Exorcist,”. This article alleges to reveal previously unknown details from a diary kept by one of the priests involved in the exorcism.

Two other main sources were obtained roughly 50 years after the alleged events by the investigation of Thomas B. Allen and form the basis for his book on the subject, Possessed. One is the testimony of Rev. Walter H. Halloran, at the time one of the last surviving eyewitnesses of the events.

The other is a diary which was kept at the time of the events by a Rev. Raymond J. Bishop, another clergyman which became involved in the events after March 9, 1949, several months after it is claimed the initial symptoms occurred. The same diary used by the 1975 Fate article.

Another author, Mark Opsasnick claims to have independently investigated these events and spoken to people involved in the case, including several people close to Mannheim and his family, other priests in their parish, a source at the hospital mentioned in the claims and even Allen and Halloran.

The results of his investigation are published as an article in Strange Magazine called "The Haunted Boy of Cottage City: The Cold Hard Facts Behind the Story That Inspired "The Exorcist"." In the article Opsasnick describes the inconsistencies he found in the reports and other testimonies which he claims brings into question the veracity of the claims as reported in Allen's book, especially the more fantastic and supernatural claims, such as the claim that Mannheim spoke languages he couldn't know; According to Opsasnick, Halloran himself admitted he thought Mannheim had simply mimicked Latin words he heard the clergymen speak. In conclusion Opsasnick writes "Those involved saw what they were trained to see".

According to the traditional story, the boy then underwent an exorcism under auspices of the Anglican (Episcopal) Church. After this, the case was referred to Rev. Edward Hughes, a Roman Catholic priest, who, after examining the boy at St. James Church, conducted an exorcism on the fourteen year old boy at Georgetown University Hospital, a Jesuit institution.

During the exorcism, the boy inflicted a wound upon the pastor, costing him stitches; as a result, the exorcism ritual was stopped and the boy went home to be with his family.

While Robbie Mannheim was in his house, he screamed as he and his family saw the words "St. Louis" written upon his chest in blood; this city was the place where his Aunt Harriet had died.

The family then proceeded to take the train to St. Louis.

While they were in the city, Robbie's cousin contacted one of his professors at St. Louis University, Rev. Raymond J. Bishop, SJ, who in turn, spoke to Rev. William S. Bowdern, an associate of College Church.

Together, both vicars visited Robbie in his relatives home, where they noticed his aversion to anything sacred, a shaking bed, flying objects, and Robbie speaking in a demoniacal voice.

In light of these observations, Rev. Bowdern sought permission from the archbishop to have the plaguing demons cast out from the boy.

The archbishop approved the exorcism with three stipulations:

1. Rev. William S. Bowdern, would be in charge of performing the exorcism upon Robbie Mannheim.

2. Rev. Bowdern was to keep a detailed diary of the deliverance.

3. Rev. Bowdern was not to disclose his position and the location of the ritual, the fifth floor of Alexian Brothers Hospital.

Before the exorcism ritual began, Rev. Walter Halloran was called to the psychiatric wing of the hospital, where he was asked to assist Rev. Bowdern in the deliverance. Rev. William Van Roo, third Jesuit priest, was also there to assist Rev. Bowdern in casting out the unclean spirits from Mannheim.

During the exorcism, Robbie spat in the eyes of the pastors, despite the fact that his eyes were closed. Rev. Halloran stated that during this scene of spiritual warfare, Robbie's hospital bed shook disturbingly, a vessel of holy water went soaring through the air, and words such as "evil" and "hell", along with other various marks, appeared on the teenager's body. Moreover, Robbie broke Rev. Halloran's nose during the process. Robbie Mannheim, while being exorcised, also often shouted in an abnormal tone of voice, which was unlike his normal tone of voice. In total, the exorcism ritual to cast out demons from the boy's body were performed thirty times over a period of two months.

The clerics, asked the demons when they would flee, who responded to Rev. Bowdern and Rev. Halloran that they would depart when the Robbie uttered the proper words.

Eventually, Robbie Mannheim said "Christus, Domini" or "Christ, Lord." When these words were spoken, there were reports of a loud noise, noted as a "thunderclap" or "shotgun" throughout the floors of the hospital. After this pandemonium, Robbie Mannheim declared "It's over. It's over." The room in which the deliverance was performed was then sealed off in order that none would be able to reenter that area.

Certain aspects of this story have come under dispute.

Mark Opsasnick claims that he found no evidence that Father Hughes ever attempted to exorcise the boy at Georgetown University Hospital nor that he recevied a slash or injury at that time. In addition, Father Halloran himself allegedly told Opsasnick that he did not hear the boy's voice change and that he didn't check the boys fingernails and see if he made the marks himself.

In addition one of the boys friends allegedly told Opsasnick that the "supernatural" events were exaggerated and that the spitting and bed shaking could be explained.

The Haunted Boy - The Secret Diary Of The Exorcist. October 2010

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Timothy Dalton stars as Father Bowdern, the priest who battled the devil for the soul of a child. Suffering unspeakable horrors and witnessing incredible evil, he must overcome his doubts and face his fears. Based on the actual case that inspired The Exorcist, nothing before has been a shockingly terrifying as the one and only true story!

FROM WIKIPEDIA

In literature: * The Possessed (novel), 1872 -- Fyodor Dostoevsky o The Possessed (play), 1959 -- adapted Albert Camus * "The Possessed" (short story), a 1951 short story by Arthur C. Clarke * The Possessed (comics), 2003 * The Puppet Masters by Robert A. Heinlein In film: * Possessed (1931 film), a drama starring Clark Gable and Joan Crawford * Possessed (1947 film), a film noir starring Joan Crawford * Possessed (1983 film), Hong Kong horror film * Possessed II, Hong Kong horror film * Possessed (2000 film), a TV-movie starring Timothy Dalton * Junoon (film), aka Possessed, 1978 Indian epic * Possessed (2006 film), Malaysian, horror film

Ghosts of the Prairie: Behind the Legends
 http://www.prairieghosts.com/exorcist.html

"THE POSSESSED"

ROMAN RITUAL AND ‘DEMONOLOGISTS’

By Ken Deel --- Demonologist

Artwork by Ricardo Pustanio

First, to clear up a misconception, the ‘Roman Ritual’ does require prior consent for the Local Archdiocese (Bishop). And it must be performed by an appoint Catholic (Priest) Exorcist. I read how some believe that a ‘blessing’ and other deliverance prayers are considered by some as prayers of an ‘Exorcism’ which to the Catholic church, is not true. One might use other prayers to effectively remove spirits, but the word exorcism in the church refers mainly to the ROMAN RITUAL.

As I have found some Catholic prayers groups most often led by a priest, may take on some ‘deliverance’ tasks, but the Roman Ritual is not performed.

Saint Michael prayer, Rosaries, and other prayers of intercession may be said. And even so away from the home or person(s) in need of deliverance.
This is one reason I say to use the word “deliverance’ consoling and ministries when seeking help with Clergy. Don’t say you need an ‘exorcism’.

Sadly, some Priest just use the ‘Red tape’ to purposely avoid these extraordinary task. Which at times can truly frighten them, they find it safer behind the podium as a ‘Minister’ of the people. Which is why all Priest are NOT sanctioned Exorcist, partly because their knowledge and faith can vary. This makes them not qualified for such an extraordinary job, which requires one of more piety. And not everyone is cut out for the work by nature.
So a Priest with a weak faith is less effective, and can often stir more trouble after ineffectively cleansing a home. So levels of faith, even for clergy, are important factors.

(But watch out for other denomination and faiths trying to exploit ‘for profit’ and ‘media attention’ to pull in more people for their collection plate. Seriously! -Beware of Ministers with Microphones and TV Cameras!)

Back to the Roman Ritual:

One could say the Roman Ritual was first compiled in 1566. I say ‘compiled’ - because a majority of it consist of prayers, the use of holy symbols and rituals, that were already in practice, but not necessarily ‘together’. Words and actions not necessarily designed for deliverance and likely not used together as a ‘road tested’ formulae for practicing clergy to rid one of evil spirits as it came to be in that 16th century. So, in short, after a successful Exorcism by the Bishop of Leon, the Roman Ritual was compiled based on those serious of rituals and prayers done to expel the said 26 demons that possessed Nicola Aubrey.

Analogy~

I improvised a Chili recipe once, and when it reached perfection, I typed that one out from prior notes and trial and error to a point, to compile the final effectively ‘Tasty’ version. But some of it was from other recipes. So, the Roman Ritual was a ‘field tested’ and compiled method for deliverance, but we have to realize that running off a spirit isn’t enough, you have to ensure it will not return. Which is partly what this ‘exorcism’ does so it is not merely a ‘deliverance’ prayer.

Lately we find because of all of the ghost groups out there, we see the negative results of too much media on ‘Ghost hunting’. They get so many request for exorcisms now, that they had to further close the doors to filter out the 99.9 percent of cases which are not in need of an actual Exorcism. So yes folks the RED TAPE has lengthened! This is happening on the east coast as well, as validate by John Zaffis. (nation wide)

I am not sure how we can help to open the aid of the church to true demonic cases, when these would-be ghosts groups are making it more difficult by running to clergy for an Exorcism, every time something goes bump in the night.

-But WE MUST REALIZE WE CAN GET good CLERGY and PARISHIONERS to help with Prayers, etc WITHOUT A NEED TO 'RED TAPE' for an full blown EXORCISM. But this is called ‘deliverance’ help. Avoid the word exorcism and see if a local prayer group through your clients church, or your own church, might have such a group. In the least prayer requests for deliverance will get you help!

†

DIAGNOSING AND SOLVING A HAUNTING

Often in this, we find it is a ‘play by ear’, in accessing the type of haunting, the severity, and so forth. All needed to provide an adequate solution. Just as diagnosing a PC Windows problem. Knowing the symptoms is key to finding a solution, and understanding the severity of the problem as well, will entail a need for ‘drastic measures’. Example. I ran into some ‘computer guys’ who solve things by wiping the hard drive clean and reinstalling everything. A bit extreme when you can fix it without taking such drastic steps. But this is a panic step that a lesser knowledge technician will use. The probably here is another person calling themselves a TECHNICIAN when they are only a ‘one trick pony’. Yanking boards, here and there, rather than to recognize symptoms and going right for a proper solution. So a technician is good mix of both an ‘engineer’ and ‘repair guy’. The engineer can understand the inner workings on the computer well. But it does not alone arm one to recognize and solve problems. An Engineer is to design, prototype and build.

A software engineer (programmer), is often not the one who debugs it, (troubleshoots the crash, etc.) That often requires a ‘specialist’, more so in larger companies.

You will find an engineer is not trained to improvise and troubleshoot.
though such task is part of the design process. People who attain a healthy understanding of the common problems and solutions from experience with such an engineered device will know more at some point in how to fix it hen it fails. [One running joke is an engineer, when a light bulb burns out will go and pull the fuse on the circuit, then change the bulb. ; ) A little joke I heard in college, but it does describe how Engineering and repair is not one in the same approach.]

“How to repair your PC” is a good book, but does it make you an experienced repair guy? Do you have a well understanding of the inner working of the computer now ?

Or will you always revert to reformatting a hardrive when a Windows crash reoccurs?

…Wrong solutions for problems not correctly identified…

People need to know, client based help is to provide a ‘solution’ this is apart from ‘Ghost hunting’ teams, which are more like ‘Tourist’ are to the Zoo, or Students whom are they merely to observe an gather data. Not there to carelessly wave around a vile of holy water or smoldering sage like a magic wand.

Ghost Hunters can be better compared to one trying to prove the PC crashes, or to witness the crash. Ghost busters are the technicians.

So people need to be clear as to what type of team there are and do not cross over to ‘client help’, if you are primarily an ‘investigation team.’

One is more so ‘spiritualism’ (client help), while the other more so ‘science’.

Both can be needed, just as ‘Psychiatry’ and ‘Psychology’, is considered rather than to assume witness testimony is always accurate in telling what is really going on. So in our case, Paranormal Task Force will professionally help to gather physical evidence as needed of the haunting. Where a second team will handle an effective solution if one is justified.

I have to say to be leery of those calling themselves a “Demonologist”. People should realize that simply making a choice to specialize in demonic haunts doesn't make one a ‘demonologist.’

Reading Gerald Brittles Book : “The Demonologist” doesn't make you one, anymore than visiting a Zoo makes you a ‘Zoologist.’.

There is so much much more to it than a few years of study, and it must be from the right sources. As my own 28 years of serious studies are ongoing, I never want to assume I have all of the answers. Only God does have all of the answer after all. Today, even my father will still always has a new book reading about ‘spiritual warfare’, and other related topics. I have bought him books from TAN publishing for his birthday and Christmas on through out the years. So, some say for me, it is more so a ‘generational’ practice to study and apply this knowledge. This beyond the many clergy in my family. So in a way, one could say, that ‘Demonology’ is sort of a ‘family business’, my Legacy, as far as a knowledge and understanding. I Realize even with that, It chose me, I didn’t so much choose it, as I have had paranormal experiences since I was at least 7 years old. As that did kindle a search for answers, but in my case there was a wealth of knowledge almost at my finger tips throughout the years, so I wasn’t limited to book stores and libraries alone.

In closing I wanted to make mention, that I make my self available to ANYONE who feels a need to ask for help, or in asking honest questions on the before mentioned topics. This included question about the Catholic faith. Although I come from a more ‘traditional’ view, I will try to answer to a post VATICAN II reply.

Kenneth Deel is a Demonologist of the Catholic faith, a Spiritual Warfare Counselor, and often a Catholic faith adviser (Catechism). He has over 28 years of research / experience on these topics, with his first experience occurring when he was about seven years old. He is near completion of his book which should be in print by 2009. And will begin a producing an educational documentary as a companion to his book, after the book is completed. Currently host and producer for his new radio show: “Demonology Today”, along with co-host Alan Glatzel, and Deborah (Glatzel) Johnson (“The Devil in Connecticut” Haunting survivors). He is also currently a Staff member of the IAMHAUNTED.comonline paranormal community, and will also lend a hand as a contributing writer and art director for the upcoming IAMHAUNTED magazine.

Ken is also a graphic artist, and has provided high quality professional banners, logos and other media for PTF and other organizations.

Ken has returned to the MPR/PTF family after a brief absence. Ken has been an invaluable resource for both MPR/PTF team members and numerous clients in the past with closure brought to many of our cases. We are very proud to have him back as part of our family and am sure our current and future clients will also benefit greatly from his return.

© 2008 Kenneth Deel www.Catholicdemonologist.com