FOR LAITY

Laity often assist in religious demonology work, sometimes as investigators, doctors, mental health professionals, or concerned family members. Extreme caution about who is allowed to be exposed to the demonic is called for. The young, the mentally ill, the spiritually un-grounded all should not be exposed to this strain.

Interviewing

Interviewing is the first stage in investigating claims of demonic activity and one of the most important. All of the parties involved in the case need to be interviewed; often multiple times. It is common to get many versions of the truth as re-interviews take place. People exaggerate and distort their report to some extent for various reasons: they want to be sure someone pays attention to their story and case, they want to impress, and they want to be sure someone will try to help them. In some cases people exaggerate or lie because the claim of paranormal activity is just a cover for abuse or other illegal activities occurring in a family or household.

There is no set formula for successful interviewing because every person has a different personality and style of interacting.

Take notes or audio record the interviews for later review. If a particular topic is sensitive put aside notes or recording and let the person speak in confidence. Before offering confidentiality explain that if they reveal a threat to anyone, or child abuse, you are mandated to report it. Always ask the interviewee if they consent to have the interview taped.

Interviewing is like going through layers of an onion, with a twist. There is almost always a secret or piece of information the client does not want to admit to. This secret is often not revealed until later in the case. This does not always happen and one should not necessarily distrust a client, but always keep looking when something seems to be missing. When people complain of paranormal phenomenon there is often a contribution that the client made to the situation that is embarrassing to them.

Interviewing children is usually different than interviewing parents. It’s best to have the parents or guardian in the room when you interview people under 18 (or the age of legal adulthood in your area).

When inconsistencies arise in a person’s story don’t correct them, just listen and make a mental note. Later make notes of the changes in the story and talk about it with your team and take appropriate action.

The use of cameras and other equipment

Equipment artifacts are data that come from the equipment itself, or its operation. These data can come from the physical limitations of the equipment (the vague hissing garbled noises at the detection threshold of audio recording devices), or from improper use of equipment (using a laser thermometer to measure the temperature of surface more than 24 inches away when almost all laser thermometers are not accurate beyond 24 inches). It is common to see people point to artifacts as proof of paranormal phenomenon, or at least that “something” is there and needs more investigating.

Flying glowing orbs on infrared video cameras are common but have a mundane explanation. An infrared camera has a small LED (light emitting diode) that projects infrared light into the room (“nightshot” mode on camcorders does the same thing). Your eye can’t see light in the infrared spectrum so you just see a camera in a dark room, no light. The cameras sensor can detect light at the infrared wavelength and so it records an image of the room dimly lit by the infrared LED. These images are often a pale green and somewhat grainy. It’s a property of most of these cameras that they adjust the exposure (sensitivity) of their sensor to match the light level in the room. You can see this on any common camcorder: as you point the camera from a dim area of the room to right on a bright light bulb the image will first be too bright (the circuit is expecting a low light level signal and it’s suddenly getting a very high light level signal) and then fade to a level where the bulb is reasonably bright (proper exposure). If you then shift back to the dark room the opposite will happen.

The camera is usually pointed into a mostly open space with some objects in view a few feet away. Since the LED is not very powerful those objects a few feet away are dimly lit. So the cameras circuit adjusts the exposure by becoming more sensitive. Now you have a nice view of some furniture or the room in general. The light from the LED gets dimmer the further you go from the camera because it’s spreading out and being refracted by the air and air contents. The light from the LED is relatively powerful right near the camera where the LED is. You can think of it like a weak flashlight in a dark room: if you hold you hand an inch from it your hand will be brightly lit, six feet and it will be dimly lit. Now, imagine the camera has adjusted exposure for an object six feet away (the dim object) and a large piece of dust floats past the lens two inches away. The dust particle will be relatively brightly lit by the LED and will seem to glow in comparison to the room. The camera won’t adjust exposure to the particle because it’s a tiny percentage of the overall light coming in to the camera. When you combine this with the fact that the camera is probably focused at a longer focal distance to keep the objects it sees in focus you get an artificially large blurry image of a dust particle that seems to have a corona or fringe of glowing light around it, and it’s probably moving through the room.

This is just one example of how understanding a little about technology and instrumentation can help to separate artifacts and ambiguities from real data. This is not an attempt to explain away every orb, glowing light, or blur on a picture, but to give another perspective for thinking about data.

It’s important to rule out psychological explanations for paranormal phenomenon. There are many mental disorders that can cause experiences that could be interpreted as paranormal, some of these disorders are not well known and not easily detectable.

The other important things to rule out are malingering and factitious disorder. Malingering is when people lie for some gain; the gain could be financial, emotional, or to avoid something negative (like jail). Sometimes people enjoy the attention that claiming to have paranormal experiences gets them, sometimes making paranormal claims distracts people from something else that is going on, sometimes making paranormal claims has other benefits. Knowing when someone is lying can be very difficult. Interviewing all of the people involved independently sometimes yields inconsistencies in the story.

Fear

It is normal to feel some fear the first few times encountering a particular phenomenon. One should try and avoid letting the client know about this fear if possible. If needed take a break and discuss the situation with someone more experienced. Do not go off alone as you will likely be in a heightened state of awareness (fight/flight) and may over-react to little things. Being scared generates negative energy and also tends to make others around you scared, this is called hysteria. Try breathing slowly through your nose and just focus on that for a minute.

Sample Investigation report template

Jane Smith
Dates of Evaluation: 9/12/96
Date of Report: 9/14/96

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION:

HEALTH HISTORY:

MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY:

FAMILY HISTORY:

RELIGIOUS HISTORY:

RESULTS OF INTERVIEWS:

RESULTS OF OBSERVATIONS:

RESPONSE TO INTEVENTION:

SUMMARY AND RECCOMENDATATIONS:

Demonic infestation

Demonic infestation is when demonic entities either try to scare with typical “ghost” tricks or entice with spirit communication and eliciting sympathy. The infestation is usually a result of some kind of invitation, either by the current residents or a previous one, or from a curse or spell cast by a practitioner of black magic. The goal of the infestation is to increase awareness of the spirit, increase interaction with it, and finally start to control the life of the victim, or victims.

A common trick of the demonic is to appear as the “ghost” of a loved one, sick child, or some positive figure such as a “wise spirit guide” or angel. These types of infestations often have their origins in spirit communication such as Ouija boards, séances, or other divination techniques. The apparently helpful or needy spirit will press for more and more communication and interaction. As they gain a psychological foothold in the person’s life they become more demanding and ultimately controlling and threatening.

Some of the phenomena can include:

- tapping or knocking noises on the walls or floors
- the sound of footsteps on floors or stairs
- disturbances in electronic equipment like digital clocks going backwards, appliances turning on or off, lights turning on or off
- the sound of voices or animal sounds in the walls, rooms, or outside
- fluids or other things appearing on walls or floors
- bad odors with no natural explanation
- black human figures that stand or move about
- black clouds that look like smoke that move about but don't dissipate
- small black shadows on walls or floors that move with no natural cause

Many of the specific complaints of demonic infestation turn out to be explainable. Look for natural explanations in the home or environment, including:

- Animals in the home or walls
- High electric fields from power transformers or bad wiring (these can cause hallucinations)
- High levels of Radon gas (a radioactive gas that comes from the earth into the basements of many homes that may cause hallucinations at high levels)
- Old or defective wiring
- Malfunctioning heating or air conditioning
- Neighbor's activity

You need to verify the phenomenon the client has complained of and document it in some form. Photos, video, and sound recordings can be very useful. If you determine that there are no natural explanations for the phenomenon you observe you should move to attempting a resolution to the phenomenon.

Demonic oppression

Demonic oppression is when the demonic problem becomes personal and interacts with the victim, sometimes taking over the person’s thoughts for a time. The goal of demonic oppression is to put strain on the victim emotionally, psychologically and physically, causing them eventually to “give up” and accept more complete control from the demons. If a demonic infestation took the form of a helpful spirit that pretense is generally dropped when things progress to this point. The demonic have enough of a hold on the person’s life, mind and soul that they can afford to let the truth be known: they want to destroy the victim and damn their soul, usually through suicide. This process can involve:

- Affecting the emotions of the victim, usually in the home or location where the problem started, but not always. This can take the form of depression, withdrawal from friends and family, anger issues, or any other negative emotional problem. This is done to wear the victim down emotionally and isolate them away from people that care about them. This could simply be depression.
- Affecting the thoughts of the victim. This can take the form of paranoia, distrust of others, irrational beliefs, intrusive thoughts that seem to come from somewhere else. This is done to wear the victim’s sense of reality down and eventually make them more vulnerable. This could be normal psychosis.
- Affecting the sleep of the victim. The victim is often bothered by nightmares of a demonic nature, disturbed in their sleep so they get little rest, or waking to see things in their room. This is done to wear the victim down and make them fatigued.
- Causing the victim to “hear voices”, either in their head or in the room with them. The voices often encourage the victim to do negative things and avoid positive people. It is important to be sure these voices are not part of a mental illness or side effect of a medication or physical disease.
- Taking over the victim’s body completely, but not permanently. The demons speak and interact with the victim’s body as if it were their own. The victim often has no recall of what happens during these episodes.
- Causing the victim to see things, including images of demons.
- Distorting the victim’s perceptions. This includes sometimes not perceiving words associated with God, such as Jesus, prayer, Church, Holy, etc. The victim may see angels as demons
- Touching the victim.
- Molesting the victim.
- Scratching or biting the victim.
- Causing writing or occult symbols to appear on the victims body.
- Raping the victim.Depending on how far the oppression has gone it can be hard to communicate with the victim in a normal way. They may appear distant or “spaced out”. It is good to ask if they are hearing voices when they seem to not pay attention to what is going on around them. Always have a full medical work up done to be sure the symptoms are not medical or simply psychiatric.

Demonic possession

Demonic possession is a state of fuller control of thoughts, emotions and behavior. The periods of time when the person’s body is not under their control are frequent, or constant. When the person is in control of their body they usually hear the demons talking to them (and each other) in their head, threatening them and giving instructions on what to do at all times. The person’s ability to actively ask for help will likely be severely curtailed by threats from the demons of punishment for seeking help.

Laity should withdraw and refer any cases that involve demonic possession for complete evaluation by medical and psychiatric professionals.

Deliverance, Simple Exorcism, and Solemn Exorcism

Deliverance work is praying for, or requesting, intervention from Holy sources to remove evil affecting a person or the effects of that evil. Deliverance prayers can be said by laity or priests and they are used for situations where a person is being oppressed by evil forces, often demons. Deliverance work is commonly done with a small group of people praying over or for an individual. The individual usually sits quietly and prays along with the people to have the negative influences removed from their life. Deliverance work is sometimes done for physical ailments. Deliverance prayers can also be said in a home where demonic infestation is taking place. If during deliverance prayer it becomes apparent that the person is possessed the process should be stopped immediately and the case should be referred to an exorcist. Trying to use deliverance prayers on a possessed person will only anger and inflame the possessing demon and make the situation worse. Trying to use deliverance prayers on a possessed person will very likely put you in serious danger and probably wont free them.

A Simple Exorcism for priests and laity was defined by Pope Leo XIII and can be used on locations or situations where the activity of the devil is suspected. Simple exorcisms are included in many prayers, blessings and sacraments. The simple exorcism should be used with great caution when it comes to people because it includes not only petitions for intervention but commands to the evil to depart. A Simple exorcism should never be used on a person. It should also never be used as a test of whether a person is possessed. Laity are prohibited from using the simple exorcism by the "Current Norms Governing Exorcisms" (see below).

A Solemn Exorcism is a formal ritual of the Roman Catholic Church that commands the evil in a person’s body to depart and not return. A solemn exorcism can only be performed by an ordained priest who is given permission by his Bishop (or Ordinary) to perform the Ritual. The solemn exorcism carries the weight of Christ’s Church behind the command. Lay demonologists should not even read the Roman Ritual of exorcism for danger of inadvertently using the wording of the ritual in prayers or deliverance work. Laity shall never attempt to perform a solemn exorcism.

Assisting in solemn exorcisms for laity

A few types of people assist at solemn exorcisms: a second, third or more priests who are learning to do the ritual, people to hold the possessed person in case they become violent, a medical professional to check vital signs or perform needed medical intervention, and possibly family members. Sometimes a person that has a strong therapeutic relationship with the possessed person is allowed to attend because they bring comfort or calm to the person. The designated exorcist is in charge of the ritual and decides who shall be present and who shall not. If the designated exorcists feels a person must leave for some reason they should do so immediately.

Being present at a solemn exorcism in any capacity is dangerous on many levels. Therefore casual observers should never be allowed.

Some rules for assisting at a solemn exorcism that must be followed:

1. Always do what the designated exorcist says immediately.
2. Do not do anything you are not told to do by the designated exorcist.
3. Do not speak a word outside of the replies to the prayers or answering questions from the designated exorcist.
4. Do not ever speak to the demon for any reason, not to answer its questions, not to question it, not for any reason. Only the designated exorcist speaks to the demon.
5. If the demon reveals personal information about you do not react and stay focused on your job.
6. Do not look into the eyes of the possessed person. If you must look at their face focus on their forehead and imagine the cross there. If you look into the eyes of a demon you may be spiritually attacked and you may have psychological difficulty.
7. If you find that you are falling asleep pinch yourself hard and try to stay awake. Demons can put everyone in the room to sleep.
8. Have a signal beforehand to give if you feel your mind or emotions are being affected, or if you are going to loose control of yourself. Use this signal and then follow the instructions of the designated exorcist. Generally if you are vulnerable to oppression you have un confessed sin or you are not called by God to assist in these types of situations. You will likely be told to leave the situation for the remainder of the ritual.
9. You will likely be given additional instructions and rules by the designated exorcist, follow them. All of these rules are to maximize safety for everyone.

Inde Ab Aliquot Annis
On The Current Norms Governing Exorcisms
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
September 29, 1985

Translated by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist of Diocese of Rome
Prot. no. 291/70; ASS 77 (1985): 1169-70; EnchVat 9, nn. 1663-67
Excellentissime Domine

For some years there has been an increase in the number of ecclesial gatherings which seek liberation from demonic influences, even though they are not properly and truly exorcisms. These groups, even when a priest is present, are led by lay persons.
Since the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been asked what ought to be thought about this, this dicastry is of the opinion that all other ordinaries should have the following response:

1. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one is able to legitimately undertake exorcisms of the possessed unless expressed and individual permission has been obtained from the ordinary of the place (section 1). The canon also establishes that this permission ought to be conceded by the ordinary of the place only to priests who are distinguished in piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (section 2). Bishops are, therefore, strongly urged to see to the observance of these norms.

2. From these prescriptions it follows, therefore, that no member of the Christian faithful can use the formula of exorcism against Satan and fallen angels, extracted from that which was made law by Leo XIII, and even less are the able to use the entire text for exorcism. Bishops are to bring this to the attention of the faithful as it is deemed necessary.

3. Finally, for the same reasons, bishops are asked to be vigilant that -- for even cases in which true diabolical possession is excluded, diabolical influence nevertheless seems in some way to be revealed -- those who do not have the required faculty not serve in the leading of meeting where, in order to gain freedom, prayers are used which dignify demons by directly questioning them and in searching to make known their identity.

The announcement of these norm, however, ought not to keep the faithful from praying that, as Jesus taught us, they might be delivered from evil (cf. Mt 6:13). Finally, pastors ought to avail themselves of this occasion to recall what the tradition of the Church teaches about the proper function of sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the saints in the spiritual fight of Christians against evil spirits.

May I take this occasion to convey my great feelings of esteem for you, remaining your servant in the Lord, Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect
Translated to Italian by Father Gabriele Amorth, Exorcist to the Diocese of Rome in his Exorcist Tells His Story, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco (1999), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90

Comments from Father Amorth Concerning Inde Ab Aliquot Annis

The above-cited letter warns against any direct dealings with demons and states that their name should not be asked by those who have not been granted the specific faculty to do so. The Acts of the Apostles report a particularly fitting event ... (of the consequences of acting without faculty to do so in the story of the Seven Brothers --Acts 19:11-20). (from An Exorcist: More Stories, [American Edition], Ignatius Press, San Francisco: (2002), (translated into English by Nicoletta V. MacKenzie), pp. 189-90 )

I will now explain some of that is forbidden and what is required, according to these guidelines (of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis).

• First, official exorcisms are not allowed; they are reserved exclusively for the exorcist. The same holds true for the exorcism of Leo XIII, even though it is now part of the public domain. The private use of such exorcisms is another matter; at least, this is how I understand the above-cited document.

• We must avoid addressing the demon directly and to find out his name and -- I add -- anything else. All other considerations aside, a direct dialogue with the demon can be dangerous to anyone who dares to initiate it without the due authorization of the Church, and therefor without her protection.
At the end, the document reminds one of the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints.... (from Exorcist Tells His Story, Ibid, pp.190-91)

Dealing with backlash and spiritual attacks

Demons are a very dangerous reality that must be approached with a deep and solid spiritual basis. You simply will not understand this unless you encounter a demon, whether in a person or disembodied. Once you do encounter one your world view will be forced to accommodate the presence of evil as an objective reality. This will make you feel mentally unstable for at least a short time. You will never be able to go back to thinking of demons as an abstract idea or possibility: they will forever be a part of your life and may attack you openly and personally because of your choice to step into the spiritual arena with them.

It is not uncommon for the demonic to seek direct and personal revenge for intervention against them. Demons commonly attack people later in various ways. Demons are not bound to a location and seem to be able to easily find anyone they are seeking. A right relationship with God and not overstepping what Jesus has asked you to do in this work is essential in order to hope that God will restrain the backlash. It is good to have people experienced in the work to counsel and guide you through the various kinds of attacks and disruptions that commonly occur.

It is very important to monitor the effects of working with negative situations and fears on yourself. People that work in direct human services are aware of this need to take breaks from the work, demonologists need to do the same. One priest used the analogy of radiation: if you are in a house with supernatural evil in it’s like being exposed to radiation. You won’t know the radiation is there or that you are being dosed with it, you only become aware sometime later when the effects come to light.

Spending time in stressful situations where there could be human and/or supernatural negativity can be damaging to you. Look for signs of stress: difficulty with sleep, increase or decrease in eating, loss of interest in the fun things in life, etc. If you are getting stressed or feel like your reactions are causing you to be biased, then take a break.

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