I Cast Thee Out: Poltergeists, Possession and Exorcism by Allan, Brian

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I Cast Thee Out: Poltergeists, Possession and Exorcism

Name: I Cast Thee Out: Poltergeists, Possession and Exorcism
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Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Author: Allan, Brian
ISBN: 9781909488298

Allan, Brian

Reader rating

4.5

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unravel the dark history of possession, from ancient fears to modern exorcisms.

Brian Allan's extensive research navigates the complex and often contradictory beliefs surrounding demonic possession across time. He meticulously explores how these concepts have evolved, from the straightforward good-versus-evil narratives of medieval Christianity, which incorporated saints and demons, to the surprising inclusion of vampirism as a form of spiritual intrusion. The book critically examines the spectrum from simple faith to the more sophisticated, yet sometimes questionable, practices found in contemporary religious factions, highlighting that vulnerability to perceived possession spans all personality types, religious or otherwise.

Key themes

Shifting Spiritual Threats Contemporary Exorcism & Faith Universal Vulnerability

Historical context

This work sits firmly within the tradition of Fortean studies and historical occultism, bridging the gap between medieval theological frameworks and modern paranormal inquiry.

Allan, Brian

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Charles Fort · Montague Summers · John Dee's diaries · Historical theology texts

🌿 Folk Magic

🏛 Fortean Words 📅 2015 📖 212 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781909488298

Fun fact

Allan’s "I Cast Thee Out" offers a refreshingly broad, yet incisive, examination of possession. It excels at charting the evolution of these terrifying beliefs and their modern manifestations without succumbing to sensationalism. Those seeking a prescriptive guide to exorcism will be disappointed, as its strength lies in academic inquiry rather than practical application. This book firmly establishes itself as a thoughtful contribution to the cultural and historical study of supernatural phenomena, worthy of any serious researcher's shelf.

📝 Description: I Cast Thee Out: Poltergeists, Possession and Exorcism

Introduction, by Brian Allan In the course of researching material for this book I was confronted with a multitude of almost unbelievable and differing nuances of opinion and belief when dealing with the subject of demonic or Satanic possession. These took the form of everything from a simple faith in saints and demons espoused by the early, especially medieval Christians, to supposed vampires and the largely self-appointed slayers who take it upon themselves to rid us of these supernatural hybrids. Since vampirism is also arguably a form of possession by an evil spirit, it dovetails easily with the more conventional model. These beliefs acted as a kind of two-way filter, both feeding and evolving into the infinitely greater sophistication and borderline charlatanry of what passes for Christianity in some supposedly Christian schisms in the modern world and there are more of these than one might think. As far as those who become possessed and are deemed to be in need of exorcism go, there is no defining personality type, because the individuals who display the traditional signs of apparent demonic possession can be either devoutly religious or have no religious affiliations whatsoever. As with mental illness the person may seem absolutely fine on the outside, but this gives no clue as to what is going on inside. This has been likened to a moving vehicle where externally all appears as it should be, but the observer has no idea who (or what) is driving it; usually until it's too late, which is why mental illness and possession often appear virtually identical in nature. To be sure, there are still many extremely pious and genuine people out there who successfully challenge perceived evil spirits and by their lights wrestle 'that old serpent' Satan to the ground on an almost daily basis. However, there are also individuals and groups of individuals who, although loudly and vociferously proclaiming their 10 scriptural credentials, have an altogether much darker agenda which, they claim, is also founded on biblical principles. It is among these groups that we will find the most appalling, shameless, devious and dangerous hypocrisy imaginable. Despite this, like the genuine souls of medieval times, they practise various forms of exorcism and deliverance on the road to their usually expensive version of salvation. They continue to proliferate and grow because their right to do so is enshrined in the American constitution; in God we trust indeed.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Brian Allan delivers a thorough examination of possession beliefs, navigating the shift from medieval good-versus-evil narratives to modern religious practices. While the inclusion of vampirism as spiritual intrusion is intriguing, some may find the critical tone toward contemporary factions slightly dismissive. This book is not for readers seeking immediate, actionable exorcism rites or those who prefer unverified sensationalist accounts over historical analysis. It demands patience and an interest in theological history rather than pure horror entertainment. However, for those willing to engage with the scholarly depth regarding how these concepts have evolved across time, it offers a rigorous and enlightening perspective on the enduring human fear of the unseen.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the intersection of faith, psychology, and the supernatural will find this text indispensable. Allan’s meticulous research offers a compelling narrative that traces the evolution of demonic concepts from ancient fears to contemporary exorcisms. It is particularly valuable for those interested in how cultural narratives shape our understanding of spiritual intrusion, including surprising links to vampirism. By examining vulnerability across all personality types and religions, it provides a nuanced perspective on possession that avoids simple binary judgments. This book serves as an excellent resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike who wish to understand the complex, often contradictory beliefs surrounding these phenomena without relying on sensationalism.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the dark corners of human belief, the historical interplay of faith and fear, and the enduring power of the unexplained, this book offers a compelling journey. It's for those who question, explore, and seek understanding beyond simple answers.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Brian Allan delivers a thorough examination of possession beliefs, navigating the shift from medieval good-versus-evil narratives to modern religious practices. While the inclusion of vampirism as spiritual intrusion is intriguing, some may find the critical tone toward contemporary factions slightly dismissive. This book is not for readers seeking immediate, actionable exorcism rites or those who prefer unverified sensationalist accounts over historical analysis. It demands patience and an interest in theological history rather than pure horror entertainment. However, for those willing to engage with the scholarly depth regarding how these concepts have evolved across time, it offers a rigorous and enlightening perspective on the enduring human fear of the unseen.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, the author presents a researched overview of beliefs and practices surrounding possession and exorcism, exploring various perspectives without endorsing any specific religious or occult viewpoint.

While it delves into historical beliefs, the book also examines contemporary manifestations and interpretations of possession, including modern religious factions and their approaches to spiritual intervention.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Shifting Spiritual Threats

This book meticulously traces how understanding of demonic influence has transformed through history. From the straightforward good-versus-evil narratives of medieval Christianity, incorporating figures like saints and demons, to the more nuanced and even bizarre manifestations like vampirism, Allan reveals the dynamic nature of these deeply held fears and beliefs across cultures and epochs.

Contemporary Exorcism & Faith

Allan scrutinizes the modern landscape of religious belief, particularly within various Christian schisms, where the practice of exorcism continues. He examines the often-sophisticated, yet sometimes dubious, methods employed by these groups, highlighting the fine line between genuine spiritual intervention and potential charlatanry in the contemporary pursuit of casting out perceived evil.

Universal Vulnerability

A central insight of this work is the debunking of any singular profile for those believed to be possessed. Allan's research demonstrates that individuals displaying traditional signs of demonic influence come from all walks of life, encompassing both the devoutly religious and those with no spiritual affiliation whatsoever, challenging preconceived notions about susceptibility.

💬 Quotes from the book

“I was confronted with a multitude of almost unbelievable and differing nuances of opinion and belief when dealing with the subject of demonic or Satanic possession.”

“As far as those who become possessed and are deemed to be in need of exorcism go, there is no defining personality type, because the individuals who display the traditional signs of apparent demonic possession can be either devoutly religious or have no religious affiliations whatsoever.”

📜 Historical context

Allan's work contributes to a long tradition of examining supernatural phenomena through a social science lens, much like pioneering folklorists and anthropologists. It sits alongside studies that dissect the cultural construction of evil and the psychological impact of perceived spiritual attacks, offering a modern perspective on an ancient, enduring human preoccupation with unseen forces and their expulsion.

📚 Glossary

Poltergeist
Exorcism
Vampirism (as possession)

📔 Questions to reflect on

How have your own cultural or religious experiences shaped your understanding of spiritual possession or unseen forces?
Considering the book's insights, what do you believe is the underlying human need that gives rise to beliefs in possession and exorcism?
If there's no defining personality type for those believed to be possessed, what does this suggest about the nature of such phenomena or our interpretation of them?