reply to post by mf_luder
Interesting post. This is just some commentary.
I see that your approaching it at a semi-Christian/Goetic angle.
I don't like to use the term "demon", but prefer something along the lines of "unclean spirit" or the specific types of unclean spirits, e.g.
Ovoth, Shedim, Seirim, Yidonim.
Early Christians called them pneuma akatharton, pneuma pythona, pneumata plana, spiritus immundi. etc.
The idea of them coming from Gehenna (what some call Hell) isn't biblical. The Bible doesn't really say where they come from. It does mention them
dwelling on earth among ruins and wasteland.
The Koran seems to agree with some of the Biblical writings. The Unclean spirits here are called Djinn and there are multiple types, that somewhat
overlap with the other types in the Bible.
The idea of invoking or evoking such entities is really asking for problems.
Proper rites are not even needed to invoke such things, unclean spirits are drawn like flies to rot as soon as someone begins to research the subject.
They are attracted to ruin, decay, desolation, filth, and impurity.
The idea of a relationship with an unclean spirit is very dangerous, both psychologically and physically. Its a quick way to insanity and worse.
I have had quite abit of experience with the paranormal, going all the way back as a child. I, and sometimes others with me, have seen things that are
hard for me to explain or believe. I have seen what they can do to people, the insanity and destruction they can inflict.
One of the first things to understand about them is that they are not human. Do not attempt to anthropomorphise them. Their minds are alien in every
sense of the word. Trying to reason with them or understand them is futile. Humans have a very bad habit of applying human traits to animals and
objects. Most of our "knowledge" about them is based more on assumption and speculation that says more about the authors of such "knowledge" than
it does the subject matter.
Taking a more objective view on the subject we can look at the history of such entities going all the way back to Sumeria and see constants in their
One constant is an association with madness. Regardless of culture, some sort of insanity is often associated with spirits. Possession is a universal
myth found around the world.
Another constant is "Night Spirits", parasitic or predatory in nature. Often preying upon travellers at night or those asleep in bed.
Normally these are two different types of entities.
There are widespread beliefs around the world dealing with some types being able to shapeshift and some having a beastial form.
Another type found in many places is a source of knowledge, divination, inspiration, and extra sensory perception.
The Bible has analogs of these, but these analogs are missed if people read only the English translations.
The Ovoth are the type of unclean spirit most modern Westerners are really thinking of when they use the term "demon" or a "demon" is referenced
in pop culture. These are malicious possessing spirits. They sometimes also called Dybbuk in cabalistic lore.
The Yidonim are "divining" spirits. The early Christians called them Pneuma Pythona, as these were the type of spirits that possessed the Greek
Oracles. These seem to be the type channeled by mediums. They fit more of the description of the Roman Genius or Greek Daimon. They don't seem to be
near as malicious, but nevertheless the Torah forbids those who enter into covenant with the G-d of Abraham to have contact with them.
The Shedim are different than the Ovoth or Yidonim. They seem to be more powerful, demand blood sacrifice and sacred prostitution. Lilith is sometimes
speculated as their progenitor.
The Seirim, shaggy or hairy ones. Often thought of as goatlike in appearance. They are associated with the desert waste. Their chief is thought to be
the fallen and bound Azazel. Like the Shedim, they accept sacrifice and worship.
There are few other obscure names mentioned such as Ochim, Iyim, Tsiyim and Lilith individually. The first three names may refer to three types but
there is overlap between them, so they may refer to one type that may be described as "howlers" that dwell in the waste. The appearance thought of
like that of Jackal or Hyena. Compare to the Islamic class of Djinn known as the Ghul, which is also said to appear like a hyena and dwell in the
Lilith is of course, the archetypal night spirit. Sometimes thought of as the consort of Azazel and "mother" of the Shedim. Together they are
thought of as some kind of "royal court" ruling over the Shedim and the Seirim.
These two classes or types have more in common with "Nature Spirits" and their "royal court" overlaps with various lore about a "Great Mother"
and "Horned One". There is an association with liminal loci. Modern Western society would probably classify them as "cryptids" instead of
How or if they even do relate to the Ovoth and Yidonim is unknown.
From a purely objective point of view, the idea of entities of various types haunting our world and possessing humans is universal. It can be found in
every culture. Monstrous nature spirits can be found universally among the world's cultures. The belief is universal.
Anomalous phenomena fill our world, from bizarre lights in the skies, animal mutilations, cryptid sightings, abductions that result in post traumatic
stress disorder, and no one is exactly sure what it is. No one knows where it comes from or why its here. All that we may really know is that it
appears to be manipulative and deceptive as pointed out by authors like John Keel and Dr. Jacque Vallee.
From my own personal experiences, the anomalous phenomena that fill our world and the universal belief in malicious spirits are one and the same. They
are two aspects of the same phenomena.
Like many others have said, their activity in the world has become more prevalent. Between the time of the Enochian Keys and Swedenborg, the phenomena
really began to pick up the pace. By the time Theosophy and Spiritualism emerged in the 19th century, the phenomena had made its presence known far
and wide. A number of constants began to emerge in the channelings from it: worldwide government, extermination of Jews, hybrid master race, eugenics,
the prominence of mediums, and the entities channeled by them.
These channeling cults grew and multiplied in the early 20th century. Much of their "wisdom" came to influence the Nazis before World War 2. After
WW2, Alice Bailey and the various Contactee cults continued and expanded their channeled "wisdom". Meanwhile the phenomena increased its presence in
the world, a presence that has continued to grow since World War II, spawning new cults and influencing world affairs.
Everything is accelerating to somekind of telos, one that doesn't appear to have our best interests at heart.