THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SATANIC CULT INVOLVEMENT: AN ...

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the following sure signs of possession: revealing secret and hidden information; speaking
or comprehending strange languages; displaying phenomenal strength and extraordinary
body movements; and reacting to sacred objects. He added eleven indications of true
possessIOn:
1. To think oneself possessed
2. To lead a wicked life
3. To live outside the rules ofsociety
4. To be persistently ill, falling into heavy sleep and vomiting unusual objects
5. To blaspheme
6. To make a pact with the Devil
7. To be troubled with spirits ("an absolute and inner possession and residence in the
body ofthe person")
8. To show a frightening and horrible countenance
9. To be tired ofliving
10. To be uncontrollable and violent
11. To make sounds and movements like an animal
De Bosroger (Cited in Robbins, 1959) submitted this list of sure signs ofpossession:
1. Denial ofknowledge offits (convulsions) after the paroxysm has ended
2. Incessant obscenities and blasphemies
3. Circumstantial descriptions ofthe sabbat
4. Fear of sacred relics and sacraments
5. Violent cursing at any prayer
6. Lewd exposure and acts ofabnormal strength
The Protestants also developed their own systems of ascertaining demonic possession.
Dalton's (1627) Guide to Jurymen (cited in Robins, 1959, p. 397) listed the following
sIgns:
1. When a healthy body is 'taken' in strange fits (convulsions) without probable reason or
natural cause
2. When two or more people are 'taken' in this way
3. When the afflicted party "in his fits doth tell truly many things, what the witch or other
persons absent are doing or saying"
4. When the parties behave and speak strangely during fits, not recalling any of this
afterwards
5. When the person manifests supernatural strength