by =Carlin=
must pass the "Guardian on the Threshold" before one can pass on to the
next level of development.From a Jungian standpoint, one must develop
rapport with and "reintegrate" the rejected {eleom} <?>a Shamanic
standpoint, one must "turn" the entity and either dismiss it or convert
it into a spirit helper<?>.
THE INNER DIALOGUE
Step one, using the magical approach, is to become acquainted with
the "entity" and engage it in dialogue.In some instances the entity
will turn out to be malevolent, in other's only "immature" or confused
and angry at being ignored. Before engaging in this activity, one is
advised to ground and center, and to shield in whatever manner one's
tradition suggests. One is also advised to begin/continue in whatever
other spiritually protective exercises one has faith in.If there is
someone available to work with the afflicted person, have that helper
prepare a list of non-leading(Not "are you a demon?," but "what are
you?") questions. Then drop into light trance and Then let the other
person ask the questions while the victim answers with the first thing
that pops into his/her head. In effect, s/he will be voluntarily
"channelling" for the entity {undected}<?> circumstances.If there is no
other person, then the victim must do whatever form of divination or
trance work he/she have developed to contact his/her subconscious.
Those with vivid imaginations can simply find a quiet moment and ask
"are you there?," personifying the "entity" in the same way that
children create imaginary friends. Afterwards, no matter what the
technique used, the obsessed person is to be certain that his/her aura
is closed and that s/he is grounded and centered. AFTER "CONTACT" At
this point s/he may have failed to make contact.In which case there is
nothing to him/her to do but repeat the exercise until either it works
or s/he is sure it isn't going to work. If real contact does not
occur, then s/he might attempt to simply banish "it". It is possible
that the entity will not answer directly, but will begin to
up<INCREASE> its activity level or bring a string of unusual
circumstances into the obsessed person's life.
It is more likely, however, the<Y> have begun a dialogue.
Sometimes "complexes"are immature parts of our own personalities that
will calm down and begin to behave themselves once "they" no longer
feel that they are being ignored.If the obsessing image is that of an
animal, or even an ugly humanoid being, then it may simply be time to
intensify one's spiritual quest and face down one's power animal or
dark side. Frequently, these allies will attempt to come to the aid of
someone undergoing psychic attack, and because of the general
atmosphere of fear,will be perceived as threats and turned away
themselves.Eventually, in either case the "entity" can either
be"reintegrated" into the personality, or "kept" as a spirit-helper by
those with shamanic leanings. If one is ALSO under psychic attack, the
ally will probably help in the defense once asked and properly
recognized.
"LOST SOULS" AND WORSE
On the other hand, "it" may claim to be a spirit or other entity
that requires help. If the request is not ridiculous <d>o consider
honoring it. The author has personally dealt with a "poltergeist" who
claimed to be a woman who had died of yellow fever over a century ago.
When questioned, the "spirit" was confused at first, then admitted that
she had died in delirium and had not realized that she was dead until
"awakened" out of her stupor by some young people using a Ouija board.
When asked what she wanted, the reply was "Pray for me." The
poltergeist activity ended as soon as prayers were begun, and the last
message received from the spirit was "Thank God, I'm free." Not being
able to make herself understood on the material plane by any other
means, the "spirit" had resorted to knocking physical objects around to
attract attention. If someone of "mediumistic" nature had been about,
she might have obsessed that person instead in her bid to gain
attention. The obsession would have become malevolent only if the
obsessed person repeatedly blocked her out or otherwise caused her to
<?>become cases of obsession in relatively "normal"persons will fall
into one of the first few catagories.In rare cases, the obsessed may
have had his/her attempt at contact met with a voice screaming "DIE,
DIE, DIE." Or something similar and profane. This is where the
spiritual practices suggested in the following paragraphs will be of
greatest benefit, followed by professional help or even exorcism, if
necessary. (Even where an entity seems totally hostile, it is
sometimes possible to "turn" it through raising "light"as described
below.)
SELF-HELP WITH OBSESSION
Not everyone is a magician and not everyone wishes to open the
"can of worms" of the subconscious.The following activities are very
useful in "uprooting"spiritual obsession by increasing "light". In
cases of "mild" obsession only a few of these measures,or a simple
ritual of dismissal, will be sufficient to be rid of the problem.In
more entrenched cases, these techniques should be continued for the
{companied}<?> by Inner Work, depth psychology, or other techniques
that promote self-understanding. Those suffering from physical
symptoms should also work to strengthen their immune system and improve
their diet and lifestyle. If possible, the severely afflicted
individual should have a counselor, teacher, or trusted friend monitor
his/her progress "just in case."
EXAMPLE TECHNIQUES FOR "RAISING THE LIGHT"
For a period of three months, the obsessed should "cleanse"
him/herself daily in whatever manner her/his spiritual tradition
decrees. Grounding and centering are excellent techniques, as is
renewing oneself through visualizing the aura as strong and untainted.
One can draw pictures of oneself expelling all darkness or meditate on
the same image.Prayer is useful, as is catching oneself thinking the
old negative thoughts and declaring that one has "taken that out of the
Law" or "averted" the consequences. If the afflicted has friends who
engage in {spiritua}<?> send him/her mental support and positive
energy. The individual is also advised to spend time in sacred places
where evil is barred from entering, and to refrain from the company of
persons s/he knows are bad for her/him.If already attuned to ritual
work, the victim can"cleanse" his/her home or have it cleansed by
someone trusted. Those who have faith in Holy Water should sprinkle
and apply it liberally. Afterwards, if the obsessed is truly serious
about being rid of a persistent fixation, s/he can burn white candles
constantly while awake and at home. This will act as a symbol of
the"light" one wishes to draw into one's life. The most seriously
affected are advised to surround their beds with a protective circle
and never to sleep in a darkened room. Other religious/protective
symbols can be placed in sight and called upon, and protective incenses
such as sandlewood may be burned. The important thing is to keep one's
spiritual goal constantly in mind and the"entity<?> one's determination
to improve. This may seem like a great deal of effort, but the effect
will be to "open" the individual to positive influences, even if s/he
doesn't believe in "demons".The individual will be "raising his/her
energy" level to the point where something "dark" cannot even bear to
approach her/him, and keeping the energy "high" for a long enough period
that "it" will become "discouraged" and fade from sight. At the end of
the three months, the "entity" should either be weakened severely from
being "starved" or should be gone. If it is gone, then a ritually
adept person can do a rededication wherein the formerly obsessed is
declared sealed against recurrences. If the problem still exists, then
the cause may actually be mental illness brought on by a brain
imbalance or early trauma. In any case, entrenchment of that degree of
severity is beyond the scope of any self-help article to deal with. In
every case the author has seen or dealt with however, vast improvement
over the three month period<?>.