Throughout human history, the line between the natural and supernatural has often blurred, giving rise to stories of possession, spiritual battles, and the relentless fight to reclaim one's soul from dark forces. 50 Famous Exorcisms explores this ancient and enduring ritual, offering a window into the mysterious world of exorcism, where faith meets fear, and the battle for control unfolds in unseen realms. In this book, we journey through cultures, religions, and centuries, uncovering the most renowned and scary exorcisms ever recorded. From the mysterious exorcisms of the 16th century to terrifying modern cases that continue to haunt the minds of believers, these stories reveal the universal belief in evil or satanic forces—and the enduring hope that they can be conquered. I thoroughly enjoyed researching this book and I am certain that as you turn these pages, you’ll encounter tales that defy explanation, challenge our understanding of the world, and remind us of the enduring power of faith. Keep in mind when reading these events, that in several cases, the possessed person had limited education yet was somehow able to speak in foreign languages and recite text from ancient religious scripture. Welcome to a world where the unseen threatens, and exorcists stand as the final defense.

Haunting accounts of real-life exorcisms through the centuries and around the world, from ancient Egypt and the biblical Middle East to colonial America and twentieth-century South Africa A Penguin Classic Levitation. Feats of superhuman strength. Speaking in tongues. A hateful, glowing stare. The signs of spirit possession have been documented for thousands of years and across religions and cultures, even into our time: In 2019 the Vatican convened 250 priests from 50 countries for a weeklong seminar on exorcism. The Penguin Book of Exorcisms brings together the most astonishing accounts: Saint Anthony set upon by demons in the form of a lion, a bull, and a panther, who are no match for his devotion and prayer; the Prophet Muhammad casting an enemy of God out of a young boy; fox spirits in medieval China and Japan; a headless bear assaulting a woman in sixteenth-century England; the possession in the French town of Loudun of an entire convent of Ursuline nuns; a Zulu woman who floated to a height of five feet almost daily; a previously unpublished account of an exorcism in Earling, Iowa, in 1928--an important inspiration for the movie The Exorcist; poltergeist activity at a home in Maryland in 1949--the basis for William Peter Blatty's novel The Exorcist; a Filipina girl "bitten by devils"; and a rare example of a priest's letter requesting permission of a bishop to perform an exorcism--after witnessing a boy walk backward up a wall. Fifty-seven percent of Americans profess to believe in demonic possession; after reading this book, you may too. For more than seventy-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 2,000 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Archdiocese of Washington exorcist Msgr. Stephen Rossetti and his team have a very active caseload of demonic possessions. Msgr. Rossetti presents many of these stories here, without varnish or hype. In these ninety-five detailed cases, two vivid lessons consistently emerge: 1. Demons possess or simply harass people in myriad ways and need to be taken seriously, even when they do not enter a soul. 2. Demons are defeated, decisively, by the power of Christ and His Church, employing prayer, sacramentals, rites of exorcism -- and especially, invocations to the Blessed Mother. "Despite all their bluster and arrogance, demons are cowards," Msgr. Rossetti reveals. In fact, in every section of his work, he offers detailed "Theological Reflections" explaining the meaning of these possessions, why he thinks God permitted each, and the spiritual benefits accrued. The devil is no match for the Lord of Heaven and Earth.

A guided tour through the burgeoning business of exorcism and the darker side of American life. There is no other religious ritual more fascinating, or more disturbing, than exorcism. This is particularly true in America today, where the ancient rite has a surprisingly strong hold on our imagination, and on our popular entertainment industry. We’ve all heard of exorcism, seen the movies and read the books, but few of us have ever experienced it firsthand. Conducted by exorcists officially appointed by Catholic archdioceses and by maverick priests sidestepping Church sanctions, by evangelical ministers and Episcopal charismatics, exorcism is alive and well in the new millennium. Oprah, Diane Sawyer, and Barbara Walters have featured exorcists on their shows. The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Time, and other publications have charted the proliferation of exorcisms across the United States. Last year, the Archdiocese of Chicago appointed its first full-time exorcist in its 160-year history; in New York, four priests have officially investigated about forty cases of suspected possession every year since 1995. American Exorcism is an inside look at this burgeoning phenomenon, written with objectivity, insight, and just the right touch of irony. Michael W. Cuneo attended more than fifty exorcisms and interviewed many of the participants–both the exorcists who performed the rituals and the people from all walks of life who believed they were possessed by the devil. He brings vividly to life the ceremonies themselves, conjuring up memories of Linda Blair’s astonishing performance in the 1973 movie The Exorcist and other bizarre (and sometimes stomach-churning) images. Cuneo dissects, as well, the arguments of such well-known exorcism advocates as Malachi Martin, author of the controversial Hostage to the Devil, self-help guru M. Scott Peck, and self-professed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren of Amityville Horror fame. As he explores this netherworld of American life, Cuneo reflects on the meaning of exorcism in the twenty-first century and on the relationship between religious ritual and popular culture. Touching on such provocative topics as the “satanic panics” of the 1980s, repressed memory, and ritual abuse, American Exorcism is a remarkably revealing, consistently entertaining work of cultural commentary.

“We can do nothing against you because you are too protected!” So declared a frustrated host of devils to Father Gabriele Amorth, the priest exorcist in Rome who spent thirty years battling the Devil and his minions by performing more than sixty thousand exorcisms. All the while, he deftly used modern media to awaken our disbelieving modern culture — and even the Church — to the reality of the Devil and his nefarious actions at all times and everywhere. In these eye-opening pages, angelologist Father Marcello Stanzione tells the fascinating story of Father Amorth and his life as an exorcist. You'll learn of his daily schedule and how he managed to perform dozens of exorcisms each week. You'll find out what his exorcism room looked like, and how various devils responded to his bold practice. Best of all, you'll read Father Amorth's own startling explanations of many truths about the Devil that our culture has forgotten — and about th

Father Damien Karras: 'Where is Regan?' Regan MacNeil: 'In here. With us.' The terror begins unobtrusively. Noises in the attic. In the child's room, an odd smell, the displacement of furniture, an icy chill. At first, easy explanations are offered. Then frightening changes begin to appear in eleven-year-old Regan. Medical tests fail to shed any light on her symptoms, but it is as if a different personality has invaded her body. Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest, is called in. Is it possible that a demonic presence has possessed the child? Exorcism seems to be the only answer... First published in 1971, The Exorcist became a literary phenomenon and inspired one of the most shocking films ever made. This edition, polished and expanded by the author, includes new dialogue, a new character and a chilling new extended scene, provides an unforgettable reading experience that has lost none of its power to shock and continues to thrill and terrify new readers.

In the late eighteenth century, Catholic priest Johann Joseph Gassner (1727-1779) discovered that he had extraordinary powers of exorcism. Deciding that demons were responsible for most human ailments, he healed thousands, rich and poor, Protestant and Catholic. In this book H.C. Erik Midelfort delves deeply into records of the time to explore Gassner's remarkable exorcising campaign, chronicle the official efforts to curb him, and reconstruct the sufferings of the afflicted. Gassner's activities triggered a Catholic religious revival as well as a noisy skeptical reaction. In response to those who doubted that he was really casting out demons, Gassner marshaled hundreds of eyewitness reports that seemed to prove his exorcisms really worked. Midelfort describes the enormous public controversy that resulted, and he demonstrates that the Gassner episode yields important insights into the German Enlightenment and Counter-Enlightenment, the limitations of eighteenth-century debate, and the ongoing role of magic and belief in an age of scientific enlightenment.

Belief in possession, including from demonic forces, has ancient roots and continues into the modern world, especially among certain communities. This has been shown in books, movies, places of worship, and in the therapy office. This book traces the global history of possession and looks at ways contemporary mental health professionals can help a person who believes themselves to be possessed. Written especially for clinicians, but interesting to a wide variety of readers, this book uses a variety of disciplines, including cultural studies, psychology, and personal experiences, to try and understand the phenomenon from as wide a perspective as possible, including interviews with exorcists from various backgrounds. Both believers and sceptics will find this to be a fascinating study of a controversial topic.

Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Goat offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most gentle and artistic signs in the Chinese zodiac. This insightful guide dives deep into the unique qualities of the Goat, examining their compassionate nature, creative spirit, and quest for emotional harmony. Whether you're a Goat seeking to uncover more about yourself or simply interested in learning about this thoughtful sign, this book provides valuable information on how the Goat approaches life. The book covers key aspects of the Goat's personality, including their strengths, challenges, and emotional tendencies. Chapters explore topics such as love and compatibility, career paths suited to the Goat's nurturing and imaginative traits, and how they approach relationships and personal growth. With a special focus on understanding the Goat's inner world, this book offers readers a rich understanding of the Goat’s role within the Chinese zodiac and provides practical insights for both Goats and those around them. Perfect for anyone seeking to learn more about this sensitive and creative sign, Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Goat is an engaging and informative resource. Whether you're a Goat or know someone who is, this guide is an essential companion for understanding the qualities that make this sign so special.

Unlock the Secrets of the Chinese Zodiac with Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Rooster! Dive deep into the world of the Rooster, one of the most captivating signs in Chinese astrology. Known for their sharp wit, impeccable precision, and unshakeable confidence, Roosters are natural-born leaders who bring a unique blend of intelligence, charm, and tenacity to every part of life. But there’s so much more to discover beneath the feathers! Whether you're a Rooster yourself or simply curious about the fascinating personalities around you, this book has everything you need to gain a richer, more meaningful understanding of this dynamic sign. Explore the Rooster’s true nature across all facets of life—from career and wealth to love, family, and friendships. Discover What’s Inside: The Rooster’s Personality: Get to know the Rooster’s unique strengths, quirks, and challenges. Learn what makes them stand out, and how their distinctive traits can shape their path in life. Elemental Influence: Roosters are more than their sign. See how the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) add depth and complexity, creating different “types” of Roosters, each with its own qualities. Compatibility Insights: Unravel the secrets of the Rooster’s compatibility with other zodiac signs. Find out which signs mesh effortlessly, where sparks might fly, and how to build better relationships by understanding astrological influences. Career and Success: Roosters excel in roles that require leadership, strategy, and a keen eye for detail. Discover which career paths are best suited for Roosters, and how they can achieve wealth and success by playing to their strengths. Love and Relationships: Roosters love fiercely and are loyal to the core. Learn how their passion, high standards, and protective nature shape their romantic relationships, and how they can create deeper, more fulfilling connections. Family Dynamics: Understand the Rooster’s role in the family, their nurturing side, and the way they build strong bonds with loved ones. Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Rooster is the ultimate guide to mastering the Rooster’s traits, motivations, and unique perspective on life. Whether you’re a Rooster eager to unlock your full potential or someone looking to understand the Roosters in your world, this book will enlighten, entertain, and empower. Packed with insightful analysis, practical advice, and vivid descriptions, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the Rooster. Get your copy today and discover the secrets to success, happiness, and harmony—Rooster style!