I had an encounter with a what i can best describe as a disembodied soul. Is it possible for an incarnate soul to inhabit another human body and know the host's feelings,experiences and thoughts as well as communicating with the host telepathically?

I had an encounter with a what i can best describe as a disembodied soul. Is it possible for an incarnate soul to inhabit another human body and know the host's feelings,experiences and thoughts as well as communicating with the host telepathically?

perhaps. As an old saying goes, " anything is possible". A strong spirit can achieve anything, not just in this world.

do you know of any websites where I would be able to find out more about this. My experience was not quite like a possesion, as the entity did not contol me in any way but was able to manifest itself physically in small ways through touch and a physical 'feeling' of presence inside my body. Also was able to either make me hallucinate or was able to produce limited physical apparitions (sp).

How did you know you encountered a "diembodied soul"?

How do you know souls exist at all, for that matter?

do you know of any websites where I would be able to find out more about this. My experience was not quite like a possesion, as the entity did not contol me in any way but was able to manifest itself physically in small ways through touch and a physical 'feeling' of presence inside my body. Also was able to either make me hallucinate or was able to produce limited physical apparitions (sp).

do not look on websites, books, or anywhere outside. Look within yourself, explore yourself more, sit down, relax, meditate, try to reach within urself and understand what you are and your purpose within the universe is... I for one thing have been very close to the revelation during my meditation phase.

To James:

I don't know if it was a disembodied soul. My best description. It was a telepathic mainly invisable personality that had limited physical manifestations.

to dragon.
that's what I was doing (in my unaware existence up to then) when this thing paid me a visit. Thank you for your advice. This happened about ten months ago and I am beginning to believe meditation is what is going to help me through this.

It was a telepathic mainly invisable personality that had limited physical manifestations.

What were its telepathic actions? What were its limited physical manifestations?

Why don't you tell us the full story?

What were its telepathic actions? What were its limited physical manifestations?

Why don't you tell us the full story?

Do tell, sounds fascinating.

Meanwhile I know it's not the same, but I had a dream once many many yrs ago which I have not forgotten where I had the experience of 'going into someone elses body and being one with them'. The reason I reacall this dream is the sensations were so powerful and obviously not something ever replicated in my waking state. It was an incredible experience but a 'dream'. Is it possible while in your mediative state you entered a light dream state?

I am really not comfortable sharing the experience fully on this board yet. I am sorry but am just not up to it. By telepathic I mean that the "spirit", was hardwired into my brain, seemed to have full access to my thoughts. By manifesting itself physically, it was able to "touch" me at times, like someone touching your arm or head, to get your attention.
I did not believe in the spiritual world before this happened to me. I was not meditating but was in deep contemplative thought having personal revelations about a stressful situation when this thing came to me.
Anyway this experience did not leave me any wiser or with clues to the universe or anything like that, though I am definately open to the idea now of existence beyond the physical, God and life after death.
My problem is I don't know what it was and the little research I have done on the internet dosen't seem to identify this experience. I am asking for help from anyone who has had an experience like this or maybe knows where I might be able to get more information.
I am particularly interested in astral travel because it seems to be a validated experience where someone "leaves" their body. My question is can they enter another? Demon possession, channeling and ghosts "hauntings" don't fit the experience precisely, so I am not pursuing those right now, though have not ruled it out. I have looked briefly into witchcraft and to see if something like this is practised but have not found anything yet. Any help would be appreciated.

I am really not comfortable sharing the experience fully on this board yet. I am sorry but am just not up to it. By telepathic I mean that the "spirit", was hardwired into my brain, seemed to have full access to my thoughts. By manifesting itself physically, it was able to "touch" me at times, like someone touching your arm or head, to get your attention.
I did not believe in the spiritual world before this happened to me. I was not meditating but was in deep contemplative thought having personal revelations about a stressful situation when this thing came to me.
Anyway this experience did not leave me any wiser or with clues to the universe or anything like that, though I am definately open to the idea now of existence beyond the physical, God and life after death.
My problem is I don't know what it was and the little research I have done on the internet dosen't seem to identify this experience. I am asking for help from anyone who has had an experience like this or maybe knows where I might be able to get more information.
I am particularly interested in astral travel because it seems to be a validated experience where someone "leaves" their body. My question is can they enter another? Demon possession, channeling and ghosts "hauntings" don't fit the experience precisely, so I am not pursuing those right now, though have not ruled it out. I have looked briefly into witchcraft and to see if something like this is practised but have not found anything yet. Any help would be appreciated.

Apparantly you are not actually taking time to read the replies, you are seeking an answer for which you have not properly asked the question.

How can anyone specualte about what you experienced when you won't provide the details? You say someone or something entered you and had access to your thoughts, you could only know something has access to your thoughts if you had access to theirs or how could you know? Also you say this thing got your attention by 'touching you' what was this sensation, a prickle on your arm? This alone could have any number of biological causes, you need to be more precise about what it is that makes you believe you had a presence inside you as so far nothing you have said confirms that any such thing may have happened?

Did you exeperience this other things cosciouness for example? Did you glimpse their life?

Summary:
What about your experience makes you conclude you had a entity inside you? What makes you think your thoughts were accessible to soemthing else? What?


Note: Magicians such as david Blaine can 'touch' people from a distance as can some martail artists (someone posted a great deal on this technique in another thread in theis forum, I think it was the 'get your phsyic lessons for free here..or words to that effect thread ;) )

It is also possible to read peoples thoughts, was there anyone physical around you when this occurred?

Why externalise what you experienced? Why did it have to be something other than yourself? You said you were thinking over a stressful situation, it sounds like what you have experienced is dissociation, an attempt by your conscious mind to evade the stress. It happens, in extreme cases it leads to split personalities.

My advice, don't think about the stress as a whole, but think about the small ways you can make the situation less stressful. Solve it step by step.

Thank you all for your replies. I truly appreciate your time and insight. What happened to me was very personal and hard to describe out of context of which I don't want to get into. I know I am not being forthcoming with information, and we're playing a sort of twenty questions but my intent is not to discuss the bizarre experience I had. I just want to learn more about the spiritual world. If I told you what happened it would take 10 pages and you would think I was nuts. Suffice to say this was another personality, able to touch me and interact physically in a limited form. I did not try to access it's consciousness but maybe if I knew what i was dealing with, could of.
I don't know if it was another entity. It was not me-I can guarantee that. so if it's not me what name do you give it. Nothing in my life prepared me for this experience.
Problem is on looking into channeling, demon possesion, ghosts, psychosis, hearing voices, hallucinations nothing seems to fit just right. So I find out there are incarnate and discarnate spirits and maybe they are hard to tell apart, as they are both spirits. My question remains: does anyone know anything about a live human spirit being able to somehow project itself into another human being? Forget about it being telepathic. it's not important.

to phlogistician:

I was actually quite happily working out the stressful situation when this happened and was making great strides in dealing with it. I have thought alot about maybe being crazy as crazy people don't realize they're crazy, right? Maybe this whole event was just my personality splitting-but I was fine before this event, relatively speaking, and am fine now.
I am trying to solve it. that is all i want is to know what happened. I externalize it because it was not me. I can't tell you why because it would be trying to describe something I have no understanding of? What does it feel like to have a not you spirit inside of you? is there a dictionary of terms or encyclopedia for that? because that is my question.

rj2631r6 (what a strange alias),

I have had some strange experiences myself, and understand your reluctance to talk about it; people really can't understand and tend to misinterpret it.

It seems to me what you experienced is called possession. It happens to a lot of people; it may be due to something that happens in your brain, it may be caused by a spirit invading your body. I fail to see why the explanation matters; what really matters is how can you deal with it.

The first thing you should accept is that you're not crazy. I think that is the thought that scares people the most. We tend to think this stuff only happens to crazy people, but it happens to everyone, except few people like to talk about it (for fear of being labeled crazy. Go figure. It's as if everyone had sexual feelings but denied it... wait, that actually was the case not long ago!)

Following that, just deal with the situation as any normal person deals with things they don't understand: don't worry much about it. If you obsess about it, you're likely asking for trouble. Since this is all happening inside your mind, keeping a healthy mind is the best thing you can do.

Just my two cents anyway.

to phlogistician:

I was actually quite happily working out the stressful situation when this happened and was making great strides in dealing with it. I have thought alot about maybe being crazy as crazy people don't realize they're crazy, right? Maybe this whole event was just my personality splitting-but I was fine before this event, relatively speaking, and am fine now.
I am trying to solve it. that is all i want is to know what happened. I externalize it because it was not me. I can't tell you why because it would be trying to describe something I have no understanding of? What does it feel like to have a not you spirit inside of you? is there a dictionary of terms or encyclopedia for that? because that is my question.

It would appear that you don't really want to solve it at all, but are instead looking for a description that somehow fits your belief in the supernatural.

Therefore, you must ask your imagination for the answer you seek.

It seems to me what you experienced is called possession. It happens to a lot of people; it may be due to something that happens in your brain, it may be caused by a spirit invading your body

Or rj2631r6, you can use Confutatis' imaginative fantasy.

Thanks for everyones replies. q- i really want an answer and I don't have any set belief in the supernatural that I wouldn't modify by learning more. I'm trying to imagine all the possibilities and possibly learn from others experiences.
The advice I have gotten that seems to make the most sense is just to keep a strong, sound mind and spirit to keep, i guess, or it seems anyones guess, "negative forces" whether mental or spiritual from impacting your life.

confutatis: I agree with your statement about just staying strong and moving on but my curiousity about the event has actually made me paranoid that I might be under a pointed spiritual attack rather than say a wayward spirit. Either way, keeping the mind and spirit strong and healthy is the best answer or defense but a part of me wants to investigate this "bump in the road" rather than just rolling on oblivious to the forces out there.

Thanks for everyones replies. q- i really want an answer and I'm trying to imagine all the possibilities

Exactly!

Thanks for everyones replies. q- i really want an answer and I don't have any set belief in the supernatural that I wouldn't modify by learning more. I'm trying to imagine all the possibilities and possibly learn from others experiences.
The advice I have gotten that seems to make the most sense is just to keep a strong, sound mind and spirit to keep, i guess, or it seems anyones guess, "negative forces" whether mental or spiritual from impacting your life.

confutatis: I agree with your statement about just staying strong and moving on but my curiousity about the event has actually made me paranoid that I might be under a pointed spiritual attack rather than say a wayward spirit. Either way, keeping the mind and spirit strong and healthy is the best answer or defense but a part of me wants to investigate this "bump in the road" rather than just rolling on oblivious to the forces out there.

R, some people will TELL you what the view is outside your window when they have never seen it, because that is what their BOOK has told them to expect. Q is one of those, hence any post describing a view not in his BOOK (his belief) he will deem it ..imagination. Confutatis however reguarly makes posts that make sense, and is intelligent so I'd be more inclined to listen to his reply. If you are afraid of reactions here, then you can always continue the discussion in pm or on msn. Sci Forums isn't the be all and end all of every conversation. :)

R, some people will TELL you what the view is outside your window when they have never seen it, because that is what their BOOK has told them to expect. Q is one of those, hence any post describing a view not in his BOOK (his belief) he will deem it ..imagination.

The veiw outside anyones window would reveal the appearance of a flat earth, and by not reading at least some books, one might be inclined to continue believing such.

Confutatis however reguarly makes posts that make sense, and is intelligent so I'd be more inclined to listen to his reply.

Of course, you're both theists, who appeal to the invisible on grounds for a reality.

If you are afraid of reactions here, then you can always continue the discussion in pm or on msn. Sci Forums isn't the be all and end all of every conversation.

I humbly apologize for not meeting your expectations to providing for you the level of fantasy you're so amply accustomed.

R, some people will TELL you what the view is outside your window when they have never seen it, because that is what their BOOK has told them to expect. Q is one of those

This is actually relevant to the whole "I'm being trolled by (Q)" thing as well as the nature of the responses rj has received. (Q) provides a rational and reasoned response, but it doesn't conform to the beliefs of significance-junkies and mystery-mongers who look for mysticism everywhere in their lives and are "more inclined to listen" to those that agree with that hokey nonsense. But you can't go around bitching and crying about being "trolled" when you so obviously needle the man with your sillyness. Its as if you have a crush on the guy or something.

There is no evidence that there are any "souls" that can detach themselves from our bodies or minds. Nor is there any reason to think that such "souls" can enter another body. This is, however, a much overused theme of science fiction and fantasy as well as horror genres. And there *is* evidence for people becoming deluded based upon fictional themes and motifs. Mind you, delusion isn't cause for being upset, we all become deluded from time to time and some would argue that a good book or movie allows us to drop our disbelief -at least temporarily- so that we can allow for a certain bit of delusion. This makes fiction all the more enjoyable.

But at the end of the day, souls entering bodies really is a fantasy and has no basis in reality.

thanks for all your replies.
Theoryofrelativity: I don't know what pm or msn(micrsoft network?) are but I am posting in other forums.

Q's responses are similar to the responses I have gotten from
others.One thing I am sure of is that this was an encounter with something not me, though it did happen to me and I somehow allowed it. What it was is not clear to me and nothing I have ever experienced in my life was like it even in a small way. the whole experience lasted roughly 16 hours.

I had no belief in the spiritual world or demons before this happened. I was mildly interested in ghosts and e.t's on the level of "wow wouldn't that be something if it were true-it should be investigated to see what's behind it all."
I believed in a christian God but was not religous or belong to any church. I guess this history is not really important but if I read my posts are listen to myself I think it sounds fantastic and unbelievable, too!
I'll tell you what Q-the reality we live in may be quite a bit different and complex than you or I imagine. I pray alot more now since this happened and give thanks before I eat my meals.
My question remains: could this be a human attack? From the responses I have gotten here and elsewhere it seems llike no one is really sure. People talk of psychic(sp) attacks and summoning demons and this is the avenue I am pursuing now. Not believing or saying that's what happened but just looking into it.
I could talk alot or forever about what happened to me. The details aren't important and won't convince anyone. I didn't learn any fundamental truths about the universe or come away enlightened, honestly the whole experience left me feeling like I had been used. All I have to say is watch your back, especially if your spirits are low. I don't think a person can be prepared for something like this but I do believe that I was partly responsible for it happening, as I should have been strong enough or smart enough to stop it. This "spirit" had no regard for human life. Regardless of what this was I'm more concerned about my soul than ever and do believe that the soul is actually a part of god or a gift from God that you must nourish and protect.
You know it dosen't really matter what it(the spirit) was, really, or if anyone believes me. Who cares what it was. Every description of it sounds too fantastic. If you don't believe in an existence outside of this fraqile body of flesh and blood you are in for a huge surprise. I'm still reeling from the implications-and trying to sort it out, if that is possible.

skinwalker- It sounds ridiculous when people quote back to me what I have posted-so I understand your disbelief. To say this "soul" entered my body isn't exactly right. lets call it an "entity" to give it a name. It occupied the same space as my body and if I moved suddenly it was uncomfortable for it. So it wasn't merged with me but was definately connected.

You think "entity" makes it sound more believable? Call it an "entity" or a "soul." Either way, there is no apparent such thing.

What's that song 'you're living in a box...living in a cardboard box.....'

R these guys live in boxes, they feel safe there. Let them have their fantasy it keeps them happy, it's a safe and cosy 'belief' system.

Meanwhile pm = private messaging, msn is online chat.

Q's responses are similar to the responses I have gotten from
others.

And, it appears you ignored those responses, too. Again, you don't want responses, you just want someone to fuel your beliefs.

And look, ToR is perched like a vulture to do just that and monger your mystery today!

You think "entity" makes it sound more believable? Call it an "entity" or a "soul." Either way, there is no apparent such thing.

Why is it impossible for a person to have the experience of another person entering their body? Call it "delusion", call it "possession", exactly what do you add by claiming such experiences are not possible simply because you never had them?

If you would read closely and notice the structure and syntax of the sentence, I implied that such things are not apparently possible by stating "there is no apparent such thing."

Apparent being the operative word. If such things were apparent, they would be measurable and quantitative. As it is, they exist only in the minds of a few believers. Believers that, more than likely, have experience one or more psychological events that perhaps medication can assist with.

What was described was mild schizophrenia. You can call it "souls," "entities," or "visitations," but the reality is that there are no such things as possessions, despite the silly religious superstitions that perpetuate such nonsense. If there are, point us all to the peer-reviewed study that explains in detail how these "possessions" work.

You can call it "souls," "entities," or "visitations," but the reality is that there are no such things as possessions

There is such a thing as the experience of being possessed, and it can happen to anyone. It's not something you can provoke, control, or prevent. And it's not "mild schezophrenia" anymore than having dreams is psychosis.

This is actually pathetic. If 90% of the people never dreamt, they would deny the claims of the other 10% who do and would pat on each other's backs for not being superstitious. Still it would be just intellectual arrogance caused by ignorance.

... despite the silly religious superstitions that perpetuate such nonsense. If there are, point us all to the peer-reviewed study that explains in detail how these "possessions" work.

I cannot point you to peer-reviewed nonsense, but I can point you to a lot of people who know more about life than a bunch of snobs locked up in ivory towers. There's more to life than science can tell you, in case you don't know.

I appreciate everyones point of view on this. All I can say is that the experience made a believer out of me. Is it so hard to believe, afterall? We are more than a combination of carbon and chemicals? that's really all I believe now and I pray to God to show me the way to a better understanding.
For my mind to snap as badly as it would have had to to create this illusion, I don't think I would be able to function now. again nothing before or since has even come close. I think I am beating a deadhorse as really I'm looking for information about incarnate spirits. And no I am not fueling a fantasy but am seeking knowledge of the esoteric. But, I guess, If I look hard enough, I will validate any crazy belief. Evenstill I need to look into the possibilities and then come to a conclusion.

Skinwalker-that's exactly what I want a peer reviewed explanation on how these possessions work.

Peer reviewed studies exist and are available, two that I have just at my desk are Freed & Freed (1964) and Ward & Beaubrun (1980). Both of these studies reach similar conclusions and were conducted independently of each other and in different hemispheres of the globe.

The both conluded that "demon possession" is a social label applied to individuals that experience stress or mental disorders that range from anxiety to schizophrenia. Both studies concluded that the "possessed" individual gained advantages because of the experiences such as being the center of attention; escaping unpleasant situations -even if temporarily; and dimination of guilt or responsibility (their behavior was blamed on the "demon"). Neither study found that there was any reason to assume that an actual "demon" possessed the individuals involved.

@Confusatus

I don't expect intelligent responses that are dignified with critical thought from those that have their beliefs challenged. Experience has shown me that, when faced with rational thought and inquiry, the believer (be it in religious superstition, demons, ghosts, ufos, esp, etc) will respond with much the same "I'm right because you're wrong" attitude. The bottom line is, you cannot point to any peer-reviewed validation for "demon possession" because it is a concept that exists only in the fabricated reality of those that believe in it. Far more rational explanations are arrived at whenever those that claim to be afflicted are examined. Explanations that very often find themselves cured with therapy or medication.

Reference

Freed, Stanley A., and Freed, Ruth S. (1964). Spirit Possession as Illness in a North Indian Village. Ethnology, 3(2), 152-171.

Ward, Colleen A., and Beaubrun, Michael H. (1980). The Psychodynamics of Demon Possession. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 19(2), 201-208.

I don't expect intelligent responses that are dignified with critical thought from those that have their beliefs challenged.

None of my beliefs have been challenged by your posts, simply because you misunderstood everything I said. I have not made a single claim that spirits exist or that they explain the subjective experience of possession.

Experience has shown me that, when faced with rational thought and inquiry, the believer (be it in religious superstition, demons, ghosts, ufos, esp, etc) will respond with much the same "I'm right because you're wrong" attitude.

How could I have said you were wrong when you didn't even address my points?

The bottom line is, you cannot point to any peer-reviewed validation for "demon possession" because it is a concept that exists only in the fabricated reality of those that believe in it.

Just look at your own reply. Whoever said anything about demons? You are reading stuff that was never written, because you assume anyone wanting to discuss a subject outside of a scientific framework must necessarily be a superstitious fool.

Far more rational explanations are arrived at whenever those that claim to be afflicted are examined.

If you had the decency of reading my posts, you wouldn't say such beside-the-point nonsense. If you find yourself afflicted with a mental disorder, the last thing you'd care about would be a rational explanation. Telling schizophrenics that there's a rational explanation for their hallucinations doesn't make them go away or even seem less real.

I know your position. It's the position of someone who doesn't understand what he is talking about, for the simple fact that you never experienced it. It's very easy to understand schizophrenia if you're not schizophrenic. Your explanations don't have to convince the mentally ill, they only have to convince your academic peers.

Explanations that very often find themselves cured with therapy or medication.

It is true that medication often helps people recover from mental disorders, I have not even hinted otherwise and have no idea why you bring it up. I myself am epileptic, and if it weren't for medication I would be having seizures on a daily basis. Still, I know things about epilepsy which my doctor cannot possibly know, except perhaps if he is also epileptic. For instance, when I recover from a seizure I have this overwhelming sense of foreboding, as if the world were about to end in the next few hours. I know the feeling is unreal, and that has nothing to do with the existence of peer-reviewed literature proving that the world is not going to end in the next few hours. But an argument like yours, that my feeling of foreboding is irrational, is arrogant and completely beside the point.

You probably won't understand any of this, as usual.

None of my beliefs have been challenged by your posts, simply because you misunderstood everything I said. I have not made a single claim that spirits exist or that they explain the subjective experience of possession.

You said, "There is such a thing as the experience of being possessed, and it can happen to anyone. It's not something you can provoke, control, or prevent. And it's not "mild schezophrenia" anymore than having dreams is psychosis."

If it isn't "spirits" or "demons," what are you alleging causes the "possession?"

How could I have said you were wrong when you didn't even address my points?

You made no points other than simple-minded, anti-science rant. None of your "points" had any real basis for criticism since they were unfounded. You spoke of "ivory towers" and hypothesized that skeptics would not believe in dreams if not for the prevalence of them, as if REM isn't something that can be observed through both instrumentation and by direct observation. You asked why is it impossible to have the experience of "another person entering their body?" As if this were something that could be possible. The question to answer first would be how could someone else possibly do such a thing. Is there a zipper running down your back that allows it to happen? If so, perhaps it *is* possible. Give us a mechanism that might work other than your imagination and lets engage in a real intellectual discussion. Otherwise, you're simply talking out of your ass, to use an idiom.

Just look at your own reply. Whoever said anything about demons?

rj2631r6 did, and this is what the discussion was about.

You are reading stuff that was never written, because you assume anyone wanting to discuss a subject outside of a scientific framework must necessarily be a superstitious fool.

The fool present in this thread is evident. Your anti-science rhetoric doesn't wash and your attempts at rebuttal are poorly informed. Perhaps you should read the posts other than yours and mine and you might realize that the topic of "demons" was mentioned first by rj2631r6, who stated, "I had no belief in the spiritual world or demons before this happened."

You said, "There is such a thing as the experience of being possessed, and it can happen to anyone. It's not something you can provoke, control, or prevent. And it's not "mild schezophrenia" anymore than having dreams is psychosis."

If it isn't "spirits" or "demons," what are you alleging causes the "possession?"

SW, your arguments are tiresome, so I'll just reply with a quote from rj2631r6:

Who cares what it was?

He's not asking for explanations, he just wants to share his experience. You can learn from it, you can ignore it. Calling him crazy only shows ignorance on your part. If the subject makes you uncomfortable, ignore the thread. Your ignorance of the subject is not adding anything to the discussion, at least as far as I'm concerned.

And this is all I have to say. Now throw your final barrage of insults and let us leave it at that.

He's not asking for explanations, he just wants to share his experience.

Uh, yes he is asking for explanations, can't you read?

But, he is asking for explanations that fit his beliefs, not actual explanations, so in that regard, he'll find those answers in his or your imagination.

He's not asking for explanations, he just wants to share his experience. You can learn from it, you can ignore it. Calling him crazy only shows ignorance on your part. If the subject makes you uncomfortable, ignore the thread. Your ignorance of the subject is not adding anything to the discussion, at least as far as I'm concerned.

I certainly did not use the derisive term "crazy" in my characterization of the OP and I resent the fact that you would attribute those words to me. I offered some of the possibilities of what the OP may have been experiencing. Whether or not there is a psychological issue or mental imbalance of chemistry is not for me to diagnose and I certainly would not characterize someone of being "crazy" even if they were schizophrenic or delusional. Both are very real conditions that are far more common than most people realize, something that I learned after having worked in the Juvenile Justice industry for the better part of a decade.

But you think I find the subject "uncomfortable?" Not at all. I find this subject fascinating, since it relates to human belief and the motivations behind it. And I'm not just talking about the OP's beliefs, but yours as well. It fascinates me the steps that apparent anti-science types like yourself will take to defend the speculations of mysticism of others. You clearly indicated that you believed "spirits," "demons," or some other un-named entity can "possess" flesh and blood people. I challenged this assertion and ask you to not only identify what does the possession, but to also qualify the assertion with how it occurs.

Instead, you respond with a new assertion that I'm ignorant of the subject and to "ignore the thread!" What bullshit! Moreover, you assert that I've directed a "barrage of insults" at you! More bullshit! Admit it... you can't answer my questions.

Oh... wait. You did:

And this is all I have to say. Now throw your final barrage of insults and let us leave it at that.

If you call what I've written a "barrage of insults," I certainly feel sorry for you. But at least you were honest enough to admit you had nothing to say after all.

Q, you are right-I would like to be able to explain this event. I came here seeking information on the paranormal, not to find out that I am crazy. I can get that answer from anyone who will listen to me. I do appreciate your posts and do not wish argue with you. The only post I directly asked for an explanation was on peer review of possession, but I do believe you could infer that I was looking for an explanation on other posts. That is my ultimate goal, to explain this event, but not the intent of my question.
Yes I would like someones answer to conform to the belief of the paranormal. that is what I am investigating. Is that going to be my ultimate decision as to what happened, I don't know. I know I have mentioned demons and god with confiction along with saying "i'm a believer now" and that was inappropriate and not constructive and really doesn't help in my investigation.
Unfortunately this event was very powerful and I can't dismiss the paranormal or God easily like I could have before, so it shows up in my posts.
So I will ask a question about split personalities. Do they coinhabit the mind? Or do they switch off? My split was thinking on it's own making decisions in the present for me about a future i was unaware of. Does that sound split?
I do not blame my actions on anyone but me during this event. I was in total control the whole time. I was being prodded and coerced by my "split" but at any time could have acted rationally, but was so taken by the experience, I didn't. At one point my split wanted me do to something particularly damaging to another person, and I did not do it. but in general I believed everything that my split wanted me to believe, and did whatever they said-no matter how crazy or with complete disregard for life or reason.
So no I am not blaming a demon for my actions or anyone/anything else.
It's not like I snapped. It was like a part was awakened. It was clever, deceptive, destructive, persuasive, vain and impetuous. No it wasn't my ex. So, q and others, if it was me I am somewhere south of deep shit and apparently lost looking for directions. That is why I would like to see if possibly, an external force acted on me. Again, I'm not denying resonsibility, I was an am responsible for my actions, but is it so hard to believe that there are forces in our universe that we may not be aware of? Is it wrong to investigate it? should I only take a pill and talk it out with a therapist about psychotic behavior? Maybe by understanding the paranormal I will be better prepared if this happens again, regardless of it's causes.

I thought it might be important that along with now being interested in the paranormal, I also now have a great deal of empathy with people with mental disorders. I know now what it feels like to lose control of your mind and reasoning capabilities. I can assure you it is a humbling experience, and one where you, at least in my case, can see it happening yet being out of control having relinquished control. In my case one part of me was sane, the other insane, co-inhabiting my body. Why there has to be all the hallucinations to go along with it is very mysterious, I think.

rj2631r6, let me add that in no way are (Q) and I trying to deride or belittle you. There is undoubtedly and edge to our "posting styles" with regard to myster-mongers and significance-junkies who flock to threads like this one with an eagerness that is predictable in nature.

But it's clear that you experienced something. What it was, isn't clear, least of all to anyone responding to you in this thread. One of my favorite people in the world has a mild form of schizophrenia -nothing as extreme as that portrayed in the book and movie A Beautiful Mind, but significant to him nonetheless. When he's consistent with his medications, he rarely experiences any problems and you wouldn't know he had any, even off the meds. But he has referred to it as his "demons" or "friends" (depending on his mood).

Mental disorders, even the mildest of them, are frightening to us all, even if we don't have them. Because, in the backs of our minds, we realize that it could always affect us now or in the future. Be it mild forms of anxiety attacks to depression to schizophrenia. None of us are immune and the causes of such things aren't fully understood.

That you're searching one or more internet forums for answers and investigating what's happening is admirable and I wish you luck in finding the information that'll help. My best advice, however, is to visit with a trusted family physician. If you don't have one, get a recommendation from someone you trust, but there should be some fresh eyes on your situation, and maybe you can get any serious problems ruled out with a good physcial. Our petty conflicts in sciforums (the skeptics vs the mystics) won't help you -though you might find a certain bit of amusement in our tirades! :)

Good luck to you, rj2631r6.

Thank you for posting the book references, Skinwalker. I don't have those books but I know I'm going to have to do alot of reading to get some in-depth definitive answers.

Q, you are right-I would like to be able to explain this event. I came here seeking information on the paranormal, not to find out that I am crazy.
Yes I would like someones answer to conform to the belief of the paranormal. that is what I am investigating.
Unfortunately this event was very powerful and I can't dismiss the paranormal or God easily like I could have before, so it shows up in my posts.

As Skinwalker already noted, it is commendable that you seek answers to your condition, however the answers don't lie in the paranormal and you'll not find any peer reviewed articles confirming your condition has anything to do with the paranormal.

If you really seek answers, then seek professional help as was suggested. You won't find any better advice on an internet forum.

I know I'm going to have to do alot of reading to get some in-depth definitive answers.

Let me warn you, there are no in-depth definitive answers. I've read as many books on the subject as I could possibly find, and I can tell you you will only find two kinds of explanations: science types telling you you're having mental problems, and spiritualist types telling you silly stories about spirits from another world. I have never found convincing arguments for either.

About six years ago I was resting on the couch and suddenly my deceased grandmother appeared in front of me. She was there for about a minute, she looked as real as any object in the room. She said nothing, only stayed there, then disappeared. It was the only time I had such an experience, never before, never after. When it happened, I also wanted to know about it. All I discovered is that people have always had those experiences, and it seldom amounts to anything other than something strange that happens to them but leaves no consequences, except perhaps in how they see the world.

I do not believe it was my grandmother's "spirit" I was seeing. And I didn't have to take any pills to prevent it from happening again, so it's clearly not something wrong with my brain. I came to think it's just a strange kind of dream, nothing else. I have certainly seen my grandmother several times in my dreams; why should this not be just another one? And I find it perfectly possible to have a dream about someone entering your body, and the dream look so real as to be frightening. But if you think about it, it can't possibly be anything other than a dream.

Now if it kept recurring, I would seriously fear for my sanity. Or my life.

Let me warn you, there are no in-depth definitive answers. I've read as many books on the subject as I could possibly find, and I can tell you you will only find two kinds of explanations: science types telling you you're having mental problems, and spiritualist types telling you silly stories about spirits from another world. I have never found convincing arguments for either.

About six years ago I was resting on the couch and suddenly my deceased grandmother appeared in front of me. She was there for about a minute, she looked as real as any object in the room. She said nothing, only stayed there, then disappeared. It was the only time I had such an experience, never before, never after. When it happened, I also wanted to know about it. All I discovered is that people have always had those experiences, and it seldom amounts to anything other than something strange that happens to them but leaves no consequences, except perhaps in how they see the world.

I do not believe it was my grandmother's "spirit" I was seeing. And I didn't have to take any pills to prevent it from happening again, so it's clearly not something wrong with my brain. I came to think it's just a strange kind of dream, nothing else. I have certainly seen my grandmother several times in my dreams; why should this not be just another one? And I find it perfectly possible to have a dream about someone entering your body, and the dream look so real as to be frightening. But if you think about it, it can't possibly be anything other than a dream.

Now if it kept recurring, I would seriously fear for my sanity. Or my life.

Interesting an defiinately valid, when in half sleep my dreams have overlapped into wakefullness. I forgot this until C brought this up. As you were in deep meditative state, you could thereofre have experienced a dual reality ie: dream and wakefullness simultaneously.

Example:
Once I was dreaming I was in my exact real time scenario. So how do I know it's a dream? In my dream I had my arm out of the bed. In reality my arm was under my head. For one split moment in half wakefulness, I was aware (horrifically) of having two right arms. I could see and feel both of them. One in bed and one under my head. It was VERY scary. I closed my eyes immediately so one would disappear! It is possible as C said this is therefore a dream. Note I did in my first post mention I had a 'dream' like this once when I was in someone elses body. It was so real I recall it to this day! The 'love' and connectedness I felt was awsome. Unmatchable as clearly not poss in reality. Although the love is matchable :)

rj
You might want to visit occultforums.com for a different world view than is found here.
I do not believe in "demonic posession" type theories but I think that some of the Catholic orders do so you might want to check with a priest.

I always have dreams about falling off a building and then I wake up. I think that is when I am done traveling and want to return to my body. Also there are times when just before I am fully awake I cant move. I am aware of my surroundings and can see everything however I just cant move. I think this is when I am just returing to my body. Has that happeened to anyone?

thank you for the replies. I feel better talking about this stuff than not. I was very reluctant to talk about it for a long time. I've also come to see it differently as time passes, at least parts of the experience. It wasn't a dream and I am sorry about conveying the idea about being in a deep contemplative state, I really wasn't.
Theoryofrelativity: yes, I had a deep feeling of connectivity during this experience-being one with another. Yet this second personality told me many lies and tried to get me to hurt myself. I believe now that it was using the side effects of the experience to fool me into thinking it was a good thing. I'm convinced it was an invading spirit of some sort but can't understand it's motives, other than it was having "fun" somehow. It was helpful in some ways and seemed concerened about problems I was having in life, which makes it more confusing.
This expereience was very dependent on me and my beliefs. For someone else, I think it would be very different. I never tried to reject this "personality", or cast it out-so who knows?

Candy: thanks for the website info. I will check it out.

confutatis: There were lots of real consequences from this visit and luck or protection was the only thing that saved any real damage from occurring. This experienece was unlike anything I have ever known and at the time felt like the world was being turned upside down on top of me. All my past beliefs because of this things existence were incorrect so I believed anything it said.

Yet this second personality told me many lies and tried to get me to hurt myself.

This experienece was unlike anything I have ever known and at the time felt like the world was being turned upside down on top of me. All my past beliefs because of this things existence were incorrect so I believed anything it said.


I am sorry rj, now you have elaborated I am inclined to agree with Skinwalker you need to seek the help of a Doctor. This sounds like the sort of thing experienced with schitzophrenia. I don't want to worry you, but you must consider this option and go and at least discuss with Doctor.

The sites you have been directed to, mya exacerbate the problem if you have one. Hopefully it was one off.

You may find this site helpful

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web3/Bromwell.html


"the expansion of the fields of medicine and psychology has led to diagnoses other than demonic possession for individuals who present circumstances similar to those mentioned above. These sorts of cases are now readily explained in terms of abnormal functioning in the brain and nervous system. There are various disorders which may mimic demonic possession; these include schizophrenia (and other periods of psychosis), dissociative identity disorder, and Tourette syndrome ((4).

Schizophrenia is characterized by the presence of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, affective flattening or inappropriate emotional responses, avolition, and alogia. General psychotic episodes, such as might accompany mood disorders, can also closely simulate a state of demonic possession by hallucinations or delusions. The delusions can be ones of thought insertion, thought broadcasting, delusions of guilt, delusions of grandeur, such as being God (or a demon), or delusions that God (or a demon) is speaking to the person and giving commands for a special mission (5). "