User talk:Sayan9477

the alien gods of ancient civilizations

OLYMPIANS
Official Name: Olympians Nicknames: Greek gods, Roman gods, Gods of the Graeco-Roman Empire, Olympian Gods, Gods of Olympus, et al. Former Aliases: No known former aliases Other Current Aliases: No other known current aliases

First Appearance: Thor I Annual 1 Origin: Thor I Annual 8.

Origin
Dimension of Origin: Olympus Habitat: Earth-like Gravity: Earth-like Atmosphere: Earth-like Population: 200-300 range (estimated)

Other Associated Dimensions: Olympus has also been tenuously liked with the underworld known as Tartarus, often spoken of existed underground on earth but these were actually the routes to various inter-dimensional access point between these worlds. Tartarus was the location where enemies of the Olympian gods were often imprisoned, but one section was set aside for procuring the shades and apparitions of the worshippers of the Olympian gods. The honored dead were sent to the Elysian Fields while those shades who could not be adequately judged had to wander the Asphodel Fields. The spirits of the dead were usually escorted by Thanatos, the god of the dead, or by Hermes, the messenger-god to the shore of the Styx where they were ferried across by Charon. The gates of Hades were guarded by Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the underworld.

History
History: The Gods of Olympus are a race of superhumanly powerful humanoid beings who were once worshipped by the ancient Greeks and Romans from about 2000 BC to 500 AD. They have very few worshippers today, but their names and attributes have been connected to numerous aspects and objects in Western Civilization. The Olympians dwell in Olympus, a small "pocket" dimension adjacent to Earth; an interdimensional nexus between Olympus and Earth exists somewhere on Mount Olympus in Greece. The Olympians' human worshippers in ancient Rome called these gods by different names than those by which the gods were known in ancient Greece: for example, the Greeks called the king of the gods Zeus, whereas the Romans called him Jupiter or Jove. The Olympian gods, except for Poseidon, patron deity of the Atlanteans, no longer have or actively seek worshippers on Earth. However, certain Olympian gods, notably Hercules and Aphrodite, still take active interest in the welfare of humanity. Many of the Olympian gods have influenced or taken minor parts in historical events from behind mortal facades in order to guide mortals to their fullest potential.

The precise origin of the Olympian gods, like that of all of Earth's pantheons of gods, is shrouded in legend. According to ancient myths, the primeval Earth goddess Gaea is the progenitor of the principal Olympian gods. However, it is unclear whether the Olympian race originated on Earth, Olympus, or in another dimension linked to Olympus. According to ancient myths, Gaea gave birth to the sky god Ouranus. Gaea mated with Ouranus and bore him the first generation of the Olympian race, known as the Titans. The Titans had been revered as gods in the land that would be modern Greece following the end of the Hyborian Age. One of the Titans, Cronus, rose to power when he fatally wounded Ouranus. The dying Ouranus prophesied that Cronus would likewise be overthrown by one of his own children. As a result, upon the birth of each of Cronus's children, Cronus had the infant imprisoned in Tartarus, the most dismal section of the Olympian underworld known as Hades. Appalled at the mistreatment of their children, Cronus's wife, Rhea, a Titaness, concealed her sixth pregnancy from him and secretly gave birth to Zeus near Mount Ida on the island of Crete where he was protected by a number of goddesses. Zeus grew to adulthood among the human shepherds of Crete. Upon realizing his godhood, he set his siblings – Hestia, Hades, Poseidon, Hera and Demeter, now all grown to adulthood - free from Tartarus. Zeus and his allies fought a ten year war with the Titans which ended with Zeus's victory. He imprisoned most of the male Titans in Tartarus and established himself in Olympus as supreme ruler of the Olympian race.

Zeus married the goddess Hera, but he engaged in many affairs with goddesses and mortal Earth women. Some of his children were gods. Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, and Hestia, together with Zeus's children Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Hephaestus and Hermes, comprised the membership of the high council of the Olympian gods, known as the Pantheon. Hestia later resigned her seat in the council in favor of Zeus's son Dionysus. Zeus's brother, Hades was not a member of the Pantheon, preferring to spend virtually all of his time within the underworld of Hades, which he ruled. After the defeat of the Titans, the Olympians were revered as gods on Earth, and several of them even sought worship rites from mortals. Poseidon became the patron god of the water-breathing Atlanteans, while Zeus sought dominion and custodianship over the people of Ancient Greece and the domains conquered by the Greeks through Western Europe and Northern Africa.

Mount Olympus lay near Olympia, the principal city of the Eternals. Zeus and his daughter Athena met with Zuras, the leader of the Eternals, and his daughter Azura. Noticing the physical resemblance between Zeus and Zuras and between Azura and herself, Athena suggested that the Olympian gods and the Eternals form an alliance in which the Eternals would act as the gods' representatives on Earth. The other three enthusiastically agreed, and Azura took her current name of Thena to signify the sealing of the pact. However, over the years, many humans came tot think of many Eternals not as the gods' representatives but as the gods themselves. This led to a growing resentment by the gods towards the Eternals, which recently erupted into war, but today they are again at peace. Worship of the Olympian gods spread from Greece to Rome, and throughout the Roman Empire.

Gradually, Christianity replaced the worship of the Olympian gods in the Roman Empire, and Zeus decided that the time had come for the Olympians to sever most of their ties with Earth. Most of the Olympians abided by his choice. Poseidon, however, was still allowed to watch over his Atlantean worshippers. Nevertheless, Zeus still retains an affection for and interest in the people of Earth. Several of Zeus's children, specifically Hercules and Aphrodite, have spent periods living among Earth mortals in recent years.

Until recent years, the vast majority of the Olympians have had little contact with humans, apart from encounters with various members of the Avengers. This is primarily due to them being allies and friends of Zeus' son, Hercules. They have also had contact with various members of the Justice League of America and the Teen Titans through their connections with their mortal champions, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel. The Olympians have maintained close ties with certain other gods and pantheons over the centuries. This holds especially true for the Asgardian gods, who are the closest allies of the Olympians. Recently, the Olympians defeated the forces of Mikaboshi, the Japanese god of evil, in a conflict that has lasted for many years between the Japanese gods. However, in the face of the seeming demise of the Asgardians, Zeus created the Olympian Corporation, a philanthropic association, on Earth in order to help the gods reconnect with mortals on earth from behind more human facades.

Relationships to Other Pantheons: The Olympian gods have had good relations with both the Asgardian gods and the Ennead (Egyptian Gods), with whom Alexander the Great compared to when he declared Zeus the equal of Ammon-Ra, Ruler of the Egyptian gods. They have had fair relations with the Devas (Hindu Gods) after the Battle of Marathon; the Romans even honored several of the gods of the East, such as Mithras and Ormazd. There has been some antagonism with the Anunnaki or Mesopotamian gods since the Roman occupation of Canaan and with the Danaans (Celtic) since the Roman invasions of Britain. Since the demise of the Roman Empire, Zeus has made contact with several of the pantheons of earth beyond the Greek and Roman environs through the Council Elite.

Characteristics
Body Type: Humanoid Avg Height: 6' 0" Avg Weight: 450 lbs Eyes: Two Hair: Normal Skin: Normal Limbs: Two Fingers: Five with opposable thumb Toes: Five Special Adaptations: The Olympian gods are immortal and cease to age upon reaching adulthood. They are physically more durable than human beings; their skin, bone and tissue being three times more durable and dense than similar tissue in human beings.

Powers
The Olympian gods all possess certain superhuman physical attributes:

Superhuman Strength: The Olympian gods are superhumanly strong with the average Olympian god able to lift (press) about 30 tons under optimal conditions, and the average Olympian goddess able to lift (press) about 25 tons under optimal conditions.

Superhuman Speed: The Olympian gods have the potential of being able to run and move at speeds much greater than the finest human athlete. Only Hermes, Iris and a few others can supersede the majority of the Olympian gods.

Superhuman Stamina: The musculature of the Olympian gods produce considerably less fatigue toxins during physical activity than the muscles of human beings. The average Olympian god can exert themselves at peak capacity for about 24 hours before fatigue impairs them. Hercules, Zeus and Poseidon are physically stronger than most of the Olympian gods.

Superhumanly Dense Tissue: The skin, muscle, and bone tissues of the Olympian gods are about three times as dense as the same tissue of a human body, contributing to their superhuman strength and weight.

Superhuman Durability: The bodies of the Olympian gods are considerably more resistant to physical injury than the bodies of humans. The Olympian gods are capable of withstanding great impact forces and exposure to temperature and pressure extremes without sustaining physical injury.

Regenerative Healing Factor: Despite their natural durability, it is possible for any of the Olympian gods to sustain injury. However, if injured, their highly advanced metabolism enables them to recover with superhuman levels of speed and efficiency. As with most of their other powers, the speed and extent of these powers varies from one Olympian god to another.

Immortality: The Olympian gods are functionally immortal and immune to the effects of aging. They haven't aged since reaching adulthood. Their bodies are also immune to all known Earthly diseases and infection.

Energy Manipulation: The Olympian gods have some potential to manipulate magical or cosmic energies for some purpose. These powers are mostly limited to changing their appearance or shape, and teleporting across great distances. However, a small minority of the Olympians are capable of manipulating vast amounts of energy for a variety of purposes including teleportation, shapeshifting, matter manipulation, augmentation of their physical capabilities, erecting powerful force fields, firing powerful blasts of energy for destructive purposes and granting augmented attributes to objects and beings.

Known Abilities: The Olympian gods possess specific skills associated with their area of expertise. For example, as the Olympian god of war, Ares is a formidable combatant with extensive knowledge of both armed and unarmed combat, whereas Aphrodite, the Olympian goddess of love, is highly skilled in all forms of physical and sexual pleasure. Most Olympians have had some degree of training in armed and unarmed combat, particularly with swords and the bow and arrow..

Miscellaneous
Type of Government: Monarchy Level of Technology: Magic Cultural Traits: The Olympians were worshipped as gods by the people of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, which once included much of the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Balkans, British isles and even parts of Gaul. Names of Representatives: (main council) Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Dionysus, Hades, Hephaestus, Hera, Hercules, Hermes, Hestia, Poseidon, Zeus,

(other representatives) Asclepius, Aurora, Charon, Circe, Cupid, Deimos, Discord, Eileithyia, The Fates, The Furies, Gaea, The Graces, Harmonia, Hebe, Hecate, Helen of Troy, Helios, Hippolyta, Iris, Leto, Muses, Pan, Pandia, Persephone, Phobos, Prometheus, The Seasons, Selene, Thanatos, Triton , et al

Known Allies: The Asgardians, Captain Marvel, Council Elite, The Eternals, The Ennead, The JLA, Odin, Superman, The Teen Titans, Thor, Wonder Woman, et al

Trivia
* The Olympians take their name from Mount Olympus on Earth, raising 9,570 feet above sea level.

THE ANUNNAKI
Official Names: The Anunnaki Nicknames: "Children of Anu," "People of Anu," Gods of Mesopotamia, Mesopotamian Gods, Gods of Sumer, Sumerian Gods, Gods of Babylon, Babylonian Gods, Gods of Assyria, Assyrian Gods, Hittite Gods, Phoenician Gods, Chaldean Gods, Hattic Gods, et al. Former Aliases: Annunaki (variant spelling) Other Current Aliases: The Igigi ("Heavenly Ones") First Appearance: (Hyborian Age) Conan the Barbarian #30, (modern) Thor #301

Origin
Dimension of Origin: Celestial Dilmun Habitat: Temperate-Arid Gravity: Earth-like Atmosphere: Earth-like Population: 2000-2500 range (estimated) Other Associated Dimensions: Celestial Dilmun resembles a large planetary asteroid mass with its own atmosphere and seasonal cycles and a civilization nearly identical with the ancient ziggurats of Sumeria. It is linked to the other-dimensional realm of Allatum reserved for the shades of the dead, but separated into a number of smaller domains such as Kur ruled by Dagon and Gehenna ruled over by Baal and reserved for their worshippers. Sheol, ruled by the demon-goddess Lilith, is the most dismal part of Allatum, populated by demons known as the Sebettu.

History
The Anunnaki or Gods of Mesopotamia are a race of superhumanly powerful humanoid beings who were once worshipped by several of the races and cultures of Mesopotamia, particularly the ancient Sumerians and Babylonians from about 4000 BC during the rise of human civilization to 1500 BC when their worship was replaced by other religions, particularly the Judeo-Christian Church. (Some references have them worshipped much earlier in the Hyborian Age, as far back as 18,000 BC: however, many of these beings have been exposed as demonic entities.) The human worshippers of the Anunnaki often referred to their deities by other names than by which they were originally known: for example, the Sumerians worshipped a sea-god named Ea whereas the Babylonians knew him as Enki. The Anunnaki no longer have or actively seek worshippers on earth. However, certain gods, notably Baal and Dagon, are often called upon by practitioners of black magic to exploit their most darker attributes while other deities like Ninurta and Inanna, known to the Greeks as Aphrodite, still have an active interest in the welfare of humanity.

The Anunnaki dwell in Celestial Dilmun, a small "pocket" dimension adjacent to Earth; an interdimensional nexus between Celestial Dilmun and Earth exists somewhere on Mount Alburz in the Elburz Mountains of Northern Iraq. Celestial Dilmun was named after the region of Dilmun on Earth (modern Bahrain) to which the ruler Utnapishtim retired after his reign of the city of Ur.

The precise origin of the Anunnaki, like that of all of Earth's pantheons of gods, is shrouded in legend. The earliest Sumerian gods were Tiamat, the great ocean-goddess, and Apsu, the god of freshwater. It is believed that Tiamat may have actually been Gaea, the primordial earth-mother, later known as the Babylonian, Ninhursag, who had survived the destruction of the Elder Gods of Earth by infusing her life into the life-giving essence of the Earth. Many of the Elder Gods had degenerated into demonic status and were destroyed by Atum or had fled Earth for other planes of existence. Atum had been born from Gaea by mating with the sentient biosphere of the Earth known as the Demiurge. Atum later departed Earth to allow Gaea to give birth of the later races of gods. However, it is unclear if the Anunnaki originated on Earth or in another dimension. According to ancient myths, Tiamat and Apsu gave birth to the first generation of the Sumerian gods, obscure beings later referred to as the Igigi. These beings were partially humanoid and had both human and animal characteristics. From among them, Lahhamu and Lakhmu gave birth to Anshar and Kishar, the first true gods. Anshar and Kishar were completely humanoid in appearance and conceived Anu, Ea, Damkina, Mami and possibly Asherah and Eriskegal who were added later to the pantheon, but were certainly equal to these earlier gods. (Asherah has also been linked to the Olympian goddess Dione, mother of Astarte, known to the Greeks as Aphrodite.) These progeny were overwhelmed by the Igigi and forced to live on earth in subservient roles until Anu slew Alalu, the leader of the Igigi, and claimed Earth for himself, leaving mankind to toil the earth. Tiamat was either slain or driven from earth and her mate, Apsu, slain by later younger gods.

Anu meanwhile established himself from Earth as the Supreme ruler of the Mesopotamian gods, but he was overthrown by his son, Enlil, whose power had begun to eclipse his father. Anu meanwhile departed Earth for another level of existence later to become known as Celestial Dilmun. Enlil was later called Dagon by invading Philistine tribes from the west, but was dethroned himself by his brother, Hadad, the god of wind, who supported their father, but claimed it for himself. Hadad was supported by the sea-god, Ea, but was driven into exile by Enlil and Ullikummis to reclaim the throne. Hadad sought help from Ea to be restored to the throne, and overthrew Dagon, exiling him to the underworld. After the Sumerian Empire fell in decline, Ea placed his son, Marduk, on the throne. Marduk became the tutelary deity of the Babylonian Empire.

Eventually, Marduk left control of Earth to his mortal ancestors and departed for Celestial Dilmun. After the reign of each god, they departed from Earth to take their place in the heavens, but none of the consecutive human reigns on Earth had the power or ability to hold their lands as well as the Sumerians or the Babylonians. Worship of the Anunnaki was replaced by Judaism and Christianity as well as by Zoroasterism and Islam. Some of the accounts of the gods on Earth were rewritten by the Jews into Christian ideals; the gods who drove Lilith from Palestine were re-identified as angels or servants of the Judeo-Christian God. In fact, attributes of those religions began filtering into the worship of the Sumerian gods, particularly the concept of good and evil, and several of the gods, such as Dagon and Baal, were recognized for having more demonic attributes than godly attributes. The invading Greeks brought their Olympian gods with them and enmity formed between the Anunnaki and the Olympians for several years until the Third Host of the Celestials, immense cosmic beings with connections to the development of humanity on Earth..

During the Third Host of the Celestials, Anu, the Ruler of the Anunnaki, and Zeus, King of the Olympian gods, brought a cease to their hostilities when they were approached by Odin, Chieftain of the Asgardian gods, to meet with the rulers of the other gods once worshipped on Earth to discuss the threat of the Third Host of the Celestials. The Celestials had threatened to seal off the portals of each of their godly realms unless they promised to stop interfering in mortal affairs. With his fellow godheads, Anu swore to this pledge and even made a vow to Odin to donate the necessary life energies to the Asgardians slain during the Fourth Host of the Celestials. When Thor came to Dilmun to petition a portion of the required life energies as part of this vow, Anu offered Thor the necessary energies to restore the slain Asgardian gods to life.

Until recent years, the vast majority of the Anunnaki have had little contact with humans, however, several beings, notably demonic entities, have claimed to be the former Sumerian gods. Whether these are the former gods having degenerated into a demonic status or earlier darker gods is unrevealed. It is known that a group of extra-terrestrials known as Oans impersonated the Mesopotamian gods and may have acted as their representatives on earth, just as the Eternals did for the Olympians. In modern years, Eriskegal, the goddess of the underworld, briefly joined with various other underworld gods in an attempt to merge to realms that failed. Anu has been a part of the Council of Godheads on at least one occasion, and a being claiming to be Baal recently clashed with Wolverine of the X-Men.

The full status of the Sumerian and Babylonian gods has yet to be revealed.

Relationships to Other Pantheons: With the possible exception of the Ennead of Egypt, the Anunnaki are possibly one of the oldest pantheons of gods on earth and possibly share boundaries with more pantheons than any other group of gods on Earth. To the south, they shared worship rites and to some extent intermingled with the Ennead and the Devas (Hindu Gods) of the East. Relations with the Olympian gods to the west in Greece have been strained since Greek and Roman occupation of Palestine and Canaan up until the formation of the Council of Godheads. The Dievans (Slavic Gods) beyond the boundary of the Black Sea have not had any dealings with the Anunnaki.

Characteristics
Body Type: Humanoid Avg. Height: 6' 0" Eyes: Two Hair: Normal Skin: Normal Limbs: Two Fingers: Five with opposable thumb Toes: Five Special Adaptations: The Anunnaki are exceptionally long-lived, but they are not immortal like the Olympian gods; they age very slowly upon reaching adulthood, but they are not invulnerable to death. They are physically more durable than human beings; their skin, bone and tissue being three times more durable and dense than similar tissue in human beings.

Powers
Avg. Strength Level: All of the Anunnaki are superhumanly strong with the average male being able to lift (press) about 30 tons under optimal conditions and the average female being able to lift (press) about 25 tons under optimal conditions. Known Powers: The Anunnaki possess superhuman strength, stamina, longevity and resistance to harm. They are also inclined to tap and manipulate mystical energies for feats of magic, mostly for altering their appearance, communicating over long distances, teleporting through dimension barriers and casting spells. The scope of their powers mostly limited to one object, idea or field, usually tied into their personality. For example, as the Sumerian sea-god, Ea has dominance over the ocean and waves, whereas, Shamash, the Babylonian god of the sun can generate intense light and heat equal to a small sun. Known Abilities: The Anunnaki have equal potential to armed and unarmed combat equal to human beings, but are more inclined to practice and wield magic.

Miscellaneous
Type of Government: Monarchy Level Of Technology: Magic Cultural Traits: The Sumer-Babylonian Gods were worshipped as gods in Ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) including much of the Middle East and Ancient Turkey including parts of Egypt. Names of Representatives: Anath, Anu, Asherah, Baal, Damkina, Ea (Enki), Enlil (Dagon), Eriskegal, Inanna, Kinyras, Lilith, Marduk, Martu, Nanna (Sin), Ninurta, Nergal, Shamash, Telepinu, et al.

Comment/Trivia
* Mount Alburz (modern Demavend) raises to a height of 18,376 feet. * In Sumerian myths, the Anunnaki ("Children of Anu") were the gods of earth and the underworld while the Igigi ("Heavenly Ones") were the gods of sky and heaven, those gods who had departed earth. The Sebettu (Isirru) were a race of demons while the Edimmu were considered evil spirits contrary to the Shedu (djinni) who were spirits of fortune and good luck.

THE ENNEAD
Official Name: The Ennead Nicknames: Egyptian Gods, Gods of Egypt, Gods of the Nile, "Heliopolitians," et al Former Aliases: None Other Current Aliases: None First Appearance: Thor I #240

Origin
Dimension of Origin: Celestial Heliopolis Habitat: Arid Gravity: Earth-like Atmosphere: Earth-like Population: 250-300 range Other Associated Dimensions: Celestial Heliopolis is connected to other known worlds such as Duat, the realm of everlasting life, where the shades of their worshippers departed after death, and Abydos, the land of the dead, named for an ancient Greek outpost on earth, with a place set aside for punishment of sinners and beings of evil intent.

History
The Ennead are a race of superhumanly powerful humanoid beings who were once worshipped in the region known as Ancient Egypt from around 3200 BC to 395 BC when the land was conquered by the Ancient Greeks. At its zenith, the Egyptian Empire controlled most of Northern Africa including Libya, Ethiopia and the Northern Sudan. Considered one of the oldest pantheons on Earth, their origins possibly predate the Hyborian Age, a vague period of time between the sinking of Atlantis and the beginning of written records. The Ennead dwell in Celestial Heliopolis, a small "pocket" dimension adjacent to Earth. Celestial Heliopolis was named for Heliopolis, a Greek word meaning "City of the Sun," now a part of the modern city of Cairo, but in the time of Ancient Egypt it was one of the four major centers of worship for the ancient Egyptian religion. (The other three cities were Hermopolis, Memphis, and Busiris.) The gods worshipped at Heliopolis became the most widely known and honored in all of Egypt, and constitute one of Earth's first great pantheons. The Ennead were said to have originated on Earth and actually dwelled in Heliopolis until the time that the human pharaohs took over the rule of the earthly kingdoms. At that time, the pantheon founded its own celestial city of Heliopolis in a dimension adjacent to Earth's. It is there that the gods of ancient Egypt have dwelled through historical times till the present. Very little is known about Celestial Heliopolis other than that it appears to be built on a small planetary object much like the realm of the Norse gods, Asgard, is, and its passage to earth is a golden bridge through space called the Path of the Gods, which is analogous to the Asgardians Rainbow Bridge.

The Ennead came into existence over several generations, even as the Olympian gods derived from the older generation of Titans. Before there were any other gods there was Nun, the essence of chaos or the Primordial Ocean of Nothingness. (It is believed that Nun was actually Gaea, the primordial earth-mother who had survived the destruction of the Elder Gods of Earth by infusing her life into the life-giving essence of the Earth). Nun was said to sire Atum, the first physically manifested god among the Ennead (and possibly other pantheons as well). Atum later took the aspect and identity of Ra (or Re), the primordial essence of the sun and first god to develop a cult of worshipers among the Egyptians. Ra was said to sire the next generation of gods, known as the Ogdoad, ruled over by Ammon-Ra, who became god of heaven and earth. Among the Ogdoad were the gods, Shu and Tefnut. According to some accounts, Shu took Ra's place as ruler of Egypt when Ra became too weary and old to rule, and became the god of air. His twin sister Tefnut ruled at his side as goddess of the rain. Shu and Tefnut began the fourth generation of gods, Geb and Nut. Geb was a god of the earth, having a natural affinity for mountains and other parts of the earth's crust. Nut was a goddess of the sky, specifically the starry heavens. Geb and Nut succeeded their parents when they too became too infirm to rule, and began the next more numerous generations of gods, eldest among which was Osiris.

Osiris's siblings included Isis, whom he took as a wife, Horos (not to be confused with Horus), Seth, and Nephthys. Osiris became the head of the pantheon when Geb stepped down, and is credited with the spread of civilization throughout Egypt and beyond. Osiris was the last ruler of Egypt before historical times and the human pharaohs came to rule. Osiris became the benevolent god of the dead, preparing the afterlife for his loyal worshippers. Osiris's wife Isis was believed to teach humanity, the arts of medicine and the principles of domestication. She was also a powerful sorceress who was able to bring Osiris back to life after he had been murdered and dismembered by his jealous younger brother Seth. Seth was the god of evil and destruction, who sought to rule Heliopolis himself, and murdered Osiris in order to do so. His wife Nephthys, daughter of Geb and sister of Isis, was also a goddess of the dead but was not evil like her husband. Nephthys had no offspring with Seth, but bore Osiris two sons, Anubis and Bata. Anubis invented funeral rites and mummy wrappings, and although it was Isis's magic that raised Osiris from the dead, her magic would have been useless had Anubis not specially prepared Osiris's body.

Osiris and Isis had a son, Horus the god of the sun. Horus was also instrumental in helping raise his father from the dead after Seth's treachery. Upon resurrection, Osiris dispatched his son Horus to find Seth to make him pay for his treachery. Eventually, Horus encountered Seth and their cataclysmic clash lasted centuries. Seth finally got the upper hand over his nephew and Seth used his power to seal Horus, Isis, and Osiris within a pyramid on Earth. There they remained until the Twentieth Century when Odin, then lord of the gods of Asgard, assumed the guise of Atum-Re, an aspect of the first of the gods, in order to free them. Odin's son Thor aided the Ennead in vanquishing Seth.

Around 1000 BC, Thoth or Ammon-Ra stepped up to represent the Egyptian gods to meet with the rulers of the other gods once worshipped on Earth to discuss the threat of the Third Host of the Celestials. The Celestials had threatened to seal off the portals of each of their godly realms unless they promised to stop interfering in mortal affairs. Although Osiris was not present to this meeting, he followed the earlier pledge between Ammon-Ra and Odin to donate the necessary life energies to the Asgardians slain during the Fourth Host of the Celestials. When Thor came to Celestial Heliopolis to petition a portion of the required life energies as part of this vow, Osiris later saw that a debt had been paid to his realm and offered Thor the necessary energies to restore the slain Asgardian gods to life.

While Osiris, Isis, and Horus were imprisoned, the moon god Thoth, who had served as Osiris's grand vizier, became head of the Egyptian pantheon. Thoth was believed to be a later son of Nun, the primordial chaos, which would make him a brother to Atum. (Some references call him son of Ammon-Ra and the goddess, Nut, or of Gaea in her aspect of Nun.) Still, he came along much later than Atum and appears to be a contemporary of Osiris. After each generation of Egyptian gods retired from earthly rule, they traveled to the dimension of Celestial Heliopolis to live out eternity. Beginning with the rule of Thoth, however, all of the gods moved to the other-dimensional realm, to traffic with the earth no more. When Osiris returned, Thoth gave up the throne to his mentor. The Ennead have remained in their extra-dimensional realm since, having little traffic with Earth. Like most races of gods, they are believed to be mere figments of myth by most of humanity. The goddess Bast, daughter of Osiris and Isis, and her daughter Sakhmet, however, are patron deities of the tiny African republic of Wakanda.

Relations to Other Pantheons: The Ennead have been long time allies with the Olympian gods since the Greeks invaded Egypt; it was the Greeks who first started transcribing Egyptian records and carrying worship of the Ennead back to Greece and Rome. Relations with the neighboring Anunnaki or Gods of Mesopotamia have been further strained due to the more hostile Hittite and Babylonian invasions of Egypt. The exact connections the Ennead have with the Vodu or Gods of Africa are ambiguous; Egyptian gods have appeared in African myth under alternate names (the Meroe called the Egyptian lion-god Mihos by the name Apedemek). Much like the Egyptians, the Aztec, Mayan and Plains people of North America were known for creating pyramids, but this may hearken back to Atlantean influences. The Ennead are also considered close allies with the Asgardian gods; Seth has made several attempts to conquer Asgard.

Characteristics
Body Type: Humanoid Avg. Height: 6' 0" Eyes: Two Hair: Normal Skin: Normal Limbs: Two Fingers: Five with opposable thumb Toes: Five Special Adaptations: The Ennead or Egyptian gods are exceptionally long-lived, but they are not immortal like the Olympian gods; they age very slowly upon reaching adulthood, but they are not invulnerable to death. They are physically more durable than human beings; their skin, bone and tissue being three times more durable and dense than similar tissue in human beings.

Powers
Avg. Strength Level: All of the Ennead are superhumanly strong with the average male being able to lift (press) about 30 tons under optimal conditions and the average female being able to lift (press) about 25 tons under optimal conditions. Known Powers: The Ennead possess superhuman strength, stamina, longevity and resistance to harm. They are also inclined to tap and manipulate mystical energies for feats of magic, mostly for altering their appearance, communicating over long distances, teleporting through dimension barriers and casting spells. The scope of their powers mostly limited to one object, idea or field, usually tied into their personality. For example, as the god of rain, Tefnut has dominance over rain and fertility, whereas, Horus, god of the sun can generate intense light and heat equal to a small sun. Known Abilities: The Ennead are considered among the most beneficent gods of earth. They are proficient in the mystical arts as well as all forms of armed and unarmed combat.

Miscellaneous
Type of Government: Monarchy (ruled over by a pharaoh) Level Of Technology: Magic Cultural Traits: The Ennead were worshipped as gods in Ancient Egypt, which once included much of North Africa, including Libya and the region around the Red Sea including Ethiopia and Northern Sudan. Names of Representatives: Amaunet, Ammon-Ra, Anubis, Anhur, Atum-Re, Bast, Bata, Bes, Hathor, Horos, Horus, Isis, Khnemu, Khonshu, Mihos, Neith (Nun), Nephthys, Osiris, Ptah, Sakhmet, Sebek, Seth, Thoth, et al.

Trivia
* History Channel has been running footage of the discovery of the Tomb of Osiris in the Egyptian Valley of the Kings.

Devas : Gods of India and Middle East
ATAR

Real Name: Agni (His Vedic name, Atar is his Persian name)

Occupation: God of fire and purification

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of earth is unaware of Atar except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Angiras, Haubas (Sabaean Name)

Place of Birth: Unrevealed

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Dyaus (father), Prithivi (mother), Indra, Vayu, Tvashtri, Surya (brothers), Ushas, Ratri (sisters), Kama (brother in law), Agneyi (wife), Kartikeyi (son, deceased), Angiras II (grandson), Agni II (great-grandson), Varuna (grandfather, alias Ormazd)

Group Affiliation: The Yazatas (Persian Gods), ally of the Council of God Kings and the Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Nirvana and Naqsh-I-Rustem near Persepolis, Iran

First Appearance: Amazing High Adventure #5

History: Agni is a member of an extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Devas, who were worshipped as gods by the races of Ancient India and the Indus Valley region of the Middle East. The ancestors of the Devas were the Adityas or Vedic Gods descended from Aditi, who was identified as the Earth Mother Gaea by the Ancient Greeks. Very little is known about his role or his character except he was one of the most important gods of the early Vedic Pantheon. He presided over sacrificial flames and guided the spirits of the cremated dead to the underworld to await their next life. The Vedic Gods, however, were ousted from power by the Rakshasas, a race of demonic entities led by Ravanna, who supplanted the Vedic gods. Agni protected the monkey-god Hanuman during the resulting conflagration and hid him on Earth to protect him. Afterward, Agni was forced into the role of cook before the demons.

In the resulting wars against the Rakshasas for sovereignty over heaven, Agni slew the Kravyads, flesh-eating Rakshasas that resembled boars. Over the course of several battles, Vishnu of the Vedic pantheon subsequently led the gods to conquer the Rakshasas and exile them to the underworld, leading to the worship of Vedic Gods being replaced by the prospering religion of Hinduism. Several of the former Vedic gods who lost worship rites under Hinduism separated from the rest of the pantheon and became members of the Yazatas or Persian gods under Zoroasterism religion. Agni became the god Atar under Zoroasterism, a religion where all the old Vedic Gods found worshippers under new names. Varuna, the former ruler of the Vedic Gods ousted by Vishnu, became Ahura Mazda or simply, Ormazd, the ruler of the Persian Gods in Zoroasterism.

During the time that the Vedic gods were supplanted by the younger more powerful Hindu gods, Atar had discovered that his son, Kartikkeya, who had been the Vedic war-god, had been slain by Skanda, the son of Shiva, in order to claim his worshippers. Skanda assumed his predecessor’s identity and took over many of his aspects. Atar meanwhile became credited with slaying Azhi Dahaka, one of the Asuras, Vedic deities who had lost their worshippers under the Hindu pantheon. Guilty for many undefined atrocities against the gods, Dahaka was chained to a mountain by Atar.

Over several millennia, Hinduism continued to flourish throughout India while the religion of Zoroasterism declined. Persia became conquered by Alexander the Great and the Turks and became modern Iran. Today, there are very few worshippers of the Persian religion. During this time, Atar presided in the ruins of Naqsh-I-Rustem near Persepolis, Iran. He still had worshippers under Hinduism, but his prominence as a deity was not as great as it had been millennia before. In the late Nineteenth Century, an Indian rebel named Mahdi seeking to destroy the invading British army prayed to the Hindu gods demanding the power to destroy the British. Among the gods that appeared to him and grant him power and weapons, Atar granted him the power over sacrificial flame. Mahdi tried to use these powers in battle against his perceived enemies only to discover too late that his gifts were only illusions. Atar and the other Hindu gods had merely humored Mahdi in giving him power to teach him a lesson against demanding gifts from the gods. Mahdi was slain in battle as a result.

Atar meanwhile was loyal to both the Hindu and Persian gods and offered his services to Vishnu and the Hindu Trimurtri when requested. Vishnu had since become a member of the Council Elite comprised of the heads of the other pantheons of gods on Earth. Their duties were to gather and compare information on common threats to earth. When the former pharaoh Akhenaton returned to earth in possession of cosmic powers to claim the earth, Vishnu allowed Atar to accompany him and represent the Persian gods in discussing the brief threat that Akhenaton posed. Thanos of the Eternals later ousted Akhenaton’s power from him and destroyed and recreated the universe afterward. Very few beings in the universe are aware of these events.

Since then, Atar has returned to his home near Persepolis. To the general public, he is revered as a Persian holy man. The general populace does not believe him to be the deity he claims to be.

Height: 6' 6" Weight: 475 lbs Eyes: Red Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In his godly form, Atar appears as a red-skinned man with three heads and six arms holding weapons. He sometimes appears as a four-armed figure with a body of black smoke.

Strength Level: Atar has superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) around 40 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Atar possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, he is extremely long-lived, but he is not immortal like the Olympian gods. He has not aged at an extremely slow rate since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Varuna, Mitra or Vishnu for a number of Hindu or Persian gods of equal power working together to revive him. Atar also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu and Persian gods.)

Atar also has several powers mystical in nature. He seems be able to control fire to use it in purifying objects tainted by impure or demonic taint, but he has yet to demonstrate the full range of his power. According to his worshippers, he could purify objects be eating them and then returning the purified objects. He can purify earth as well by burning it. He can also cross between various dimensions to guide the cremated dead to the afterlife. He is semi-omniscient; because he is linked to fire in all its forms, he is aware of everything that occurs around him. The full range of his power is unrevealed.

Abilities: Atar is a capable warrior in armed and unarmed combat.

Weapons: Atar is well-versed in the use of all forms of Hindu weaponry.

Pets: Atar often rides upon a ram.

This entry obviously merges the many details and characteristics of Atar (Agni) with all his facets in Hinduism, Zoroasterism, Balinese-Hinduism, Buddhism and other forms.

In his role as Atar, Agni is described as the son, rather than the grandson, of Varuna (Ahura Mazda). But then, in myth, terms like son and grandson do not exist and “son” was used in place of these modern terms.

Naqsh-I-rustem is a silent valley in modern Iran (formerly Persia) near the ancient ruins of Persepolis. Numerous temples and statues of the Persian gods exist here.

CLARIFICATIONS: Atar should not be confused with:

*

Ator, Inhuman general, @ Fantastic Four I#398 *

Atur, member of the Cougra race, @ Guardians of the Galaxy#2 *

Atra, Lemurian scientist, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual#5 *

Agni, traveler in the Microverse, @ Micronauts I#31 *

Agni, Araman Nila, member of the Nest, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual #1

BRAHMA

Real Name: Brahma Prajapati

Occupation: Ruler of the Hindu Gods, god of creation, magic and wisdom, patron god of Brahmins

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of earth is unaware of Brahma’s existence except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Brahma the Creator, Vohu Manah (Persian name), Purusha, Prajapati, Kamalasana, Narayana,

Place of Birth: Unrevealed

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Prajapati (possible father, deceased), Gaea (mother, alias Ammavaru), Shiva, Vishnu (brothers), Sata-Rupa (first wife), Manu (son), Sarasvati (second wife), Vach (daughter), Adharma (son), Lakshmi, Parvati, Ganga, Uma, Yamuna (sisters-in-law), Ganehsa, Skanda, Kama (nephews), Kali (niece/sister-in-law)

Group Affiliation: The Hindu Gods, The Council of God-Kings

Base of Operations: Nirvana

First Appearance: Thor I #301

History: Brahma is a member of an extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Daevas, a race of beings who were worshipped as gods by the people of Ancient India. His exact origins are unknown, but according to ancient Dravidian myth, he is the son of the ancient earth-goddess, Ammavaru, who may be the primeval earth-goddess Gaea. According to myth, she laid a great egg from which sprang Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma and his brothers used the top of the egg to create the sky and the bottom half the earth itself. In the Vedic pantheon, Gaea was known as Aditi, the earth mother, and progenitor of the Adityas, the Vedic Gods.

Brahma was also considered the reincarnation of their ancient ancestor, Purusha, a being synonymous with Ouranus of the Greeks and Atum-Re of the Egyptians. Brahma was known under that name as well as Prajapati, Purusha as the husband of Gaea in her role as the Brahmanic mother-goddess, Prakriti. He was also described as self-existent and the embodiment of eternity in Hinduism and father of all members of the Brahman caste.

Brahma often challenged and contested his superiority over his brothers. When Brahma committed incest with Sandhya, a daughter of Shiva, she fled from him in the form of a deer. Brahma pursued her in the form of a stag and was shot by an arrow from Shiva protecting his daughter. Daksha, one of Brahma’s sons, had petitioned for the release of his father by offering his daughter, Sati, as a wife to Shiva who consented. Daksha, however, reneged on the deal and refused to encourage Sati to marry Shiva. (In some myths, Daksha is the son of Prachetas, one of the Adityas, the ancestors of the Hindu gods.)

Brahma soon fell in love with the goddess Sata-Rupa and grew up to five faces to look upon her beauty, but Shiva destroyed one of these faces. As the divine god in the Brahman Religion, Brahma once dared to suggest he was more powerful than Vishnu, but Shiva appeared to them both in such force that they both had to admit to his supremacy.

Brahma eventually married the river-goddess, Sarasvati. She gave birth to Vach, goddess of speech, and Adharma, god of prayer. Traditionally, in some myths, she is his second wife, but in others, she is the reincarnation of Sata-Rupa.

Brahma and the other Devas were often at war with the Rakshasas, a race of demonic entities for control of heaven and eventually defeated them. The defeat of the Rakshasas resulted in them being exiled into the underworld of Patala as well as a general end to worship of the Vedic gods and prominence of the ascendant Hindu religion developed out of the altered Vedic faith. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva could not agree who should lead the new order of gods and eventually chose to share their powers equally as co-leaders of the Hindu Pantheon. This co-leadership of deities was known as the Hindi Trimurtri with Brahma arbitrating many of his brothers’ decisions as the balance between creation and destruction. Together, they arbitrated the decision to volunteer the life energies to restore the Asgardians after their defeat battling the Celestials.

Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva also served roles in the Council Elite, a loose gathering of the godheads of all of Earth’s pantheons of gods who often gathered to share wisdom and knowledge against threats to Earth. They had originally gathered to discuss the threat of the Fourth Host of the Celestials, but they also gathered to discuss the threat of Thanos in control of the Infinity Gauntlet and the potential threat of Circe and Akhenaton to their perspective realms. When Odin of the Asgardian gods fell in battle against Surtur, Shiva and the other Council members called Thor before them Council Elite to be tested as a worthy replacement for Odin. Brahma was present at this meeting, but Thor was judged as unworthy of taking Odin’s place in the Council.

In recent years, Brahma and the Hindu Gods united with Zeus and the Olympian gods against the Titan Cronus attempting to destroy their respective pantheons. The survivors of each devastated pantheon were rallied by Wonder Woman against Cronus and joined forces to once again imprison him in the underworld.

Height: 7' 2" Weight: 475 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In his true godly form, Brahma has four arms and red skin.

Strength Level: Brahma possesses superhuman strength to an unknown degree. He could possess Class 100 level strength enabling him to lift (press) over 100 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Brahma possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Hindu gods. Like all Daevas, he is extremely long-lived, but he is not immortal like the gods of Olympus. He has aged at an extremely slow rate since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Vishnu, Shiva and Ormazd or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Brahma also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Brahma also has incredible prowess in the mystical arts, enabling him to tap into and manipulate mystical, cosmic and elemental energies of the universe. his exact level of power is unknown, but it is known that he at least measures up to gods like Vishnu, Shiva, Odin and Zeus, the Elders of the Universe and quasi-entities as Eternity and the Living Tribunal. He has extra-ordinary clairvoyance on a nearly omniscient level as well as the ability change his form, conjure infinite energies and to perceive possible futures with far more likelihood than any Earthly psychic or mystic. His full extent of powers though are unrevealed.

Pets/Transportation: Brahma is credited with riding Hamsa, a great cosmic goose, across the sky.

Comments: Ammavaru is an ancient Dravidian earth-goddess comparable to the Olympian Rhea. In Vedic myth, she has been described as the mother of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva.

In Balinese Hinduism, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were three aspects of one deity named Sang Hyang Wasa, a being so great he could not attain a human form.

CLARIFICATIONS: Brahma is not to be confused with:

*

Brahma, Dr. Brian Mann, member of the Nest, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual#1 *

Brahma Bill, renegade biker who encountered Danny Ketch, @ Ghost Rider II#27 *

Brahmanes, denizen of the Macroverse, @ Silver Surfer III#142

GANEHSA

Real Name: Ganehsa (also spelled Ganesh and Ganesha)

Occupation: God of wisdom, patron god of elephants

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Ganehsa except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Ganapati, Gajendra, The Elephant-god

Place of Birth: Kailasa in the Nirvana dimension

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Shiva (father), Parvati (mother), Skanda (brother, alias Kartikeya), Kali (sister), Siddhi, Buddhi (wives), Ksema, Labha (sons), Dharma, Padma, Vach, Daksha, Kama (cousins), Lakshmi, Sarasvati (aunts), Vishnu, Brahma (uncles), Visvarupa (father-in-law), Himavat (grandfather), Gaea (grandmother, alias Ammavaru),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Nirvana

First Appearance: (historical) "Pantheons of the Megaverse" by C.J. Carella, (recent) Wonder Woman II #149

History: Ganehsa is one of the Devas, an extra-dimensional race of beings worshipped as gods by the people of India. Descended from the old Adityas or Vedic gods, Ganehsa is one of the most important gods of the modern Hindu religion.

Parvati had given birth to Ganehsa to be a countenance against good and evil deeds and altered his appearance that he would be too handsome to marry or take a wife. However, because of her spell, Shiva could not recognize his son when the young god was guarding her bed chambers as she took a bath. Not realizing the young god was his son, Shiva ripped Ganehsa's head off of his body as he cast him aside to be with Parvati. Ganehsa's death shocked Parvat and all the gods, but Shiva rectified the matter by promising to restore him to life with the life-force of the first living thing he found. His servants quickly discovered Airavata, the elephant-mount of Indra the thunder-god and took it from him as penance for Indra's slaying of Vritra, one of the Naga-gods. Possibly as some required side effect of the spell, Ganehsa began to resemble a elephant with the body of a man. (According to later myth, Shiva had simply just replaced Ganehsa's head with that of the elephant.) Parvati was not satisfied with this accomplishment of repentance and wanted more. Shiva then granted Ganehsa himself a boon and promised him that all Hindus on earth would acknowledge his existence before starting any task or undertaking. The wise elephant-god was soon called upon by all his worshippers for any mortal endeavor they started.

Ganehsa was the brother of Skanda, the war god and they decided to compete between themselves for wives. They chose to race around the world to decide who was worthy to marry, and Skanda set off to race around the world. Ganehsa, however, proved much more the wily god in his brother's absence by circling his father, Shiva, who under Hindu religion represented the epitome of all creation. He debated the feat with his father by holding up the veracity of the Vedas and the Sastras, the two most holy tomes of the Hindu gods, and Shiva praised him for being clever and intelligent. He took the sisters, Siddhi and Buddhi, daughters of one of the Vedic gods, to be his wives, and they each granted him a son.

Ganehsa was well worshipped among the Hindu gods for centuries and still has countless worshippers today. In recent years, however, the Titan Cronus invaded Nirvana as a stepping stone to conquering Elysium, the Judeo-Christian afterlife. Ganehsa and the Hindu gods fought against Cronus and his gathering of rogue Titans and Rakshasas and with the help of Wonder Woman and the Gods of Olympus managed to defeat Cronus and exile him back to the underworld.

Height: 7' 2" Weight: 745 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: None

Unusual Physical Features: Ganehsa resembles a huge humanoid male with the head and tusks of an Indian Elephant.

Strength Level: Ganehsa possesses superhuman strength enabling him to lift (press) around 50 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Ganehsa possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, he is extraordinarily long lived, but he is not immortal like the Olympian gods. He has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Ganehsa also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Ganehsa also seems to be able to tap into and manipulate mystical energy to perform feats of magic, but he is no where as powerful as gods like Shiva or Vishnu. He has remarkable mental acuity, capable of assessing and estimating facts and estimations although he is often distracted by his baser emotional instincts. His reasoning and deducting skills are superhuman with his rationalizing ability and fourth-dimensional acuity above par.

Ganehsa is also an extremely powerful deity given his size and girth. His skin is impervious to weapons and he can use his tusks to incur damage. He can use his trunk as an extra limb to move or lift objects up to fifty tons in weight.

Abilities: Ganehsa is an extremely wily yet beneficent deity.

Pets: Ganehsa rides upon a giant rat.

HANUMAN

Real Name: Hanuman

Occupation: General of the Monkey-Gods, Warrior

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Hanuman except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: None

Place of Birth: Lanka (modern Ceylon)

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Yayu (father), Anjana (father), Bhima (brother), Kesari (wife), Hidimba (sister-in-law), Ghatothacha (nephew), Indra, Agni, Surya (uncles), Tvashtri (grandfather), Ushas, Ratri (aunts), Yama, Soma, Sugriva (cousins), Dyaus (grandfather), Prithivi (grandmother), Varuna (great-grandfather), Madira (great-grandmother),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods, General of the Monkey Armies of Nirvana, ally of Rama

Base of Operations: Sri Lanka in the dimension of Nirvana

First Appearance: Wonder Woman II #149

History: Hanuman is the son of Vayu, a member of a race of extra-dimensional beings who were worshipped as gods by the ancient Vedic and Hindu Empires. Unlike the more humanoid members of the Hindu gods, Hanuman was born with inherent primate features including a tail as well as exceptional skills in speed and agility. Renowned for his powers, Hanuman became the leader of the monkey-god armies of Nirvana ruled by King Sugriva, the son of Indra the thunder-god. The armies of monkey-gods were Nirvana's first line of defense against the Rakshasas, the foremost enemies of the gods. When the Rakshasas finally laid siege to Nirvana, Agni the fire-god, brother of Vayu, spirited Hanuman off to safety. The Rakshasas eventually claimed the island of Lanka on earth as well, driving the monkey-gods into exile.

In the Tenth Century BC, the hero Rama, one of the mortal avatars of the god Vishnu, became close friends of Hanuman. When Rama's wife, Sita, was kidnapped by Ravanna of the Rakshasas, Hanuman invaded Lanka on a covert mission to look for her. Sita gave him her ring to prove she was still alive, but he was discovered. As he tried to escape, the Rakshasas set fire to his tail and he set fire to their city as he escaped. King Sugriva rallied the monkey-gods to Rama's side to build a bridge for them to invade Lanka, and Hanuman lead the monkey armies to rescue Sita. During the battle, Rama and his brother, Lakshmana, were fatally injured and Hanuman rushed to the Himalayas to obtain the plant to heal them and save their lives.

Eventually, the Rakshasas were overthrown and the Devas gained control of the heavens. Hanuman became one of the most revered Hindu deities; monkeys were never armed in India for fear of earning his wrath. In recent years, a statue of Hanuman was animated against Daimon Hellstrom and his wife Patsy (who is better known as the costumed heroine Hellcat). A few years later, Nirvana was attacked by a new threat from the Titan Cronus using Nirvana as his foothold in invading Elysium, the Judeo-Christian afterlife. The Titaness Oblivion mentally enslaved the monkey-gods against the Devas, but Hanuman rallied his forces with the help of Wonder Woman and Rama against their foes. Further aided by the Olympian gods, Hanuman and the Hindu gods ousted Cronus and his allies from Nirvana, freeing his armies from Oblivion's control.

As of recent, Hanuman and the Hindu gods are at peace once more. Their reverence as granted them kinship with the majority of gods and other pantheons of immortals worshipped by mortals on earth.

Height: 5' 8" Weight: 310 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown

Unusual Physical Features: Hanuman has several simian characteristics including hair over his body and a tail.

Strength Level: Hanuman possesses superhuman strength, but to an unknown degree. The average Hindu god can lift (press) about 30 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Hanuman possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like the Hindu gods, he is exceptionally long-lived, but he is not immortal like the Olympian gods. He ages at an extremely slow rate and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Hanuman also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to Deva superhuman strength and weight.)

Hanuman possesses incredible strength and speed over most of the Hindu gods enabling him to move fast enough that he cannot be caught. His leaping ability is powerful enough that he can jump from the coast of India to the island of Lanka (about 50 miles) in a single bound. His skin, bones and muscles are dense enough that he cannot be injured. He can move at almost 75 miles an hour, and his slender frame and level of agility allows him to get through most openings down to a foot in diameter. He can also use his tail as a third arm to lift and carry objects up to five hundred pounds in size.

Abilities: Hanuman is an exceptional warrior employing both armed and unarmed combat with his speed and agility.

Weapons: Hanuman is proficient with all forms of Hindu weaponry.

Clarifications: Hanuman is possibly not to be confused with:

* Hanuman, Hyborian ape-god worshipped in Zugin and Zamboula, @ Savage Sword of Conan #8 * Hanuman, animated statue controlled by Eternity, @ Defenders I #92

INDRA

Real Name: Indra (also spelled Indr)

Occupation: God of storm and thunder, Leader of the Maruts (Rudras) and the Vasus

Legal Status: Citizen of Swarga in the cosmology of the Hindu God

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Indra except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: None

Place of Birth: Unrevealed

Marital Status: Separated

Known Relatives: Dyaus (father), Gaea (mother, alias Prithivi), Tvashtri, Surya, Vayu (brothers), Ushas, Ratri (sisters), Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva (half-brothers), Dharma, Skanda, Ganehsa, Yama (nephews), Padma, Saranyu, Kali (nieces), Lakshmi-Sri, Sarasvati, Parvati (sisters-in-law), Indrani (wife), Puloman (father-in-law), Jayanta, Midhusa, Rbhus, Rsabha (sons), Arjuna (son by Kunti), Varuna (paternal grandfather)

Group Affiliations: Gods of India

Base of Operations: Swarga

First Appearance: Thor #301

History: Indra is one of the Devas, an extra-dimensional race of beings who were worshipped as gods by the people of Ancient India. Indra was revered as one of the most important gods of the earlier Vedic Pantheon. His birth was concealed by Prithivi from his grandfather, Varuna, the Ruler of the Vedic Gods, but as an adult, Indra supplanted his father, Dyaus, as god of the sky. With powers of storm and thunder, Indra seemed to earn his place in the pantheon by defending the Vedic gods from their enemies, often invigorating himself on soma, the drink of the gods, in order to do so. He became leader of the Maruts, gods of storm, and the Vasus, gods of wind, but he also became close friends of Vishnu, who was then a minor sun-god in the pantheon. However, Indra eventually became so drunk that he slew Vritra, one of the Danavas or serpent-gods in the Vedic Pantheon. Vritra had coiled up at the bottom of Mount Himavat preventing rain from falling to earth and had been enchanted that he was impervious to weapons. In order to slay him, Indra turned the sea to foam and drowned the serpent -god in the depths of the sea. Vritra had been close friends of Vishnu, and his death brought great sadness over the Vedic gods. As punishment, Indra had to surrender his elephant-mount, Airavata; it's life-force being used to revive Ganehsa, the slain son of Shiva, to life. (Later myths claimed that Airavata's head was used to replace Ganehsa's missing head, contributing to the god's appearance).

Vishnu, however, rose through ascension to supplant Varuna at the head of the pantheon and with his brothers, Brahma and Shiva as the Holy Trimurtri, developed the tenets of Hinduism on earth out of the fading Vedic religion with themselves at the head of the new pantheon. Indra's friendship with Vishnu became estranged as a result. Under Hinduism, he no longer had as many worshippers as he once did, but Varuna became identified as Ormazd, the divine lord in Zoroasterism worshipped in ancient Persia. As one of the Persian gods, Indra was worshipped among the Kafirs, but he still had a few worshippers left in India. When the Hindu King Pandu was under a curse they prevented him from having children, his wife Kunti sought a boon from the gods and shared her bed with five separate deities. Among them, she was loved by Indra and bore him a son, Arjuna, who became charioteer to Krishna, one of the mortal avatars of Vishnu.

As several pantheons of gods lost worshippers or waned in power, Hinduism continued to become one of the largest religions on Earth. Indra and Vishnu seemingly buried their hostilities with Indra sometimes possibly taking a place in the Trimurtri during Shiva's moments of self-imposed ascetic isolation. When Thor came to Nirvana, the cosmology of the Hindu gods, to seek a portion of the life energies to revive his fellow Asgardian gods, Indra challenged Thor considering him to be a deity with waning power. Indra had decided to vote against donating the energies to revive the Asgardians, even engaging Thor in battle, but upon realizing the passion of Thor's conviction, Indra relented and eventually donated the energies required. Sometime later, when Yama, the Vedic god of the dead accidentally released Demogorge while working in a coven with other gods of the dead, Indra reunited with Thor and a host of other warrior gods to subdue it. Although the combined force of gods were insufficient against the power of the primeval entity, Thor managed to appeal to Atum, its true personality, and reversed its palate, freeing all the gods that had been consumed by Demogorge.

Height: 6' 5" Weight: 325 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In his godly form, Indra has gold skin and four arms.

Strength Level: Indra has Class 100 level strength enabling him to (lift) press well over a hundred tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Indra possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Olympians, he is exceptionally long-lived, but he is not immortal like the Olympian gods. He has not aged since reaching hood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Vishnu, Varuna or Mithras or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Indra also possesses superhuman strength in excess of most of the Hindu gods and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu Gods.)

Indra has greater strength, stamina and resistance to harm than the majority of the Hindu gods, with the possible exception of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. He has incredible superhuman strength, stamina, longevity and resistance to harm enabling him to perform strenuously for long periods of time with little or no signs of fatigue. He can also conjure and create storms and rain. He can command the weather to create thunderstorms and generate lightning bolts which he can fire with stunning precision. He can also channel other lightning from gods like Thor and use it against them. He also has other skills of a mystical nature which are as yet unrevealed.

Abilities: Indra is an accomplished warrior, often seen carrying a variety of weapons including swords, sikhs (daggers) and a bow and arrow. In his true godly form, he can be particularly ruthless, equipped with multiple weapons from each hand capable of felling several opponents at once.

Weapons: Indra's weapon of choice was his vajra, a long curved sword. He also carried a number of other weapons including hammers, swords, daggers and a bow and arrow.

Pets/Transportation: In ancient times, Indra rode upon Airavata, an elephant-mount possibly born from earlier even more ancient Vedic deities, but its life force was forfeited to Ganehsa. He is sometimes accompanied by his dog, Sarama, also known for being the progenitor of Sarameyau, the guard dog at the gates of the underworld.

Base of Operations: Indra presides in Swarga, an other-dimensional realm within the cosmology of the Hindu Gods connected to earth near Mount Meru, identified with Mouth Himavat (modern Mount Everest) on Earth.

KALI

Real Name: Kali-Ma (translates as “Mother Kali”)

Occupation: Goddess of death, destruction, life and creation

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana (the cosmology of the Hindu Gods)

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Kali except as a figure in Hindu religion. She is well known to the people of India and countries which practice Hinduism..

Other Aliases: The Black One, Durga, "Fanged Deity," Kara-Kai, Shakti, The Ferry Across the Ocean of Existence, (The name Kali also translates into English as “black.”)

Place of Birth: Unknown

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Shiva (father/husband), Parvati (mother); Skanda, Ganehsa (brothers), Vishnu, Brahma (uncles), Lakshmi, Sarasvati (aunts), Himavat, Daksha (grandfathers), Menahka, Gaea (alias Ammavaru) (grandmothers), Kama, Padma, Dharma, Vach (cousins)

Group Affiliation: The Hindu Gods; The Dakini (demonic servants); The Shakti (female principle of power, member); mentor of Deathtoll, Raga-Shah and the Shroud; patron goddess of several Cults of Kali

Base of Operations: Kailasa in the Nirvana Dimension

First Appearance: Amazing High Adventure #5

History: Kali is an avatar of the goddess Parvati in her most bloodthirsty form against the enemies of the Hindu Gods, especially against the Rakshasas, which fought to conquer the Hindu Gods. She became such a powerful entity by drinking the blood of her victims that she tore apart from Parvati as a separate goddess calling herself both the daughter and the wife of the great Shiva. She joined her mother, who was now in the form of Durga, in fighting Raktabija, a Rakshasa with the ability of reproducing itself from each drop of spilled blood, but as Durga was overwhelmed by all the clones of the demon, Kali began eating the duplicates and drinking the falling blood. Despite her frightening aspect, she was viewed as a destroyer of demons and a representation of the forces that brought order. As such, the powerful mutant En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse) impersonated her when he lived in India.

In the Fifth Century BC, the Arabian mystic Koura brought a statue of Kali to life from one of her temples. The living statue, infused with a fragment of Kali herself, fought the legendary Sinbad, but fell to its destruction before it could kill him.

In the 1870s, an Indian rebel named Mahdi, seeking to destroy the British army, prayed to the Hindu gods, demanding the power to fight the British. In a vision, the Hindu gods Yama, Ratri, Agni, Maya and Kali granted him the powers and weapons to fight the British. From Yama, he gained a fiery sword and from Ratri the power of “the night's shadows.” From Agni, he received the power of sacrificial flame and from Maya the power to drive his enemies to despair with illusions. From Kali, he received the wheel of destruction. Mahdi then went to use these powers in battle against the British invaders only to discover too late that he had offended the gods by trying to command them for power. Mahdi's weapons were only illusions to teach him humility and he died in battle.

In 1938, a loyal disciple named Mola Ram again called upon Kali this time from a Thuggee cult near Mayapore, India. Convinced he could overthrow all the religions of earth with her blood, he put the local royalty under his power and abducted all the local children to search for the last of three Shiva Stones. Archaeologist Indiana Jones came through this area working his way west and realized that Mola Ram had dishonorable motives in his search for the power of the three stones. Jones was able to contact Kali through the third of the stones, and she struck down Mola Ram for dishonoring her.

In modern years, Kali was present when the Asgardian god Thor came to Nirvana for a fragment of the life energies he needed from Vishnu to restore the Asgardian gods who had lost their lives to the Celestials. When Shiva turned down the request in a consensus with Vishnu and Brahma, Thor became incensed and fought her father. Just as Shiva gained the upper hand, Thor transported them both to Asgard’s rainbow bridge where he realized the passion of the thunder-god to his cause and recanted his choice.

A few years later, Kali's religious zealots known as the Thuggees began terrorizing India by committing vast murders to please her. The Indian Government hired Saint Van Sant to wipe them out. Upon experiencing the taste of her dead worshippers, she became so pleased her that she appeared through her statue and offered him eternal life if he continued feeding her souls. Van Sant embraced the pact and became the assassin called Deathtoll, but he was killed himself later by War Machine.

Height: 5’5” Weight: 200 lbs. Eyes: Black Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Characteristics: In her true form, Kali has black skin, six arms (each with a different weapon), a long tongue, sharp vampire-like teeth, wild black hair and only wearing a garland of skulls.

Strength Level: Kali possesses superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) 40 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Kali possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Hindu Gods. Like all Hindu Gods, she is immortal. She has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any known conventional means. She is immune to all known terrestrial diseases and is invulnerable to conventional injury. If wounded, her godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of her bodily molecules to cause her a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva or a number of gods of equal power working together to revive her. Kali does have some superhuman strength and her own Daeva metabolism gives him far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Daeva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the Daevas’s superhuman strength and weight).

Kali is also quicker, faster and more agile than any other Hindu God probably because of her small, acrobatic and lithe body. She can appear fast enough to appear practically invisible. As a goddess of war, Kali is unparalleled in combat, being especially adept with swords. She tends to use dance-like movements as well as her accelerated agility in combat, which often takes the form of dance-like grace and liquid-like movement. Personified as fear of the unknown, Kali also possesses several mystical abilities such as the power to endow others with invulnerability or long life, to move across dimensions and to create and end fearful feelings. She also has limited polymorphic skills to change her form as she has in the past endowed herself with more arms, up to eighteen in number, to battle multiple foes. In a particular battle frenzy, she can become particularly volatile and much more powerful off the life forces of her victims through drinking their blood and adding their might and strength to her own.

Weapons: Kali often employs several weapons at one time including swords, knives, shivs, daggers and even a decapitated head with which to beat her opponents.

Comments: Kali’s appearances here include “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

She has also been behind the scenes of several Cults of Kali including:

*

The temple found by the Shroud in Himalayas; they blinded him and gave him powers, then vanished. Shanna later fought the presumably same Cult of Kali in  Savage Tales #10 (first series, B&W magazine 5/1975) and Rampaging Hulk #9  (first series, B&W magazine 6/1978) under the direction of Raga-Shah and put an end to it. *

A second unrelated Cult of Kali composed of expatriate Nepal priests surfaced in Los Angeles in Spider-Woman #14 (5/1979). *

A third Cult appeared in the Shroud Limited Series (1994), descended from the first. Along with them appeared a bodyguard/assassin who called herself Kali in honor of the Goddess. It is unknown whether Kali cared or not about her cultists, she never granted any of them any special powers or appeared to them despite their numerous human sacrifices to her. In fact, based on how much she liked having her followers killed, she didn't seem to like her cults very much. Various idols of her appeared at these cults, but for Deathtoll seems to be the only time she herself appeared.

Kali is referenced in the Hyborian era, @ 10,000 BC, in the pages of Savage Sword of Conan. Like many of the gods mentioned in that era, it is uncertain whether this refers to the same Kali of the modern day Hindu religion, or some other predecessor.

Clarifications: Kali is not to be confused with:

*

Apocalypse, who impersonated or was mistaken as Kali-Ma in the past, @ X-Factor I #24 *

Kali, one of the extra-terrestrials who traveled the Microverse with Prince Wayfinder, @ Micronauts I #31 *

Kali, Dr. Karen Lee, of the Nest, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual #1 *

Kali, an agent of Oblivion, @ Iceman I #2 *

Kali, Dalindra of the Cult of Kali mentioned above @ Shroud #3 *

Kali, a paranormal woman of unknown origin, @ X-Men II #81 *

Kali of Earth-Bishop, one of the Fanatix, @ Bishop: Xavier School Enforcers #1

LAKSHMI

Real Name: Lakshmi-Sri

Occupation: Queen of the Hindu gods, goddess of love, fortune and fertility

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Lakshmi except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Kamala, Shri, Shakti, Devi, Sita (mortal avatar), Armaiti (Persian name), Gong de Tian (Chinese name)

Place of Birth: Mount Himavat (modern Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Tibet)

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Himavat (father), Menahka (mother), Parvati, Sarasvati, Ganga, Yamuna, Uma (sisters), Vishnu (husband), Padma (daughter), Kama (son), Brahma, Shiva, Agni, Yama, (brothers-in-law), Ganehsa, Skanda (nephews), Kali, Vach (nieces), Kartikeya (nephew, deceased),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Amaravati in the realm of Nirvana

First Appearance: (historical) "Pantheons of the Megaverse" by C.J. Carella, (recent) Thor I #301

History: Lakshmi is one of the Apsaras, a group of water-goddesses descended from the primal being known as Himavat, a member of the extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Devas, who were worshipped by the ancient Vedic tribes of Ancient India and later the modern Hindu religion. Himavat was the great snow-god of the Vedic pantheon, and the waters trickling from his peaks into rivers and ravines were protected by his daughters, the Apsaras. The Apsaras were water-deities that helped carry the pious into heaven and had emerged from the sea during the deluge which covered the earth during the Earth's primeval past. Among them, the most revered were Ganga who protected the sacred Ganges river, Parvati, wife of Shiva and Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu, who had helped lead the Devas to victory against the Rakshasas, the eternal enemies of the Hindu gods. Before her marriage to Vishnu, Lakshmi had been wooed by Indra the thunder-god, but he displeased her by trying to control her and the rain she sent to earth.

Lakshmi made her home in the celestial city of Vaikunthia in the heaven of Nirvana, considered the highest level of existence in the Hindu faith. She gave birth to a number of goddesses, including Padma, the lotus-goddess, and Kama, the love-god, who incinerated by Shiva but restored to life or replaced with the body of Krishna. In the early Vedic pantheon, Lakshmi had been revered as a goddess of love, but in the Hindu religion, she was worshipped as goddess of fortune and prosperity, her former role as love-goddess taken over by Ratri, the former goddess of night.

Vishnu meanwhile assumed the role of seven mortal avatars on earth; Lakshmi lived through at least avatars with him as his true love. In the first, she was born as the mortal cow-maiden, Sita, wife of Vishnu as the hero, Rama, and entered exile with him when he abdicated the throne of Ayodha for his brother. She was kidnapped by Ravanna, one of the Rakshasas, and carried off to the island of Ceylon. Rama and his brothers obtained the help of King Sugriva and General Hanuman of the monkey-gods to invade Ceylon from which they had been exiled and built a bridge to invade the island to rescue Sita. Unfortunately, Sita was not honored by the people of Ayodhya for having lived among the Rakshasas, even against her will and Rama reluctantly sent her away. Sita gave birth to his sons, Kusa and Lava in exile, and as s, they eventually returned to Ayodhya and told the passionate story of their parents' life to Rama. He is so moved by their story that he and his followers allowed Sita to return.

In another avatar, Lakshmi is born as Radha, again of poor parents, and became the beloved of the hero Krishna, her foster-brother. Krishna was a major hero in the Hindu religion by slaying demons, monsters and enemies of the gods, and had several wives and lovers, but Radha was his favored bride. It was the body of Krishna who was mystically revived to restore Kama to life. Lakshmi later regained her true form and rejoined Vishnu in the heaven of the Hindu gods.

After the Third Host of the Celestials, Lakshmi and her sisters Parvati and Sarasvati united with the mother-goddesses from all the pantheons of gods once worshipped or still worshipped on earth. This gathering included Frigga of the Asgardian gods and Hera of the Olympian gods. The Celestials and threatened to sever the gods connections to earth if they did not cease trafficking with mortals and had predicted to return in a thousand years to decide if humanity was fit to exist. Frigga had asked the wives of the god-kings of earth to locate twelve human beings of pure genetic potential to serve as prime examples of humanity when the Fourth Host of the Celestials should occur. The Hindu goddesses had succeeded in locating Jahahanel Patel of the Brahmin caste at the turn of the century to be their representative and concealed him in an underground location where he was attended by several minor Hindu goddesses. When the Fourth Host occurred, the supreme mother-goddess Gaea who was the ancestor of all the gods of earth presented these twelve examples known as the Young Gods. The Celestials voted in favor of earth in view of the Young Gods and departed Earth with them into outer space.

Height: 6' 0" Weight: 345 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In her true godly form, Lakshmi has four arms.

Strength Level: Lakshmi possesses superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) 75 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Lakshmi possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, she is virtually immortal: she has not aged since reaching hood and cannot die by any conventional means. She is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If she were somehow wounded, her godly life force would enable her to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of her bodily molecules to cause her a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive her. Lakshmi also possesses superhuman strength and her Deva metabolism provides her with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Lakshmi also possesses the ability to tap into her shakti, her primal female energies, in order to create feats of magic. She can travel between dimensions, bestow positive energies ("good luck") upon mortals, conjure lightning bolts and control the weather. She is considered the symbol of the womb, immortality and spiritual purity and was often called upon to insure fertility. She has the ability to send her life force through avatars or mortal forms, having been born as the goddess Sita in ancient times, and reincarnating herself through various forms. Lakshmi is considered among the most powerful goddesses in the Hindu pantheon.

MITRA

Real Name: Mithras (original spelling)

Occupation: God of Wisdom, Light and Prosperity

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Mitra except as a mythological deity.

Other Aliases: Mithra (alternate spelling), Lord of Light

Place of Birth: Unknown

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Purusha (father), Gaea (mother, alias Aditi), Varuna (brother), Dyaus (nephew), Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva (half-brothers), Savitri (sister/wife), Pushan (son), Ganehsa, Skanda, Adharma, Kama, Indra, Tvashtri, Surya, Agni (great-nephews), Kali, Vach, Ushas, Ratri (great-nieces)

Group Affiliation: The Adityas and the Yazatas (Persian Gods)

Base of Operations: Elysium

First Appearance: (historical) Weird Tales XXI #6, (recent) Savage Sword of Conan #2

History: Mitra is one of the oldest gods of the earth. Born the son of Gaea in her role as Aditi, the Vedic mother-earth, he was worshipped as a god during the Hyborian age by inhabitants of Aquilonia, Argos, Ophir, Nemedia and Zingara, rivaled only by malevolent deities such as Set from whom many of his worshippers sought Mitra’s protection. To mortal man, Mitra ruled a gentle afterlife of saints and angels and preached mercy above vengeance. He also served as mankind’s eternal judge and granted final rewards to the pious in heaven and sending sinners to punishment in the underworld. Even in kingdoms that did not worship Mitra, his name was often invoked as a sign of respect.

Xaltotun, a native of the long-lost kingdom of Acheron, promoted worship of Mitra. Epemetrius the sage supported the Mitran religion, and one of the earlier nations to embrace Mitra was Koth, although they later abandoned worship of Mitra to embrace the Semite culture of Ishtar. At some point, Mitra cursed a decadent city, and in time, this city became a home for many supernatural monsters. A Mitran solar rune was placed on a rock to control the monsters, but it was later corrupted.

At some point, Mitra banished the demon Molub, who had ruled a domain on Earth, to the netherworld. However, a cursed ring could return Molub to Earth, to slay whoever was given the ring. Many people over the years had the ring unknowingly passed to them by their enemies.

In the city of Eidoran, once a mighty but now a decadent place, Set worshippers summoned forth demons such as Khorus from an infernal dimension. The first followers of Mitra hired their own sorcerer-who used a crystal skull to focus his powers and bind the demons in stone. After this, the Mitran clergy guarded the ruins of Eidoran.

According to one account, Mitra acting in tandem with other gods of light had chose the legendary warrior-king Conan the Barbarian as their champion against the forces of dark gods such as Set. Conan indeed battled many enemies and dark forces against Mitra such as a Mitraic priestess named C'Harona seduced by Set with promises of power. Mitra called for an instrument of retribution, and the dark-god, Erlik, answered his called by setting into motion the events which brought into existence the woman-warrior, Red Sonya. She became a contemporary of Conan the Barbarian.

On the borderline of Aquilonia, Conan encountered one of Mitra's archangels and was given the power to confront a priestess of the demon-god Yog. This priestess had gained vast power, which she intended to use to conquer the world for her master. Both Conan and the priestess clashed, and she was killed, but her blood cursed the land upon which it fell, making that land a place of war and disorder. This land would eventually become known as Palestine.

Mitra was one of the few Hyborian gods who continued to gain prominence after another cataclysm reshaped the earth. Now almost completely excluded to the modern areas of India, Pakistan and Iran, he was a prominent member of the Adityas, children of Aditi (the Vedic name of Gaea), and ruled a pantheon of gods with Varuna and the storm-god, Rudra. Mitra worship was honored even as far away as in the Roman Empire, where he replaced Helios as god of the sun. As Mitraic worship came into decline, younger deities such as Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva came into power under Hinduism. Varuna became chief of the Yazatas, or Persian Gods, as Ahura Mazda under Zoroasterism. Mitra also had a role in the Persian religion, but he was nowhere as prominent under Varuna’s dominance as he once was. Several rites of the Mitraic religion were adopted into the developing Christian religion, particularly the concept of an afterlife of saints and angels and the concept of mercy above vengeance. Even long-devoted Emperor Constantine of Rome, a supporter of the Mitraic religion, converted to Christianity when his Mitraic priests would not cleanse him for the murder of his son in 313 AD. However, Zoroasterism and Mithraism were both wiped out in Persia in 650 AD by the Arabs, and Persia, later Iran, became a Muslim-dominated land.

Mitra’s existence, however, has never completely vanished. He was invoked by one of the followers of Andros recently and his presence was used against the Serpent Men of Starkesboro, known supporters of Set, who still has loyal supporters through his Serpent Crown.

Height: 6'2" Weight: 310 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: White (Black in his youth)

Strength Level: Mitra possesses Class 100 level strength and can lift (press) over 100 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Mitra possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Adityas. Like the Adityas, he is immortal: he has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of equal and significant power, such as Varuna or Vishnu or for a number of less-powerful gods of equal power working together to revive him. Mitra also possesses superhuman strength and his metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Adityas flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to their superhuman strength and weight.)

Mitra also has extra-ordinary mystical power on par with modern gods such as Vishnu, Varuna, Odin and Zeus. He can travel through dimensional barriers and planes of existence, manipulate cosmic energy on near-infinite scales and conjure incredible balls of light. He is highly clairvoyant and can sense the thoughts and memories of both mortals and immortals. He can also see into the past and future. He can extend his life-force into inanimate objects, such as statues of himself or objects of Mitraic origin. This power makes him almost omnipresent and all-knowing. He can bestow power on mystics who know how to call upon him, although even persons without skills in sorcery, such as Conan, could call upon Mitra for power. He can heal the sick and raise the dead to a full semblance of life.

Mitra's full range of powers are unrevealed, but he is quite possibly one of the most powerful gods known in mythology.

Abilities: Mitra is a skillful diplomat and leader, an eloquent speaker and observer. A highly beneficent and merciful deity, he can be quite charismatic.

CLARIFICATIONS: Mitra is not to be confused with:

·        The Mithras Project, religious sect @ Deadpool III #15

PARVATI

Real Name: Mahadevi Skakti Parvati

Occupation: Queen of the Hindu Gods, goddess of weapons

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Parvati except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Sati, Sakti, Shakti, Durga, Kali, Uma, Gauri, Tatatakai, Katukilal, Korrawi (Tamil name), Nairamata (Buddhist name), Mountain-goddess

Place of Birth: Mount Himavat (modern Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Tibet)

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Himavat (father), Menahka (mother), Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Ganga, Yamuna, Uma (sisters), Shiva (husband), Ganehsa, Skanda (sons), Kali (daughter), Jalamdhara (step-son, deceased), Padma, Vach (nieces), Kama (nephews), Kartikeya (nephew, deceased), Brahma, Vishnu, Agni, Yama, (brothers-in-law),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Kailasa in the Nirvana dimension

First Appearance: (unidentified) Thor I #301, (identified) Wonder Woman II #149

History: Parvati is a member of the Devas, an other-dimensional race of beings worshipped as gods by the Hindus. The Devas are the descendants of the Adityas, the children of the goddess Aditi, mother-earth, also known as Gaea. The Adityas had been worshiped as gods by the Vedic tribes on earth but had been replaced as gods by the Devas in the new Hindu religion that developed in Ancient India. Under the new Hindu order, the former Adityas were known as the Asuras and ousted from power although several of them were worshipped under new names by the Persian Empire.

In her first incarnation, Parvati had been born as Sati, daughter of Daksha, one of the espoused Vedic gods. Sati had fell in love with Shiva, but her father would not encourage the marriage and instead offered her hand in marriage to any other god who desired her. He gathered all the gods to meet her, but he did not invite Shiva for Sati to choose. Sati tossed her bridal veil to the wind than choose anyone from her father's guests, and Shiva caught it and returned it to her. When he revealed that her father had forbid him from marrying him, Sati took her life by throwing herself into flame than marry anyone else. Angered at Daksha for his compliance in her death, Shiva slew Daksha.

Parvati was later reborn as one of the Apsaras, daughter of the snow-god, Himavat, who lived atop Mount Meru in the Himalayas (now known as Mount Everest.) After Sati's death, Shiva had exiled himself to an ascetic existence, but Kama the love-god struck him with an arrow that made him fall in love with the first woman he saw. Awakened from his trance, he opened his third eye and incinerated the mischievous young god, causing his death. When he noticed Parvati, he fell in love with her, but he did not marry her until she could best in battle. Shiva and Parvati became insatiable lovers compared to the other gods; the energies from their love-making were capable of destroying whole worlds. They had two sons, Ganehsa and Skanda. One of Parvati's avatars, Kali the death-goddess, became so powerful that it split off from her and became another goddess. Although technically his daughter, Kali was worshipped as a form of Parvati and another wife of Shiva.

Despite being the wife of Shiva, Parvati was the object of desire by the god, Jalamdhara. Some years before, Shiva heard that Indra the thunder-god had increased in power due to an increase in worshippers and had reached a point that he had become almost as powerful as Shiva. Shiva's anger at this effrontery to his power had taken form and was born through the goddess, Ganga, the goddess of the Ganges River. Jalamdhara abducted Parvati to be his wife, and gathered the Asuras, the former Adityas not worshipped in the Hindu religion, against the Devas. Shiva engaged Jalamdhara in battle to rescue Parvati, but he discovered that every time he tried to kill Jalamdhara that he returned back to life from his spilled blood. In preparation for his war against the gods, Jalamdhara had gained power from Brahma that he would insure his immortality and make him invulnerable against being killed by the gods. To defeat him, Shiva guided Parvati and the wives of all the Hindu gods to drink up all of Jalamdhara's spilled blood that there was nothing left of him to restore him to life.

Parvati proved to be a powerful warrior-goddess in her own right in the form of the goddess, Durga, particularly against Mahisa of the Asuras. Like Jalamdhara before her, Mahisa had been granted a boon from Shiva to make her immortal. In order to slay her, Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu and the gods used flame to change Parvati into Durga, the warrior-goddess, in order to slay her. Armed with Vishnu's discus, Shiva's trident, Agni's vajra, Indra's thunderbolt and Varuna's conch shell, Durga slew Mahisa and her allies, Sumbha and Nishumbha, who had only been protected by Shiva against other gods. As Durga, it was Parvati's position to carry the weapons of the other gods into battle against their enemies.

After the Third Host of the Celestials, Parvati and her sisters, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, united with the mother-goddesses from all the pantheons of gods once worshipped or still worshipped on earth. This gathering included Frigga of the Asgardian gods and Hera of the Olympian gods. The Celestials had threatened to sever the gods connections to earth if they did not cease trafficking with mortals and had predicted to return in a thousand years to decide if humanity was fit to exist. Frigga had asked the wives of the god-kings of earth to locate twelve human beings of pure genetic potential to serve as prime examples of humanity when the Fourth Host of the Celestials should occur. The Hindu goddesses had succeeded in locating Jahahanel Patel of the Brahmin caste at the turn of the century to be their representative and concealed him in an underground location where he was attended by several minor Hindu goddesses. When the Fourth Host occurred, the supreme mother-goddess Gaea who was the ancestor of all the gods of earth presented these twelve examples known as the Young Gods. The Celestials voted in favor of earth in view of the Young Gods and departed Earth with them into outer space.

In recent years, Parvati once more became Durga and Kali in order to battle Titans and Rakshasas lead by the Titan Cronus using Nirvana has his foothold to invade Elysium, the Judeo-Christian afterlife. Joined by the Olympian gods and Wonder Woman, Parvati and the Hindu gods managed to defeat Cronus and exile him into the underworld.

Height: 5' 10" Weight: 345 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Black

Strength Level: Parvati possesses superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) 25 tons under optimal conditions, but as Durga or any of her other forms, her strength is much greater, but to an unknown degree.

Unusual Physical Features: In her true godly form, Parvati has four arms. As Durga or Kali, she has up to six to ten arms.

Known Superhuman Powers: Parvati possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, she is extremely long lived, but she is not immortal like the Gods of Olympus: she has aged at an extremely slow rate since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. She is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If she were somehow wounded, her godly life force would enable her to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of her bodily molecules to cause her a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Vishnu, Brahma or Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive her. Parvati also possesses superhuman strength and her Deva metabolism provides her with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Parvati also has the ability to tap into her shakti, or primal female energies in order to create feats of magic. She cast and create spells, throw bolts of energy and alter her appearance. Formost in her power is her ability to transform into Durga who is primarily her form as the warrior-goddess. In this state, she is far stronger and larger than she is at her normal size capable of slaying demons. As Kali, she is the embodiment of death, capable of vast destruction and demanding blood sacrifice. This form reputedly became so powerful that it split off from her and became her daughter. Parvati didn't lose this form, but it is feasible that she could consume enough life-energies to spawn another portion of herself. Parvati is believed to be the most powerful of the Hindu goddesses, capable of potentially generating enough energy to destroy the universe.

Abilities: As Durga, Parvati is a powerful warrior of cunning speed, ferociousness and determination.

Weapons: Parvat has access to a numerous weapons of Hindu origin including swords, daggers, chakrams and discus.

Pets: Parvati often rides upon a tiger.

''SARASVATI '' Real Name: Sarasvati

Occupation: Queen of the Hindu gods, goddess of language, art and learning, River-goddess

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Sarasvati except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: River-goddess, Sata-Rupa, Savitri, Haurvatat (Persian name), Mother of the Veda

Place of Birth: Mount Himavat (modern Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Tibet)

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Himavat (father), Menahka (mother), Lakshmi, Parvati, Ganga, Yamuna, Uma (sisters), Brahma (husband), Vach (daughter), Adharma (son), Vishnu, Shiva, Agni, Yama, (brothers-in-law), Ganehsa, Skanda, Kama (nephews), Kali, Padma (nieces),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Amaravati in the realm of Nirvana

First Appearance: (historical) "Pantheons of the Megaverse" by C.J. Carella, (recent) Thor I #301

History: Sarasvati is one of the Apsaras, a group of water-goddesses descended from the primal being known as Himavat, a member of the extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Devas, who were worshipped by the ancient Vedic tribes of Ancient India and later the modern Hindu religion. Himavat was the great snow-god of the Vedic pantheon, and the waters trickling from his peaks into rivers and ravines were protected by his daughters, the Apsaras. The Apsaras were water-deities that helped carry the pious into heaven and had emerged from the sea during the deluge which covered the earth during the Earth's primeval past. Among them, the most revered were Ganga who protected the sacred Ganges river, Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu and Parvati, wife of Shiva. Many of the Apsaras became wives of gods and mortals; Sarasvati became the wife of the god Brahma who had lead the Devas to victory against the Rakshasas, the eternal enemies of the Hindu gods.

According to one account, Brahma had fell in love with Sarasvati in her incarnation as the goddess Sata-Rupa and grew over five faces to look upon her beauty, but he lost one of these faces to Shiva. Brahma eventually married Sarasvati, and she gave birth to Vach, goddess of speech, and Adharma, god of prayer among other gods.

Sarasvati is one of the most revered goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, but she was also linked to the Persian pantheon as the water-goddess, Haurvatat. In this guise, she is often called the daughter of Ormazd, but it is uncertain if she actually was this goddess or just merely linked to this deity. Several of the Vedic deities who lost worship rites to the ascendant Hindu gods were worshipped as gods under Zoroasterism in Persia (modern Iran), but it is unrevealed if a goddess like Sarasvati would be so revered among the Persian gods in view of animosity between the two pantheons.

After the Third Host of the Celestials, Sarasvati and her sisters Lakshmi and Parvati united with the mother-goddesses from all the pantheons of gods once worshipped or still worshipped on earth. This gathering included Frigga of the Asgardian gods and Hera of the Olympian gods. The Celestials and threatened to sever the gods connections to earth if they did not cease trafficking with mortals and had predicted to return in a thousand years to decide if humanity was fit to exist. Frigga had asked the wives of the god-kings of earth to locate twelve human beings of pure genetic potential to serve as prime examples of humanity when the Fourth Host of the Celestials should occur. The Hindu goddesses had succeeded in locating Jahahanel Patel of the Brahmin caste at the turn of the century to be their representative and concealed him in an underground location where he was attended by several minor Hindu goddesses. When the Fourth Host occurred, the supreme mother-goddess Gaea who was the ancestor of all the gods of earth presented these twelve examples known as the Young Gods. The Celestials voted in favor of earth in view of the Young Gods and departed Earth with them into outer space.

Height: 6' 0" Weight: 345 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In her true godly form, Sarasvati has four arms.

Strength Level: Sarasvati possesses superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) 75 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Sarasvati possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, she is virtually immortal: she has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. She is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If she were somehow wounded, her godly life force would enable her to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of her bodily molecules to cause her a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive her. Sarasvati also possesses superhuman strength and her Deva metabolism provides her with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Sarasvati also has the power to tap into and conjure the energies of her shakti, primal female energies, in order to perform feats of magic. She can control the weather to create rain and transmit thought, offering insight and inspiration in mortal man. She can travel between dimensions, such as from Nirvana to Earth, alter her size and appearance and project her life-force and likeness into other levels of existence. Her exact level of power is unrevealed, but with the obvious exception of Lakshmi and Parvat,, she is possibly the most powerful of the Hindu goddesses.

Abilities: Sarasvati has some inventive and mental acuity. She was credited with inventing the Sanskrit alphabet and to have inscribed the Vedas.

Pets: Sarasvati sometimes rides upon a swan or peacock.

SHIVA

Real Name: Shiva (also spelled Siva)

Occupation: God of Destruction and Rebirth, Lord of the Bhuts

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Shiva except as a figure in Hindu religion. He is well known to the people of India and countries that practice Hinduism.

Other Aliases: Sharevar (Persian name), Nataraja, Jyotirlinga

Place of Birth: Unknown

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Gaea (mother, alias Ammavaru), Vishnu, Brahma (brothers), Himavat (father-in-law), Menaka (mother-in-law), Parvati (wife), Kali (daughter/wife), Ganehsa, Skanda (sons), Dharma, Kama (nephews), Padma, Vach (nieces), Lakshmi, Sarasvati (sisters-in-law),

Group Affiliation: The Hindu Gods (Daevas); The Council Elite; apparent ally of Dansen Macabre and the Cult of Kara-Kai

Base of Operations: Kailasa in the Nirvana Dimension

First Appearance: Thor I #301

History: Shiva is part of the ruling triumvirate of gods in the Hindu Pantheon, which boasts over five hundred gods. Very little is known about his origins, but according to Dravidian myth, he was conceived from an egg given birth by Gaea in her role as Ammavaru, the Dravidian goddess of the earth. With him were his brothers Vishnu and Brahma. Together, they lifted one half of the egg to become the heavens and they created the earth from the lower half. Together, the three brothers rose to ruling council of the Hindu gods after Vishnu overthrew the Rakshasas, the Hindu demons who had overthrown their Vedic ancestors, once worshipped as gods by the Aryan tribes on earth.

In their battle for supremacy, the Rakshasas poisoned the drink called amrita that provided the Hindu gods their immortality. Shiva, however, drank the whole tainted vial down to save the rest of the Daevas (The Hindu Gods), but he held it in his throat for a time and spat out the poison within it. As a result, the color of the skin around his throat is darker than the rest of his body.

Shiva loved the goddess Sakti, the youngest daughter of the sun god, Daksha, and wanted her as his wife. Daksha meanwhile had the decision to approve her husband, but he did not want Shiva as a son-in-law and after gathering all the gods of Nirvana for his daughter to choose a husband from, Sakti became distressed that Shiva was not invited for her to choose from. She tossed her bridal veil far into the air, but Shiva appeared and presented it to her. When Shiva revealed that her father did not support their marriage and that as a result they could not truly marry, she became so forlorn that she cast herself into a sacrificial flame than marry anyone else. Shiva took his revenge for his broken heart out on Daksha by beheading him, but after an intercession from the gods, Brahma later restored Daksha to life with the head of a ram.

Sakti was later reborn as Parvati, one of the daughters of the mountain-god Himavat, and Shiva finally took her to be his wife. Parvati was sister to Lakshmi and Sarasvati, wives of respectively Vishnu and Brahma. According to one story, after Sakti’s death, Shiva entered into a ascetic existence. While in a trance-like state, he was wounded by one of the shafts of desire from the love-god, Kama, son of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Awakened from his trance, Shiva opened his third eye and incinerated Kama with the power from it. (Kama would be re-born years later from Krishna, the mortal avatar of Vishnu, with his wife Rukmini.)

Due to Kama's spell, Shiva fell in love with Parvat and eventually married her. She eventually gave birth to his sons Ganehsa, the wisdom-god, and Skanda, the war-god. While his father was away for several years, Ganehsa was guarding his mother’s bedroom when one day his father returned home. Not recognizing his son, Shiva beheaded the young man but realized his error when Parvati screamed. He restored Ganehsa to life with the head of an elephant taken from Airavata, the elephant mount of the thunder-god, Indra.

Kali, the destroyer aspect of Parvati, eventually became so powerful that it broke free of her to destroy demons. Although she technically conceived the dark goddess, Shiva saw Kali as another form of his wife.

Under the Hindu Religion, Shiva was one of the chief gods alongside Vishnu and Brahma. As god of destruction and rebirth, Shiva apparently granted power in recent years to the woman who would become Dansen Macabre. In the wake of Ragnarok, the Asgardian god Thor appeared in Nirvana seeking a portion of the life energies necessary to resuscitate the Asgardians. Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva, however, put the option to a vote and decided not to donate the energies to former deities that had outlived their ascendancy and preferring rather the energies go on to other immortals. A clash of tempers, however, caused a confrontation between Shiva and Thor. Realizing he could not overwhelm the power of the Hindu god, Thor cast them both to Bifrost, the rainbow bridge to Asgard. Realizing he was overwhelmed by the thunder-god's passion, Shiva formulated an uneasy truce between them and relinquished the energies Thor wanted as the two separated with uneasy tension.

Shortly thereafter, Yama, the Hindu god of the dead, entered into a pact with several other gods of the dead including Hades, the Olympian god of the dead, and Seth, the Egyptian underworld-god to unite their realms. Their ritual released the entity known as Demogorge who saw them as malevolent deities and then commenced with consuming them to destroy them. Odin, Ruler of the gods of Asgard, sent a plea to the rulers of Earth’s gods to send champions to battle Demogorge. Vishnu sent the god Indra who for reasons of his own used his powers to impersonate Shiva and assist Thor, Apollo and the other gods present to defeat Demogorge. Although briefly consumed himself, Indra was freed after Thor caused a shift in the creature’s palate that restored it back into Atum. Indra then departed realizing that he had dissolved any further enmity between Thor and Shiva.

Seth subsequently dissatisfied with these events launched and manipulated events that allowed him to conquer Celestial Heliopolis, home of the Egyptian Gods, and to invade Asgard. Shiva watched the events unfold out of morbid curiosity partially interested in the outcome. During his observation, he overheard the primal scream of Amora the Enchantress over the death of her then lover, Heimdall, who had been slain by Seth. (Odin restored Heimdall to life sometime after).

Shiva joined forces with the other Hindu gods as the mad Titan Cronus laid siege to the gods of earth in trying to conquer the multiple realms and heavens of the gods of earth. Wonder Woman and the demigod Rama joined forces to sever the flow of Godwave energies fueling Cronus that allowed him to conquer Nirvana and Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma were able to defeat him and spread his molecules to the universe.

After Odin’s death battling Surtur, Thor inherited his place as ruler of the Asgardian Gods. As a result, he was called before the Council Elite to be tested for worthiness to join them as a replacement for Odin. The Council Elite served as the high governing committee for affairs occurring between pantheons and Shiva was a member along with Vishnu and Brahma. Shiva was present at this meeting as well, and it was he who insisted that Thor perform the Koronkakkta, a ritual that would test his character. Thor, however, failed in one of the tests and was judged as having failed the test and prevented from replacing his father’s seat in the council.

Most recently, energies of Shiva present at a mortal Hindu wedding on Earth became attracted to the White-Lighter Leo. Simultaneously, his wife, Piper Halliwell, a powerful Wiccan in her own right, was imbued with energies of Shiva's wife, Parvati as the mother goddess. Leo used Shiva's energies to hunt down demons that threatened the future of his mortal son, but Piper's sisters, Phoebe and Paige Halliwell, cast spells that restored Leo and Piper to their normal power levels.

Height: 7’2” Weight: 510 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In his true form, Shiva has light blue skin and four arms. His neck is dark blue due to the poison he ingested.

Strength Level: Shiva possesses Class 100 level strength enabling him to lift (press) well over 100 tons.

Known Superhuman Powers: Shiva possesses greater physical powers than the majority of the Daevas (Hindu Gods). Like all of the Hindu Gods, he is immortal. He has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any known conventional means. He is immune to all known terrestrial diseases and is invulnerable to conventional injury. If wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for Vishnu or a number of gods of equal power working together to revive him. Shiva does have some superhuman strength and his own Daeva metabolism gives him far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Daeva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu Gods).

Shiva has extra-ordinary power to tap into and manipulate the cosmic forces of the universe on a level comparable to Vishnu or Brahma although Shiva might be the most powerful of the three. With his powers of life and death, he can restore the dead to life or completely destroy anything beyond restoration. Most of this power is concentrated in his third eye which when opened even he cannot completely control. This third eye is capable of releasing flames that can completely incinerate anything at which he is looking. It is known that he had so completely immolated Kama that the love god could only return to life after being reborn anew.

Shiva can also use his powers to move between dimensions and command the forces of the universe such as erecting force fields and rays of less destructive power. He has a strong association with flame and can generate it at will or manipulate existing flames. He can mentally shape it into hands or columns or force it take on material objects exuding great heat. Because of his godly attributes, he is immune to their effects and cannot be burned. His godly stamina is also immune to fatigue and he can stay in a meditative state for exceptional periods without food or drink. He has immeasurable strength and stamina in physical form. He also has such complete mastery over his body that he can slow his breath and pulse to the brink of near death and move about in a solely spirit state. In this form, he is still in complete command of his cosmic power and cannot be harmed by any means. He has exceptional cosmic awareness, which is greater when he is in his spirit form.

Weapons: Shiva uses a number of weapons including a club, curved dagger called a vajra, bow and arrow and swords. His statues generally depict him as carrying a skull, drum and noose in addition to these items.

Pets: Shiva rides a great bull named Nandi. Possessing extra-ordinary size, Nandi seems to have a sentient level intelligence and can create thunder with one stamp of its foot. His origin is unknown, but he may be a god in an animal form.

Comments: The use of Shiva, one of the principal gods of the Hindu religion, and his defeat at the hands of Thor, did not sit well with members of Hinduism, still one of the largest, thriving religions on the planet.

In Hindu myth, a bhut is a ghost, the spirit of a person who had not been given a funeral.

Clarifications: Shiva should not be confused with:

*

Shiva, Dr. Si Fan Chung, of the Nest, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual#1 *

Shiva, the computer program designed to kill those involved with the Weapon X program, @ Wolverine II#48

''SKANDA '' Real Name: Skanda

Occupation: God of war, Patron god of bachelors

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Skanda except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Kartikeya, Karttikeya, Kataragamo Deviyo, Verethragna (Persian name), Murugan, Muruhan, Mangala, (Tamil names), Subramanya,

Place of Birth: Sarvana (now part of modern India)

Marital Status: Single

Known Relatives: Shiva (father), Parvati (mother), Ganehsa (brother), Kali (sister), Siddhi, Buddhi (sisters-in-law), Ksema, Labha (nephews), Dharma, Padma, Vach, Daksha, Kama (cousins), Lakshmi, Sarasvati (aunts), Vishnu, Brahma (uncles), Himavat (grandfather), Gaea (grandmother, alias Ammavaru),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Nirvana

First Appearance: (historical) "Pantheons of the Megaverse" by C.J. Carella, (recent) Wonder Woman II #149

History: Skanda is the son of Shiva, one of the chieftains of of the extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Daevas or Devas, who were worshipped as gods by the Ancient Hindus. According to myth, Shiva originally had six sons born at one time, but they were so powerful that the other gods were afraid of them. When Parvati, Shiva's wife, left him to care for his sons, Shiva used mystical means to fuse all his infant sons into one body and then immersed him in the sacred waters of the Ganges River to insure his godhood. He then took Skanda atop a mountain for his radiance to be seen by all the other gods. Because of his incredible origin, Skanda was destined to be the god of war prophesized to slay Taraka, a member of the Rakshasas, an eternal enemy of the Hindu gods.

As a youth, Skanda had been raised by six goddesses in the waters of the Ganges. He was carried away by Agni the fire-god, who had taken the form of a bird, in order to encounter Kartikeya, the son of Agni and Ganga, who had been the god of war in the Vedic Pantheon, and engaged in bravado with Kartikeya. Slaying the descendant deity, he took his name and place in the pantheon of the gods. Skanda was also identified with Verethragna of the Persian deities. He became one of the most revered deities of India slaying demons, monsters and enemies of the gods, including Taraka. As a reward for his accomplishments, Shiva awarded him with the position of general over the celestial armies.

Despite his millennia of existence, Skanda retained the youth of a youthful man to insure his enemies would always underestimate him. Skanda and and his brother, Ganehsa, eventually decided to compete for wives, choosing a race around the world to decide who was more worthy to marry. Skanda set off to race around the world, but Ganehsa, however, proved much more the wily god in his brother's absence by circling his father, Shiva, who under Hindu religion represented the epitome of all creation. Skanda bitterly challenged the point of the race, but Ganehsa upheld his choice by reciting scriptures from the Vedas and the Sastra. Shiva had to consent to Ganehsa's argument or otherwise doubt the veracity of the holy tomes. Skanda was infuriated by the decision and vanished toward Kraunca Mountain for self-discovery. Parvati became grief-stricken toward his absence and sent Shiva to take her with him on his visits to his son. In the Hindu religion, Skanda's name became known for bestowing auspicious behavior, conferring the sanctity of celibacy. (Some myths insist Skanda later married the goddess Kumari, but she was actually the wife of Kartikeya, the son of Agni.)

When Alexander the Great invaded the Middle East in his Fourth Century conquests, the Ancient Hindus confused him as the mortal avatar of Skanda. In modern years, Skanda joined with the Devas and the Olympian Gods against Cronus of the Titans leading an army of Titans and Rakshasas against the Hindu Gods as his foothold into invading Elysium, the Judeo-Christian afterlife. Although briefly overwhelmed, Skanda rallied with the gods and Wonder Woman, the chosen champion of the Olympian gods, and defeated Cronus, exiling him into the underworld.

Height: 4' 8" Weight: 345 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown

Strength Level: Skanda possesses superhuman strength enabling him to lift (press) about 45 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Skanda possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, he is extremely long-lived, but he is not immortal like the Olympian gods. He has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Skanda also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Skanda is physically stronger and more powerful than the majority of the Hindu gods with the obvious exception of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. He can move with incredible speed and his reflexes and dexterity are all in the superhuman range that he can overtake any enemy with the sensation of a hundred warriors reacting at once. He has incredible war-lust in battle and his savagery is overwhelming. His cosmic life force supplying him endless energy to make him virtually inexhaustible to the point that once he is overtaken by his war lust he cannot be stopped until there is nothing more for him to overtake. He is the most powerful champion among the Hindu gods.

Abilities: Skanda is a powerful warrior trained in all forms of combat and capable of turning virtually anything into a weapon.

Weapons: Skanda's preferred weapon is the bow and arrow, but he is also proficient with swords and other weapons.

Pets: Skanda rides upon peacock.

TVASHTRI

Real Name: Tvashtri

Occupation: Hindu god of crafts, Patron god of architects

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Parvati except as a mythological character.

Other Aliases: Visvakarma (Brahmanic name)

Place of Birth: Unrevealed, possibly Nirvana

Marital Status: Separated

Known Relatives: Dyaus (father), Prithivi (mother), Indra, Surya, Agni, Yayu (brothers), Saranyu, Anjana (daughters), Hanuman, Soma, Yama (nephews), Yami (niece), Ganga (sister-in-law), Kartikeya (nephew, deceased), Varuna (grandfather),

Group Affiliations: The Hindu Gods

Base of Operations: Nirvana

First Appearance: (unidentified) Thor #301

History: Tvashtri is a member of an other-dimensional race of beings known as the Devas, who were worshipped as gods by the ancient Vedic and Hindu races on earth. The ancestors of the Devas were the Adityas, or children of Aditi, also known as Gaea, the ancestral goddess of all the gods of Earth. The Adityas had been overthrown by the Rakshasas, their eternal enemies, who had then been overthrown by the Devas lead by the gods, Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. Tvashtri and several of the former Vedic deities were accepted into the new Hindu pantheon, but several were not, becoming known as Asuras, retired gods not recognized by the Hindu pantheon, or Yazatas, deities accepted by the god Varuna under Zoroasterism and who became Persian gods. Several Devas were honored in both the Hindu and Persian pantheons like Tvashtri, Atar and Soma.

As the god Visvakarma, Tvashtri constructed all the cities of the gods as well as the walls of Lanka, home of the monkey-gods from Nirvana. His daughter, Saranyu, was taken as a wife by his brother, Surya, and became mother of the gods, Soma and Yama as well as the divine sage, Manu, ancestor of the divine kings of India. Tvashtri was credited as creator of the world because all the kings of India could claim descent from him.

Tvashtri is still one of the most recognized gods in the Hindu pantheon. A benevolent and caring deity, he witnessed Thor's visit to Nirvana to procure the necessary life energies for the Asgardian gods and sided with Vishnu against the mad Titan Cronus as he invaded Nirvana. With the help of the Gods of Olympus and their champion, Wonder Woman, they managed to exile Cronus back to the underworld and restore order in the heavens.

Height: 6' 6" Weight: 475 lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In his godly form, Tvashtri has four arms and blue skin.

Strength Level: Tvashtri possesses superhuman strength enabling him to lift (press) around 45 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Tvashtri possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all of Devas, he is exceptionally long-lived, but he is not immortal like the Gods of Olympus. He has aged at an extremely slow rate since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Varuna, Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Tvashtri also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Tvashtri also has mystical skills of an unknown nature enabling him to mentally control and manipulate elements of fortification. He can create structures and whole cities out of pre-existing materials and place mystical enchantments on physical objects. He can bring his thoughts to mass, cast his voice and likeness across dimensional barriers and tamper with forces of the weather. His exact level of power is unrevealed.

Abilities: Tvashtri is a major architect and craftsman having created all the homes and weapons of the gods.

Weapons: Tvashtri has access to numerous weapons of Hindu design.

ORMAZD

Real Name: Varuna

Occupation: Ruler of the Yazatas (Persian Gods), god of order and justice, former Chieftain of the Adityas

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Ormazd except as a mythological character. He was well-known in Ancient Iran (Persia) and India.

Other Aliases: Ahura Mazda, Ahuramazda, Nagaraja,

Place of Birth: Unknown

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Purusha (father), Gaea (mother, alias Aditi), Mithras (brother), Madira (wife), Himavat (father-in-law), Dyaus, Dharma (sons), Indra, Vayu, Surya, Tvashtri (grandsons), Ushas, Ratri (grand-daughters), Vohu Manah, Asha, Sharevar, Sraosha (sons), Gayomart (son, deceased), Armaiti, Ameretat, Hauravatat (daughters),

Group Affiliations: The Yazatas (Gods of Persia) and the Adityas (The Vedic Gods)

Base of Operations: Elysium, formerly Nirvana

First Known Appearance: "Pantheons of the Mega-Verse" by C.J. Carella

History: Varuna is the son of the primeval god Purusha and Gaea in her ancient role as Aditi, the divine ancestor of the Adityas, or Vedic Gods of Middle Eastern Asia. Varuna was one of several gods of the Hyborian Age, a period of time which existed between the sinking of Atlantis and before the advent of written records, but he gained greater prominence at the end of the Hyborian Age. He became leader of the Adityas and as a god helped to lead the Vedic tribes of modern India to develop a culture which has lasted several millennia.

Varuna took the wine-goddess, Madira, as his wife and had several children, but he had several children out of wedlock. Among his children was the sky-god Dyaus who mated with the goddess Prithivi and became father of Indra, the thunder-god. Prithivi could be another incarnation of the goddess Gaea, but this is uncertain. Indra became friends with Vishnu, his half-brother and became one of the most powerful of the gods. (If Vishnu and Indra are both sons of Gaea under her various roles as believed, they would be half-brothers of Varuna). As the god Ormazd, Varuna also became father of Gayomart, the divine ancestor of the kings of Persia.

With the god Mithras and the storm-god Rudra, Varuna ruled as part of a triad of deities constantly at war with demons known as the Rakshasas ruled by the demon-king Ravanna. Eventually, the Rakshasas conquered heaven and earth and reduced the Vedic gods to subservient roles. Varuna was forced to be water-carrier to Ravanna. The god Vishnu, however, went through nine avatars, mortal identities, through which he decreased the power of the Rakshasas and restored power to the gods. Varuna, Mithras and Rudra stepped down as ruling members of the Vedic gods in favor of Vishnu and his brothers Shiva and Brahma. Varuna relegated himself to being a god of the sea for a while.

As ruler of the gods, Vishnu steered mortal man toward tenets and beliefs where they would be reincarnated to other lives depending on how they behaved on earth. Much of these beliefs became part of modern Hinduism and were carried to other countries and cultures on Earth. Varuna instead adhered to a system where the righteous were delivered after death to a location of fulfillment while sinners were delivered to the underworld of Patala ruled by Yama, the god of the dead. Varuna inscribed his beliefs into a primeval text of laws and beliefs known as the Avesta. In the Twelfth Century BC, under the name Ormazd, Varuna handed down the Avesta to the sage Zarathrustha who developed these basic tenets into the religion of Zoroasterism. In those texts, Ormazd had described Ravanna as the eternal enemy of gods and man under the name Ahriman. Several beliefs in the Avesta were adopted by the early Hebrews and Christians into the Torah and the Bible as well.

Assisted by his children, Ormazd helped to lead mortals to enlightenment. They became known as the Yazatas or Persian Gods of Earth. They have been at war with the Rakshasas from the underworld for millennia. They have been joined by several espoused Vedic Gods, such as Mithras and Agni, the fire god who became known as Atar in the Persian Empire. Despite their common origins, the Yazatas have had uneasy relations with the Hindu Gods as well and consider each other as distant rivals. Since the fall of the Persian Empire, there are not as many worshippers of Zoroasterism as there once was. Muslim belief became widespread through the area, now known as Iran, but Ormazd and the Yazatas still have worshippers in distant communities that still exist to the Twenty-First Century.

Ormazd's modern-day activities are not known. He has not appeared on earth since ancient times nor has he appeared to any of the other gods of earth in the face of recent threats to earth. His current whereabouts are unknown.

Height: 7' 2" Weight: 535 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Bald, Black in his youth

Strength Level: Ormazd possesses superhuman strength to an unknown degree. He is possibly as strong as such gods as Vishnu and Mithras who can lift (press) over a hundred tons without using their mystical powers.

Known Superhuman Powers: Ormazd possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Persian gods. Like all of the Yazatas, he is practically immortal: he has not aged since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Mithras, Brahma and Vishnu or for a number of Persian gods of equal power working together to revive him. Ormazd also possesses superhuman strength and his Yazata metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Yazata flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Persian Gods.)

Ormazd has extra-ordinary ability to tap into and manipulate mystical energies in a cosmic scale, such as in perceiving and preserving astral energies, commanding vast amounts of energy and moving between different levels of existence. His level of power and expertise is unknown, but he may be just as powerful as such deities as Vishnu, Odin and Zeus.

Comments: No disrespect is intended toward followers of Hinduism or Zoroasterism. I have great respect for these religions and this is my best effort to explain the convoluted details and aspects of two of the most respected religions of the world.

Clarifications: Ormazd is not to be confused with:

* Ormuz, Hyborian fire-god, ally of Kulan Gath, @ Conan: Flame and Fiend

VISHNU

Real Name: Vishnu Narayana

Occupation: Ruler of the Hindu Gods, god of heaven and creation

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of earth is unaware of Vishnu except as a mythological deity. He is well known in India.

Other Aliases: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha (mortal avatars), Asha (Persian name)

Place of Birth: Unrevealed

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Prajapati (possible father, possibly deceased), Gaea (mother alias Ammavaru), Brahma, Shiva (brothers), Lakshmi (wife), Parvati, Sarasvati, Ganga, Yamuna (sisters-in-law), Padma (daughter), Kama (son), Ratri (daughter-in-law), Jambavati (son by Ganga), Himavat (father-in-law), Mena (mother-in-law), Ganehsa, Skanda, Dharma (nephews), Kali (niece),

Group Affiliation: The Hindu gods, The Trimurti (Ruling Council of the Hindu gods), The Council Elite

Base of Operations: Vaikuntha in the dimension of Nirvana

First Appearance: (historical) Marvel Classic Comics #23: The Moonstone; (modern) Thor I #300

History: Vishnu is a member of an extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Daevas, a race of beings who worshipped as gods by the people of Ancient India. His exact origins are unknown, but according to ancient Dravidian myth, he is the son of the ancient earth-goddess, Ammavaru, who may be the primeval earth-goddess Gaea. (According to myth, she laid a great egg from which sprang Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. Vishnu and his brothers used the top of the egg to create the sky and the bottom half the earth itself.) In the Vedic pantheon, Gaea was known as Aditi, the earth mother, and progenitor of the Adityas, the Vedic Gods. Vishnu was worshipped as a very minor sun god in the Vedic Pantheon.

In his youth, Vishnu was a close friend of the Vedic thunder-god, Indra, but their friendship became estranged after Indra slew Vritra, a Naga, who was preventing rain to fall on Earth. Since Vritra and his family were allies of the gods against their demonic enemies known as the Rakshasas. Indra was punished when the gods agreed among themselves to sacrifice Airavata, his elephant-mount, that it's immortal life force could be used to return Shiva's son, Ganehsa, to life after the young god had accidentally been slain. (According to later myth, Airavata's head was given to replace that of Ganehsa's.)

The Rakshasas apparently used this incident to force their ruler, Ravanna, into godhood and place all the Vedic gods into subservient and menial roles with Vishnu becoming a mere steward. Ravanna, however, was given the choice by Brahma to either live through seven lives as a friend of Vishnu or through three lives as an enemy of Vishnu. Ravanna chose the first option in order to return to heaven faster. Vishnu meanwhile separated his life force from his physical body and sent his soul through several animal and mortal forms named avatars, mortal beings containing aspects of his godly essence and soul. While in each form, he chipped away at Ravanna's power and extent of influence until it was at its lowest point and the gods could retake their proper places in the universe. In his first avatar, he took the form of Matsya the fish and warned the mortal sage, Manu Satyavrata, to save himself and his family in a boat against an upcoming flood unleashed by Ravanna. In this incarnation, Ravanna had been born as Hiranya-kasipu, Ruler of the Rakshasas, who had caused the flood. In his second avatar, Vishnu became Kurma the tortoise and dove to the bottom of the ocean to rescue amrita, the foodstuff that bestowed the gods their immortality. In his third form as Varaha the boar-god, he carried a clod of earth above the waters to mystically restore the earth after the flood.

Hiranya-kasipu eventually sought a boon from Brahma for immortality to protect his life. The extent of this spell was that neither man nor beast could kill Hiranya-kasipu during the day or night either indoors or outdoors. Vishnu was reborn as Narasimha, the lion-god. Hiranya-kasipu persecuted his son, Prahlada, for being a follower of Vishnu, and as he attempted to slay him, Narasimha appeared and slew him by dragging into a doorway at twilight. Narasimha was successful in killing Hiranya-kasipu because he was neither man nor animal and had killed him in a doorway neither inside or out and at a time that was day or night.

Vishnu was later born as Vamana the dwarf god during the reign of Rakshasas King Bali, Prahlada’s grandson. Vamana was the son of Kasyapa and Aditi, the mother-goddess. In order to reclaim earth for the Devas, Vamana approached Bali during a sacrifice realizing he was oath bound to honor any wishes made during the sacrificial ritual. Bali reacted in opposition to the advice of his guru, who had discovered that Vamana was Vishnu in disguise. He foolishly consented to Vamana’s seemingly humble desire to claim all land he could claim within three strides. After being granted this wish, Vamana lifted his foot and suddenly grew in size to gigantic proportions and with his giant size increased the size of his strides. With one step he claimed the earth and with his second step he regained the heavens. His third step was upon Bali’s head, thus giving the Devas ownership of earth and heaven.

In his sixth avatar, Vishnu was reborn sometime in the 11th Century BC as Parashurama, the son of the mortal Jamadagni, a Brahmin. Parashurama became a great warrior who warred for twenty-one years to destroy the Kshatriya warrior-clan who had stolen the sacred cow, Kamadhenu, given to Jamadagni by the thunder-god Indra. He had one attribute that he never killed any married Kshatriya who was married, refusing to leave any woman a widow. Thus, two of the most important Kshatriya dynasties were spared, that of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya and King Janaka of Mithilda.

In his seventh and most important avatar, Vishnu was born as the hero Rama (Ramachandra), son of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya in the Tenth Century BC. The ideal character of the Hindu people, Rama was to be the heir to the throne of Ayodhya and his father decided to abdicate in his favor, but his step-mother, Kaikeya, exiles him instead in favor of her son, Bharat. Rama accepted the exile willingly, taking his brother, Lakshman, and his wife, Sita (the goddess Lakshmi in a mortal avatar) with him. Saddened by this turn of results, Dasaratha dies and Bharat asks Rama to return, but he has grown content with his meager existence. By now, Ravanna had been reborn once more as the king of the island of Ceylon. He kidnaps Sita and carries her back to Ceylon. Rama and his brothers obtain the help of King Sugriva and General Hanuman of the monkey-gods to invade Ceylon. Ravanna’s brother, Bibhashan, defects to fight on behalf of Rama who slays Ravanna and returns home to Ayodhya to rule as king. Unfortunately, the people cannot honor Sita for having lived among the Rakshasas even against her will and Rama reluctantly sends her away, his sons, Kusa and Lava, born in exile. Eventually, his sons return to Ayodhya and tell the passionate story of their parent’s life to Rama. He is so moved by their story that he and his followers allow Sita to return.

In his eighth avatar, Vishnu is born as the hero Krishna, son of King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki of Ayodhya in the 7th Century BC. In this form, he is the most beloved and most worshipped of the gods of India. Devaki was either the half-brother or cousin of Kamsa, the son of one of the Rakshasas. Kansa had heard a prophecy that he would be killed by a son of Devaki and had killed all her sons, but she saved Krishna by giving him to Nanda and Yasoda, a poor childless couple. Krishna was raised as a cow-herder, but he used his divine nature to slay many demons and monsters. He fell in love with Radha, his foster-sister, but he had several wives and lovers. He slew Kamsa as predicted and gained his place of nobility on the throne of Ayodhya by helping the Pandavas tribes to defeat their enemies, the Kauravas, with the help of Arjuna, the mortal son of Indra. After death, the body of Krishna was used to restore the god, Kama, to life after being slain by Shiva.

In his eight avatar, Vishnu was born as a Kshatriya prince named Siddharthra Gautama in the kingdom of Lumbini (now part of modern Nepal) in the Late Sixth Century BC. Deeply disillusioned by the cycles of birth, death and rebirth, he renounced his royal life heritage to live an ascetic existence. He recognized that all the world’s problems began with ignorance that resulted in failing to recognize what truly leads to happiness. Determined to transcend all suffering, he remained in meditation until he attained fulfillment and enlightenment. Eventually, he realized that the trappings of fortune caused misery to others and that being contented in one’s self would create contentment in others. As he sat in blissful contentment, the god Brahma approached and bowed to him. He begged Gautama to spread his teachings and indulge others in his preachings. Becoming the Buddha, Gautama became the founder of the Buddhist faith.

Vishnu held on to one last avatar after he departed earth; his tenth avatar, Kalki, is meant to appear on a white horse and waving a spear to herald the destruction of the world. He made his home on Vaikuntha, one of the cities in the heaven of Nirvana, considered the highest plane of existence that mortals could attain. Nirvana was connected to earth by a dimensional access point near Mount Meru, now named Mount Everest on Earth. He was identified with Asha, one of the Persian gods under Zorostasterism. A compassionate and beneficent deity, he had respect and reverence for his peers in the other pantheons of gods on earth. Around 1000 AD, Odin of the Asgardian Gods and Zeus of the gods of Olympus asked him to meet with the heads of the other races of gods who were at were once worshipped by mortals to discuss the threat of the Third Host of the Celestials. Odin, Zeus and Vishnu went to confront the Third Host of the Celestials on behalf of all the Earth’s gods. However, they had to pledge not to interfere with the plans the Celestials had with humanity after the Celestials threatened to seal off the gods’ interdimensional passageways connecting the gods’ dimensions with earth. As a result of this pledge, the Hindu gods had to lessen their trafficking with earth, although certain gods like Indra and Surya have spent times cavorting with mortals. The Fourth Host of the Celestials would decide to spare earth from destruction. The life forces of the Asgardians were used to animate the Destroyer to confront the Celestials, but were lost after the destruction of the Destroyer. Vishnu had made a vow to Odin to volunteer the required life energies to revive the Asgardians and Thor who was not present on Asgard when the Asgardians volunteered their life-energies visited Nirvana to obtain the required energies.

Vishnu continued to meet with the other godheads as part of the Council Elite several more times when more cosmic threats threatened the earth. On one occasion, he sent Indra to help Thor engage Demogorge along with several other warrior gods. They also gathered to debate the threat Thanos posed with the Infinity Gauntlet and the return of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaton as a cosmic being. After Odin’s seeming death, Vishnu and the godheads called Thor before the Council Elite to be tested for his worthiness to join their ranks as a replacement for Odin, but he failed the tests which Shiva had called.

In recent years, Cronus, one of the extra-dimensional race of beings known as the Titans, escaped Tartarus and claimed Olympus, the home of the Olympian Gods, by putting out the Promethean flame and turning the gods of Olympus into stone. He then set his sights by claiming Nirvana by ascending Mount Mandara in the Himalayas on earth and following its interdimensional access point into Nirvana. In order to defeat Vishnu and the Hindu gods, he gained favor from Ravanna and helped the Rakshasas lay siege to Nirvana, casting Vishnu and several Hindu gods to earth. However, Wonder Woman, one of the mortal champions of the Olympian gods, challenged Cronus by appealing to Gaea, the ancestor of all of earth’s gods. Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma vanquished Cronus and reclaimed Nirvana to drive out the Rakshasas.

Height: 7' 2" Weight: 475 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Black

Unusual physical features: In his true godly appearance, Vishnu has four arms and blue skin.

Strength Level: Vishnu possesses superhuman strength in the Class 100 range enabling him to lift (press) well over 100 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Vishnu possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Devas or Hindu gods. Like all Devas, he is virtually immortal: he has aged at an exceptionally slow rate since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Varuna, Mitra, Brahma or Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Vishnu also possesses superhuman strength and his Deva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Deva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Vishnu also has exceptional power to tap into and manipulate the cosmic and mystical energies of the universe on an infinite scale. His exact level of power is unknown, but his prowess has been challenged by both Brahma and Shiva; since neither of them can agree on who is more powerful, they share equal control over the Hindu gods, ensuring that no one is truly ascendant over the other. Vishnu can control the weather, create fields of energy, imbue mystical attributes in physical objects and living things and attain a level of transcendental existence that his spirit can attain higher consciousness and live through other lifetimes, capable of returning to his own body later without any dire results. He can change his appearance and form, becoming Matsya the fish, Kurma the turtle-god and even a goddess named Mohini. As Vamana the dwarf-god, he could grown into a gigantic stature, attaining a cosmic scale that he could virtually tread the earth without causing earthquakes or resulting in atmospheric disasters to the biosphere of the planet. His physical stamina and endurance is impervious to harm, enabling him to hold entire mountains on his shoulders and support the pressure and weight of entire realms. The full range of his mystical powers have yet to be revealed.

Abilities: Vishnu is a beneficent and eloquent deity tempered by centuries of existing in both mortal and immortal forms experiencing the heights of royalty and the underside of suffering. He is a sympathetic and intellectual deity tempered by philosophy and wisdom. As Parashurama and Rama, he was a warrior of incredible prowess, and as Krishna, he was a caring and loving monarch. As Buddha, he learned transcendental meditation to acquire a higher level of existence to attain enlightenment and self-discovery.

Weapons: Vishnu carries a discus and a mace as well as a sword called Nadaka and a bow named Sarnga.

Pets/Transportation: Vishnu tends to travel by means of two mounts, Garuda the bird god, or by Vasuki, the cobra-god, who was son of the serpent-god, Vritra. During his mortal avatar as Rama, Vasuki was reborn as Ananta from the body of Bala-Rama, brother of Krishna. He was also known as Shesha.

Base of Operations: Vishnu presides within the dimension of Nirvana, considered the highest plane of existence that mortals can attain. Nirvana is connected to earth by a dimensional access point near Mount Meru, now named Mount Everest on Earth adjacent to nearby Mount Mandara. It is connected to a number of other worlds such as Patala, the Hindu underworld reserved as a land of the dead. The main land mass in Nirvana resembles Ancient India at its height without mortal or European influence and is separated into several domains and provinces such as Vaikunthia, Kailasa, Amaravati, Swarga and Ceylon, the home of the monkey-gods ruled by King Sugriva. Other races of beings exist here in addition to the Devas and Monkey-gods including the Nagas (Danavas), the ancient serpent-gods and allies of the Devas, the Rakshasas (Daitayas) who are eternal enemies of the gods and the Yakshas (Kravyads), Rakshasa that have degenerated into a demonic status and who consume other beings. Other gods known to exist in Nirvana are the Yazatas (Persian gods) and the Asuras, former Adityas who have no power or influence in the current Hindu pantheon.

The use of the Hindu Gods and Shiva, one of the major gods of Hindu belief, and his defeat and/or reconciliation with Thor, did not sit well with numerous Hindu-Americans. Afterward, the Hindu gods in the Marvel Universe were reduced to cameo roles to prevent further embarrassment or possibly offending more Hindu-Americans.

Hindu religion also does not provide very much in the sense of relatives and family ties as say Western European myth does for its deities. Hence, Vishnu's relatives come from the Vedic description of the character. Ammavaru is a very ancient deity from north of Madras in India who was credited with being the mother of Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva.

In Balinese Hinduism, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu were three aspects of one god named Sang Hyang Wasa, a being so great that he could not grasp a human form.

Clarifications: Vishnu is not to be confused with:

*

Vishnu, Victor Norman, member of the Nest, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual #1

''YAMA '' Real Name: Yama Dharma

Occupation: Ruler of Patala, God of the dead

Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana

Identity: The general populace of earth is unaware of Yama except as a mythological figure.

Other Aliases: Pitripati, Dakshinapatis, Antaka

Place of Birth: Unrevealed

Marital Status: Married

Known Relatives: Surya (father); Saranyu (mother), Tvashtri (grandfather/uncle), Indra, Agni, Vayu (uncles); Ratri, Ushas (aunts), Chhaya (maternal aunt); Indu, Chandra (alias Soma) (half-brothers); Yamunda (sister/wife, alias Yami); Dyaus (grandfather); Prithivi (grandmother);

Group Membership: The Gods of India (The Daevas) and Vedic Gods (Adityas), member of an unnamed cabal of underworld gods

Base of Operations: Patala

First Appearance: Thor Annual #10

History: Yama is a member of the Adityas, an extra-dimensional race of beings who were once worshipped by the old Dravidian and Aryan tribes of Eastern Europe. The Adityas were overthrown by a race of demons known as the Rakshasas who were in turn overthrown by the Devas, descendants of the Adityas lead by the gods Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. Vishnu and his brothers were part of the ascendant Hindu religion that replaced the worship of the old Vedic gods; any Vedic deities who lost his worship rites were called Asuras. Under the new Hindu religion, mortal souls were not taken to the underworld anymore and were reincarnated in new lives as per the kind of person they were in life. If a good person died, they returned in a higher position while those of evil intent returned as a lower life form. The truly evil were imprisoned in the underworld of Patala where Yama stood guard over the imprisoned Rakshasas. In Hinduism, Yama was revered as an embodiment of law and judged over souls that entered his realm, deciding where they should go after death. A minor god named Chitragupta assisted him by keeping an account of the welfare of mortals deciding on where mortals were assigned.

Yama is the son of the sun god, Surya Vivasvat, one of the Adityas who survived into the Hindu pantheon, and brother of Chandra, who became Soma, the wine-god. He took the goddess Yamuna as his wife, but some myths claim she was also his sister.

Over several centuries, Yama became annoyed by the lack of regular and steady new subjects and entered into an unholy alliance with six other gods of the dead to unite their realms. Their dark ritual, however, released a primal entity known as Demogorge the God Eater from the dawn of time who consumed him believing him to be a degenerated god. Yama was rescued by a number of warrior gods lead by Thor of the Asgardians god. Humiliated after his experience, Yama broke off and severed connections with the other gods of the dead rather than incur further indignation.

His current activities are unknown.

Height: 7’ 0”

Weight: 345 lbs.

Eyes: Green

Hair: Black

Unusual Physical Features: In his true godly form, Yama has green skin.

Strength Level: Yama possesses the normal strength level of a male Daevas of his size, height and build who engages in extensive physical exercises; his exact strength level is unknown, but he can lift (press) about 35 tons under optimal conditions.

Known Superhuman Powers: Yama possesses the conventional physical attributes of the Daevas or Hindu gods. Like all Daevas, he is extremely long-lived, but he is not immortal like the Olympian gods. He has aged at an extremely slow rate since reaching adulthood and cannot die by any conventional means. He is immune to all Earthly diseases and is resistant to conventional injury. If he were somehow wounded, his godly life force would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules to cause him a physical death. Even then, it might be possible for a god of significant power, such as Varuna, Mitra, Vishnu or Shiva or for a number of Hindu gods of equal power working together to revive him. Yama also possesses superhuman strength and his Daeva metabolism provides him with far greater than human endurance in all physical activities. (Daeva flesh and bone is about three times as dense as similar human tissue, contributing to the superhuman strength and weight of the Hindu gods.)

Yama also has latent mystical powers occult in nature such as the ability to conjure hellfire. He could cast physical illusions isolated only to the specific senses of certain mortals such as when he gave the mortal Muslim warrior Mahdi a fiery sword without any true power.

Pets: Yama owns Sarameyau, a dog of indiscernible breed spawned from Sarama, the dog of Indra, to stand guard at the gates of the underworld. Yama also often rides upon a huge black buffalo.

Base of Operations: Yama presides in Yamalya, a division of the other-dimensional realm of Patala set aside for the souls of those mortals who have died. Yama presiding within a palace named Sanjeevani built by Tvastri, the architect god. The structure has three doors so that the shades of mortals passing through cannot see the place of judgment to which they are assigned. The Vaitamee river which circles the edifice was enchanted by Agni, the fire-god, to give harmless passage to the pious who swim through it while beings of evil intent suffer torments and pangs while crossing its boiling water. All spirits who enter Patala are required to swim this river to reach their place of judgment. Souls who are good in life are restored to new life on earth according to the lives they lead in life; sinners are cast into the pit of Patala ruled by Ravanna and the Rakshasas, demonic enemies of the gods.

Comments: The majority of the gods of myth have a race name that identifies their pantheons. Just as the Greek-Roman gods are Olympians and the Norse-Scandinavian gods are Asgardians, the Hindu-Persian gods of the Middle East are usually called Daevas (an old Vedic word meaning “deities”). These group names do not always come from their perspective realms. The Egyptian gods are usually called the Ennead rather than Heliopolitians (it was Marvel Comics who identified the realm of the Egyptian gods as Heliopolis), but “Ennead” is more a much more aesthetic term. Likewise, the Celtic Gods are called the Tuatha de Danaan (or just “Danaans”) because it means "Children of Danu." Danu was the Celtic Gaea and ancestor of the Celtic Gods.

Clarifications: Yama should not be confused with:

*

Yama, ruler of a hellish underworld, @ Savage Sword of Conan #59, *

Yama, a follower of Prince Wayfinder, @ Micronauts I #31 *

Yama Dharma, Dr. Jan Maarshall, member of the Nest, @ Marvel Team-Up Annual #1

The Compete Informations About The Fact : Exorcism
Exorcism Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkizein - to adjure) is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed (taken control of). The practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many religions. The person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the clergy, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc.. The exorcist invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore practitioners regard exorcism more as a cure than as a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence[1]. History The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and were widespread, and may have originated in prehistoric Shamanistic beliefs. The Christian New Testament includes exorcism among the miracles performed by Jesus. Because of this precedent, demonic possession was part of the belief system of Christianity since its beginning, and exorcism is still a recognized practice of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and some Protestant sects. The Church of England also has an official exorcist in each diocese. [2] After the enlightenment, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased, especially in western society. Generally, in the 20th century its use was found mainly in Eastern Europe and Africa, with some cases gaining media coverage; Anneliese Michel is perhaps the most recent of these. This is due mainly to the study of psychology and the functioning and structure of the human mind. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of mental illness, and are handled as such. However in 1973 the movie The Exorcist came out, and the idea of Exorcisms became thrust into the limelight. After its release a very large response came from the public in the United States and Europe, and belief in Demon Possession and Exorcisms found a place in contemporary society. Belief in the validity of the practice became less of a radical idea, and more widespread.[3] Painting by Francisco Goya of Saint Francis Borgia performing an exorcism. Roman Catholicism The belief in Roman Catholicism is that opposed to Baptism or Confession, Exorcism is one ritual that isn't a sacrament. The difference is that "its integrity and efficacy do not depend...on the rigid use of an unchanging formula or on the ordered sequence of prescribed actions. Its efficacy depends on two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist."[4] That being said, Catholic Exorcism is still one of the most rigid and organized of all existing exorcism rituals. Solemn exorcisms, according to the Canon law of the church, can be exercised only by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, or sacrilege. The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, although the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be an incredibly dangerous spiritual task; the ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free-will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications. Other formulas may have been used in the past, such as the Benedictine Vade retro satana. In the modern era, the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play. In mild cases the Chaplet of Saint Michael should be used. [edit] Anglicanism In 1974, the Church of England set up the "Deliverance Ministry". As part of its creation every diocese in the country was equipped a team trained in both exorcism and psychiatry. According to its representatives most cases brought before it have conventional explanations and actual exorcisms are quite rare, though sometimes blessings are given to people for psychological reasons. [2] In The Episcopal Church the Book of Occasional Services discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist". [5] Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican exorcisms sometimes take the form of a mass for the dead if it is suspected that the souls suffering in Purgatory are responsible for the disturbance. Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan (regional) bishop. Is not usually performed unless the bishop and his team of specialists (including a psychiatrist and physician) has approved it. [edit] Protestant denominations Some Protestant denominations also recognize possession and exorcism, although the practice is generally less formalized than it is in the Catholic Church. The Methodist Church also has appointed people in place for use in such circumstances[6]. While some denominations perform exorcism very sparingly and cautiously, some may perform it almost routinely, as part of regular religious services (especially Pentecostal denominations). Psychiatrist M. Scott Peck researched exorcisms (initially in an effort to disprove demonic possession), and claims to have conducted two himself. He concluded that the Christian concept of possession was a genuine phenomenon. He derived diagnostic criteria somewhat different from those used by the Roman Catholic Church. He also claimed to see differences in exorcism procedures and progression. After his experiences and in an attempt to get his research validated he has attempted to get the psychiatric community to add the definition of "Evil" to the DSMIV[7]. [edit] Deliverance In the less formalized sections of Protestant denominations the ritual can take many forms and belief structures, especially in Charismatic movement. The most common of these is the Deliverance ceremony. This differs from the exorcism ceremony by the fact that the Devil may have gotten a foothold, into a persons life rather than gaining complete control if complete control has been gained a full fledged exorcism is necessary. However a "spirit filled Christian" can not be possessed based on their beliefs. Within this belief structure the reasons for the devil to get a foothold are usually explained to be some sort of deviation from theological doctrine or because of pre-conversion activities (like dealing with the occult) [8] [9] The method for determining if a person needs a Deliverance is done by having someone present who has the gift of Discernments of Spirits. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit from Cor. 1:12 that allows a person to "sense" in some way an evil presence[10]. While the initial diagnosis is usually uncontested by the congregation, when many people are endowed with this gift in a single congregation results may vary[11]. Fr. Gabriele Amorth references these people calling them "seers and Sensitives" and uses them on many occasions. they have the ability to detect an evil presence. He notes however that "They are not always right: their "feelings" must be checked out." In his examples they are able to detect the events that caused the Demon to enter, or are able to discover the evil object that has cursed the individual. He notes that "they are always Humble."[12]

[edit] Exorcism in Christianity [edit] Jesus In Christianity, Exorcisms are performed using the "power of Christ" or "In the name of Jesus." This is founded in the belief that Jesus commanded his followers to expel evil spirits in his name(Matthew 10:1,Matthew 10:8; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:110:17),(Mark 16:17). According to the Catholic Encyclopedia article on Exorcism: Jesus cast out demons as a sign of his Messiahship and empowered his disciples to do the same[13]. The Jewish Encyclopedia article on Jesus stated that Jesus "was devoted especially to casting out demons" and also believed that he passed this on to his followers, however he was superior to them in the Exorcisms."[14] In the time of Jesus, non-New Testament Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or other by making sacrifices. (Josephus, "B. J." vii. 6, § 3; Sanh. 65b). They do not report of Jesus being an exorcist, but do mention that exorcisms were done by the Essene branch of Judaism (Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran). [edit] Exorcism in Judaism In kabbalah and European Jewish folklore (which does not believe in possession by demons), possession takes on a different (and often much more positive) context. A person may be possessed by a spirit called a dybbuk — which is believed to be the dislocated soul of a dead person, returned from Gehenna (a Hebrew term for the in between world or purgatory that all spirits go to before entering heaven. It literally refers to the valley outside Jeruselem where the city's garbage and dead bodies were burned. The word later came to mean "the valley of dead", and became very loosely translated as "hell" by later Christian researchers). According to those beliefs, on rare occasions a soul which has not been able to fulfill its function in its lifetime is given another opportunity to do so in the form of a dybbuk. The soul then seeks out and "attaches" itself to a living person who is going through things or in a similar "life position" to what the soul was in during its lifetime. It is believed there are good dybbuks and bad, with a good dybbuk's "attachment" performing more the role of a "spiritual guide" there to help the person through their current trials and tribulations that the soul was attracted to. These "good" possessions are usually referred to as a 'sod ha'ibbur. In the case of a negative dybbuk, the spirit is not there to help as much as cause the same mistakes and chaos that it originally experienced during its own lifetime. In the case of exorcism, there are generally two types - though both take on a much less negative confrontational manner than in the Christian context. Briefly, the first involves a non-invasive approach (which generally is applied to the non-negative type of attachment but can be used in both) and involves treating the person and attached entity as a whole. Helping "him" to identify his goal or path in life (his true identity and purpose) and guiding them along it. In the case of a positive attachment, the spirit will leave when the "path" or purpose is significantly engrained and pursued. In the case of a negative, the pursuant of the "path" keeps it in check and eventually causes it to lose its connection (sometimes referred to as the "void" in the host) thereby forcing it to move on. The second approach is a little more confrontational, but still far less than those commonly seen in Christian rites. It involves 10 people (including the rabbi) who surround the possessed individual. Each person (including the rabbi leading the ritual) represents the 10 kabbalistic sephirot. The rabbi that leads the ceremony also requires a shofar, which is interestingly used in a manner similar to the bell in Buddhist and other east Asian meditative practices. The group repeatedly recites Psalm 91 and then the rabbi proceeds to blow the shofar in a specific pattern. This "shocks" both the possessed and the possessor, causing a loosening between the two enabling the addressing of each individually. The rabbi then enters in to dialogue with the spirit to find its purpose, and the group proceeds to heal it through dialogue and prayer meant to have it feel it has accomplished its goal. This is also done for the possessed. As Rabbi Gershon Winkler puts it: "We don't drive anything out of anybody. What we want to do is to heal the soul that's possessing and heal the person. It's all about healing -- we do the ceremony on behalf of both people." [edit] Exorcism in Hinduism Beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in south. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the spells described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Basic means of exorcism are mantra and yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions. Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana reading of 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water of holy rivers and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices. Main Vedic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana. [edit] Exorcism in Scientology Scientology believes that foreign beings known as Body Thetans have clustered themselves around a person and cause them confusion. It is the goal of Scientology to remove these beings from a person. On Scientology advanced level "OT3," "body thetans" are exorcised using a complicated technique. Body thetan exorcism, with a simpler technique, is revisited on advanced level "OT5," also known as "New Era Dianetics for Operating Thetans."[15] after these levels (which are used to accomplish other goals as well, not just an "exorcism" for Body Thetans) you are supposed to be free from the BT's influence. [edit] Exorcism in Islam Possession by jinn or the Devil (Shaitan) and exorcism of those who are wicked at heart is warned about in Islam since its beginning. It is believed that jinn can gain control only over those who do not hold true to God. According to Islamic scholars, "The Jinn enters the one seized by fits and causes him to speak incomprehensible words, unknown to himself; if the one seized by fits is struck a blow sufficient to kill a camel, he does not feel it." (ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo al-Fatawa.) Islamic clergy caution against the overuse of exorcism, citing that most cases are due to psychological and physical causes mistaken for possession. Real cases of possession are very rare and the faithful are warned to watch out for exorcists who encourage a diagnosis of possession too quickly, as they may merely be seeking profit. Islamic authorities also deny the possibility of possession by souls of deceased persons, and warn that evil spirits may make this claim in order to encourage sinful behavior among the living. [edit] Exorcism in the Qur'an and Sunnah There is no explicit statement in the Qur'an referring to possession by jinn. The closest is the following Qu'ranic verse which compares the state of sinners on the Day of Judgment to the state of those made insane by the Devil: “	Those who eat Ribâ (usury or interest) will not stand (on the day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Trading is only like Ribâ,' whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns to Ribâ, such are the dwellers of the Fire -- they will abide therein. (Qur'an (Yusufali tr.), al-Baqara, 275)	” Some cite this verse as proof against Muslims who deny the possibility of jinn possession. There are also Sunnah (traditional statements that are not part of the Qur'an) about the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers expelling evil beings from the bodies of believers by using verses from the Qur'an and supplications to Allah. This example is related by Ya'la ibn Murah: “	I saw Allah's Messenger (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) do three things which no one before or after me saw. I went with him on a trip. On the way, we passed by a woman sitting at the roadside with a young boy. She called out, 'O Messenger of Allah, this boy is afflicted with a trial, and from him we have also been afflicted with a trial. I don't know how many times per day he is seized by fits.' He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) said: 'Give him to me.' So she lifted him up to the Prophet. He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) then placed the boy between himself and the middle of the saddle, opened the boy's mouth and blew in it three times, saying, 'In the name of Allah, I am the slave of Allah, get out, enemy of Allah!' Then he gave the boy back to her and said: 'Meet us on our return at this same place and inform us how he has fared.' We then went. On our return, we found her in the same place with three sheep. When he said to her, 'How has your son fared?' She replied: 'By the One who sent you with the truth, we have not detected anything (unusual) in his behavior up to this time.... (Musnad Ahmad (vol: 4, p. 170), and al-Haakim, who declared it Saheeh)	” [edit] On the nature of jinn In Islamic belief, jinn are intelligent creatures. Much like human beings, they have free will to choose between right and wrong. While a jinni may possess a human for pure wickedness, it may also do it for other reasons. Shaikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah suggests that a jinni may do it in order to experience the physical world, for reasons of desire or love. In this case, a jinni may not have a malicious intent, or may be unaware of the harm it is causing. A jinni might also use possession for revenge. Jinn are said to be quick to anger, especially when they believe themselves to have been purposely harmed (since jinn are usually invisible to humans, a person can accidentally injure a jinni). [edit] Faiths opposing exorcism In Sikhism, exorcism is not permitted and is seen as a violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct), since Sikhs do not believe in demons, ghosts, or the sort. If a Sikh person were to be found practising exorcism, an ordained Ghiyanhi (priest) would have the power to strip that individual of any ties to the Sikh faith. This anti-exorcism stance separates Sikhism from what are viewed as the exorcism rituals of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, and Shintoism. Also Jainism does not believe in exorcism. [edit] Notable exorcisms Salvador Dali is reputed to have received an exorcism from Italian friar, Gabriele Maria Berardi, while he was in France in 1947. [16] Dali created a sculpture of Christ on the cross which he gave the friar in thanks. [17] According to a New York Post article of 19 February 2002, John Paul II personally performed three exorcisms during his tenure as pope. The first exorcism was performed on a woman in 1982. His second was in September 2000 when he performed the rite on a 19-year-old woman who had become enraged in St Peter's Square. A year later, in September 2001, he performed an exorcism on a 20-year-old woman. [Citation_needed] Anneliese Michel was a Catholic woman from Germany who was said to be possessed by six or more demons and subsequently underwent an exorcism in 1975. Two motion pictures, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem are loosely based on Anneliese's story. A boy identified by the pseudonym "Roland Doe" was the subject of an exorcism in 1949, which became the subject of The Exorcist, a horror novel and later film written by William Peter Blatty. Blatty heard about the case while he was a student in the class of 1950 at Georgetown University. The exorcism was partially performed in both Cottage City, Maryland [18]http://www.strangemag.com/exorcistpage1.html and Bel-Nor, Missouri [19] by Father William S. Bowdern, S.J. and a then Jesuit scholastic Fr. Walter Halloran, S.J. [20] [edit] Scientific view on Exorcism The Roman Ritual of Exorcism cautions the priest to look for signs of mental and physical possession and the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play and employs mental health and medical professionals to rule out physical or mental causes before giving authorization. Many mental illnesses have been treated as Demon Possession, and show signs that are interpreted as such. Demonic possession is not a valid psychiatric or medical diagnosis recognized by either the DSM-IV or the ICD-10. Those who profess a belief in demonic possession have sometimes ascribed the symptoms associated with mental illnesses such as hysteria, mania, psychosis, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder to possession.[21][22][23] In cases of dissociative identity disorder in which the alter personality is questioned as to its identity, 29% are reported to identify themselves as demons.[24] There is, however, a mental disease called demonomania or demonopathy. This is a monomania in which the patient believes that he or she is possessed by one or more demons. Medicine can explain some aspects of the "symptoms" shown by those persons allegedly possessed: it is known that "supernatural strength" is common in some cases of insanity (mania, energumens, etc.).[citation needed] The fact that exorcism works on people experiencing symptoms of possession is attributed to placebo effect and the power of suggestion.[25] Some supposedly possessed persons are actually narcissists or are suffering from low self-esteem and act a "demon possessed person" in order to gain attention.[26] In 1994 an Indian man living in Britain explained his criminal behavior as ghost possession. Exorcisms failed to help. Psychiatrists' diagnosis was: dissociative state and/or paranoid schizophrenia. Patient was treated with trifluoperazine and clopenthixol and the supposed ghost possession has ended.[27] [edit] Exorcism-related deaths Exorcism and other forms of spiritual healing have been related to abuse[1]and have been known to cause considerable physical harm to the exorcee, particularly when it is performed by those who believe that exorcism is necessarily a violent process. Some of the most notorious recent cases are listed below. •	Anneliese Michel (September 21, 1952 - June 30, 1976) was a German college student who died after an exorcism. Her parents and the two Bavarian priests who carried out the exorcism were later convicted. The movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem were based on her story. •	Kyung-A Ha was beaten to death in 1995 in San Francisco, California by members of the Jesus-Amen Ministries. •	Kyung Jae Chung died in 1996 in Glendale, California from blunt-force trauma inflicted by her husband (a reverend) and members of the Glendale Korean Methodist Church. •	Charity Miranda was suffocated with a plastic bag in 1998 in Sayville, New York by her mother and sister during a Cuban Voodoo exorcism ritual. •	Korean woman Joanna Lee died in early December 2001 during a violent and prolonged exorcism performed in Auckland, New Zealand by Korean church minister Luke Lee. Her decomposing body was prayed over for several days before authorities were notified. During his subsequent trial, Luke Lee claimed that Joanna Lee would rise from the dead in a few days. Lee was imprisoned but has appealed the conviction. •	Terrance Cottrell Jr., an eight-year-old autistic child, died of asphyxiation in 2003 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during an exorcism carried out by members of the Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, in an attempt to expel the boy's demons. The coroner ruled that the boy died "due to external chest compression" as the part-time pastor lay on top of him. On July 10, 2004, the pastor was convicted of child abuse. •	In 2005, Maricica Irina Cornici, a 23 year old Romanian nun, who had previously received treatment for schizophrenia, heard voices telling her she was sinful. She was subjected to an unauthorised exorcism allegedly conducted by 29-year-old Daniel Petre Corogeanu, an Orthodox monk of the Holy Trinity convent in the nearby village of Tanacu. Cornici was bound to a cross, gagged with a towel, and left in a cold, dark room without food or water for three days.[28]Initially it was believed that she died of suffocation and dehydration during the exorcism. However an autopsy carried out on the exhumed body showed that she died of an adrenaline overdose mistakenly administered by a medic.[[29] •	In 2007, a 3-year-old girl in Phoenix, Arizona was hospitalized after being choked by her grandfather, Ronald Marquez, during an exorcism. Police are investigating "other possible abuses" and potential criminal charges against the mother, who has not been arrested, but found bloody and naked chanting "something that was religious in nature" while the child crying, screaming, and gasping was held in a headlock, squeezed, and choked by the woman's father.[30] The man was eventually subdued by police officers with a stun gun after a struggle and arrested. He initially appeared normal, but stopped breathing at the scene and could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.[31] •	In March 1992, in Oldham, UK, Kauser Bashir, a 20-year-old woman who had a history of mental illness was claimed as being possessed and beaten to death by two Muslim holy men - Mohammed Bashir (no relation) and Nourani Sayeed. With the family's consent, the exorcism performed on her lasted 8 days. She died whilst being starved of food and sleep for eight days. She was made to eat chili powder, suffered 17 broken ribs, a broken breastbone and was cut three times between her breasts. The two men were later convicted and imprisoned with life sentences. On the same date exactly 14 years later the murder victim’s father, Mohammed Bashir dosed in petrol burnt himself to death - at exactly the same location.[32] •	In November 2007, New Zealand woman Janet Moses died after a prolonged exorcism of a matuku (a Maori curse). Moses apparently died from waterlogging in the presence of 40 extended family members. Moses'cousin was later admitted to hospital with severe gouges to her eyes and bruising after another exorcism, when family members attacked her to remove a 'devil' which they saw in her eyes.[33] •	In February 2008, Susan Kay Clark died after her husband performed an exorcism on her. Her husband, Jan David Clark also claimed the demon entered his body while he was holding his wife down and made him kill her.[34][35] [edit] Exorcism in Popular Culture Exorcism has been a popular subject in fiction, especially horror. •	The Dybbuk (1914 play by S. Ansky) •	The Exorcist (1971 novel by William Peter Blatty) •	The Exorcist (1973 and 2000 movies), and its sequels and prequels, were inspired by Catholic exorcism ritual and folklore. •	House of Exorcism (1975 movie directed by Mario Bava) •	Repossessed (1990 comic movie starring Linda Blair and Leslie Nielsen) •	Quest for Turth (1992 film documenting exorcisms and faith healings) Richard Rossi •	Possessed' (1994 Book: Version of the actual events depicted in The Exorcist by T. Allen) Isbn: 0595132642 •	Of Love And Other Demons (1995 novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez) •	The Biggest Douche in the Universe (2002 South Park Television episode) •	Exorcism (2003 movie directed by William A. Baker) •	Kya Dark Lineage (2003 video game) •	Constantine (2005 movie) is based on the DC/Vertigo comic book Hellblazer. •	The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005 movie) was inspired by the Anneliese Michel case. •	Requiem (2006 German-language movie by Hans-Christian Schmid) is based on the Anneliese Michel case. •	An American Haunting (2006 movie) •	Blackwater Valley Exorcism (2006 movie) •	The Devil You Know (2006 novel by Mike Carey) •	D.Gray-man (2006 Japanese animation series by Hoshino Katsura) •	The VAXorcist (1991 script by Christopher Russell) •	Bhool Bhulaiya (2007 Hindi movie - The lead female actress heard the story of a spirit of a love deranged courtesan hell-bent on killing all kings and their heirs, because a king, whom she entertained, killed her lover - a dancer and courtesan. On hearing this story she developed Dissociative Personality Disorder & was routinely taken over by the personality of the dancer or more precisely the vindictive spirit of the dancer, trying desperately to kill the present king, who is actually her beloved husband.) •	A Haunting Shows true stories many involving demons and exorcisms Stigmata (1999 film starring Patricia Arquette and Gabriel Bryne) •	    Grudge 2 (2006 English movie; Director - Takashi Shimizu; written by - Stephen Susco,Takashi Shimizu (movie Ju-On: the Grudge); In Tokyo, a young woman (Tamblyn) is exposed to the same mysterious curse that afflicted her sister (Gellar). The supernatural force, which fills a person with rage before spreading to its next victim, brings together a group of previously unrelated people who attempt to unlock its secret to save their lives. In a particular chapter of this movie shown a exorcism did by a very old woman to her 18 - 22 year old girl (who became the main ghost in the movie) in flashback which describe a strong and very dangerous demonic possession for cure other affected people who were attacked by demons.)

RITE FOR EXORCISM

The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and implore God's help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water. After this he kneels and says the Litany of the Saints, exclusive of the prayers which follow it. All present are to make the responses.

LITANY OF THE SAINTS

The Litany of the Saints is used in ordination, Forty Hours', processions, and other occasions. Both the Roman Ritual and the Roman Pontifical direct that the first three invocations be repeated. The music for this litany is given in the music supplement. The invocations are sung (or recited) by the chanters or the priest; the responses by all.

P:  Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

P:  Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy.

P:  Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

P:  Christ, hear us. All: Christ, graciously hear us.

P:  God, the Father in heaven. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  God, the Son, Redeemer of the world. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  God, the Holy Spirit. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  Holy Trinity, one God. All: Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us,*


 * After each invocation: "Pray for us."

Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, All holy angels and archangels, All holy orders of blessed spirits, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, All holy patriarchs and prophets, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthew, St. Simon, St. Thaddeus, St. Matthias, St. Barnabas, St. Luke, St. Mark, All holy apostles and evangelists, All holy disciples of the Lord, All holy Innocents, St. Stephen, St. Lawrence, St. Vincent, SS. Fabian and Sebastian, SS. John and Paul, SS. Cosmas and Damian, SS. Gervase and Protase, All holy martyrs, St. Sylvester, St. Gregory, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Martin, St. Nicholas, All holy bishops and confessors, All holy doctors, St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Dominic, St. Francis, All holy priests and levites, All holy monks and hermits, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Agatha, St. Lucy, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St. Catherine, St. Anastasia, All holy virgins and widows,

P:  All holy saints of God, All: Intercede for us.

P:  Be merciful, All: Spare us, 0 Lord.

P:  Be merciful, All: Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.

From all evil, deliver us, 0 Lord.*


 * After each invocation: "Deliver us, 0 Lord."

From all sin, From your wrath, From sudden and unprovided death, From the snares of the Devil, From anger, hatred, and all ill will, From all lewdness, From lightning and tempest, From the scourge of earthquakes, From plague, famine, and war, From everlasting death, By the mystery of your holy incarnation, By your coming, By your birth, By your baptism and holy fasting, By your cross and passion, By your death and burial, By your holy resurrection, By your wondrous ascension, By the coming of the Holy, Spirit, the Advocate, On the day of judgment,

P:  We sinners, All: We beg you to hear us.*


 * After each invocation: "We beg you to hear us."

That you spare us, That you pardon us, That you bring us to true penance, That you govern and preserve your holy Church, That you preserve our Holy Father and all ranks in the Church

in holy religion,

That you humble the enemies of holy Church, That you give peace and true concord to all Christian rulers. That you give peace and unity to the whole Christian world, That you restore to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from

the truth, and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,

That you confirm and preserve us in your holy service, That you lift up our minds to heavenly desires, That you grant everlasting blessings to all our benefactors, That you deliver our souls and the souls of our brethren, relatives, and

benefactors from everlasting damnation,

That you give and preserve the fruits of the earth, That you grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, That you graciously hear us, Son of God,

At the end of the litany he (the priest) adds the following:

P:  Antiphon:  Do not keep in mind, 0 Lord, our offenses or those of our parents,

nor take vengeance on our sins.

P:  Our Father the rest inaudibly until

P:  And lead us not into temptation. All: But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 53

P:  God, by your name save me, * and by your might defend my cause. All: God, hear my prayer; * hearken to the words of my mouth.

P:  For haughty men have risen up against me, and fierce men seek my life; *

they set not God before their eyes.

All: See, God is my helper; * the Lord sustains my life.

P:  Turn back the evil upon my foes; * in your faithfulness destroy them. All: Freely will I offer you sacrifice; * I will praise your name, Lord, for its goodness,

P:  Because from all distress you have rescued me, * and my eyes look down upon my enemies. All: Glory be to the Father.

P:  As it was in the beginning.

After the psalm the priest continues:

P:  Save your servant. All: Who trusts in you, my God.

P:  Let him (her) find in you, Lord, a fortified tower. All: In the face of the enemy.

P:  Let the enemy have no power over him (her). All: And the son of iniquity be powerless to harm him (her).

P:  Lord, send him (her) aid from your holy place. All: And watch over him (her) from Sion.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, whose nature is ever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving kindness.

Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once and for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your only-begotten Son into the world to crush that roaring lion; hasten to our call for help and snatch from ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and likeness. Strike terror, Lord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. Fill your servants with courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their trust in you, and say with Pharaoh of old: "I know not God, nor will I set Israel free." Let your mighty hand cast him out of your servant, N., Xso he may no longer hold captive this person whom it pleased you to make in your image, and to redeem through your Son; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

1.     Then he commands the demon as follows:

I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the coming of our Lord for judgment, that you tell me by some sign your name, and the day and hour of your departure. I command you, moreover, to obey me to the letter, I who am a minister of God despite my unworthiness; nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of God, or the bystanders, or any of their possessions.

The priest lays his hand on the head of the sick person, saying:

They shall lay their hands upon the sick and all will be well with them. May Jesus, Son of Mary, Lord and Saviour of the world, through the merits and intercession of His holy apostles Peter and Paul and all His saints, show you favour and mercy. All: Amen.

2.     Next he reads over the possessed person these selections from the Gospel, or at least one of them.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

P:  The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St. John. All: Glory be to you, 0 Lord.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. John

John 1.1-14

As he says these opening words he signs himself and the possessed on the brow, lips, and breast.

When time began, the Word was there, and the Word was face to face with God, and the Word was God. This Word, when time began, was face to face with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him there came to be not one thing that has come to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not lay hold of it. There came upon the scene a man, a messenger from God, whose name was John. This man came to give testimony to testify in behalf of the light that all might believe through him. He was not himself the light; he only was to testify in behalf of the light. Meanwhile the true light, which illumines every man, was making its entrance into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through Him, and the world did not acknowledge Him. He came into His home, and His own people did not welcome Him. But to as many as welcomed Him He gave the power to become children of God those who believe in His name; who were born not of blood, or of carnal desire, or of man's will; no, they were born of God. (Genuflect here.) And the Word became man and lived among us; and we have looked upon His glory such a glory as befits the Father's only-begotten Son full of grace and truth! All: Thanks be to God.

25. Lastly he blesses the sick person, saying:

May the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, Xand Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you forever. All: Amen.

Then he sprinkles the person with holy water.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Mark

Mark 16.15-18

At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He that believes and is baptized will be saved; he that does not believe will be condemned. And in the way of proofs of their claims, the following will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents in their hands, and if they drink something deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and these will recover."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 10.17-20

At that time the seventy-two returned in high spirits. "Master," they said, "even the demons are subject to us because we use your name!" "Yes," He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall like lightning that flashes from heaven. But mind: it is I that have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and break the dominion of the enemy everywhere; nothing at all can injure you. Just the same, do not rejoice in the fact that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice in the fact that your names are engraved in heaven."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 11.14-22

At that time Jesus was driving out a demon, and this particular demon was dumb. The demon was driven out, the dumb man spoke, and the crowds were enraptured. But some among the people remarked: "He is a tool of Beelzebul, and that is how he drives out demons!" Another group, intending to test Him, demanded of Him a proof of His claims, to be shown in the sky. He knew their inmost thoughts. "Any kingdom torn by civil strife," He said to them, "is laid in ruins; and house tumbles upon house. So, too, if Satan is in revolt against himself, how can his kingdom last, since you say that I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul. And furthermore: if I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul, whose tools are your pupils when they do the driving out? Therefore, judged by them, you must stand condemned. But, if, on the contrary, I drive out demons by the finger of God, then, evidently the kingdom of God has by this time made its way to you. As long as a mighty lord in full armour guards his premises, he is in peaceful possession of his property; but should one mightier than he attack and overcome him, he will strip him of his armour, on which he had relied, and distribute the spoils taken from him."

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. Almighty Lord, Word of God the Father, Jesus Christ, God and Lord of all creation; who gave to your holy apostles the power to tramp underfoot serpents and scorpions; who along with the other mandates to work miracles was pleased to grant them the authority to say: "Depart, you demons!" and by whose might Satan was made to fall from heaven like lightning; I humbly call on your holy name in fear and trembling, asking that you grant me, your unworthy servant, pardon for all my sins, steadfast faith, and the power — supported by your mighty arm — to confront with confidence and resolution this cruel demon. I ask this through you, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who are coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

3.     Next he makes the sign of the cross over himself and the one possessed, places the end of the stole on the latter's neck, and, putting his right hand on the latter's head, he says the following in accents filled with confidence and faith:

P:  See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers! All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to your holy name, humbly begging your kindness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean spirit now tormenting this creature of yours; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Exorcism

I cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every Satanic power of the enemy, every spectre from hell, and all your fell companions; in the name of our Lord Jesus XChrist. Begone and stay far from this creature of God. XFor it is He who commands you, He who flung you headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. It is He who commands you, He who once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan, you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death, you robber of life, you corrupter of justice, you root of all evil and vice; seducer of men, betrayer of the nations, instigator of envy, font of avarice, fomenter of discord, author of pain and sorrow. Why, then, do you stand and resist, knowing as you must that Christ the Lord brings your plans to nothing? Fear Him, who in Isaac was offered in sacrifice, in Joseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell. (The three signs of the cross which follow are traced on the brow of the possessed person). Begone, then, in the name of the Father, Xand of the Son, Xand of the Holy XSpirit. Give place to the Holy Spirit by this sign of the holy Xcross of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own image, look down in pity on this your servant, N., now in the toils of the unclean spirit, now caught up in the fearsome threats of man's ancient enemy, sworn foe of our race, who befuddles and stupefies the human mind, throws it into terror, overwhelms it with fear and panic. Repel, 0 Lord, the Devil's power, break asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. By the sign X (on the brow) of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body. (The three crosses which follow are traced on the breast of the possessed person). Keep watch over the inmost recesses of his (her) Xheart; rule over his (her) Xemotions; strengthen his (her) Xwill. Let vanish from his (her) soul the temptings of the mighty adversary. Graciously grant, 0 Lord, as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrorized over us, may himself retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render you the service which is your due; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Exorcism

I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator, by the Creator of the whole universe, by Him who has the power to consign you to hell, to depart forthwith in fear, along with your savage minions, from this servant of God, N., who seeks refuge in the fold of the Church. I adjure you again, X (on the brow) not by my weakness but by the might of the Holy Spirit, to depart from this servant of God, N., whom almighty God has made in His image. Yield, therefore, yield not to my own person but to the minister of Christ. For it is the power of Christ that compels you, who brought you low by His cross. Tremble before that mighty arm that broke asunder the dark prison walls and led souls forth to light. May the trembling that afflicts this human frame, X (on the breast) the fear that afflicts this image X (on the brow) of God, descend on you. Make no resistance nor delay in departing from this man, for it has pleased Christ to dwell in man. Do not think of despising my command because you know me to be a great sinner. It is God XHimself who commands you; the majestic Christ Xwho commands you. God the Father Xcommands you; God the Son Xcommands you; God the Holy XSpirit commands you. The mystery of the cross commands Xyou. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and of all the saints commands Xyou. The blood of the martyrs commands Xyou. The continence of the confessors commands Xyou. The devout prayers of all holy men and women command Xyou. The saving mysteries of our Christian faith command Xyou.

Depart, then, transgressor. Depart, seducer, full of lies and cunning, foe of virtue, persecutor of the innocent. Give place, abominable creature, give way, you monster, give way to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. For He has already stripped you of your powers and laid waste your kingdom, bound you prisoner and plundered your weapons. He has cast you forth into the outer darkness, where everlasting ruin awaits you and your abettors. To what purpose do you insolently resist? To what purpose do you brazenly refuse? For you are guilty before almighty God, whose laws you have transgressed. You are guilty before His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you presumed to tempt, whom you dared to nail to the cross. You are guilty before the whole human race, to whom you proferred by your enticements the poisoned cup of death.

Therefore, I adjure you, profligate dragon, in the name of the spotless XLamb, who has trodden down the asp and the basilisk, and overcome the lion and the dragon, to depart from this man (woman) (on the brow), to depart from the Church of God X (signing the bystanders). Tremble and flee, as we call on the name of the Lord, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. The Word made flesh Xcommands you; the Virgin's Son Xcommands you; Jesus Xof Nazareth commands you, who once, when you despised His disciples, forced you to flee in shameful defeat from a man; and when He had cast you out you did not even dare, except by His leave, to enter into a herd of swine. And now as I adjure you in His Xname, begone from this man (woman) who is His creature. It is futile to resist His Xwill. It is hard for you to kick against the Xgoad. The longer you delay, the heavier your punishment shall be; for it is not men you are condemning, but rather Him who rules the living and the dead, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the prophets and apostles, God of the martyrs and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of heaven and earth, who are truly a King, whose kingdom is without end; I humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver this servant of yours from the unclean spirits; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Exorcism

Therefore, I adjure you every unclean spirit, every spectre from hell, every satanic power, in the name of Jesus XChrist of Nazareth, who was led into the desert after His baptism by John to vanquish you in your citadel, to cease your assaults against the creature whom He has, formed from the slime of the earth for His own honor and glory; to quail before wretched man, seeing in him the image of almighty God, rather than his state of human frailty. Yield then to God, Xwho by His servant, Moses, cast you and your malice, in the person of Pharaoh and his army, into the depths of the sea. Yield to God, Xwho, by the singing of holy canticles on the part of David, His faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King Saul. Yield to God, Xwho condemned you in the person of Judas Iscariot, the traitor. For He now flails you with His divine scourges, XHe in whose sight you and your legions once cried out: "What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torture us before the time?" Now He is driving you back into the everlasting fire, He who at the end of time will say to the wicked: "Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." For you, 0 evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die. An unquenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursed murderers, father of lechery, instigator of sacrileges, model of vileness, promoter of heresies, inventor of every obscenity.

Depart, then, Ximpious one, depart, Xaccursed one, depart with all your deceits, for God has willed that man should be His temple. Why do you still linger here? Give honour to God the Father Xalmighty, before whom every knee must bow. Give place to the Lord Jesus XChrist, who shed His most precious blood for man. Give place to the Holy XSpirit, who by His blessed apostle Peter openly struck you down in the person of Simon Magus; who cursed your lies in Annas and Saphira; who smote you in King Herod because he had not given honor to God; who by His apostle Paul afflicted you with the night of blindness in the magician Elyma, and by the mouth of the same apostle bade you to go out of Pythonissa, the soothsayer. Begone, Xnow! Begone, Xseducer! Your place is in solitude; your abode is in the nest of serpents; get down and crawl with them. This matter brooks no delay; for see, the Lord, the ruler comes quickly, kindling fire before Him, and it will run on ahead of Him and encompass His enemies in flames. You might delude man, but God you cannot mock. It is He who casts you out, from whose sight nothing is hidden. It is He who repels you, to whose might all things are subject. It is He who expels you, He who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth shall come a sharp sword, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

4.     All the above may be repeated as long as necessary, until the one possessed has been fully freed.

5.     It will also help to say devoutly and often over the afflicted person the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed, as well as any of the prayers given below.

6.     The Canticle of our Lady, with the doxology; the Canticle of Zachary, with the doxology.

P:  Antiphon:   Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Canticle of Our Lady (The Magnificat) Luke 1:46 55

P:  "My soul * extols the Lord; All: And my spirit leaps for joy in God my Saviour.

P:  How graciously He looked upon His lowly maid! * Oh, see, from this hour

onward age after age will call me blessed!

All: How sublime is what He has done for me, * the Mighty One, whose name is `Holy'!

P:  From age to age He visits those * who worship Him in reverence. All: His arm achieves the mastery: * He routs the haughty and proud of heart.

P:  He puts down princes from their thrones, * and exalts the lowly; All: He fills the hungry with blessings, * and sends away the rich with empty hands.

P:  He has taken by the hand His servant Israel, * and mercifully kept His faith, All: As He had promised our fathers * with Abraham and his posterity forever

and evermore."

P:  Glory be to the Father. All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon:  Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Meanwhile the home is sprinkled with holy water and incensed. Then the priest says:

P: Our Father the rest inaudibly until:

P:  And lead us not into temptation. All: But deliver us from evil.

P:  Many shall come from Saba. All: Bearing gold and incense.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May he also be with you.

Let us pray. God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Responsory: Be enlightened and shine forth, 0 Jerusalem, for your light is come; and upon you is risen the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.

P:  Nations shall walk in your light, and kings in the splendour of your birth. All: And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Let us pray. Lord God almighty, bless Xthis home, and under its shelter let there be health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to your commandments, and thanksgiving to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May your blessing remain always in this home and on those who live here; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

P:  Antiphon for Canticle of Zachary: Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom, for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan; the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials; and the guests are gladdened with water made wine, alleluia.

Canticle of Zachary Luke 1:68 79

P:  "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! * He has visited His people and

brought about its redemption.

All: He has raised for us a stronghold of salvation * in the house of David

His servant,

P:  And redeemed the promise He had made * through the mouth of His

holy prophets of old

All: To grant salvation from our foes * and from the hand of all that hate us;

P:  To deal in mercy with our fathers * and be mindful of His holy covenant, All: Of the oath he had sworn to our father Abraham, * that He would enable us

P:  Rescued from the clutches of our foes * to worship Him without fear, All: In holiness and observance of the Law, * in His presence, all our days.

P:  And you, my little one, will be hailed `Prophet of the Most High'; * for the

Lord's precursor you will be to prepare His ways;

All: You are to impart to His people knowledge of salvation * through

forgiveness of their sins.

P:  Thanks be to the merciful heart of our God! * a dawning Light from on high

will visit us

All: To shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadowland of death, *

and guide our feet into the path of peace."

P:  Glory be to the Father. All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon: Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom, for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan; the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials; and the guests are gladdened with water made wine, alleluia.

Then the celebrant sings: P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Athanasian Creed

P:  Whoever wills to be saved * must before all else hold fast to the Catholic faith. All: Unless one keeps this faith whole and untarnished, * without doubt he will perish forever.

P:  Now this is the Catholic faith: * that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in unity; All: Neither confusing the Persons one with the other, * nor making a distinction in their nature.

P:  For the Father is a distinct Person; and so is the Son; * and so is the Holy Spirit. All: Yet the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit possess one Godhead, * co-equal glory, co-eternal majesty.

P:  As the Father is, so is the Son, * so also is the Holy Spirit. All: The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, * the Holy Spirit is uncreated.

P:  The Father is infinite, the Son is infinite, * the Holy Spirit is infinite. All: The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, * the Holy Spirit is eternal.

P:  Yet they are not three eternals, * but one eternal God. All: Even as they are not three uncreated, or three infinites, * but one uncreated and one infinite God.

P:  So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, * the Holy Spirit is almighty. All: Yet they are not three almighties, * but they are the one Almighty.

P:  Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, * the Holy Spirit is God. All: Yet they are not three gods, * but one God.

P:  Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, * the Holy Spirit is Lord. All: Yet there are not three lords, * but one Lord.

P:  For just as Christian truth compels us to profess that each Person is individually God and Lord, * so does the Catholic religion forbid us to hold that there are three gods or lords. All: The Father was not made by any power; * He was neither created nor begotten.

P:  The Son is from the Father alone, * neither created nor made, but begotten. All: The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son, * neither made nor created nor begotten, but He proceeds.

P:  So there is one Father, not three; one Son, not three; * one Holy Spirit, not three. All: And in this Trinity one Person is not earlier or later, nor is one greater or less; * but all three Persons are co-eternal and co-equal.

P:  In every way, then, as already affirmed, * unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be worshiped. All: Whoever, then, wills to be saved * must assent to this doctrine of the Blessed Trinity.

P:  But it is necessary for everlasting salvation * that one also firmly believe in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. All: True faith, then, requires us to believe and profess * that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man.

P:  He is God, begotten of the substance of the Father from eternity; * He is man, born in time of the substance of His Mother. All: He is perfect God, and perfect man * subsisting in a rational soul and a human body.

P:  He is equal to the Father in His divine nature, * but less than the Father in His human nature as such. All: And though He is God and man, * yet He is the one Christ, not two;

P:  One, however, not by any change of divinity into flesh, * but by the act of God assuming a human nature. All: He is one only, not by a mixture of substance, * but by the oneness of His Person.

P:  For, somewhat as the rational soul and the body compose one man, * so Christ is one Person who is both God and man; All: Who suffered for our salvation, who descended into hell, * who rose again the third day from the dead;

P:  Who ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, * from there He shall come to judge both the living and the dead. All: At His coming all men shall rise again in their bodies, * and shall give an account of their works.

P:  And those who have done good shall enter into everlasting life, * but those who have done evil into everlasting fire. All: All this is Catholic faith, * and unless one believes it truly and firmly one cannot be saved.

P:  Glory be to the Father All: As it was in the beginning.

Here follow a large number of psalms which may be used at the exorcist's discretion but are not a necessary part of the rite. Some of them occur in other parts of the Ritual and are so indicated; the others may be taken from the Psalter. Psalm 90 (see p. 227); psalm 67; psalm 69; psalm 53 (see p. 559); psalm 117 (see p. 248); psalm 34; psalm 30; psalm 21; psalm 3; psalm 10; psalm 12.

Prayer Following Deliverance

P:  Almighty God, we beg you to keep the evil spirit from further molesting this servant of yours, and to keep him far away, never to return. At your command, 0 Lord, may the goodness and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, take possession of this man (woman). May we no longer fear any evil since the Lord is with us; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

EXORCISM OF SATAN AND THE FALLEN ANGELS

Whereas the preceding rite of exorcism is designated for a particular person, the present one is for general use --- to combat the power of the evil spirits over a community or locality.

The following exorcism can be used by bishops, as well as by priests who have this authorization from their Ordinary.

P:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army, defend us in the battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness and the spirit of wickedness in high places. Come to the rescue of mankind, whom God has made in His own image and likeness, and purchased from Satan's tyranny at so great a price. Holy Church venerates you as her patron and guardian. The Lord has entrusted to you the task of leading the souls of the redeemed to heavenly blessedness. Entreat the Lord of peace to cast Satan down under our feet, so as to keep him from further holding man captive and doing harm to the Church. Carry our prayers up to God's throne, that the mercy of the Lord may quickly come and lay hold of the beast, the serpent of old, Satan and his demons, casting him in chains into the abyss, so that he can no longer seduce the nations.

Exorcism

P:  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, by the intercession of Mary, spotless Virgin and Mother of God, of St. Michael the Archangel, of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, and by the authority residing in our holy ministry, we steadfastly proceed to combat the onslaught of the wily enemy.

Psalm 67(8)

P:  God arises; His enemies are scattered, * and those who hate Him flee before Him. All: As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; * as wax melts before the fire, so the wicked perish before God.

P:  See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers! All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P:  May your mercy, Lord, remain with us always. All: For we put our whole trust in you.

We cast you out, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every onslaught of the infernal adversary, every legion, every diabolical group and sect, in the name and by the power of our Lord Jesus XChrist. We command you, begone and fly far from the Church of God, from the souls made by God in His image and redeemed by the precious blood of the divine Lamb. XNo longer dare, cunning serpent, to deceive the human race, to persecute God's Church, to strike God's elect and to sift them as wheat. XFor the Most High God commands you, XHe to whom you once proudly presumed yourself equal; He who wills all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. God the Father Xcommands you. God the Son Xcommands you. God the Holy XSpirit commands you. Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh, commands Xyou, who humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, to save our race from the perdition wrought by your envy; who founded His Church upon a firm rock, declaring that the gates of hell should never prevail against her, and that He would remain with her all days, even to the end of the world. The sacred mystery of the cross Xcommands you, along with the power of all mysteries of Christian faith. XThe exalted Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Xcommands you, who in her lowliness crushed your proud head from the first moment of her Immaculate Conception. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and the other apostles Xcommands you. The blood of martyrs and the devout prayers of all holy men and women command Xyou.

Therefore, accursed dragon and every diabolical legion, we adjure you by the living XGod, by the true XGod, by the holy XGod, by God, who so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life; to cease deluding human creatures and filling them with the poison of everlasting damnation; to desist from harming the Church and hampering her freedom. Begone, Satan, father and master of lies, enemy of man's welfare. Give place to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. Give way to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which Christ Himself purchased with His blood. Bow down before God's mighty hand, tremble and flee as we call on the holy and awesome name of Jesus, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the patriarchs and prophets, God of the apostles and martyrs, God of the confessors and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, whose kingdom is without end; we humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver us by your might from every influence of the accursed spirits, from their every evil snare and deception, and to keep us from all harm; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

P:  From the snares of the Devil. All: Lord, deliver us.

P:  That you help your Church to serve you in security and freedom. All: We beg you to hear us.

P:  That you humble the enemies of holy Church. All: We beg you to hear us.

The surroundings are sprinkled with holy water.

Exorcism
Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkizein - to adjure) is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed (taken control of). The practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many religions. The person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the clergy, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc.. The exorcist invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore practitioners regard exorcism more as a cure than as a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence[1]. History The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and were widespread, and may have originated in prehistoric Shamanistic beliefs. The Christian New Testament includes exorcism among the miracles performed by Jesus. Because of this precedent, demonic possession was part of the belief system of Christianity since its beginning, and exorcism is still a recognized practice of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and some Protestant sects. The Church of England also has an official exorcist in each diocese. [2] After the enlightenment, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased, especially in western society. Generally, in the 20th century its use was found mainly in Eastern Europe and Africa, with some cases gaining media coverage; Anneliese Michel is perhaps the most recent of these. This is due mainly to the study of psychology and the functioning and structure of the human mind. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of mental illness, and are handled as such. However in 1973 the movie The Exorcist came out, and the idea of Exorcisms became thrust into the limelight. After its release a very large response came from the public in the United States and Europe, and belief in Demon Possession and Exorcisms found a place in contemporary society. Belief in the validity of the practice became less of a radical idea, and more widespread.[3]

Roman Catholicism
The belief in Roman Catholicism is that opposed to Baptism or Confession, Exorcism is one ritual that isn't a sacrament. The difference is that "its integrity and efficacy do not depend...on the rigid use of an unchanging formula or on the ordered sequence of prescribed actions. Its efficacy depends on two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist."[4] That being said, Catholic Exorcism is still one of the most rigid and organized of all existing exorcism rituals. Solemn exorcisms, according to the Canon law of the church, can be exercised only by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, or sacrilege. The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, although the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be an incredibly dangerous spiritual task; the ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free-will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications. Other formulas may have been used in the past, such as the Benedictine Vade retro satana. In the modern era, the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play. In mild cases the Chaplet of Saint Michael should be used. [edit]

Anglicanism
In 1974, the Church of England set up the "Deliverance Ministry". As part of its creation every diocese in the country was equipped a team trained in both exorcism and psychiatry. According to its representatives most cases brought before it have conventional explanations and actual exorcisms are quite rare, though sometimes blessings are given to people for psychological reasons. [2] In The Episcopal Church the Book of Occasional Services discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist". [5] Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican exorcisms sometimes take the form of a mass for the dead if it is suspected that the souls suffering in Purgatory are responsible for the disturbance. Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan (regional) bishop. Is not usually performed unless the bishop and his team of specialists (including a psychiatrist and physician) has approved it. [edit]

Protestant denominations
Some Protestant denominations also recognize possession and exorcism, although the practice is generally less formalized than it is in the Catholic Church. The Methodist Church also has appointed people in place for use in such circumstances[6]. While some denominations perform exorcism very sparingly and cautiously, some may perform it almost routinely, as part of regular religious services (especially Pentecostal denominations). Psychiatrist M. Scott Peck researched exorcisms (initially in an effort to disprove demonic possession), and claims to have conducted two himself. He concluded that the Christian concept of possession was a genuine phenomenon. He derived diagnostic criteria somewhat different from those used by the Roman Catholic Church. He also claimed to see differences in exorcism procedures and progression. After his experiences and in an attempt to get his research validated he has attempted to get the psychiatric community to add the definition of "Evil" to the DSMIV[7]. [edit]

Deliverance
In the less formalized sections of Protestant denominations the ritual can take many forms and belief structures, especially in Charismatic movement. The most common of these is the Deliverance ceremony. This differs from the exorcism ceremony by the fact that the Devil may have gotten a foothold, into a persons life rather than gaining complete control if complete control has been gained a full fledged exorcism is necessary. However a "spirit filled Christian" can not be possessed based on their beliefs. Within this belief structure the reasons for the devil to get a foothold are usually explained to be some sort of deviation from theological doctrine or because of pre-conversion activities (like dealing with the occult) [8] [9] The method for determining if a person needs a Deliverance is done by having someone present who has the gift of Discernments of Spirits. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit from Cor. 1:12 that allows a person to "sense" in some way an evil presence[10]. While the initial diagnosis is usually uncontested by the congregation, when many people are endowed with this gift in a single congregation results may vary[11]. Fr. Gabriele Amorth references these people calling them "seers and Sensitives" and uses them on many occasions. they have the ability to detect an evil presence. He notes however that "They are not always right: their "feelings" must be checked out." In his examples they are able to detect the events that caused the Demon to enter, or are able to discover the evil object that has cursed the individual. He notes that "they are always Humble."[12]

[edit]

Exorcism in Christianity
In Christianity, Exorcisms are performed using the "power of Christ" or "In the name of Jesus." This is founded in the belief that Jesus commanded his followers to expel evil spirits in his name(Matthew 10:1,Matthew 10:8; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:110:17),(Mark 16:17). According to the Catholic Encyclopedia article on Exorcism: Jesus cast out demons as a sign of his Messiahship and empowered his disciples to do the same[13]. The Jewish Encyclopedia article on Jesus stated that Jesus "was devoted especially to casting out demons" and also believed that he passed this on to his followers, however he was superior to them in the Exorcisms."[14] In the time of Jesus, non-New Testament Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or other by making sacrifices. (Josephus, "B. J." vii. 6, § 3; Sanh. 65b). They do not report of Jesus being an exorcist, but do mention that exorcisms were done by the Essene branch of Judaism (Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran). [edit] Exorcism in Judaism In kabbalah and European Jewish folklore (which does not believe in possession by demons), possession takes on a different (and often much more positive) context. A person may be possessed by a spirit called a dybbuk — which is believed to be the dislocated soul of a dead person, returned from Gehenna (a Hebrew term for the in between world or purgatory that all spirits go to before entering heaven. It literally refers to the valley outside Jeruselem where the city's garbage and dead bodies were burned. The word later came to mean "the valley of dead", and became very loosely translated as "hell" by later Christian researchers). According to those beliefs, on rare occasions a soul which has not been able to fulfill its function in its lifetime is given another opportunity to do so in the form of a dybbuk. The soul then seeks out and "attaches" itself to a living person who is going through things or in a similar "life position" to what the soul was in during its lifetime. It is believed there are good dybbuks and bad, with a good dybbuk's "attachment" performing more the role of a "spiritual guide" there to help the person through their current trials and tribulations that the soul was attracted to. These "good" possessions are usually referred to as a 'sod ha'ibbur. In the case of a negative dybbuk, the spirit is not there to help as much as cause the same mistakes and chaos that it originally experienced during its own lifetime. In the case of exorcism, there are generally two types - though both take on a much less negative confrontational manner than in the Christian context. Briefly, the first involves a non-invasive approach (which generally is applied to the non-negative type of attachment but can be used in both) and involves treating the person and attached entity as a whole. Helping "him" to identify his goal or path in life (his true identity and purpose) and guiding them along it. In the case of a positive attachment, the spirit will leave when the "path" or purpose is significantly engrained and pursued. In the case of a negative, the pursuant of the "path" keeps it in check and eventually causes it to lose its connection (sometimes referred to as the "void" in the host) thereby forcing it to move on. The second approach is a little more confrontational, but still far less than those commonly seen in Christian rites. It involves 10 people (including the rabbi) who surround the possessed individual. Each person (including the rabbi leading the ritual) represents the 10 kabbalistic sephirot. The rabbi that leads the ceremony also requires a shofar, which is interestingly used in a manner similar to the bell in Buddhist and other east Asian meditative practices. The group repeatedly recites Psalm 91 and then the rabbi proceeds to blow the shofar in a specific pattern. This "shocks" both the possessed and the possessor, causing a loosening between the two enabling the addressing of each individually. The rabbi then enters in to dialogue with the spirit to find its purpose, and the group proceeds to heal it through dialogue and prayer meant to have it feel it has accomplished its goal. This is also done for the possessed. As Rabbi Gershon Winkler puts it: "We don't drive anything out of anybody. What we want to do is to heal the soul that's possessing and heal the person. It's all about healing -- we do the ceremony on behalf of both people." [edit]

Exorcism in Hinduism
Beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in south. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the spells described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Basic means of exorcism are mantra and yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions. Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana reading of 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water of holy rivers and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices. Main Vedic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana. [edit]

Exorcism in Scientology
Scientology believes that foreign beings known as Body Thetans have clustered themselves around a person and cause them confusion. It is the goal of Scientology to remove these beings from a person. On Scientology advanced level "OT3," "body thetans" are exorcised using a complicated technique. Body thetan exorcism, with a simpler technique, is revisited on advanced level "OT5," also known as "New Era Dianetics for Operating Thetans."[15] after these levels (which are used to accomplish other goals as well, not just an "exorcism" for Body Thetans) you are supposed to be free from the BT's influence. [edit]

Exorcism in Islam
Possession by jinn or the Devil (Shaitan) and exorcism of those who are wicked at heart is warned about in Islam since its beginning. It is believed that jinn can gain control only over those who do not hold true to God. According to Islamic scholars, "The Jinn enters the one seized by fits and causes him to speak incomprehensible words, unknown to himself; if the one seized by fits is struck a blow sufficient to kill a camel, he does not feel it." (ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo al-Fatawa.) Islamic clergy caution against the overuse of exorcism, citing that most cases are due to psychological and physical causes mistaken for possession. Real cases of possession are very rare and the faithful are warned to watch out for exorcists who encourage a diagnosis of possession too quickly, as they may merely be seeking profit. Islamic authorities also deny the possibility of possession by souls of deceased persons, and warn that evil spirits may make this claim in order to encourage sinful behavior among the living. [edit] Exorcism in the Qur'an and Sunnah There is no explicit statement in the Qur'an referring to possession by jinn. The closest is the following Qu'ranic verse which compares the state of sinners on the Day of Judgment to the state of those made insane by the Devil: “	Those who eat Ribâ (usury or interest) will not stand (on the day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Trading is only like Ribâ,' whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns to Ribâ, such are the dwellers of the Fire -- they will abide therein. (Qur'an (Yusufali tr.), al-Baqara, 275)	” Some cite this verse as proof against Muslims who deny the possibility of jinn possession. There are also Sunnah (traditional statements that are not part of the Qur'an) about the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers expelling evil beings from the bodies of believers by using verses from the Qur'an and supplications to Allah. This example is related by Ya'la ibn Murah: “	I saw Allah's Messenger (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) do three things which no one before or after me saw. I went with him on a trip. On the way, we passed by a woman sitting at the roadside with a young boy. She called out, 'O Messenger of Allah, this boy is afflicted with a trial, and from him we have also been afflicted with a trial. I don't know how many times per day he is seized by fits.' He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) said: 'Give him to me.' So she lifted him up to the Prophet. He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) then placed the boy between himself and the middle of the saddle, opened the boy's mouth and blew in it three times, saying, 'In the name of Allah, I am the slave of Allah, get out, enemy of Allah!' Then he gave the boy back to her and said: 'Meet us on our return at this same place and inform us how he has fared.' We then went. On our return, we found her in the same place with three sheep. When he said to her, 'How has your son fared?' She replied: 'By the One who sent you with the truth, we have not detected anything (unusual) in his behavior up to this time.... (Musnad Ahmad (vol: 4, p. 170), and al-Haakim, who declared it Saheeh)	” [edit]

On the nature of jinn
In Islamic belief, jinn are intelligent creatures. Much like human beings, they have free will to choose between right and wrong. While a jinni may possess a human for pure wickedness, it may also do it for other reasons. Shaikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah suggests that a jinni may do it in order to experience the physical world, for reasons of desire or love. In this case, a jinni may not have a malicious intent, or may be unaware of the harm it is causing. A jinni might also use possession for revenge. Jinn are said to be quick to anger, especially when they believe themselves to have been purposely harmed (since jinn are usually invisible to humans, a person can accidentally injure a jinni). [edit]

Faiths opposing exorcism
In Sikhism, exorcism is not permitted and is seen as a violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct), since Sikhs do not believe in demons, ghosts, or the sort. If a Sikh person were to be found practising exorcism, an ordained Ghiyanhi (priest) would have the power to strip that individual of any ties to the Sikh faith. This anti-exorcism stance separates Sikhism from what are viewed as the exorcism rituals of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, and Shintoism. Also Jainism does not believe in exorcism. [edit]

Notable exorcisms
Salvador Dali is reputed to have received an exorcism from Italian friar, Gabriele Maria Berardi, while he was in France in 1947. [16] Dali created a sculpture of Christ on the cross which he gave the friar in thanks. [17] According to a New York Post article of 19 February 2002, John Paul II personally performed three exorcisms during his tenure as pope. The first exorcism was performed on a woman in 1982. His second was in September 2000 when he performed the rite on a 19-year-old woman who had become enraged in St Peter's Square. A year later, in September 2001, he performed an exorcism on a 20-year-old woman. [Citation_needed] Anneliese Michel was a Catholic woman from Germany who was said to be possessed by six or more demons and subsequently underwent an exorcism in 1975. Two motion pictures, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem are loosely based on Anneliese's story. A boy identified by the pseudonym "Roland Doe" was the subject of an exorcism in 1949, which became the subject of The Exorcist, a horror novel and later film written by William Peter Blatty. Blatty heard about the case while he was a student in the class of 1950 at Georgetown University. The exorcism was partially performed in both Cottage City, Maryland [18]http://www.strangemag.com/exorcistpage1.html and Bel-Nor, Missouri [19] by Father William S. Bowdern, S.J. and a then Jesuit scholastic Fr. Walter Halloran, S.J. [20] [edit] Scientific view on Exorcism The Roman Ritual of Exorcism cautions the priest to look for signs of mental and physical possession and the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play and employs mental health and medical professionals to rule out physical or mental causes before giving authorization. Many mental illnesses have been treated as Demon Possession, and show signs that are interpreted as such. Demonic possession is not a valid psychiatric or medical diagnosis recognized by either the DSM-IV or the ICD-10. Those who profess a belief in demonic possession have sometimes ascribed the symptoms associated with mental illnesses such as hysteria, mania, psychosis, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder to possession.[21][22][23] In cases of dissociative identity disorder in which the alter personality is questioned as to its identity, 29% are reported to identify themselves as demons.[24] There is, however, a mental disease called demonomania or demonopathy. This is a monomania in which the patient believes that he or she is possessed by one or more demons. Medicine can explain some aspects of the "symptoms" shown by those persons allegedly possessed: it is known that "supernatural strength" is common in some cases of insanity (mania, energumens, etc.).[citation needed] The fact that exorcism works on people experiencing symptoms of possession is attributed to placebo effect and the power of suggestion.[25] Some supposedly possessed persons are actually narcissists or are suffering from low self-esteem and act a "demon possessed person" in order to gain attention.[26] In 1994 an Indian man living in Britain explained his criminal behavior as ghost possession. Exorcisms failed to help. Psychiatrists' diagnosis was: dissociative state and/or paranoid schizophrenia. Patient was treated with trifluoperazine and clopenthixol and the supposed ghost possession has ended.[27] [edit]

Exorcism-related deaths
Exorcism and other forms of spiritual healing have been related to abuse[1]and have been known to cause considerable physical harm to the exorcee, particularly when it is performed by those who believe that exorcism is necessarily a violent process. Some of the most notorious recent cases are listed below. •	Anneliese Michel (September 21, 1952 - June 30, 1976) was a German college student who died after an exorcism. Her parents and the two Bavarian priests who carried out the exorcism were later convicted. The movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem were based on her story. •	Kyung-A Ha was beaten to death in 1995 in San Francisco, California by members of the Jesus-Amen Ministries. •	Kyung Jae Chung died in 1996 in Glendale, California from blunt-force trauma inflicted by her husband (a reverend) and members of the Glendale Korean Methodist Church. •	Charity Miranda was suffocated with a plastic bag in 1998 in Sayville, New York by her mother and sister during a Cuban Voodoo exorcism ritual. •	Korean woman Joanna Lee died in early December 2001 during a violent and prolonged exorcism performed in Auckland, New Zealand by Korean church minister Luke Lee. Her decomposing body was prayed over for several days before authorities were notified. During his subsequent trial, Luke Lee claimed that Joanna Lee would rise from the dead in a few days. Lee was imprisoned but has appealed the conviction. •	Terrance Cottrell Jr., an eight-year-old autistic child, died of asphyxiation in 2003 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during an exorcism carried out by members of the Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, in an attempt to expel the boy's demons. The coroner ruled that the boy died "due to external chest compression" as the part-time pastor lay on top of him. On July 10, 2004, the pastor was convicted of child abuse. •	In 2005, Maricica Irina Cornici, a 23 year old Romanian nun, who had previously received treatment for schizophrenia, heard voices telling her she was sinful. She was subjected to an unauthorised exorcism allegedly conducted by 29-year-old Daniel Petre Corogeanu, an Orthodox monk of the Holy Trinity convent in the nearby village of Tanacu. Cornici was bound to a cross, gagged with a towel, and left in a cold, dark room without food or water for three days.[28]Initially it was believed that she died of suffocation and dehydration during the exorcism. However an autopsy carried out on the exhumed body showed that she died of an adrenaline overdose mistakenly administered by a medic.[[29] •	In 2007, a 3-year-old girl in Phoenix, Arizona was hospitalized after being choked by her grandfather, Ronald Marquez, during an exorcism. Police are investigating "other possible abuses" and potential criminal charges against the mother, who has not been arrested, but found bloody and naked chanting "something that was religious in nature" while the child crying, screaming, and gasping was held in a headlock, squeezed, and choked by the woman's father.[30] The man was eventually subdued by police officers with a stun gun after a struggle and arrested. He initially appeared normal, but stopped breathing at the scene and could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.[31] •	In March 1992, in Oldham, UK, Kauser Bashir, a 20-year-old woman who had a history of mental illness was claimed as being possessed and beaten to death by two Muslim holy men - Mohammed Bashir (no relation) and Nourani Sayeed. With the family's consent, the exorcism performed on her lasted 8 days. She died whilst being starved of food and sleep for eight days. She was made to eat chili powder, suffered 17 broken ribs, a broken breastbone and was cut three times between her breasts. The two men were later convicted and imprisoned with life sentences. On the same date exactly 14 years later the murder victim’s father, Mohammed Bashir dosed in petrol burnt himself to death - at exactly the same location.[32] •	In November 2007, New Zealand woman Janet Moses died after a prolonged exorcism of a matuku (a Maori curse). Moses apparently died from waterlogging in the presence of 40 extended family members. Moses'cousin was later admitted to hospital with severe gouges to her eyes and bruising after another exorcism, when family members attacked her to remove a 'devil' which they saw in her eyes.[33] •	In February 2008, Susan Kay Clark died after her husband performed an exorcism on her. Her husband, Jan David Clark also claimed the demon entered his body while he was holding his wife down and made him kill her.[34][35] [edit]

Exorcism in Popular Culture
Exorcism has been a popular subject in fiction, especially horror. •	The Dybbuk (1914 play by S. Ansky) •	The Exorcist (1971 novel by William Peter Blatty) •	The Exorcist (1973 and 2000 movies), and its sequels and prequels, were inspired by Catholic exorcism ritual and folklore. •	House of Exorcism (1975 movie directed by Mario Bava) •	Repossessed (1990 comic movie starring Linda Blair and Leslie Nielsen) •	Quest for Turth (1992 film documenting exorcisms and faith healings) Richard Rossi •	Possessed' (1994 Book: Version of the actual events depicted in The Exorcist by T. Allen) Isbn: 0595132642 •	Of Love And Other Demons (1995 novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez) •	The Biggest Douche in the Universe (2002 South Park Television episode) •	Exorcism (2003 movie directed by William A. Baker) •	Kya Dark Lineage (2003 video game) •	Constantine (2005 movie) is based on the DC/Vertigo comic book Hellblazer. •	The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005 movie) was inspired by the Anneliese Michel case. •	Requiem (2006 German-language movie by Hans-Christian Schmid) is based on the Anneliese Michel case. •	An American Haunting (2006 movie) •	Blackwater Valley Exorcism (2006 movie) •	The Devil You Know (2006 novel by Mike Carey) •	D.Gray-man (2006 Japanese animation series by Hoshino Katsura) •	The VAXorcist (1991 script by Christopher Russell) •	Bhool Bhulaiya (2007 Hindi movie - The lead female actress heard the story of a spirit of a love deranged courtesan hell-bent on killing all kings and their heirs, because a king, whom she entertained, killed her lover - a dancer and courtesan. On hearing this story she developed Dissociative Personality Disorder & was routinely taken over by the personality of the dancer or more precisely the vindictive spirit of the dancer, trying desperately to kill the present king, who is actually her beloved husband.) •	A Haunting Shows true stories many involving demons and exorcisms Stigmata (1999 film starring Patricia Arquette and Gabriel Bryne) •	    Grudge 2 (2006 English movie; Director - Takashi Shimizu; written by - Stephen Susco,Takashi Shimizu (movie Ju-On: the Grudge); In Tokyo, a young woman (Tamblyn) is exposed to the same mysterious curse that afflicted her sister (Gellar). The supernatural force, which fills a person with rage before spreading to its next victim, brings together a group of previously unrelated people who attempt to unlock its secret to save their lives. In a particular chapter of this movie shown a exorcism did by a very old woman to her 18 - 22 year old girl (who became the main ghost in the movie) in flashback which describe a strong and very dangerous demonic possession for cure other affected people who were attacked by demons.)

RITE FOR EXORCISM

The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and implore God's help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water. After this he kneels and says the Litany of the Saints, exclusive of the prayers which follow it. All present are to make the responses.

LITANY OF THE SAINTS

The Litany of the Saints is used in ordination, Forty Hours', processions, and other occasions. Both the Roman Ritual and the Roman Pontifical direct that the first three invocations be repeated. The music for this litany is given in the music supplement. The invocations are sung (or recited) by the chanters or the priest; the responses by all.

P:  Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

P:  Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy.

P:  Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

P:  Christ, hear us. All: Christ, graciously hear us.

P:  God, the Father in heaven. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  God, the Son, Redeemer of the world. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  God, the Holy Spirit. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  Holy Trinity, one God. All: Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us,*


 * After each invocation: "Pray for us."

Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, All holy angels and archangels, All holy orders of blessed spirits, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, All holy patriarchs and prophets, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthew, St. Simon, St. Thaddeus, St. Matthias, St. Barnabas, St. Luke, St. Mark, All holy apostles and evangelists, All holy disciples of the Lord, All holy Innocents, St. Stephen, St. Lawrence, St. Vincent, SS. Fabian and Sebastian, SS. John and Paul, SS. Cosmas and Damian, SS. Gervase and Protase, All holy martyrs, St. Sylvester, St. Gregory, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Martin, St. Nicholas, All holy bishops and confessors, All holy doctors, St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Dominic, St. Francis, All holy priests and levites, All holy monks and hermits, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Agatha, St. Lucy, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St. Catherine, St. Anastasia, All holy virgins and widows,

P:  All holy saints of God, All: Intercede for us.

P:  Be merciful, All: Spare us, 0 Lord.

P:  Be merciful, All: Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.

From all evil, deliver us, 0 Lord.*


 * After each invocation: "Deliver us, 0 Lord."

From all sin, From your wrath, From sudden and unprovided death, From the snares of the Devil, From anger, hatred, and all ill will, From all lewdness, From lightning and tempest, From the scourge of earthquakes, From plague, famine, and war, From everlasting death, By the mystery of your holy incarnation, By your coming, By your birth, By your baptism and holy fasting, By your cross and passion, By your death and burial, By your holy resurrection, By your wondrous ascension, By the coming of the Holy, Spirit, the Advocate, On the day of judgment,

P:  We sinners, All: We beg you to hear us.*


 * After each invocation: "We beg you to hear us."

That you spare us, That you pardon us, That you bring us to true penance, That you govern and preserve your holy Church, That you preserve our Holy Father and all ranks in the Church

in holy religion,

That you humble the enemies of holy Church, That you give peace and true concord to all Christian rulers. That you give peace and unity to the whole Christian world, That you restore to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from

the truth, and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,

That you confirm and preserve us in your holy service, That you lift up our minds to heavenly desires, That you grant everlasting blessings to all our benefactors, That you deliver our souls and the souls of our brethren, relatives, and

benefactors from everlasting damnation,

That you give and preserve the fruits of the earth, That you grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, That you graciously hear us, Son of God,

At the end of the litany he (the priest) adds the following:

P:  Antiphon:  Do not keep in mind, 0 Lord, our offenses or those of our parents,

nor take vengeance on our sins.

P:  Our Father the rest inaudibly until

P:  And lead us not into temptation. All: But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 53

P:  God, by your name save me, * and by your might defend my cause. All: God, hear my prayer; * hearken to the words of my mouth.

P:  For haughty men have risen up against me, and fierce men seek my life; *

they set not God before their eyes.

All: See, God is my helper; * the Lord sustains my life.

P:  Turn back the evil upon my foes; * in your faithfulness destroy them. All: Freely will I offer you sacrifice; * I will praise your name, Lord, for its goodness,

P:  Because from all distress you have rescued me, * and my eyes look down upon my enemies. All: Glory be to the Father.

P:  As it was in the beginning.

After the psalm the priest continues:

P:  Save your servant. All: Who trusts in you, my God.

P:  Let him (her) find in you, Lord, a fortified tower. All: In the face of the enemy.

P:  Let the enemy have no power over him (her). All: And the son of iniquity be powerless to harm him (her).

P:  Lord, send him (her) aid from your holy place. All: And watch over him (her) from Sion.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, whose nature is ever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving kindness.

Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once and for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your only-begotten Son into the world to crush that roaring lion; hasten to our call for help and snatch from ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and likeness. Strike terror, Lord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. Fill your servants with courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their trust in you, and say with Pharaoh of old: "I know not God, nor will I set Israel free." Let your mighty hand cast him out of your servant, N., Xso he may no longer hold captive this person whom it pleased you to make in your image, and to redeem through your Son; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

1.     Then he commands the demon as follows:

I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the coming of our Lord for judgment, that you tell me by some sign your name, and the day and hour of your departure. I command you, moreover, to obey me to the letter, I who am a minister of God despite my unworthiness; nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of God, or the bystanders, or any of their possessions.

The priest lays his hand on the head of the sick person, saying:

They shall lay their hands upon the sick and all will be well with them. May Jesus, Son of Mary, Lord and Saviour of the world, through the merits and intercession of His holy apostles Peter and Paul and all His saints, show you favour and mercy. All: Amen.

2.     Next he reads over the possessed person these selections from the Gospel, or at least one of them.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

P:  The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St. John. All: Glory be to you, 0 Lord.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. John

John 1.1-14

As he says these opening words he signs himself and the possessed on the brow, lips, and breast.

When time began, the Word was there, and the Word was face to face with God, and the Word was God. This Word, when time began, was face to face with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him there came to be not one thing that has come to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not lay hold of it. There came upon the scene a man, a messenger from God, whose name was John. This man came to give testimony to testify in behalf of the light that all might believe through him. He was not himself the light; he only was to testify in behalf of the light. Meanwhile the true light, which illumines every man, was making its entrance into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through Him, and the world did not acknowledge Him. He came into His home, and His own people did not welcome Him. But to as many as welcomed Him He gave the power to become children of God those who believe in His name; who were born not of blood, or of carnal desire, or of man's will; no, they were born of God. (Genuflect here.) And the Word became man and lived among us; and we have looked upon His glory such a glory as befits the Father's only-begotten Son full of grace and truth! All: Thanks be to God.

25. Lastly he blesses the sick person, saying:

May the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, Xand Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you forever. All: Amen.

Then he sprinkles the person with holy water.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Mark

Mark 16.15-18

At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He that believes and is baptized will be saved; he that does not believe will be condemned. And in the way of proofs of their claims, the following will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents in their hands, and if they drink something deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and these will recover."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 10.17-20

At that time the seventy-two returned in high spirits. "Master," they said, "even the demons are subject to us because we use your name!" "Yes," He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall like lightning that flashes from heaven. But mind: it is I that have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and break the dominion of the enemy everywhere; nothing at all can injure you. Just the same, do not rejoice in the fact that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice in the fact that your names are engraved in heaven."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 11.14-22

At that time Jesus was driving out a demon, and this particular demon was dumb. The demon was driven out, the dumb man spoke, and the crowds were enraptured. But some among the people remarked: "He is a tool of Beelzebul, and that is how he drives out demons!" Another group, intending to test Him, demanded of Him a proof of His claims, to be shown in the sky. He knew their inmost thoughts. "Any kingdom torn by civil strife," He said to them, "is laid in ruins; and house tumbles upon house. So, too, if Satan is in revolt against himself, how can his kingdom last, since you say that I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul. And furthermore: if I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul, whose tools are your pupils when they do the driving out? Therefore, judged by them, you must stand condemned. But, if, on the contrary, I drive out demons by the finger of God, then, evidently the kingdom of God has by this time made its way to you. As long as a mighty lord in full armour guards his premises, he is in peaceful possession of his property; but should one mightier than he attack and overcome him, he will strip him of his armour, on which he had relied, and distribute the spoils taken from him."

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. Almighty Lord, Word of God the Father, Jesus Christ, God and Lord of all creation; who gave to your holy apostles the power to tramp underfoot serpents and scorpions; who along with the other mandates to work miracles was pleased to grant them the authority to say: "Depart, you demons!" and by whose might Satan was made to fall from heaven like lightning; I humbly call on your holy name in fear and trembling, asking that you grant me, your unworthy servant, pardon for all my sins, steadfast faith, and the power — supported by your mighty arm — to confront with confidence and resolution this cruel demon. I ask this through you, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who are coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

3.     Next he makes the sign of the cross over himself and the one possessed, places the end of the stole on the latter's neck, and, putting his right hand on the latter's head, he says the following in accents filled with confidence and faith:

P:  See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers! All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to your holy name, humbly begging your kindness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean spirit now tormenting this creature of yours; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Exorcism

I cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every Satanic power of the enemy, every spectre from hell, and all your fell companions; in the name of our Lord Jesus XChrist. Begone and stay far from this creature of God. XFor it is He who commands you, He who flung you headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. It is He who commands you, He who once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan, you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death, you robber of life, you corrupter of justice, you root of all evil and vice; seducer of men, betrayer of the nations, instigator of envy, font of avarice, fomenter of discord, author of pain and sorrow. Why, then, do you stand and resist, knowing as you must that Christ the Lord brings your plans to nothing? Fear Him, who in Isaac was offered in sacrifice, in Joseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell. (The three signs of the cross which follow are traced on the brow of the possessed person). Begone, then, in the name of the Father, Xand of the Son, Xand of the Holy XSpirit. Give place to the Holy Spirit by this sign of the holy Xcross of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own image, look down in pity on this your servant, N., now in the toils of the unclean spirit, now caught up in the fearsome threats of man's ancient enemy, sworn foe of our race, who befuddles and stupefies the human mind, throws it into terror, overwhelms it with fear and panic. Repel, 0 Lord, the Devil's power, break asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. By the sign X (on the brow) of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body. (The three crosses which follow are traced on the breast of the possessed person). Keep watch over the inmost recesses of his (her) Xheart; rule over his (her) Xemotions; strengthen his (her) Xwill. Let vanish from his (her) soul the temptings of the mighty adversary. Graciously grant, 0 Lord, as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrorized over us, may himself retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render you the service which is your due; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Exorcism

I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator, by the Creator of the whole universe, by Him who has the power to consign you to hell, to depart forthwith in fear, along with your savage minions, from this servant of God, N., who seeks refuge in the fold of the Church. I adjure you again, X (on the brow) not by my weakness but by the might of the Holy Spirit, to depart from this servant of God, N., whom almighty God has made in His image. Yield, therefore, yield not to my own person but to the minister of Christ. For it is the power of Christ that compels you, who brought you low by His cross. Tremble before that mighty arm that broke asunder the dark prison walls and led souls forth to light. May the trembling that afflicts this human frame, X (on the breast) the fear that afflicts this image X (on the brow) of God, descend on you. Make no resistance nor delay in departing from this man, for it has pleased Christ to dwell in man. Do not think of despising my command because you know me to be a great sinner. It is God XHimself who commands you; the majestic Christ Xwho commands you. God the Father Xcommands you; God the Son Xcommands you; God the Holy XSpirit commands you. The mystery of the cross commands Xyou. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and of all the saints commands Xyou. The blood of the martyrs commands Xyou. The continence of the confessors commands Xyou. The devout prayers of all holy men and women command Xyou. The saving mysteries of our Christian faith command Xyou.

Depart, then, transgressor. Depart, seducer, full of lies and cunning, foe of virtue, persecutor of the innocent. Give place, abominable creature, give way, you monster, give way to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. For He has already stripped you of your powers and laid waste your kingdom, bound you prisoner and plundered your weapons. He has cast you forth into the outer darkness, where everlasting ruin awaits you and your abettors. To what purpose do you insolently resist? To what purpose do you brazenly refuse? For you are guilty before almighty God, whose laws you have transgressed. You are guilty before His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you presumed to tempt, whom you dared to nail to the cross. You are guilty before the whole human race, to whom you proferred by your enticements the poisoned cup of death.

Therefore, I adjure you, profligate dragon, in the name of the spotless XLamb, who has trodden down the asp and the basilisk, and overcome the lion and the dragon, to depart from this man (woman) (on the brow), to depart from the Church of God X (signing the bystanders). Tremble and flee, as we call on the name of the Lord, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. The Word made flesh Xcommands you; the Virgin's Son Xcommands you; Jesus Xof Nazareth commands you, who once, when you despised His disciples, forced you to flee in shameful defeat from a man; and when He had cast you out you did not even dare, except by His leave, to enter into a herd of swine. And now as I adjure you in His Xname, begone from this man (woman) who is His creature. It is futile to resist His Xwill. It is hard for you to kick against the Xgoad. The longer you delay, the heavier your punishment shall be; for it is not men you are condemning, but rather Him who rules the living and the dead, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the prophets and apostles, God of the martyrs and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of heaven and earth, who are truly a King, whose kingdom is without end; I humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver this servant of yours from the unclean spirits; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Exorcism

Therefore, I adjure you every unclean spirit, every spectre from hell, every satanic power, in the name of Jesus XChrist of Nazareth, who was led into the desert after His baptism by John to vanquish you in your citadel, to cease your assaults against the creature whom He has, formed from the slime of the earth for His own honor and glory; to quail before wretched man, seeing in him the image of almighty God, rather than his state of human frailty. Yield then to God, Xwho by His servant, Moses, cast you and your malice, in the person of Pharaoh and his army, into the depths of the sea. Yield to God, Xwho, by the singing of holy canticles on the part of David, His faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King Saul. Yield to God, Xwho condemned you in the person of Judas Iscariot, the traitor. For He now flails you with His divine scourges, XHe in whose sight you and your legions once cried out: "What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torture us before the time?" Now He is driving you back into the everlasting fire, He who at the end of time will say to the wicked: "Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." For you, 0 evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die. An unquenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursed murderers, father of lechery, instigator of sacrileges, model of vileness, promoter of heresies, inventor of every obscenity.

Depart, then, Ximpious one, depart, Xaccursed one, depart with all your deceits, for God has willed that man should be His temple. Why do you still linger here? Give honour to God the Father Xalmighty, before whom every knee must bow. Give place to the Lord Jesus XChrist, who shed His most precious blood for man. Give place to the Holy XSpirit, who by His blessed apostle Peter openly struck you down in the person of Simon Magus; who cursed your lies in Annas and Saphira; who smote you in King Herod because he had not given honor to God; who by His apostle Paul afflicted you with the night of blindness in the magician Elyma, and by the mouth of the same apostle bade you to go out of Pythonissa, the soothsayer. Begone, Xnow! Begone, Xseducer! Your place is in solitude; your abode is in the nest of serpents; get down and crawl with them. This matter brooks no delay; for see, the Lord, the ruler comes quickly, kindling fire before Him, and it will run on ahead of Him and encompass His enemies in flames. You might delude man, but God you cannot mock. It is He who casts you out, from whose sight nothing is hidden. It is He who repels you, to whose might all things are subject. It is He who expels you, He who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth shall come a sharp sword, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

4.     All the above may be repeated as long as necessary, until the one possessed has been fully freed.

5.     It will also help to say devoutly and often over the afflicted person the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed, as well as any of the prayers given below.

6.     The Canticle of our Lady, with the doxology; the Canticle of Zachary, with the doxology.

P:  Antiphon:   Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Canticle of Our Lady (The Magnificat) Luke 1:46 55

P:  "My soul * extols the Lord; All: And my spirit leaps for joy in God my Saviour.

P:  How graciously He looked upon His lowly maid! * Oh, see, from this hour

onward age after age will call me blessed!

All: How sublime is what He has done for me, * the Mighty One, whose name is `Holy'!

P:  From age to age He visits those * who worship Him in reverence. All: His arm achieves the mastery: * He routs the haughty and proud of heart.

P:  He puts down princes from their thrones, * and exalts the lowly; All: He fills the hungry with blessings, * and sends away the rich with empty hands.

P:  He has taken by the hand His servant Israel, * and mercifully kept His faith, All: As He had promised our fathers * with Abraham and his posterity forever

and evermore."

P:  Glory be to the Father. All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon:  Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Meanwhile the home is sprinkled with holy water and incensed. Then the priest says:

P: Our Father the rest inaudibly until:

P:  And lead us not into temptation. All: But deliver us from evil.

P:  Many shall come from Saba. All: Bearing gold and incense.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May he also be with you.

Let us pray. God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Responsory: Be enlightened and shine forth, 0 Jerusalem, for your light is come; and upon you is risen the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.

P:  Nations shall walk in your light, and kings in the splendour of your birth. All: And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Let us pray. Lord God almighty, bless Xthis home, and under its shelter let there be health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to your commandments, and thanksgiving to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May your blessing remain always in this home and on those who live here; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

P:  Antiphon for Canticle of Zachary: Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom, for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan; the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials; and the guests are gladdened with water made wine, alleluia.

Canticle of Zachary Luke 1:68 79

P:  "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! * He has visited His people and

brought about its redemption.

All: He has raised for us a stronghold of salvation * in the house of David

His servant,

P:  And redeemed the promise He had made * through the mouth of His

holy prophets of old

All: To grant salvation from our foes * and from the hand of all that hate us;

P:  To deal in mercy with our fathers * and be mindful of His holy covenant, All: Of the oath he had sworn to our father Abraham, * that He would enable us

P:  Rescued from the clutches of our foes * to worship Him without fear, All: In holiness and observance of the Law, * in His presence, all our days.

P:  And you, my little one, will be hailed `Prophet of the Most High'; * for the

Lord's precursor you will be to prepare His ways;

All: You are to impart to His people knowledge of salvation * through

forgiveness of their sins.

P:  Thanks be to the merciful heart of our God! * a dawning Light from on high

will visit us

All: To shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadowland of death, *

and guide our feet into the path of peace."

P:  Glory be to the Father. All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon: Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom, for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan; the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials; and the guests are gladdened with water made wine, alleluia.

Then the celebrant sings: P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Athanasian Creed

P:  Whoever wills to be saved * must before all else hold fast to the Catholic faith. All: Unless one keeps this faith whole and untarnished, * without doubt he will perish forever.

P:  Now this is the Catholic faith: * that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in unity; All: Neither confusing the Persons one with the other, * nor making a distinction in their nature.

P:  For the Father is a distinct Person; and so is the Son; * and so is the Holy Spirit. All: Yet the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit possess one Godhead, * co-equal glory, co-eternal majesty.

P:  As the Father is, so is the Son, * so also is the Holy Spirit. All: The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, * the Holy Spirit is uncreated.

P:  The Father is infinite, the Son is infinite, * the Holy Spirit is infinite. All: The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, * the Holy Spirit is eternal.

P:  Yet they are not three eternals, * but one eternal God. All: Even as they are not three uncreated, or three infinites, * but one uncreated and one infinite God.

P:  So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, * the Holy Spirit is almighty. All: Yet they are not three almighties, * but they are the one Almighty.

P:  Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, * the Holy Spirit is God. All: Yet they are not three gods, * but one God.

P:  Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, * the Holy Spirit is Lord. All: Yet there are not three lords, * but one Lord.

P:  For just as Christian truth compels us to profess that each Person is individually God and Lord, * so does the Catholic religion forbid us to hold that there are three gods or lords. All: The Father was not made by any power; * He was neither created nor begotten.

P:  The Son is from the Father alone, * neither created nor made, but begotten. All: The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son, * neither made nor created nor begotten, but He proceeds.

P:  So there is one Father, not three; one Son, not three; * one Holy Spirit, not three. All: And in this Trinity one Person is not earlier or later, nor is one greater or less; * but all three Persons are co-eternal and co-equal.

P:  In every way, then, as already affirmed, * unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be worshiped. All: Whoever, then, wills to be saved * must assent to this doctrine of the Blessed Trinity.

P:  But it is necessary for everlasting salvation * that one also firmly believe in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. All: True faith, then, requires us to believe and profess * that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man.

P:  He is God, begotten of the substance of the Father from eternity; * He is man, born in time of the substance of His Mother. All: He is perfect God, and perfect man * subsisting in a rational soul and a human body.

P:  He is equal to the Father in His divine nature, * but less than the Father in His human nature as such. All: And though He is God and man, * yet He is the one Christ, not two;

P:  One, however, not by any change of divinity into flesh, * but by the act of God assuming a human nature. All: He is one only, not by a mixture of substance, * but by the oneness of His Person.

P:  For, somewhat as the rational soul and the body compose one man, * so Christ is one Person who is both God and man; All: Who suffered for our salvation, who descended into hell, * who rose again the third day from the dead;

P:  Who ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, * from there He shall come to judge both the living and the dead. All: At His coming all men shall rise again in their bodies, * and shall give an account of their works.

P:  And those who have done good shall enter into everlasting life, * but those who have done evil into everlasting fire. All: All this is Catholic faith, * and unless one believes it truly and firmly one cannot be saved.

P:  Glory be to the Father All: As it was in the beginning.

Here follow a large number of psalms which may be used at the exorcist's discretion but are not a necessary part of the rite. Some of them occur in other parts of the Ritual and are so indicated; the others may be taken from the Psalter. Psalm 90 (see p. 227); psalm 67; psalm 69; psalm 53 (see p. 559); psalm 117 (see p. 248); psalm 34; psalm 30; psalm 21; psalm 3; psalm 10; psalm 12.

Prayer Following Deliverance

P:  Almighty God, we beg you to keep the evil spirit from further molesting this servant of yours, and to keep him far away, never to return. At your command, 0 Lord, may the goodness and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, take possession of this man (woman). May we no longer fear any evil since the Lord is with us; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

EXORCISM OF SATAN AND THE FALLEN ANGELS

Whereas the preceding rite of exorcism is designated for a particular person, the present one is for general use --- to combat the power of the evil spirits over a community or locality.

The following exorcism can be used by bishops, as well as by priests who have this authorization from their Ordinary.

P:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army, defend us in the battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness and the spirit of wickedness in high places. Come to the rescue of mankind, whom God has made in His own image and likeness, and purchased from Satan's tyranny at so great a price. Holy Church venerates you as her patron and guardian. The Lord has entrusted to you the task of leading the souls of the redeemed to heavenly blessedness. Entreat the Lord of peace to cast Satan down under our feet, so as to keep him from further holding man captive and doing harm to the Church. Carry our prayers up to God's throne, that the mercy of the Lord may quickly come and lay hold of the beast, the serpent of old, Satan and his demons, casting him in chains into the abyss, so that he can no longer seduce the nations.

Exorcism

P:  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, by the intercession of Mary, spotless Virgin and Mother of God, of St. Michael the Archangel, of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, and by the authority residing in our holy ministry, we steadfastly proceed to combat the onslaught of the wily enemy.

Psalm 67(8)

P:  God arises; His enemies are scattered, * and those who hate Him flee before Him. All: As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; * as wax melts before the fire, so the wicked perish before God.

P:  See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers! All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P:  May your mercy, Lord, remain with us always. All: For we put our whole trust in you.

We cast you out, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every onslaught of the infernal adversary, every legion, every diabolical group and sect, in the name and by the power of our Lord Jesus XChrist. We command you, begone and fly far from the Church of God, from the souls made by God in His image and redeemed by the precious blood of the divine Lamb. XNo longer dare, cunning serpent, to deceive the human race, to persecute God's Church, to strike God's elect and to sift them as wheat. XFor the Most High God commands you, XHe to whom you once proudly presumed yourself equal; He who wills all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. God the Father Xcommands you. God the Son Xcommands you. God the Holy XSpirit commands you. Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh, commands Xyou, who humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, to save our race from the perdition wrought by your envy; who founded His Church upon a firm rock, declaring that the gates of hell should never prevail against her, and that He would remain with her all days, even to the end of the world. The sacred mystery of the cross Xcommands you, along with the power of all mysteries of Christian faith. XThe exalted Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Xcommands you, who in her lowliness crushed your proud head from the first moment of her Immaculate Conception. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and the other apostles Xcommands you. The blood of martyrs and the devout prayers of all holy men and women command Xyou.

Therefore, accursed dragon and every diabolical legion, we adjure you by the living XGod, by the true XGod, by the holy XGod, by God, who so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life; to cease deluding human creatures and filling them with the poison of everlasting damnation; to desist from harming the Church and hampering her freedom. Begone, Satan, father and master of lies, enemy of man's welfare. Give place to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. Give way to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which Christ Himself purchased with His blood. Bow down before God's mighty hand, tremble and flee as we call on the holy and awesome name of Jesus, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the patriarchs and prophets, God of the apostles and martyrs, God of the confessors and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, whose kingdom is without end; we humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver us by your might from every influence of the accursed spirits, from their every evil snare and deception, and to keep us from all harm; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

P:  From the snares of the Devil. All: Lord, deliver us.

P:  That you help your Church to serve you in security and freedom. All: We beg you to hear us.

P:  That you humble the enemies of holy Church. All: We beg you to hear us.

The surroundings are sprinkled with holy water.

Exorcism
Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek exorkizein - to adjure) is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed (taken control of). The practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many religions. The person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the clergy, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc.. The exorcist invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore practitioners regard exorcism more as a cure than as a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence[1]. History The concept of possession by evil spirits and the practice of exorcism are very ancient and were widespread, and may have originated in prehistoric Shamanistic beliefs. The Christian New Testament includes exorcism among the miracles performed by Jesus. Because of this precedent, demonic possession was part of the belief system of Christianity since its beginning, and exorcism is still a recognized practice of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and some Protestant sects. The Church of England also has an official exorcist in each diocese. [2] After the enlightenment, the practice of exorcism has diminished in its importance to most religious groups and its use has decreased, especially in western society. Generally, in the 20th century its use was found mainly in Eastern Europe and Africa, with some cases gaining media coverage; Anneliese Michel is perhaps the most recent of these. This is due mainly to the study of psychology and the functioning and structure of the human mind. Many of the cases that in the past which were candidates for exorcism are often explained to be the products of mental illness, and are handled as such. However in 1973 the movie The Exorcist came out, and the idea of Exorcisms became thrust into the limelight. After its release a very large response came from the public in the United States and Europe, and belief in Demon Possession and Exorcisms found a place in contemporary society. Belief in the validity of the practice became less of a radical idea, and more widespread.[3]

Roman Catholicism
The belief in Roman Catholicism is that opposed to Baptism or Confession, Exorcism is one ritual that isn't a sacrament. The difference is that "its integrity and efficacy do not depend...on the rigid use of an unchanging formula or on the ordered sequence of prescribed actions. Its efficacy depends on two elements: authorization from valid and licit Church authorities, and the faith of the exorcist."[4] That being said, Catholic Exorcism is still one of the most rigid and organized of all existing exorcism rituals. Solemn exorcisms, according to the Canon law of the church, can be exercised only by an ordained priest (or higher prelate), with the express permission of the local bishop, and only after a careful medical examination to exclude the possibility of mental illness. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) enjoined: "Superstition ought not to be confounded with religion, however much their history may be interwoven, nor magic, however white it may be, with a legitimate religious rite." Things listed in the Roman Ritual as being indicators of possible demonic possession include: speaking foreign or ancient languages of which the possessed has no prior knowledge; supernatural abilities and strength; knowledge of hidden or remote things which the possessed has no way of knowing, an aversion to anything holy, profuse blasphemy, or sacrilege. The Catholic Church revised the Rite of Exorcism in January 1999, although the traditional Rite of Exorcism in Latin is allowed as an option. The act of exorcism is considered to be an incredibly dangerous spiritual task; the ritual assumes that possessed persons retain their free-will, though the demon may hold control over their physical body, and involves prayers, blessings, and invocations with the use of the document Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications. Other formulas may have been used in the past, such as the Benedictine Vade retro satana. In the modern era, the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play. In mild cases the Chaplet of Saint Michael should be used. [edit]

Anglicanism
In 1974, the Church of England set up the "Deliverance Ministry". As part of its creation every diocese in the country was equipped a team trained in both exorcism and psychiatry. According to its representatives most cases brought before it have conventional explanations and actual exorcisms are quite rare, though sometimes blessings are given to people for psychological reasons. [2] In The Episcopal Church the Book of Occasional Services discusses provision for exorcism; but it does not indicate any specific rite, nor does it establish an office of "exorcist". [5] Diocesan exorcists usually continue in their role when they have retired from all other church duties. Anglican exorcisms sometimes take the form of a mass for the dead if it is suspected that the souls suffering in Purgatory are responsible for the disturbance. Anglican priests may not perform an exorcism without permission from the Diocesan (regional) bishop. Is not usually performed unless the bishop and his team of specialists (including a psychiatrist and physician) has approved it. [edit]

Protestant denominations
Some Protestant denominations also recognize possession and exorcism, although the practice is generally less formalized than it is in the Catholic Church. The Methodist Church also has appointed people in place for use in such circumstances[6]. While some denominations perform exorcism very sparingly and cautiously, some may perform it almost routinely, as part of regular religious services (especially Pentecostal denominations). Psychiatrist M. Scott Peck researched exorcisms (initially in an effort to disprove demonic possession), and claims to have conducted two himself. He concluded that the Christian concept of possession was a genuine phenomenon. He derived diagnostic criteria somewhat different from those used by the Roman Catholic Church. He also claimed to see differences in exorcism procedures and progression. After his experiences and in an attempt to get his research validated he has attempted to get the psychiatric community to add the definition of "Evil" to the DSMIV[7]. [edit]

Deliverance
In the less formalized sections of Protestant denominations the ritual can take many forms and belief structures, especially in Charismatic movement. The most common of these is the Deliverance ceremony. This differs from the exorcism ceremony by the fact that the Devil may have gotten a foothold, into a persons life rather than gaining complete control if complete control has been gained a full fledged exorcism is necessary. However a "spirit filled Christian" can not be possessed based on their beliefs. Within this belief structure the reasons for the devil to get a foothold are usually explained to be some sort of deviation from theological doctrine or because of pre-conversion activities (like dealing with the occult) [8] [9] The method for determining if a person needs a Deliverance is done by having someone present who has the gift of Discernments of Spirits. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit from Cor. 1:12 that allows a person to "sense" in some way an evil presence[10]. While the initial diagnosis is usually uncontested by the congregation, when many people are endowed with this gift in a single congregation results may vary[11]. Fr. Gabriele Amorth references these people calling them "seers and Sensitives" and uses them on many occasions. they have the ability to detect an evil presence. He notes however that "They are not always right: their "feelings" must be checked out." In his examples they are able to detect the events that caused the Demon to enter, or are able to discover the evil object that has cursed the individual. He notes that "they are always Humble."[12]

[edit]

Exorcism in Christianity
In Christianity, Exorcisms are performed using the "power of Christ" or "In the name of Jesus." This is founded in the belief that Jesus commanded his followers to expel evil spirits in his name(Matthew 10:1,Matthew 10:8; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:110:17),(Mark 16:17). According to the Catholic Encyclopedia article on Exorcism: Jesus cast out demons as a sign of his Messiahship and empowered his disciples to do the same[13]. The Jewish Encyclopedia article on Jesus stated that Jesus "was devoted especially to casting out demons" and also believed that he passed this on to his followers, however he was superior to them in the Exorcisms."[14] In the time of Jesus, non-New Testament Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or other by making sacrifices. (Josephus, "B. J." vii. 6, § 3; Sanh. 65b). They do not report of Jesus being an exorcist, but do mention that exorcisms were done by the Essene branch of Judaism (Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran). [edit] Exorcism in Judaism In kabbalah and European Jewish folklore (which does not believe in possession by demons), possession takes on a different (and often much more positive) context. A person may be possessed by a spirit called a dybbuk — which is believed to be the dislocated soul of a dead person, returned from Gehenna (a Hebrew term for the in between world or purgatory that all spirits go to before entering heaven. It literally refers to the valley outside Jeruselem where the city's garbage and dead bodies were burned. The word later came to mean "the valley of dead", and became very loosely translated as "hell" by later Christian researchers). According to those beliefs, on rare occasions a soul which has not been able to fulfill its function in its lifetime is given another opportunity to do so in the form of a dybbuk. The soul then seeks out and "attaches" itself to a living person who is going through things or in a similar "life position" to what the soul was in during its lifetime. It is believed there are good dybbuks and bad, with a good dybbuk's "attachment" performing more the role of a "spiritual guide" there to help the person through their current trials and tribulations that the soul was attracted to. These "good" possessions are usually referred to as a 'sod ha'ibbur. In the case of a negative dybbuk, the spirit is not there to help as much as cause the same mistakes and chaos that it originally experienced during its own lifetime. In the case of exorcism, there are generally two types - though both take on a much less negative confrontational manner than in the Christian context. Briefly, the first involves a non-invasive approach (which generally is applied to the non-negative type of attachment but can be used in both) and involves treating the person and attached entity as a whole. Helping "him" to identify his goal or path in life (his true identity and purpose) and guiding them along it. In the case of a positive attachment, the spirit will leave when the "path" or purpose is significantly engrained and pursued. In the case of a negative, the pursuant of the "path" keeps it in check and eventually causes it to lose its connection (sometimes referred to as the "void" in the host) thereby forcing it to move on. The second approach is a little more confrontational, but still far less than those commonly seen in Christian rites. It involves 10 people (including the rabbi) who surround the possessed individual. Each person (including the rabbi leading the ritual) represents the 10 kabbalistic sephirot. The rabbi that leads the ceremony also requires a shofar, which is interestingly used in a manner similar to the bell in Buddhist and other east Asian meditative practices. The group repeatedly recites Psalm 91 and then the rabbi proceeds to blow the shofar in a specific pattern. This "shocks" both the possessed and the possessor, causing a loosening between the two enabling the addressing of each individually. The rabbi then enters in to dialogue with the spirit to find its purpose, and the group proceeds to heal it through dialogue and prayer meant to have it feel it has accomplished its goal. This is also done for the possessed. As Rabbi Gershon Winkler puts it: "We don't drive anything out of anybody. What we want to do is to heal the soul that's possessing and heal the person. It's all about healing -- we do the ceremony on behalf of both people." [edit]

Exorcism in Hinduism
Beliefs and practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with the ancient Dravidians in south. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and medicine. Many of the spells described in this book are for casting out demons and evil spirits. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Basic means of exorcism are mantra and yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions. Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana reading of 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water of holy rivers and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices. Main Vedic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana. [edit]

Exorcism in Scientology
Scientology believes that foreign beings known as Body Thetans have clustered themselves around a person and cause them confusion. It is the goal of Scientology to remove these beings from a person. On Scientology advanced level "OT3," "body thetans" are exorcised using a complicated technique. Body thetan exorcism, with a simpler technique, is revisited on advanced level "OT5," also known as "New Era Dianetics for Operating Thetans."[15] after these levels (which are used to accomplish other goals as well, not just an "exorcism" for Body Thetans) you are supposed to be free from the BT's influence. [edit]

Exorcism in Islam
Possession by jinn or the Devil (Shaitan) and exorcism of those who are wicked at heart is warned about in Islam since its beginning. It is believed that jinn can gain control only over those who do not hold true to God. According to Islamic scholars, "The Jinn enters the one seized by fits and causes him to speak incomprehensible words, unknown to himself; if the one seized by fits is struck a blow sufficient to kill a camel, he does not feel it." (ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo al-Fatawa.) Islamic clergy caution against the overuse of exorcism, citing that most cases are due to psychological and physical causes mistaken for possession. Real cases of possession are very rare and the faithful are warned to watch out for exorcists who encourage a diagnosis of possession too quickly, as they may merely be seeking profit. Islamic authorities also deny the possibility of possession by souls of deceased persons, and warn that evil spirits may make this claim in order to encourage sinful behavior among the living. [edit] Exorcism in the Qur'an and Sunnah There is no explicit statement in the Qur'an referring to possession by jinn. The closest is the following Qu'ranic verse which compares the state of sinners on the Day of Judgment to the state of those made insane by the Devil: “	Those who eat Ribâ (usury or interest) will not stand (on the day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: 'Trading is only like Ribâ,' whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns to Ribâ, such are the dwellers of the Fire -- they will abide therein. (Qur'an (Yusufali tr.), al-Baqara, 275)	” Some cite this verse as proof against Muslims who deny the possibility of jinn possession. There are also Sunnah (traditional statements that are not part of the Qur'an) about the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers expelling evil beings from the bodies of believers by using verses from the Qur'an and supplications to Allah. This example is related by Ya'la ibn Murah: “	I saw Allah's Messenger (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) do three things which no one before or after me saw. I went with him on a trip. On the way, we passed by a woman sitting at the roadside with a young boy. She called out, 'O Messenger of Allah, this boy is afflicted with a trial, and from him we have also been afflicted with a trial. I don't know how many times per day he is seized by fits.' He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) said: 'Give him to me.' So she lifted him up to the Prophet. He (sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam) then placed the boy between himself and the middle of the saddle, opened the boy's mouth and blew in it three times, saying, 'In the name of Allah, I am the slave of Allah, get out, enemy of Allah!' Then he gave the boy back to her and said: 'Meet us on our return at this same place and inform us how he has fared.' We then went. On our return, we found her in the same place with three sheep. When he said to her, 'How has your son fared?' She replied: 'By the One who sent you with the truth, we have not detected anything (unusual) in his behavior up to this time.... (Musnad Ahmad (vol: 4, p. 170), and al-Haakim, who declared it Saheeh)	” [edit]

On the nature of jinn
In Islamic belief, jinn are intelligent creatures. Much like human beings, they have free will to choose between right and wrong. While a jinni may possess a human for pure wickedness, it may also do it for other reasons. Shaikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah suggests that a jinni may do it in order to experience the physical world, for reasons of desire or love. In this case, a jinni may not have a malicious intent, or may be unaware of the harm it is causing. A jinni might also use possession for revenge. Jinn are said to be quick to anger, especially when they believe themselves to have been purposely harmed (since jinn are usually invisible to humans, a person can accidentally injure a jinni). [edit]

Faiths opposing exorcism
In Sikhism, exorcism is not permitted and is seen as a violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct), since Sikhs do not believe in demons, ghosts, or the sort. If a Sikh person were to be found practising exorcism, an ordained Ghiyanhi (priest) would have the power to strip that individual of any ties to the Sikh faith. This anti-exorcism stance separates Sikhism from what are viewed as the exorcism rituals of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, and Shintoism. Also Jainism does not believe in exorcism. [edit]

Notable exorcisms
Salvador Dali is reputed to have received an exorcism from Italian friar, Gabriele Maria Berardi, while he was in France in 1947. [16] Dali created a sculpture of Christ on the cross which he gave the friar in thanks. [17] According to a New York Post article of 19 February 2002, John Paul II personally performed three exorcisms during his tenure as pope. The first exorcism was performed on a woman in 1982. His second was in September 2000 when he performed the rite on a 19-year-old woman who had become enraged in St Peter's Square. A year later, in September 2001, he performed an exorcism on a 20-year-old woman. [Citation_needed] Anneliese Michel was a Catholic woman from Germany who was said to be possessed by six or more demons and subsequently underwent an exorcism in 1975. Two motion pictures, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem are loosely based on Anneliese's story. A boy identified by the pseudonym "Roland Doe" was the subject of an exorcism in 1949, which became the subject of The Exorcist, a horror novel and later film written by William Peter Blatty. Blatty heard about the case while he was a student in the class of 1950 at Georgetown University. The exorcism was partially performed in both Cottage City, Maryland [18]http://www.strangemag.com/exorcistpage1.html and Bel-Nor, Missouri [19] by Father William S. Bowdern, S.J. and a then Jesuit scholastic Fr. Walter Halloran, S.J. [20] [edit] Scientific view on Exorcism The Roman Ritual of Exorcism cautions the priest to look for signs of mental and physical possession and the Catholic Church authorizes exorcism rarely, approaching would-be cases with the presumption that mental or physical illness is in play and employs mental health and medical professionals to rule out physical or mental causes before giving authorization. Many mental illnesses have been treated as Demon Possession, and show signs that are interpreted as such. Demonic possession is not a valid psychiatric or medical diagnosis recognized by either the DSM-IV or the ICD-10. Those who profess a belief in demonic possession have sometimes ascribed the symptoms associated with mental illnesses such as hysteria, mania, psychosis, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder to possession.[21][22][23] In cases of dissociative identity disorder in which the alter personality is questioned as to its identity, 29% are reported to identify themselves as demons.[24] There is, however, a mental disease called demonomania or demonopathy. This is a monomania in which the patient believes that he or she is possessed by one or more demons. Medicine can explain some aspects of the "symptoms" shown by those persons allegedly possessed: it is known that "supernatural strength" is common in some cases of insanity (mania, energumens, etc.).[citation needed] The fact that exorcism works on people experiencing symptoms of possession is attributed to placebo effect and the power of suggestion.[25] Some supposedly possessed persons are actually narcissists or are suffering from low self-esteem and act a "demon possessed person" in order to gain attention.[26] In 1994 an Indian man living in Britain explained his criminal behavior as ghost possession. Exorcisms failed to help. Psychiatrists' diagnosis was: dissociative state and/or paranoid schizophrenia. Patient was treated with trifluoperazine and clopenthixol and the supposed ghost possession has ended.[27] [edit]

Exorcism-related deaths
Exorcism and other forms of spiritual healing have been related to abuse[1]and have been known to cause considerable physical harm to the exorcee, particularly when it is performed by those who believe that exorcism is necessarily a violent process. Some of the most notorious recent cases are listed below. •	Anneliese Michel (September 21, 1952 - June 30, 1976) was a German college student who died after an exorcism. Her parents and the two Bavarian priests who carried out the exorcism were later convicted. The movies The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Requiem were based on her story. •	Kyung-A Ha was beaten to death in 1995 in San Francisco, California by members of the Jesus-Amen Ministries. •	Kyung Jae Chung died in 1996 in Glendale, California from blunt-force trauma inflicted by her husband (a reverend) and members of the Glendale Korean Methodist Church. •	Charity Miranda was suffocated with a plastic bag in 1998 in Sayville, New York by her mother and sister during a Cuban Voodoo exorcism ritual. •	Korean woman Joanna Lee died in early December 2001 during a violent and prolonged exorcism performed in Auckland, New Zealand by Korean church minister Luke Lee. Her decomposing body was prayed over for several days before authorities were notified. During his subsequent trial, Luke Lee claimed that Joanna Lee would rise from the dead in a few days. Lee was imprisoned but has appealed the conviction. •	Terrance Cottrell Jr., an eight-year-old autistic child, died of asphyxiation in 2003 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during an exorcism carried out by members of the Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, in an attempt to expel the boy's demons. The coroner ruled that the boy died "due to external chest compression" as the part-time pastor lay on top of him. On July 10, 2004, the pastor was convicted of child abuse. •	In 2005, Maricica Irina Cornici, a 23 year old Romanian nun, who had previously received treatment for schizophrenia, heard voices telling her she was sinful. She was subjected to an unauthorised exorcism allegedly conducted by 29-year-old Daniel Petre Corogeanu, an Orthodox monk of the Holy Trinity convent in the nearby village of Tanacu. Cornici was bound to a cross, gagged with a towel, and left in a cold, dark room without food or water for three days.[28]Initially it was believed that she died of suffocation and dehydration during the exorcism. However an autopsy carried out on the exhumed body showed that she died of an adrenaline overdose mistakenly administered by a medic.[[29] •	In 2007, a 3-year-old girl in Phoenix, Arizona was hospitalized after being choked by her grandfather, Ronald Marquez, during an exorcism. Police are investigating "other possible abuses" and potential criminal charges against the mother, who has not been arrested, but found bloody and naked chanting "something that was religious in nature" while the child crying, screaming, and gasping was held in a headlock, squeezed, and choked by the woman's father.[30] The man was eventually subdued by police officers with a stun gun after a struggle and arrested. He initially appeared normal, but stopped breathing at the scene and could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.[31] •	In March 1992, in Oldham, UK, Kauser Bashir, a 20-year-old woman who had a history of mental illness was claimed as being possessed and beaten to death by two Muslim holy men - Mohammed Bashir (no relation) and Nourani Sayeed. With the family's consent, the exorcism performed on her lasted 8 days. She died whilst being starved of food and sleep for eight days. She was made to eat chili powder, suffered 17 broken ribs, a broken breastbone and was cut three times between her breasts. The two men were later convicted and imprisoned with life sentences. On the same date exactly 14 years later the murder victim’s father, Mohammed Bashir dosed in petrol burnt himself to death - at exactly the same location.[32] •	In November 2007, New Zealand woman Janet Moses died after a prolonged exorcism of a matuku (a Maori curse). Moses apparently died from waterlogging in the presence of 40 extended family members. Moses'cousin was later admitted to hospital with severe gouges to her eyes and bruising after another exorcism, when family members attacked her to remove a 'devil' which they saw in her eyes.[33] •	In February 2008, Susan Kay Clark died after her husband performed an exorcism on her. Her husband, Jan David Clark also claimed the demon entered his body while he was holding his wife down and made him kill her.[34][35] [edit]

Exorcism in Popular Culture
Exorcism has been a popular subject in fiction, especially horror. •	The Dybbuk (1914 play by S. Ansky) •	The Exorcist (1971 novel by William Peter Blatty) •	The Exorcist (1973 and 2000 movies), and its sequels and prequels, were inspired by Catholic exorcism ritual and folklore. •	House of Exorcism (1975 movie directed by Mario Bava) •	Repossessed (1990 comic movie starring Linda Blair and Leslie Nielsen) •	Quest for Turth (1992 film documenting exorcisms and faith healings) Richard Rossi •	Possessed' (1994 Book: Version of the actual events depicted in The Exorcist by T. Allen) Isbn: 0595132642 •	Of Love And Other Demons (1995 novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez) •	The Biggest Douche in the Universe (2002 South Park Television episode) •	Exorcism (2003 movie directed by William A. Baker) •	Kya Dark Lineage (2003 video game) •	Constantine (2005 movie) is based on the DC/Vertigo comic book Hellblazer. •	The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005 movie) was inspired by the Anneliese Michel case. •	Requiem (2006 German-language movie by Hans-Christian Schmid) is based on the Anneliese Michel case. •	An American Haunting (2006 movie) •	Blackwater Valley Exorcism (2006 movie) •	The Devil You Know (2006 novel by Mike Carey) •	D.Gray-man (2006 Japanese animation series by Hoshino Katsura) •	The VAXorcist (1991 script by Christopher Russell) •	Bhool Bhulaiya (2007 Hindi movie - The lead female actress heard the story of a spirit of a love deranged courtesan hell-bent on killing all kings and their heirs, because a king, whom she entertained, killed her lover - a dancer and courtesan. On hearing this story she developed Dissociative Personality Disorder & was routinely taken over by the personality of the dancer or more precisely the vindictive spirit of the dancer, trying desperately to kill the present king, who is actually her beloved husband.) •	A Haunting Shows true stories many involving demons and exorcisms Stigmata (1999 film starring Patricia Arquette and Gabriel Bryne) •	    Grudge 2 (2006 English movie; Director - Takashi Shimizu; written by - Stephen Susco,Takashi Shimizu (movie Ju-On: the Grudge); In Tokyo, a young woman (Tamblyn) is exposed to the same mysterious curse that afflicted her sister (Gellar). The supernatural force, which fills a person with rage before spreading to its next victim, brings together a group of previously unrelated people who attempt to unlock its secret to save their lives. In a particular chapter of this movie shown a exorcism did by a very old woman to her 18 - 22 year old girl (who became the main ghost in the movie) in flashback which describe a strong and very dangerous demonic possession for cure other affected people who were attacked by demons.)

RITE FOR EXORCISM

The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and implore God's help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water. After this he kneels and says the Litany of the Saints, exclusive of the prayers which follow it. All present are to make the responses.

LITANY OF THE SAINTS

The Litany of the Saints is used in ordination, Forty Hours', processions, and other occasions. Both the Roman Ritual and the Roman Pontifical direct that the first three invocations be repeated. The music for this litany is given in the music supplement. The invocations are sung (or recited) by the chanters or the priest; the responses by all.

P:  Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

P:  Christ, have mercy. All: Christ, have mercy.

P:  Lord, have mercy. All: Lord, have mercy.

P:  Christ, hear us. All: Christ, graciously hear us.

P:  God, the Father in heaven. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  God, the Son, Redeemer of the world. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  God, the Holy Spirit. All: Have mercy on us.

P:  Holy Trinity, one God. All: Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us,*


 * After each invocation: "Pray for us."

Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, All holy angels and archangels, All holy orders of blessed spirits, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, All holy patriarchs and prophets, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthew, St. Simon, St. Thaddeus, St. Matthias, St. Barnabas, St. Luke, St. Mark, All holy apostles and evangelists, All holy disciples of the Lord, All holy Innocents, St. Stephen, St. Lawrence, St. Vincent, SS. Fabian and Sebastian, SS. John and Paul, SS. Cosmas and Damian, SS. Gervase and Protase, All holy martyrs, St. Sylvester, St. Gregory, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Martin, St. Nicholas, All holy bishops and confessors, All holy doctors, St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Dominic, St. Francis, All holy priests and levites, All holy monks and hermits, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Agatha, St. Lucy, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St. Catherine, St. Anastasia, All holy virgins and widows,

P:  All holy saints of God, All: Intercede for us.

P:  Be merciful, All: Spare us, 0 Lord.

P:  Be merciful, All: Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.

From all evil, deliver us, 0 Lord.*


 * After each invocation: "Deliver us, 0 Lord."

From all sin, From your wrath, From sudden and unprovided death, From the snares of the Devil, From anger, hatred, and all ill will, From all lewdness, From lightning and tempest, From the scourge of earthquakes, From plague, famine, and war, From everlasting death, By the mystery of your holy incarnation, By your coming, By your birth, By your baptism and holy fasting, By your cross and passion, By your death and burial, By your holy resurrection, By your wondrous ascension, By the coming of the Holy, Spirit, the Advocate, On the day of judgment,

P:  We sinners, All: We beg you to hear us.*


 * After each invocation: "We beg you to hear us."

That you spare us, That you pardon us, That you bring us to true penance, That you govern and preserve your holy Church, That you preserve our Holy Father and all ranks in the Church

in holy religion,

That you humble the enemies of holy Church, That you give peace and true concord to all Christian rulers. That you give peace and unity to the whole Christian world, That you restore to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from

the truth, and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,

That you confirm and preserve us in your holy service, That you lift up our minds to heavenly desires, That you grant everlasting blessings to all our benefactors, That you deliver our souls and the souls of our brethren, relatives, and

benefactors from everlasting damnation,

That you give and preserve the fruits of the earth, That you grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, That you graciously hear us, Son of God,

At the end of the litany he (the priest) adds the following:

P:  Antiphon:  Do not keep in mind, 0 Lord, our offenses or those of our parents,

nor take vengeance on our sins.

P:  Our Father the rest inaudibly until

P:  And lead us not into temptation. All: But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 53

P:  God, by your name save me, * and by your might defend my cause. All: God, hear my prayer; * hearken to the words of my mouth.

P:  For haughty men have risen up against me, and fierce men seek my life; *

they set not God before their eyes.

All: See, God is my helper; * the Lord sustains my life.

P:  Turn back the evil upon my foes; * in your faithfulness destroy them. All: Freely will I offer you sacrifice; * I will praise your name, Lord, for its goodness,

P:  Because from all distress you have rescued me, * and my eyes look down upon my enemies. All: Glory be to the Father.

P:  As it was in the beginning.

After the psalm the priest continues:

P:  Save your servant. All: Who trusts in you, my God.

P:  Let him (her) find in you, Lord, a fortified tower. All: In the face of the enemy.

P:  Let the enemy have no power over him (her). All: And the son of iniquity be powerless to harm him (her).

P:  Lord, send him (her) aid from your holy place. All: And watch over him (her) from Sion.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, whose nature is ever merciful and forgiving, accept our prayer that this servant of yours, bound by the fetters of sin, may be pardoned by your loving kindness.

Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once and for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your only-begotten Son into the world to crush that roaring lion; hasten to our call for help and snatch from ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and likeness. Strike terror, Lord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. Fill your servants with courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their trust in you, and say with Pharaoh of old: "I know not God, nor will I set Israel free." Let your mighty hand cast him out of your servant, N., Xso he may no longer hold captive this person whom it pleased you to make in your image, and to redeem through your Son; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

1.     Then he commands the demon as follows:

I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, by the coming of our Lord for judgment, that you tell me by some sign your name, and the day and hour of your departure. I command you, moreover, to obey me to the letter, I who am a minister of God despite my unworthiness; nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of God, or the bystanders, or any of their possessions.

The priest lays his hand on the head of the sick person, saying:

They shall lay their hands upon the sick and all will be well with them. May Jesus, Son of Mary, Lord and Saviour of the world, through the merits and intercession of His holy apostles Peter and Paul and all His saints, show you favour and mercy. All: Amen.

2.     Next he reads over the possessed person these selections from the Gospel, or at least one of them.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

P:  The beginning of the holy Gospel according to St. John. All: Glory be to you, 0 Lord.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. John

John 1.1-14

As he says these opening words he signs himself and the possessed on the brow, lips, and breast.

When time began, the Word was there, and the Word was face to face with God, and the Word was God. This Word, when time began, was face to face with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him there came to be not one thing that has come to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not lay hold of it. There came upon the scene a man, a messenger from God, whose name was John. This man came to give testimony to testify in behalf of the light that all might believe through him. He was not himself the light; he only was to testify in behalf of the light. Meanwhile the true light, which illumines every man, was making its entrance into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through Him, and the world did not acknowledge Him. He came into His home, and His own people did not welcome Him. But to as many as welcomed Him He gave the power to become children of God those who believe in His name; who were born not of blood, or of carnal desire, or of man's will; no, they were born of God. (Genuflect here.) And the Word became man and lived among us; and we have looked upon His glory such a glory as befits the Father's only-begotten Son full of grace and truth! All: Thanks be to God.

25. Lastly he blesses the sick person, saying:

May the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, Xand Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you forever. All: Amen.

Then he sprinkles the person with holy water.

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Mark

Mark 16.15-18

At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He that believes and is baptized will be saved; he that does not believe will be condemned. And in the way of proofs of their claims, the following will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents in their hands, and if they drink something deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and these will recover."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 10.17-20

At that time the seventy-two returned in high spirits. "Master," they said, "even the demons are subject to us because we use your name!" "Yes," He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall like lightning that flashes from heaven. But mind: it is I that have given you the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and break the dominion of the enemy everywhere; nothing at all can injure you. Just the same, do not rejoice in the fact that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice in the fact that your names are engraved in heaven."

A Lesson from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke

Luke 11.14-22

At that time Jesus was driving out a demon, and this particular demon was dumb. The demon was driven out, the dumb man spoke, and the crowds were enraptured. But some among the people remarked: "He is a tool of Beelzebul, and that is how he drives out demons!" Another group, intending to test Him, demanded of Him a proof of His claims, to be shown in the sky. He knew their inmost thoughts. "Any kingdom torn by civil strife," He said to them, "is laid in ruins; and house tumbles upon house. So, too, if Satan is in revolt against himself, how can his kingdom last, since you say that I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul. And furthermore: if I drive out demons as a tool of Beelzebul, whose tools are your pupils when they do the driving out? Therefore, judged by them, you must stand condemned. But, if, on the contrary, I drive out demons by the finger of God, then, evidently the kingdom of God has by this time made its way to you. As long as a mighty lord in full armour guards his premises, he is in peaceful possession of his property; but should one mightier than he attack and overcome him, he will strip him of his armour, on which he had relied, and distribute the spoils taken from him."

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. Almighty Lord, Word of God the Father, Jesus Christ, God and Lord of all creation; who gave to your holy apostles the power to tramp underfoot serpents and scorpions; who along with the other mandates to work miracles was pleased to grant them the authority to say: "Depart, you demons!" and by whose might Satan was made to fall from heaven like lightning; I humbly call on your holy name in fear and trembling, asking that you grant me, your unworthy servant, pardon for all my sins, steadfast faith, and the power — supported by your mighty arm — to confront with confidence and resolution this cruel demon. I ask this through you, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, who are coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

3.     Next he makes the sign of the cross over himself and the one possessed, places the end of the stole on the latter's neck, and, putting his right hand on the latter's head, he says the following in accents filled with confidence and faith:

P:  See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers! All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to your holy name, humbly begging your kindness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean spirit now tormenting this creature of yours; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Exorcism

I cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every Satanic power of the enemy, every spectre from hell, and all your fell companions; in the name of our Lord Jesus XChrist. Begone and stay far from this creature of God. XFor it is He who commands you, He who flung you headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. It is He who commands you, He who once stilled the sea and the wind and the storm. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan, you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race, you begetter of death, you robber of life, you corrupter of justice, you root of all evil and vice; seducer of men, betrayer of the nations, instigator of envy, font of avarice, fomenter of discord, author of pain and sorrow. Why, then, do you stand and resist, knowing as you must that Christ the Lord brings your plans to nothing? Fear Him, who in Isaac was offered in sacrifice, in Joseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell. (The three signs of the cross which follow are traced on the brow of the possessed person). Begone, then, in the name of the Father, Xand of the Son, Xand of the Holy XSpirit. Give place to the Holy Spirit by this sign of the holy Xcross of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own image, look down in pity on this your servant, N., now in the toils of the unclean spirit, now caught up in the fearsome threats of man's ancient enemy, sworn foe of our race, who befuddles and stupefies the human mind, throws it into terror, overwhelms it with fear and panic. Repel, 0 Lord, the Devil's power, break asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. By the sign X (on the brow) of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body. (The three crosses which follow are traced on the breast of the possessed person). Keep watch over the inmost recesses of his (her) Xheart; rule over his (her) Xemotions; strengthen his (her) Xwill. Let vanish from his (her) soul the temptings of the mighty adversary. Graciously grant, 0 Lord, as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrorized over us, may himself retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render you the service which is your due; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Exorcism

I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator, by the Creator of the whole universe, by Him who has the power to consign you to hell, to depart forthwith in fear, along with your savage minions, from this servant of God, N., who seeks refuge in the fold of the Church. I adjure you again, X (on the brow) not by my weakness but by the might of the Holy Spirit, to depart from this servant of God, N., whom almighty God has made in His image. Yield, therefore, yield not to my own person but to the minister of Christ. For it is the power of Christ that compels you, who brought you low by His cross. Tremble before that mighty arm that broke asunder the dark prison walls and led souls forth to light. May the trembling that afflicts this human frame, X (on the breast) the fear that afflicts this image X (on the brow) of God, descend on you. Make no resistance nor delay in departing from this man, for it has pleased Christ to dwell in man. Do not think of despising my command because you know me to be a great sinner. It is God XHimself who commands you; the majestic Christ Xwho commands you. God the Father Xcommands you; God the Son Xcommands you; God the Holy XSpirit commands you. The mystery of the cross commands Xyou. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and of all the saints commands Xyou. The blood of the martyrs commands Xyou. The continence of the confessors commands Xyou. The devout prayers of all holy men and women command Xyou. The saving mysteries of our Christian faith command Xyou.

Depart, then, transgressor. Depart, seducer, full of lies and cunning, foe of virtue, persecutor of the innocent. Give place, abominable creature, give way, you monster, give way to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. For He has already stripped you of your powers and laid waste your kingdom, bound you prisoner and plundered your weapons. He has cast you forth into the outer darkness, where everlasting ruin awaits you and your abettors. To what purpose do you insolently resist? To what purpose do you brazenly refuse? For you are guilty before almighty God, whose laws you have transgressed. You are guilty before His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you presumed to tempt, whom you dared to nail to the cross. You are guilty before the whole human race, to whom you proferred by your enticements the poisoned cup of death.

Therefore, I adjure you, profligate dragon, in the name of the spotless XLamb, who has trodden down the asp and the basilisk, and overcome the lion and the dragon, to depart from this man (woman) (on the brow), to depart from the Church of God X (signing the bystanders). Tremble and flee, as we call on the name of the Lord, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. The Word made flesh Xcommands you; the Virgin's Son Xcommands you; Jesus Xof Nazareth commands you, who once, when you despised His disciples, forced you to flee in shameful defeat from a man; and when He had cast you out you did not even dare, except by His leave, to enter into a herd of swine. And now as I adjure you in His Xname, begone from this man (woman) who is His creature. It is futile to resist His Xwill. It is hard for you to kick against the Xgoad. The longer you delay, the heavier your punishment shall be; for it is not men you are condemning, but rather Him who rules the living and the dead, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the prophets and apostles, God of the martyrs and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of heaven and earth, who are truly a King, whose kingdom is without end; I humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver this servant of yours from the unclean spirits; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Exorcism

Therefore, I adjure you every unclean spirit, every spectre from hell, every satanic power, in the name of Jesus XChrist of Nazareth, who was led into the desert after His baptism by John to vanquish you in your citadel, to cease your assaults against the creature whom He has, formed from the slime of the earth for His own honor and glory; to quail before wretched man, seeing in him the image of almighty God, rather than his state of human frailty. Yield then to God, Xwho by His servant, Moses, cast you and your malice, in the person of Pharaoh and his army, into the depths of the sea. Yield to God, Xwho, by the singing of holy canticles on the part of David, His faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King Saul. Yield to God, Xwho condemned you in the person of Judas Iscariot, the traitor. For He now flails you with His divine scourges, XHe in whose sight you and your legions once cried out: "What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torture us before the time?" Now He is driving you back into the everlasting fire, He who at the end of time will say to the wicked: "Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." For you, 0 evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die. An unquenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursed murderers, father of lechery, instigator of sacrileges, model of vileness, promoter of heresies, inventor of every obscenity.

Depart, then, Ximpious one, depart, Xaccursed one, depart with all your deceits, for God has willed that man should be His temple. Why do you still linger here? Give honour to God the Father Xalmighty, before whom every knee must bow. Give place to the Lord Jesus XChrist, who shed His most precious blood for man. Give place to the Holy XSpirit, who by His blessed apostle Peter openly struck you down in the person of Simon Magus; who cursed your lies in Annas and Saphira; who smote you in King Herod because he had not given honor to God; who by His apostle Paul afflicted you with the night of blindness in the magician Elyma, and by the mouth of the same apostle bade you to go out of Pythonissa, the soothsayer. Begone, Xnow! Begone, Xseducer! Your place is in solitude; your abode is in the nest of serpents; get down and crawl with them. This matter brooks no delay; for see, the Lord, the ruler comes quickly, kindling fire before Him, and it will run on ahead of Him and encompass His enemies in flames. You might delude man, but God you cannot mock. It is He who casts you out, from whose sight nothing is hidden. It is He who repels you, to whose might all things are subject. It is He who expels you, He who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth shall come a sharp sword, who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire. All: Amen.

4.     All the above may be repeated as long as necessary, until the one possessed has been fully freed.

5.     It will also help to say devoutly and often over the afflicted person the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed, as well as any of the prayers given below.

6.     The Canticle of our Lady, with the doxology; the Canticle of Zachary, with the doxology.

P:  Antiphon:   Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Canticle of Our Lady (The Magnificat) Luke 1:46 55

P:  "My soul * extols the Lord; All: And my spirit leaps for joy in God my Saviour.

P:  How graciously He looked upon His lowly maid! * Oh, see, from this hour

onward age after age will call me blessed!

All: How sublime is what He has done for me, * the Mighty One, whose name is `Holy'!

P:  From age to age He visits those * who worship Him in reverence. All: His arm achieves the mastery: * He routs the haughty and proud of heart.

P:  He puts down princes from their thrones, * and exalts the lowly; All: He fills the hungry with blessings, * and sends away the rich with empty hands.

P:  He has taken by the hand His servant Israel, * and mercifully kept His faith, All: As He had promised our fathers * with Abraham and his posterity forever

and evermore."

P:  Glory be to the Father. All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon:  Magi from the East came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasure chests they presented Him with precious gifts: Gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia.

Meanwhile the home is sprinkled with holy water and incensed. Then the priest says:

P: Our Father the rest inaudibly until:

P:  And lead us not into temptation. All: But deliver us from evil.

P:  Many shall come from Saba. All: Bearing gold and incense.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May he also be with you.

Let us pray. God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Responsory: Be enlightened and shine forth, 0 Jerusalem, for your light is come; and upon you is risen the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary.

P:  Nations shall walk in your light, and kings in the splendour of your birth. All: And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Let us pray. Lord God almighty, bless Xthis home, and under its shelter let there be health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to your commandments, and thanksgiving to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May your blessing remain always in this home and on those who live here; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

P:  Antiphon for Canticle of Zachary: Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom, for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan; the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials; and the guests are gladdened with water made wine, alleluia.

Canticle of Zachary Luke 1:68 79

P:  "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! * He has visited His people and

brought about its redemption.

All: He has raised for us a stronghold of salvation * in the house of David

His servant,

P:  And redeemed the promise He had made * through the mouth of His

holy prophets of old

All: To grant salvation from our foes * and from the hand of all that hate us;

P:  To deal in mercy with our fathers * and be mindful of His holy covenant, All: Of the oath he had sworn to our father Abraham, * that He would enable us

P:  Rescued from the clutches of our foes * to worship Him without fear, All: In holiness and observance of the Law, * in His presence, all our days.

P:  And you, my little one, will be hailed `Prophet of the Most High'; * for the

Lord's precursor you will be to prepare His ways;

All: You are to impart to His people knowledge of salvation * through

forgiveness of their sins.

P:  Thanks be to the merciful heart of our God! * a dawning Light from on high

will visit us

All: To shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadowland of death, *

and guide our feet into the path of peace."

P:  Glory be to the Father. All: As it was in the beginning.

Antiphon: Today the Church is espoused to her heavenly bridegroom, for Christ washes her sins in the Jordan; the Magi hasten with gifts to the regal nuptials; and the guests are gladdened with water made wine, alleluia.

Then the celebrant sings: P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God, who on this day revealed your only-begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star, grant that we who now know you by faith may finally behold you in your heavenly majesty; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Athanasian Creed

P:  Whoever wills to be saved * must before all else hold fast to the Catholic faith. All: Unless one keeps this faith whole and untarnished, * without doubt he will perish forever.

P:  Now this is the Catholic faith: * that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in unity; All: Neither confusing the Persons one with the other, * nor making a distinction in their nature.

P:  For the Father is a distinct Person; and so is the Son; * and so is the Holy Spirit. All: Yet the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit possess one Godhead, * co-equal glory, co-eternal majesty.

P:  As the Father is, so is the Son, * so also is the Holy Spirit. All: The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, * the Holy Spirit is uncreated.

P:  The Father is infinite, the Son is infinite, * the Holy Spirit is infinite. All: The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, * the Holy Spirit is eternal.

P:  Yet they are not three eternals, * but one eternal God. All: Even as they are not three uncreated, or three infinites, * but one uncreated and one infinite God.

P:  So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, * the Holy Spirit is almighty. All: Yet they are not three almighties, * but they are the one Almighty.

P:  Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, * the Holy Spirit is God. All: Yet they are not three gods, * but one God.

P:  Thus the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, * the Holy Spirit is Lord. All: Yet there are not three lords, * but one Lord.

P:  For just as Christian truth compels us to profess that each Person is individually God and Lord, * so does the Catholic religion forbid us to hold that there are three gods or lords. All: The Father was not made by any power; * He was neither created nor begotten.

P:  The Son is from the Father alone, * neither created nor made, but begotten. All: The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son, * neither made nor created nor begotten, but He proceeds.

P:  So there is one Father, not three; one Son, not three; * one Holy Spirit, not three. All: And in this Trinity one Person is not earlier or later, nor is one greater or less; * but all three Persons are co-eternal and co-equal.

P:  In every way, then, as already affirmed, * unity in Trinity and Trinity in unity is to be worshiped. All: Whoever, then, wills to be saved * must assent to this doctrine of the Blessed Trinity.

P:  But it is necessary for everlasting salvation * that one also firmly believe in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. All: True faith, then, requires us to believe and profess * that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man.

P:  He is God, begotten of the substance of the Father from eternity; * He is man, born in time of the substance of His Mother. All: He is perfect God, and perfect man * subsisting in a rational soul and a human body.

P:  He is equal to the Father in His divine nature, * but less than the Father in His human nature as such. All: And though He is God and man, * yet He is the one Christ, not two;

P:  One, however, not by any change of divinity into flesh, * but by the act of God assuming a human nature. All: He is one only, not by a mixture of substance, * but by the oneness of His Person.

P:  For, somewhat as the rational soul and the body compose one man, * so Christ is one Person who is both God and man; All: Who suffered for our salvation, who descended into hell, * who rose again the third day from the dead;

P:  Who ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, * from there He shall come to judge both the living and the dead. All: At His coming all men shall rise again in their bodies, * and shall give an account of their works.

P:  And those who have done good shall enter into everlasting life, * but those who have done evil into everlasting fire. All: All this is Catholic faith, * and unless one believes it truly and firmly one cannot be saved.

P:  Glory be to the Father All: As it was in the beginning.

Here follow a large number of psalms which may be used at the exorcist's discretion but are not a necessary part of the rite. Some of them occur in other parts of the Ritual and are so indicated; the others may be taken from the Psalter. Psalm 90 (see p. 227); psalm 67; psalm 69; psalm 53 (see p. 559); psalm 117 (see p. 248); psalm 34; psalm 30; psalm 21; psalm 3; psalm 10; psalm 12.

Prayer Following Deliverance

P:  Almighty God, we beg you to keep the evil spirit from further molesting this servant of yours, and to keep him far away, never to return. At your command, 0 Lord, may the goodness and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, take possession of this man (woman). May we no longer fear any evil since the Lord is with us; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. All: Amen.

EXORCISM OF SATAN AND THE FALLEN ANGELS

Whereas the preceding rite of exorcism is designated for a particular person, the present one is for general use --- to combat the power of the evil spirits over a community or locality.

The following exorcism can be used by bishops, as well as by priests who have this authorization from their Ordinary.

P:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army, defend us in the battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness and the spirit of wickedness in high places. Come to the rescue of mankind, whom God has made in His own image and likeness, and purchased from Satan's tyranny at so great a price. Holy Church venerates you as her patron and guardian. The Lord has entrusted to you the task of leading the souls of the redeemed to heavenly blessedness. Entreat the Lord of peace to cast Satan down under our feet, so as to keep him from further holding man captive and doing harm to the Church. Carry our prayers up to God's throne, that the mercy of the Lord may quickly come and lay hold of the beast, the serpent of old, Satan and his demons, casting him in chains into the abyss, so that he can no longer seduce the nations.

Exorcism

P:  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, by the intercession of Mary, spotless Virgin and Mother of God, of St. Michael the Archangel, of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, and by the authority residing in our holy ministry, we steadfastly proceed to combat the onslaught of the wily enemy.

Psalm 67(8)

P:  God arises; His enemies are scattered, * and those who hate Him flee before Him. All: As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; * as wax melts before the fire, so the wicked perish before God.

P:  See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers! All: The stem of David, the lion of Juda's tribe has conquered.

P:  May your mercy, Lord, remain with us always. All: For we put our whole trust in you.

We cast you out, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every onslaught of the infernal adversary, every legion, every diabolical group and sect, in the name and by the power of our Lord Jesus XChrist. We command you, begone and fly far from the Church of God, from the souls made by God in His image and redeemed by the precious blood of the divine Lamb. XNo longer dare, cunning serpent, to deceive the human race, to persecute God's Church, to strike God's elect and to sift them as wheat. XFor the Most High God commands you, XHe to whom you once proudly presumed yourself equal; He who wills all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. God the Father Xcommands you. God the Son Xcommands you. God the Holy XSpirit commands you. Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh, commands Xyou, who humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, to save our race from the perdition wrought by your envy; who founded His Church upon a firm rock, declaring that the gates of hell should never prevail against her, and that He would remain with her all days, even to the end of the world. The sacred mystery of the cross Xcommands you, along with the power of all mysteries of Christian faith. XThe exalted Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Xcommands you, who in her lowliness crushed your proud head from the first moment of her Immaculate Conception. The faith of the holy apostles Peter and Paul and the other apostles Xcommands you. The blood of martyrs and the devout prayers of all holy men and women command Xyou.

Therefore, accursed dragon and every diabolical legion, we adjure you by the living XGod, by the true XGod, by the holy XGod, by God, who so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life; to cease deluding human creatures and filling them with the poison of everlasting damnation; to desist from harming the Church and hampering her freedom. Begone, Satan, father and master of lies, enemy of man's welfare. Give place to Christ, in whom you found none of your works. Give way to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, which Christ Himself purchased with His blood. Bow down before God's mighty hand, tremble and flee as we call on the holy and awesome name of Jesus, before whom the denizens of hell cower, to whom the heavenly Virtues and Powers and Dominations are subject, whom the Cherubim and Seraphim praise with unending cries as they sing: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth.

P:  Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P:  The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray. God of heaven and earth, God of the angels and archangels, God of the patriarchs and prophets, God of the apostles and martyrs, God of the confessors and virgins, God who have power to bestow life after death and rest after toil; for there is no other God than you, nor can there be another true God beside you, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, whose kingdom is without end; we humbly entreat your glorious majesty to deliver us by your might from every influence of the accursed spirits, from their every evil snare and deception, and to keep us from all harm; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

P:  From the snares of the Devil. All: Lord, deliver us.

P:  That you help your Church to serve you in security and freedom. All: We beg you to hear us.

P:  That you humble the enemies of holy Church. All: We beg you to hear us.

The surroundings are sprinkled with holy water.