Demons who are known to possess

Demons Who Are Known to Possess

Possession is not a uniquely Christian phenomenon. Across the world, in Africa, the Middle East, South and East Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific, people have long reported experiences in which spirits take significant influence or control over a human being. Different cultures name these spirits differently and have developed their own methods for dealing with them through traditional healers, shamans, Islamic specialists, Hindu ritualists, Vodou priests, and many others.

In the Western and especially Catholic tradition, a more specific approach developed. Catholic exorcists have historically placed strong emphasis on identifying the demon by name. The belief is that naming the entity gives the exorcist greater authority in commanding it to leave. Because of this, certain names appear repeatedly in Catholic and broader Christian accounts of possession.

In an interview, one Catholic exorcist remarked that while it is necessary to discover the demon’s name, in the end it is all the same because it is only Satan anyway. This is a common view within that tradition, and it is understandable given the theological framework they work inside.

From our perspective, however, the aggressive behaviour many spirits show toward exorcists is often a direct response to the profound disrespect built into the process itself. The confrontation becomes a prolonged exchange of pressure and resistance until the spirit grows bored or finds the situation no longer worth maintaining and withdraws.

Those of us who approach these ancient beings with actual respect recognise that they are individual intelligences with their own natures, histories, and characters. They are not simply interchangeable masks of a single Christian devil.

This page exists for two main reasons.

• First, to give readers a clear overview of the demons most frequently associated with possession in the English speaking and Catholic world.
• Second, to provide context for people who are researching the subject, whether out of general interest or because they suspect a particular spirit may be involved with themselves or someone they know.

Western Christian demons most commonly linked to possession 

Legion

One of the most famous cases of possession in the Christian tradition appears in the New Testament, where a man is described as being possessed by a multitude of spirits that identify themselves as Legion. This account has strongly influenced later Christian ideas about multiple spirits inhabiting a single person. Legion is often referenced when possession involves many voices or a sense of overwhelming internal force.

Asmodeus

Frequently associated with lust, rage, and destructive relationships. In both Jewish and Christian sources, Asmodeus appears as a powerful and aggressive spirit. Some possession accounts link him to intense sexual obsession, violence within relationships, and a driving, restless energy that is difficult to control.

Astaroth

Traditionally described as a high ranking spirit connected with accusation, hidden knowledge, and psychological pressure. In possession related material he is sometimes linked to despair, compulsive thoughts, and a heavy sense of being watched or judged. He appears in several grimoires as a spirit that can be difficult to dislodge once influence is established.

Belial

Often associated with lawlessness, worthlessness, and the rejection of order. In some Christian demonological traditions Belial is linked to possession cases involving extreme defiance, moral corruption, and a complete breakdown of self control. He is regarded as a strong and stubborn presence.

Beelzebub

One of the more prominent names in Christian demonology, frequently connected with pride, gluttony, and infestation. Some older accounts treat Beelzebub as a chief spirit capable of coordinating other entities. In possession literature he is sometimes described as bringing a particularly oppressive and dominating influence.

Lucifer

Although more often discussed in terms of pride and rebellion than everyday possession, Lucifer appears in a number of serious Catholic cases. When this name is involved, the possession is usually described as especially intense, intelligent, and resistant. Many traditional exorcists treat any claim of Lucifer’s direct involvement with great caution and thorough investigation.

Other Cultures

Islamic cultures Possession is most often attributed to jinn. These are intelligent, free willed beings created from smokeless fire. Some jinn are considered neutral or even helpful, while others are hostile. Related terms include shayatin (devils) and afarit (more powerful or vengeful spirits). Traditional Islamic responses usually involve Quranic recitation and ruqyah.

African traditions A wide range of spirits appear across different regions. These can include ancestral spirits, nature spirits, and more dangerous or unsettled entities. In many communities the possessing spirit is identified through divination, and the response may involve negotiation, offerings, or ritual removal rather than pure expulsion. Specific names and categories vary greatly by ethnic group and locality.

Hindu and South Asian traditions Possession can involve local deities, village spirits, restless dead, or malevolent entities. In some cases the spirit is regarded as a god or goddess temporarily taking over a person (especially in certain ritual contexts). In other cases it is viewed as an unwanted or harmful presence that needs to be removed by a specialist.

Chinese and East Asian traditions Possession is often linked to ghosts, restless dead, or certain classes of spirits. Fox spirits (in Chinese and Japanese folklore) have a long association with possession and influence over humans. Local deities and ancestral spirits can also be involved. Specialists such as spirit mediums or ritual masters traditionally handle these cases.

Southeast Asian traditions A variety of local spirits, ghosts, and sometimes deities are held responsible. In places such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, possession may be attributed to specific named spirits or to more general categories of unsettled dead and nature beings. Both unwanted possession and deliberate ritual possession occur.

African diaspora religions (Vodou, related traditions) In Haitian Vodou and related systems, possession by the lwa (spirits) is a central and often welcomed part of religious practice. However, unwanted or harmful possession is also recognised and addressed by priests and priestesses. The spirits involved are distinct personalities with their own names, preferences, and characters.

General pattern Across most of the world, possession is not usually blamed on a single universal devil. Instead, people identify specific local spirits, ancestors, ghosts, jinn, deities, or other named entities. The identity of the spirit is often considered important for deciding how to respond, whether through removal, negotiation, offerings, or establishing a proper relationship.