possession (partial DRAFT)

In the metaphysical sense, this is where a nonphysical entity (generally discarnate), or the astral of an incarnate entity, takes over control of another person’s body to such an extent that it seems to character and mannerisms of the original inhabitant are completely gone or suppressed, and solely those mannerisms and the character of the intruding entity are displayed, without consent of that person

Now, where permission has been given, this complete change of character can be a good thing - but that is a deep trance (often associated with channelling a more evolved entity), a form of mediumship, and is not possession.

Possession is a negative situation where the original inhabitant of the poor body concerned does not wish their body to be taken over. In such cases, the original inhabitant often fights back, and thus control of the unfortunate body at the centre of this struggle may not be smooth - they may be exhibiting signs of multiple personalities (the overwhelming majority of which have their causes and cure in mundane psychology), or some of the stereotypical behaviours associated with the mentally unwell (spasms, etc - and, again, the overwhelming majority of which have their causes and cure in mundane medicine).

For more on this, refer to books such as Carl A. Wickland’s “30 years Among the Dead”.

(I actually find it difficult to recommend books on this topic, as most have one or two serious flaws in them which result in me have ethical concerns about them. One such which I will nevertheless include is "Spirit Release", by Sue Allen, pub. o-books, 2007, ISBN 978-1-846940-33-0. My review of this book is on my blog at http://gnwmythr.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/book-rave-spirit-release-by-sue-allen.html.)

A less complete form of influencing is often referred to as ‘obsession’.

As of the time this definition was written, I’ve touched on this idea in the following posts:

     Post No. TBC

A couple of decades ago, while working on a book on rescue which I never finished, I did a few - lighthearted - sketches to help illustrate what I was writing about. The following sketch shows - and I was using animals in an anthropomorphic way as a cartoon device - the unusual behaviour which possession can lead to (i.e., the dog behaving as a cat). (incidentally, I had intended to redraw these to be a bit more distinct, but as I haven't had time to do so over the last few decades, I've decided to post them now, as they are  with a hope they may be of some use or lead to someone doing something better):