1000 Suspected Cases of Spirit Possession or Witchcraft

Written by Dr Terence Palmer PhD

Abstract The objective was to explore whether Remote Spirit Release (RSR), otherwise known as dis-obsession by Spiritist healers, could support people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Spirit release practitioners and Spiritists have long applied this method, with varying reported outcomes, including for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, it has not yet been subjected to rigorous scientific testing. This project therefore set out to study the Remote Spirit Release (RSR) technique in a structured way for the first time.

The project’s pilot was initiated in 2018 in response to people requesting help for a loved one diagnosed with psychosis. Family members were concerned that their loved one was not responding well to medical and psychiatric treatment alone, and were looking for additional support alongside it. Practitioners reported that many of these clients appeared to be influenced by external agencies, including the earthbound spirits of the deceased that had attached themselves to the vulnerable host. Following release of the earthbound spirits, practitioners reported that some clients experienced a reduction in auditory hallucinations and other symptoms. These initial observations led to the collection of one thousand reported suspected spirit possession cases.

The findings of this ‘First Test’ reported that: • 85% of suspected spirit possession cases had earthbound spirits attached. • 74% had from one to five. • 11% had more than five. All earthbound spirits encountered were assisted in ascending to the Light.

Twenty four different medical diagnoses were recorded, ranging from anxiety and depression to psychosis and schizophrenia. A total of twenty seven observed symptoms included aggressive behaviour, paranoia and hearing voices.

On the sessions themselves, the team recorded that: • 85% of cases were completed in one session that took an average time of eight minutes. • 10% took two sessions. • 3% took three. • 1% took four sessions. • 1% of cases were more challenging and took more than four sessions. • 51% of cases were self referrals. • 31% came from a family member. • 11% from a concerned friend. • 3% from a therapist.

The pilot received no referrals from psychiatrists or other medical healthcare practitioners.

The team would like to address this through future research carried out in partnership with medical and mental health professionals.

Please note: spirit release works alongside medical and psychological care, never instead of it. If you or someone you know is struggling, please keep working with your GP or mental health team.