Spirit Possession and Religion
January 20, 2026 Susan J. Rasmussen
Spirit possession is a condition featuring an altered state of consciousness that is culturally defined as the occupation of a person by alien forces such as spirits, ancestors, or other entities. This critical overview examines how possession offers insights into the concept of religion and, more broadly, into individuality and collectivity in society and culture. Through illustrative cases, the chapter shows how possession prompts revision of prevalent assumptions about ritual, symbolism, body and person, healing, gender, power, and agency. It contributes to developing theoretical and methodological stances from which to explore possession from different angles.