Spirit Possession and Religion

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract This is a critical overview of recent and current studies of spirit possession, a condition featuring an altered state of consciousness that is culturally defined as the occupation of a person by forces that are alien and often invisible—for example, spirits, ancestors, or other entities and powers. The chapter explores how possession offers insights, but it also poses challenges in understanding the concept of religion and, more broadly, individuality and collectivity in society and culture. Through illustrative cases and examples, it is shown how spirit possession prompts revision of some prevalent assumptions about ritual, symbolism, body and person, healing, gender, power, and agency. The chapter contributes to developing theoretical and methodological stances from which to explore possession from different angles.