Demonic harassment

[Vigilant]

I don’t believe I was jumping on any band wagon, since the advice I gave this person would be good for anyone, regardless of whether or not their problem was in fact demonic. Yes, these occurrences are rare, but trust me, they do happen.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have no doubt that you believe it to be true, but like you said, unless someone experiences it for him/herself, that person is likely to remain skeptical. There’re many converts to the faith, from atheism or another denomination/religion, but these types of stories are still fairly rare, as far as I know. I don’t want to dismiss it entirely, because it could very well be true. Have you spoken to a clergy member of the Church regarding this? Perhaps a Catholic psychiatrist, someone who is certified to diagnose such things? So far, what I’m hearing is personal diagnosis. I am by no means qualified to make any judgments regarding your situation, but I have heard that people may hallucinate when placed under great stress.

I’m an actually quite concerned that a lot of the previous posters are jumping on the bandwagon in reassuring you that it is some form of demonic occurrence, without having any qualification to do so. I would recommend that you go to someone who is qualified to make such assessments, instead of seeking advice on a public, anonymous forum for something you deem to be of extreme importance.

 

[Vigilant]

So what -are- you thinking then.

As far as I can think, I’ve heard no tell of it. I can imagine perhaps some idiot, in mortal sin, breaking up a gathering of Satanists and getting killed, and trying to authoratively command some devil, but unless it’s on that level, normally: no.

You’ve heard no tell of it. I see. What first-hand experience, if any, have you had with this sort of thing? I get the impression that you are someone who has all the answers, but no real experience or legitimate knowledge to back those answers up.

Not all demons are created equal. Yes, some are of a lower level, who can do little more than aggravate and “raise a fuss”, yet there are others which are horrible beyond anything we can fathom. And those in the second group can, and will, do horrible things to people who are vulnerable to them. Provided that God allows such things to happen to a given person. Or perhaps how much He allows to happen.

 

[Shin]

You’ve heard no tell of it. I see. What first-hand experience, if any, have you had with this sort of thing? I get the impression that you are someone who has all the answers, but no real experience or legitimate knowledge to back those answers up.

Not all demons are created equal. Yes, some are of a lower level, who can do little more than aggravate and “raise a fuss”, yet there are others which are horrible beyond anything we can fathom. And those in the second group can, and will, do horrible things to people who are vulnerable to them. Provided that God allows such things to happen to a given person. Or perhaps how much He allows to happen.

I asked you to explain your reasons why you made such a statement. If you do not wish to, that is fine.

I have never put myself forth as someone with ‘all the answers’ so I am sorry you have that impression.

 

[Student09]

I’m an actually quite concerned that a lot of the previous posters are jumping on the bandwagon in reassuring you that it is some form of demonic occurrence, without having any qualification to do so…

Eeks, what do you mean “reassuring”? As in, “Oh no, don’t worry, it’s not sleep paralysis or stress - it’s just a few demons who are after you”? Not sure what’s reassuring about that.

Regardless of the cause, it’s good to pray as much as possible, and not to be afraid, but trust God. I had similar things happen when I first started RCIA, so I’m inclined to believe the OP. It’s very frustrating that no one believes in demons any more, because then when they come after you, you can’t tell anyone about it or they’ll think you’re crazy or fanatical or making things up.

 

[OAO]

I strongly suspect this was a hypnagogic hallucination, especially if you haven’t been working in the occult. Always rule out natural causes.

That said, it can’t hurt to pray for protection.

 

[BadTurkey]

Eeks, what do you mean “reassuring”? As in, “Oh no, don’t worry, it’s not sleep paralysis or stress - it’s just a few demons who are after you”? Not sure what’s reassuring about that.

Perhaps “reassuring” was not the best word choice - a better word choice would have been “reaffirming” - but you get what I mean. What I do take issue with is people jumping to conclusions that it must be a “demonic occurrence,” when there’re perfectly plausible alternative explanations.

Regardless of the cause, it’s good to pray as much as possible, and not to be afraid, but trust God. I had similar things happen when I first started RCIA, so I’m inclined to believe the OP. It’s very frustrating that no one believes in demons any more, because then when they come after you, you can’t tell anyone about it or they’ll think you’re crazy or fanatical or making things up.

I do believe in demons. However, the Catholic Church is very careful in classifying such occurrences, and without any professional assessment, aside from personal diagnosis, I’m very reluctant to believe such self-attributed “demonic occurrences.” I do agree that in any case prayers would be helpful.

 

[Shin]

I do believe in demons. However, the Catholic Church is very careful in classifying such occurrences, and without any professional assessment, aside from personal diagnosis, I’m very reluctant to believe such self-attributed “demonic occurrences.” I do agree that in any case prayers would be helpful.

You should not be so reluctant, they are quite common and personal testimony should be enough in general.

 

[OAO]

You should not be so reluctant, they are quite common and personal testimony should be enough in general.

Hardly. There’s a lot of room for cognitive errors and self-deception in this sort of thing. I know some people who claim to be fighting demons. I decided to test them by fabricating a story about some demonic activity. Of course, they fell for it hook, line, and sinker, and claimed to notice its presence, etc. So much for personal testimony.

 

[TOP]

Hardly. There’s a lot of room for cognitive errors and self-deception in this sort of thing. I know some people who claim to be fighting demons. I decided to test them by fabricating a story about some demonic activity. Of course, they fell for it hook, line, and sinker, and claimed to notice its presence, etc. So much for personal testimony.

I said that you can tell them by their fruits, first indifference. Sounds like you are the one that fell for it “hook, line, and sinker” by lieing so of course they would feel a presence as we know who is the father of lies. Many in their pride try to outwit the enemy, but that is his game and he will tear you up in it. Try resignation next time.

 

[BadTurkey]

Hardly. There’s a lot of room for cognitive errors and self-deception in this sort of thing. I know some people who claim to be fighting demons. I decided to test them by fabricating a story about some demonic activity. Of course, they fell for it hook, line, and sinker, and claimed to notice its presence, etc. So much for personal testimony.

I agree. I think people need to be a lot more careful about these kinds of things, precisely for the reasons you mentioned.

 

[Student09]

Hardly. There’s a lot of room for cognitive errors and self-deception in this sort of thing. I know some people who claim to be fighting demons. I decided to test them by fabricating a story about some demonic activity. Of course, they fell for it hook, line, and sinker, and claimed to notice its presence, etc. So much for personal testimony.

Well, no doubt some of that goes on, especially in some of those protestant denominations that are obsessed with the idea of demons. I see your point. And I think a danger for someone who experiences a real occurrence of demonic harassment would be becoming obsessed or overly fascinated with the idea, leading to self-deception such as you are talking about. We have to stay focused on God, always on God.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Hi Bob. Yeah, been there. Although, not often… praise be to God.

I am now in the habit of sprinkling my bed with holy water before climbing in and I also keep a small, blessed crucifix (tied to a string, by necessity) on my pillow. I would also highly recommend to everyone wearing a Brown Scapular at all times. Even to bed, even to sleep in. I switch to a Scapular Medal, for bathing.

As you described, I have often awakened… to find myself in the midst of a prayer… usually, the Hail Mary. And twice, I have had dreams which included the snarling sound you described… along with some sort of scary dog-lookin’-thing.

In both of those dreams… I held out before me, in my hands the Rosary and Our Lady’s Brown Scapular. And the dog-lookin’ thing backed off. BIG TIME. Our dear Lord and our Blessed Mother helped me to understand… that the Holy Rosary and the Brown Scapular are two very powerful weapons we have in this spiritual battle.

I don’t necessarily ascribe these things to “demonic harassment”… probably more just the workings of my over burdened, over worried mind. However, I feel that the enemy can and does take advantage of bad dreams… using them to further upset or frighten.

We have only to remember… that we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. Our Lord, Jesus… said so. He loves us. Our Holy Mother Mary, also loves us. As do the saints and the angels.

So… when the “buggaboo” comes calling… we can turn it around and go calling, on Our Father in Heaven. He loves us most tenderly, and will not allow any harm to come to us.

May God bless you, dear soul.

 

[Shin]

Hardly. There’s a lot of room for cognitive errors and self-deception in this sort of thing. I know some people who claim to be fighting demons. I decided to test them by fabricating a story about some demonic activity. Of course, they fell for it hook, line, and sinker, and claimed to notice its presence, etc. So much for personal testimony.

Lies are sins, and from the devil often enough, who is known after all as a liar.

These people’s suggestability does not equate to their previous experiences being all untrue, though of course, there’s a lot of deception in that whole area. Which is why we must pray, all the more for God’s help and trust in Him.

 

[OAO]

I’ll remember that lies are sins when a 2 year old asks me about the birds and the bees.

What reason do you have to trust their experiences? Again, I’m not saying prayer is a bad response, but I’m saying you shouldn’t get bent out of shape unless you have good reasons to their experiences are valid rather than simple hallucinations.

 

[byers]

I had a bit of a demonic harassment episode early this morning, when I was asleep. It was clear to me what was happening, and it doesn’t scare me, as I’ve experienced it on a number of occasions, but it is annoying. I started sayng the Hail Mary in my mind a few times, and the episode eased off.

Any other suggestions for these things that go bump in the night? This one started as a hijacked dream, followed by the usual heavy gripping pressure, unpleasant tingles, sort of a snarling sound etc. I’d be surprised if I’m the only one on this forum who’s experienced it. In the dream I made a statement about “Sooner than you think” about some trouble that I think is coming, and that’s when the episode started.

So what are your suggestions?

Well, Bob you have many good suggestions here already and I don’t have any new ones to offer. But I want to let you know that I believe you. I heard from someone I respected many many years about how they were attending an ordinary morning mass when a huge roar/growl was heard by everyone at the Mass (about 25 people) - during the consecration.

I found it hard to believe and figured there must be some explanation other than demonic harrassment. However just a few years ago - I was present at a Mass where this occurred. It was an unbelievable experience.

In talking to other devout catholics and religious I have learned that all kinds of things like this and many other personal forms of demonic harrassment and pressures against catholics are greatly increasing nowadays.

Has anyone else noticed or heard this too?

May God bless and keep you.

 

[Catholic12348]

Personally, I don’t really get this whole demonic presence deal. I don’t want to belittle people for what they believe, but it’s just really hard for me to believe that you can actually feel a demonic presence. I mean, how do you really know? If you talk to a priest, can he tell you whether it is real? Probably not. So how can laymen know? I mean there’s special training that a priest needs to go through to do an exorcism, and many times, it’s not a demonic presence, but rather something psychological or psychiatric. I’m sorry, but this just feels weird to me.

This is what happened to me last night. I prayed more than usual and I was trying to get closer to God, I think I tempted the demon to start harassing me. Well I woke up at 5 in the morning and the lights turned on by themselves, I ignored it. in the morning I came up to my room and laid down for a few seconds. I literally felt it over me around my face, giving me goosebumps and like I felt that demonic presence and pressure. You can definitely feel it. I was wide awake and it was completely real. Trust me, if it happens to you, you’ll know, but I just pray to God and whether it bothers me or not I show no fear, it can’t do anything to me. I’m just a 16 year old trying to find my purpose.