#Paranormal Monday-Demons

Buer, the 10th spirit, who teaches "Moral and Natural Philosophy" 

 The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King (1904)

Image Use: Public Domain

Here be demons...

They've been feared and worshiped by various cultures around the world. They are exorcised by priests and shamans and medicated by psychologists. They've shown up in literature, art and music since the dawn of time. Demons have an interesting history.   So, when did demons become, well...demonized?

The English word demon is derived from daimōn, a Greek word meaning a spiritual being who influences a person’s character--and not always in an evil way. The Greeks divided their demons. An agathos daimōn (good demon) was benevolent in its relationship with humans, while a kakódaimōn daimōn (bad demon) was more of a malevolent spirit. The Greek philosopher Socrates spoke of his daimōna, a spirit that inspired him to seek and speak the truth.

In many pagan cultures, demon was a term used to describe a spirit, deity or a god. It could also refer to a spirit that had never been embodied or invisible forces found in nature; a waterfall, a tree, or even a rock. They could be malevolent, benevolent or neutral. It was only later that demons were considered inherently evil. Demons as entities were divided and renamed. Benevolent entities were called angels, while those viewed as malevolent were termed demons. This is a common thread throughout history--one culture adopts another's deities as adversaries of their gods/goddesses--and thus, they become evil.

It has been reported that 63% of Americans between the ages of 18-29 believe in demons. The numbers drop with older groups; 57% of Americans 47-65 and 44% of Americans over 65 years of age. The standard belief in American society today is that demons are evil and deceptive. In doing some research for this post, I came across the following signs indicating a demonic presence in your home, and none of them are good.

9 Signs of a Demonic Presence

1. Hearing voices that you cannot understand or voices that seem to talk in a foreign language.
2. An increase of paranormal activity starting at 3am, this becomes a pattern.
3. Nightmares that involve dark images or ideas.
4. Sleep deprivation due to noises, movement/disturbances in the bedroom, and temperature changes. A lack of sleep makes anyone easy prey--that is the demons goal.
5. Unexplained scratches, bruises. Being pushed, or having your hair pulled.
6. Growling sounds.
7. A haunting that mimics people, animals, or objects. Demons can present themselves as someone you know who is alive or dead. Intelligent hauntings do not have the ability to mimic.

8. Unexplained shadows or solid black masses. It has been reported that they may have red or glowing eyes.

9. Bad smells like rotten eggs, sulfur, and/or rotten meat or flesh. The smells have no apparent origin, but will sometimes feel the entire home or small space. They can dissipate as fast as they appear and have no apparent origin.

In most instances, there are logical explanations for these things. But there have been documented cases that have no explanation. In all honesty, I've experienced some of these "signs" myself. Do I think they're demon related? I seriously have no idea. Sleep deprivation? Take a number, I'm probably the only person who not only sleepwalks, but sleepwrites. Sleep is for the weak. I get unexplained scratches and bruises all the time because I'm just forgetful like that. Shadows and black masses--a common occurrence in my house but I suspect these entities aren't necessarily demonic. But the bad smells... There was one instance where I was hanging clothes in my closet. I was hit with the smell of rotting flesh that grew so strong, it made me queasy. The scent dissipated moments later. I've smelled rotting flesh, it's not a smell you'll forget. I found that incident especially perplexing with no explanation, but it hasn't happened again.
What have you experienced?