Drawing down the Spirits : The Traditions and Techniques of Spirit Possession

by Filan, Kenaz

• ISBN13: 9781594772696
• ISBN10: 159477269X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-04-13
• Publisher: Destiny Books

Summary

Drawing Down the Spirits presents an insider's view of the inner workings, sacred traditions and prevalence of spirit possession--an integral part of shamanism and many neo-pagan forms of worship. Includes the practical guidance needed to participate in ritual possession.

Author Biography

Kenaz Filan (Houngan Coquille du Mer) was initiated in SociTtT la Belle Venus in March 2003 after 10 years of solitary service to the Haitian Vodou lwa. The managing editor of newWitch magazine, Filan is the author of The Haitian Vodou Handbook and Vodou Love Magic and lives in New York City. Raven Kaldera is a Northern Tradition Pagan shaman and lives in Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Wild Horses

Kenaz’s Story

Raven’s Tale

Introduction

Part one

The Past

1    Metaphysics and History: A Long View of Spirit-Possession

2    The Geography of Spirit-Possession

Part two

The Present

Kenaz’s Story

Raven’s Tale

3    Cosmologies

4    Different Riders: Comparing and Contrasting

5    Gathering Culture: When Worlds Collide

Part three

The Spirits

6    On the Nature of Spirits

7    Spirit and Flesh: How Possession Works

8    Hearing Gods: A Guide for the Head Blind

9    Sacred Spaces: Permanent and Ephemeral

Part four

Possession

Kenaz’s Story

Raven’s Tale

10    The Horse: Safety, Sanity, and Consent

11    The Ride: Preparation, Aftercare, and Harmful Possessions

Part five

The Community

Kenaz’s Story

Raven’s Tale

12    Keeping the Community Safe

13    Recognizing Fakes and Frauds

Part six

The Future

14    Touching Gods: The Future of Possession in the Neo-Pagan Community

Raven’s Tale

Appendix: Asphodel’s Ritual Structure for Public

God-Possession

Notes

Index