Possession - Meaning, Obsession, and Explanation
Brief Definition
Possession refers to the state in which a person is allegedly controlled by an external, often supernatural, force.
Brief Explanation
The term Possession stands for being possessed by spirits, demons, or other entities. Possession is used in religious, cultural, and psychological contexts.
What is Possession?
Possession is a state where an external force exerts influence over a person's body or mind.
Detailed Description
The term Possession comes from English and means "Besessenheit" (obsession/possession) or "Inbesitznahme" (taking possession). In religious and spiritual traditions, Possession describes the belief that a spirit, demon, or other supernatural entity takes over a person's body and influences their behavior.
In many cultures, there are different ideas about Possession. While it is often associated with demonic possession and exorcism in Christianity, other religions also have positive forms where gods or spirits are consciously invoked and temporarily take possession.
In psychology, Possession is often interpreted as an altered state of consciousness that can be explained by trauma, dissociation, or cultural conditioning. Nevertheless, the term remains strongly influenced by spiritual and mystical ideas.
In pop culture, especially in the horror genre and the Gothic scene, Possession is a central motif. Films, series, and literature use the theme to depict fear, loss of control, and the power of the unknown.
Related terms and synonyms include Besessenheit (obsession/possession), Inbesitznahme (taking possession), dämonische Besessenheit (demonic possession), Exorzismus (exorcism), Geistereinfluss (spiritual influence), and spirituelle Kontrolle (spiritual control). Possession symbolically represents the loss of self-control and the confrontation with supernatural forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does Possession mean, simply explained?
Possession means that a person is controlled by an external force.
Does Possession exist in different cultures?
Yes, many cultures have their own ideas about possession and spiritual control.
Is Possession always negative?
No, in some religions, it can also be positive or desired.
How is Possession explained?
Spiritually as the influence of beings, scientifically often as a psychological state.
Why is Possession so popular in horror?
Because it depicts fear of loss of control and the unknown.
