The Demonic Possession of Anneliese Michel
From her birth on the 21st of September, 1952, Anneliese Michel enjoyed the life of a normal, religiously nurtured young girl. Without warning, her life changed on a day in 1968 when she began shaking and found she was unable to control her body. She could not call out for her parents, Josef and Anna, or any of her 3 sisters. A neurologist at the Psychiatric Clinic Wurzburg diagnosed her with “Grand Mal” epilepsy. Because of the strength of the epileptic fits, and the severity of the depression that followed, Anneliese was admitted for treatment at the hospital.
Soon after the attacks began, Anneliese started seeing devilish grimaces during her daily praying. It was the fall of 1970, and while the young people of the world were enjoying the liberal freedoms of the time, Anneliese was battling with the belief that she was possessed. It seemed there was no other explanation for the appearance of devilish visions during her prayers. Voices also began following her, saying Anneliese will “stew in hell”. She mentioned the “demons” to the doctors only once, explaining that they have started to give her orders. The doctors seem unable to help, and Anneliese lost hope that medicine was going to be able to cure her.
In the summer of 1973, her parents visited different pastors to request an exorcism. Their requests were rejected and they were given recommendations that the now 20 year old Anneliese should continue with medication and treatment. It was explained that the process by which the Church proves a possession (Infestatio) is strictly defined, and until all the criteria are met, a Bishop cannot approve an exorcism. The requirements, to name a few, include an aversion to religious objects, speaking in a language the person has never learned, and supernatural powers.
In 1974, after supervising Anneliese for some time, Pastor Ernst Alt requested a permit to perform the exorcism from the Bishop of Wurzburg. The request was rejected, and a recommendation soon followed saying that Anneliese should live even more of a religious lifestyle in order to find peace. The attacks did not diminish, and her behaviour become more erratic. At her parents’ house in Klingenberg, she insulted, beat, and began biting the other members of her family. She refused to eat because the demons would not allow it. Anneliese slept on the stone floor, ate spiders, flies, and coal, and even began drinking her own urine. She could be heard screaming throughout the house for hours while breaking crucifixes, destroying paintings of Jesus, and pulling apart rosaries. Anneliese began committing acts of self-mutilation at this time, and the act of tearing off her clothes and urinating on the floor became commonplace.
After making an exact verification of the possession in September 1975, the Bishop of Wurzburg, Josef Stangl, assigned Father Arnold Renz and Pastor Ernst Alt with the order to perform “The Great Exorcism” on Anneliese Michel. The basis for this ritual was the “Rituale Romanum”, which was still, at the time, a valid Cannon Law from the 17th century. It was determined that Anneliese must be saved from the possession by several demons, including Lucifer, Judas Iscariot, Nero, Cain, Hitler, and Fleischmann, a disgraced Frankish Priest from the 16th century, and some other damned souls which had manifested through her. From September ‘75 until July ‘76, one or two exorcism sessions were held each week. Anneliese’s attacks were sometimes so strong that she would have to be held down by 3 men, or even chained up. During this time, Anneliese found her life somewhat return to normal as she could again go to school, take final examinations at the Pedagogic Academy in Wurzburg, and go to church.
The attacks, however, did not stop. In fact, she would more often find herself paralyzed and falling unconscious than before. The exorcism continued over many months, always with the same prayers and incantations. Sometimes family members and visitors, like one married couple that claims to have “discovered” Anneliese, would be present during the rituals. For several weeks, Anneliese denied all food. Her knees ruptured due to the 600 genuflections she performed obsessively during the daily exorcism. Over 40 audio tapes record the process, in order to preserve the details.
The last day of the Exorcism Rite was on June 30th, 1976, and Anneliese was suffering at this point from Pneumonia. She was also totally emaciated, and running a high fever. Exhausted and unable to physically perform the genuflections herself, her parents stood in and helped carry her through the motions. “Beg for Absolution” is the last statement Anneliese made to the exorcists. To her mother, she said, “Mother, I’m afraid.” Anna Michel recorded the death of her daughter on the following day, July 1st, 1976, and at noon, Pastor Ernst Alt informed the authorities in Aschaffenburg.
The senior prosecutor began investigating immediately.
Pontianak
From Indonesian mythology, the Pontianak are the spirits of ladies who died during child-birth, and became undead. Pontianak are said to scare people (mostly men), and then rip out their internal organs for feeding with their claws. In the case of men that the Pontianak knew when they were alive (who abused, or otherwise betrayed them), they are said to remove the man’s genitalia with their bare hands (Ouch!!). They are much like vampires; however, they do what they do more out of vengeance, rather than necessity or sustenance. It’s also hard to judge just how far away from you they are; usually, a loud cry means the Pontianak is far away, whereas a soft cry signifies that the Pontianak is nearby. It is also said that a faint floral fragrance is detected upon first seeing it, however, the fragrance changes to something rotten after a short period of time. Pontianak are believed to live in banana trees, a possible phallic-/fertility-reference.
Jikininki
From Japanese Buddhist mythology, Jikininki are the spirits of selfish, greedy, or ungodly people who have passed on. They are said to be cursed to eat the flesh of human corpses. It is also said that they take valuables from the corpses, in order to bribe local law-enforcement officials to leave them alone. Unlike most demons, they actually hate what they are, and are in a constant state of self-disgust and self-loathing. Some accounts state that they are so terrifying to look at, that seeing one would make you paralysed with fear. Other accounts indicate that Jikininki can take the form of normal human beings, and can even lead seemingly normal lives by day. They are notable in that – unlike other gaki or rakshasa (“hungry ghosts”), and ghosts in general – they are an endangered species, if one can use such a term in this context
The Hat Man
There are very few objective descriptions of this particular, and rather specialised, shadow entity.
Known as “The Dark Man, The Shadow Man or The Hat Man”, it’s appearance is said to be something of an omen. Though believed to be a shadow person capable of choking, scaring or instilling fear in those he visits, he is nonetheless a very unique take on the shadow archetype. Presenting itself as a tall, distinctively “male” presence, dressed in a formless black cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, this type of spirit has haunted numerous places the world over.
Some say they have seen him in their home, down a hallway or in the corner of a room. However, unlike shadows that seem to dissipate the moment they’re seen, the Hat Man tends to linger, intimidating those he targets. Some have had very physical experiences, been touched or felt breathing. Others have described him in dreams, a man in a cape and hat filtered through the dreamer’s subconscious and often manifesting thereafter in the waking hours.
This seemingly dark presence is known to cause - or be attracted by - hostile environments and aggressive behaviour. Those who see him are often witness to domestic disturbances and family breakdown, noting a tangibly negative atmosphere, sense of dread or hopelessness. For this reason, many have labelled the spirit a “demon”. An intelligent haunt, capable of both physical and psychological manipulation, the Hat Man may well be able to “oppress” those it comes in contact with, seeming to lend credence to this theory.
Regardless, the proliferation of this singular entity the world over is intriguing, and has allowed The Hat Man to carve its own place in modern paranormal lore.
Bobby Mackey’s Nightclub Ghosts
Many people have reported strange happenings inside the club including one man that was attacked in the bathroom, but no one was there. This alone would make the average person never go back. However, the haunting has made this the hottest nightclub to be at late in the evening. There are many ghosts that haunt the nightclub including a woman named Pearl. Pearl was rumored to have been decapitated for a satanic sacrifice.
Over the years, there are many deaths that occurred inside the walls of the now country music nightclub. This nightclub does have a reputation, but it is not for the music, it is because of the ghosts that haunt the club. Some investigators have experienced some horrific ghosts while in the nightclub. If you believe that ghosts do exist, then you can believe that ghosts do not always show. Some days the nightclub has no problems and other days, it is one thing after another. The demonic nature in the club is chilling according to many.
Because of all the deaths inside the walls, it is very possible that the ghosts are haunting the club. It may be that they are seeking revenge, but they could be trying to drive the business out. Although Bobby Mackey does not intend to sell the famous club, he may have some problems keeping customers if the ghosts get any meaner than they have already. One ghost tried to push an investigator down some steps. Then there is a ghost named Scott who repeated that it was his girlfriend’s fault that he and another man were dead. Could these ghosts be looking for justice?
We have to believe that ghosts are here for a reason. One reason could be that there has been no justice served for the killings. Many haunted places are the scene of murders in which no suspects were caught and tried. Why do ghosts haunt places? Is it because they are looking for revenge or someone to find their killers. If you look at other haunted places, you will see that the ghosts are of people that were murdered and no one was ever caught and tried. The Bobby Mackey’s Nightclub has ghosts and all died within the walls of the building over the years.
One would have to look into the deaths of all the ghosts to see how they died and if anyone was arrested for their murders or deaths. Maybe this would help understand why the ghosts are so vindictive. The ghosts in the nightclub are not your typical ghosts, they are mean and try to cause harm to the people that enter the building. There has been some incredible activity in the club and no one knows why. Some day, maybe the ghosts will find justice or maybe someday they will succeed in killing an unsuspecting customer.
A Haunting in Connecticut
It was 1988 the Snedeker family had been going through some tough times their eldest son was undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the family were in dire straits financially. The Snedeker Family came from New York, Carmen Snedeker had been traveling back and fourth to Connecticut with their son so that he could get the best treatment possible. Because of there sons condition they decided relocate to Connecticut. Carmen felt her prayers had been answered when she was shown around a large house close to the Hospital, she discovered that the monthly rent was well within the price range that her family could manage to pay for a decent and comfortable place to call home.
Shortly after moving into the house, Carmen was clearing the basement when she made a shocking discovery, partially hidden under building and construction materials, she found tools and instruments that are typically used by morticians. Carmen did some research into the history of the building and found that the building had indeed been a former funeral home
Almost straight away the Snedekers eldest son started to complain of seeing shadows and hearing voices. He told his mum that he would often see a man dressed in a black and white pin stripe suit. He asked to stay at the hospital rather than home, he complained of not getting any sleep because of the constant supernatural disturbances.
After their son had left the house the paranormal activity began to effect the rest of the family, Carmen was mopping the kitchen floor one morning when she noticed the water suddenly turn blood red and gain a putrid odor. Crucifixes that hung in various locations throughout the house slowly began to vanish some would be turned upside down others found on the floor.
Carmen’s niece was living with the family at the time. One night, while sleeping, she was physically assaulted by unseen hands that groped and had red scratches on her body. A rosary that she had placed around her neck was violently yanked by the abusive entity and the beads scattered all across the floor.
Several demonic entities made their evil presence known during the ensuing weeks. “They were incredibly powerful”, Carmen describes two of the demons “One was very thin, with high cheekbones, long black hair and pitch black eyes and another had white hair and eyes, wore a pinstriped tuxedo, and his feet were constantly in motion, this was seen by my son and I”
Shadow People
Alone in your room, minding your own business, a quick movement in the corner of your eye suddenly comes into view. You’re sure that it was a shape of a person you just saw. You feel the presence of something you think was once human. Was it just a silhouette? A shadow perhaps? Or maybe a ghost? You think maybe it’s nothing, but think again, is it your keen mind playing tricks on you? Or is it a supernatural entity?
Shadow like beings appearing in dark forms of silhouettes and are supernatural in origin are the Shadow people. Often times mistaken to be ghosts, these beings appear in the corner of people’s eyes, remaining for a moment and sometimes moving between the walls, appearing in mirrors and when we are aware of them, they disappear, they flee and disintegrate into nothingness, moving and toddling through walls before you get a chance to see them clearly.
Also known as Shadow Beings or Shadow Folk, Shadow People are drawn to one person or location for mysterious motives. Their characteristics range from being diffident and playful to downright spiteful and malevolent. The only way to describe it is pure evil. Unusual descriptions of people who came across these beings, in different countries all over the world, have been very daunting. While some people see a shadowy form which is human like, others see formless translucent black splotches and twirling columns of murky smoke.
Shadow People are said to travel extremely rapid and can toddle through solid matter, making them less prone to direct visual contact. They are reported to vanish before having a chance to be seen evidently. People who encounter these creatures come upon the feeling of dread, shock and panic. Some people even reported being attacked and chased by these horrifying shadows.
They claim to feel a being in the presence of something that was once amongst us, once human. Substantiation of these creatures appeared before mankind throughout history and therefore unfolding the ultimate essence of pure evil. An increase in reported detection of these beings all around the world are accounted for. More and more people stumble upon these dark shadows of unknown nature.
Shadow people are often times mistaken to be ghosts, but the truth of the matter is they are totally different. Ghosts are said to be ethereal spirits of dead human beings and take on the manifestation and attributes of human beings none of which is familiar to that of the Shadow people. Shadow people do have human-like forms but do not bear similarity to any person, dead or alive.
Many records depict Shadow people as having human-like figures, but they are by and large not told to bear a resemblance to the actual persons, alive or departed. Shadow people do not correspond to people in words but they leave feelings of extreme trepidation, shock and panic. Even when animals stumble upon these beings, fear and hostility are the main outcome to these encounters. So the next time you see something at the side of your eye, don’t be surprised if it may just happen to jump right at you and give you the oddest surprise of your life.
The Amityville House
Though the Amityville house is most famously linked to the Ronald DeFeao killings in November of 1974, it was originally used to house Native Americans that were insane, sick or withering. Those Indians were buried on the property, obviously from less than peaceful circumstances. Did these Indians, buried on unconsecrated ground, lend to the later strange tragedy that would make this house so famous?
Ịn the early morning hours of November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeao fatally shot his father, two brothers and his sister. All were found in their beds, face down, and despite the neighbors’ houses being close together, no one heard screams or noises. Mr. DeFeao claimed that ghosts were present during the events and had goaded him into eliminating his siblings though his original intent was just to executing his father.
The home at 112 Ocean Avenue eventually went up for sale and was later purchased by George and Kathy Lutz for $80,000. Though they were told by the realtor about the tragedy, the Lutz’s were so enamored with the home, pool, garage and 4,000 square feet of waterfront that they immediately made an offer.
The next 28 days are the events that led to the book and movie, Amityville Horror. Moving day should have been a clue when the leashed family dog tried to flee the property, jumped the fence and hung himself. Though the dog survived the ordeal, this was an ominous sign of things to come.
What followed could not have been fluffed up any more by Hollywood itself. The Lutz’s claimed that keyholes oozed goo, the toilet water turned black, and nasty smells started to permeate the house. Septic problems? George started to get sick and lose weight but if it was a general septic or well problem, the whole family would have been affected, especially the children.
Later on noises entered the house. The front door slammed on its own and footsteps pattered about the house. George also stated that ‘static’ noises could be heard. When he investigated the downstairs area where they thought the source was, he found the furniture moved and the carpets rolled back.
At the suggestion of friends who said they too had experienced ghostly experiences, the Lord’s Prayer was recited room to room. That’s when the noise went from static to full blown words including one screamed phrase, “‘Will You Please Stop!” As if that wasn’t enough to motivate this family to leave the home immediately, entities gathered strength and started making themselves physically present. Kathy claimed that she felt a presence embracing her from behind.
The family claimed they could see eyes peering at them through the windows at night. When they would investigate all they would find were hoof tracks accompanied by the odd squeal. Other sightings included a little boy on the second story landing and a dark cloaked figure.
Their daughter Missy then developed a ghostly friendship with someone by the name of Jodie. Missy claimed that Jodie was an angel and could change shapes. Ominously, she said that Jodie had told her, “You’ll live here forever.”
The departure from the home is a bit ambiguous but the way George tells it, the house almost felt like it was coming alive with flexing walls and groans. They decided to make a very quick departure to Kathy’s mother’s house during a very stormy night.
After the Lutz’s fled, they requested paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, to visit the home. The Warren’s went to the house along with a Duke University professor and the president of the American Society for Psychic Research. Their reports included strong clairvisual and clairaudial messages from the ghosts dwelling in the home, air that seemed to “solidify” and Ed claimed that he saw, “shadows along with thousands of pinpoints of light” which was down in the cellar and those shadows tried to push him about, scaring him out of his mind. There was not a person at the investigation that didn’t declare the place felt of utter terror. Lorraine declared that the strong-hold from the ghosts would be too severe to ever dislodge. So wretched was the feeling that the Duke Professor rumored to have passed out from fear.
Whether or not facts of this case were stretched or a complete hoax all together, it still remains one of the most frightening and sensationalized ghost stories of our time.
