Possession Circa 1725

While tonight's guest Ralph Sarchie has assisted in modern day exorcisms, the notion of possession dates back to ancient times. "During the Middle Ages and right down to the eighteenth century people were often regarded as sorcerers when in reality they were merely possessed by one or more demons," writes Emile Grillot De Givry in the Picture Museum of Sorcery, Magic & Alchemy (first published in 1922). De Givry's scholarly treatise of the occult, which was informed by his devout Catholicism was considered controversial in its day and featured 376 illustrations. Here are four, made in 1725 by Abraham Palingh, which depict various scenarios of possession.

--L.L.