Random Things About How A Professional Exorcist Will Purge Demons From Your Body (11 items)

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  (#1) The Exorcist Can't Just Be A Run Of The Mill Priest

  In order to perform an exorcism, canon law dictates that the priest must be of extraordinary virtue. In addition to a strong moral character, the priest should also have read a significant amount of literature on the subject in order to learn the right words to use to cast out evil, to identify the signs of a true demonic possession, and importantly how not to get possessed themselves. Some people, like Father Gary Thomas, have even devoted their lives to studying the art of the exorcism, which is very emotionally oriented. "I’m always listening for doorways," he said in an interview with catholic.com, "so, you know, if there’s any pattern of practice with the occult or history of sexual abuse. Eighty percent of the people who come to me have been sexual abuse victims, usually as a child." He therefore is trained not only to deal with literal demons, but metaphorical ones as well.
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  (#2) Make Sure It's Really A Demon

  This one might just be the trickiest step, because demonic possession can present itself in a similar light as a slew of mental illnesses. Some of the telltale signs, however, according to Father Hardon, include the "ability to speak with some facility in a strange tongue or to understand it when spoken by another, the faculty of divulging future and hidden events," and "display of powers which are beyond the subject’s age and natural condition." So, while hearing voices may not be a sign that you're possessed, suddenly being able to speak Latin probably is. Additionally, beyond-normal strength and physical changes, such as suddenly having eyes like a snake, are also giveaways for demonic possession. 
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  (#3) Stock Up On Supplies

  Holy water, crucifixes, and rosaries are essentials for any exorcist, but there are far more things that an exorcist will likely have on hand to purge the demons. Relics, parts of Saint's bodies, clothes, or belongings, are a significant source of holy power, which is reiterated during the actual ritual when all the Saints are called upon to assist with removing the evil energy. Other tools include the Bible, a copy of the specific exorcism rite, and any other holy items that the exorcist may deem necessary. Pretty much anything holy can be used to invoke the forces of good for the expulsion of a demon.
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  (#4) Determine The Extent Of The Demonic Activity

  There are four ways a demon can infiltrate someone's life: an infestation, an oppression, a possession, and an integration. In an infestation, the demon latches onto an inanimate object, such as a house or a doll, which must then be exercised in a separate ritual. For an oppression, the demon latches onto a specific person, but doesn't inhabit their body; oftentimes the demon will follow them around causing misfortune and depression for the host. A possession is what people typically think of when exorcisms are mentioned, and is when a demon physically inhabits someone's body against their will. Perhaps the scariest, however, is an integration, in which a person voluntarily accepts the demon's will as their own. In this state, exorcism rarely is able to help.
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  (#5) Get Some Friends And Get To A Church

  Once the possession is recognized, close friends and family are gathered and the victim is moved to a church as soon as possible. Unless the person is sick or for some reason unable to be transported, a church is the best place for an exorcism; in addition to being an overall sacred place (the "home field" essentially), the proximity to sacraments is also of significance when dealing with a malevolent force. As for those who witness the exorcism, they should be few in number, but are a necessary part of the ritual. Performing an exorcism alone can open up the priest himself to possession. If the victim is a woman, those present (except for the priest) should also be women due to the havoc that impure thoughts by witnesses could wreak if detected by the demon.
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  (#6) Name The Beast

  From the Babadook to Beetlejuice, it is very common for demons to gain power through their names. One of the exorcists first steps in being able to rid the body of the demon is to find out its name, and therefore be able to proceed with the right steps. Just like physicians have to diagnose an illness before they can treat it, exorcists have to diagnose the demon in order to fully understand what to expect, as different beasts, like different pathogens, cause different symptoms. Unfortunately, once the demon is named it is likely to start acting out, and "as for all jesting, laughing, and nonsense on the part of the evil spirit - the exorcist should prevent it or contemn it."
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  (#7) Call For The Help Of God...

  This part's kind of obvious, but God really is one of the most important entities in an exorcism. Not only should the exorcist be praying, but "the subject, if in good mental and physical health, should be exhorted to implore God’s help" as well.
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  (#8) ...And Literally Fifty Saints

  Also called the Litany of Saints, this lengthy list of pretty much every holy power out there is sure to give the exorcist the strength that they need to rid the victim of their unholy guest. Despite the name, the litany doesn't just include saints, but also names archangels, prophets, bishops, and monks. Invoking holy powers is also an important part of confronting demons in the bible, and, in this matter especially, it's best not to stray from tradition. In addition to exorcisms, the litany is also a part of ordinations, processionals, and other special occasions when its important to have holy backup. 
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  (#9) Reach The Breakpoint And The Voice

  The Breakpoint is described as "a scene of extreme panic and confusions accompanied by a crescendo of abuse, horrible sights, noises and smells. The demon begins to speak of the possessed victim in the third person instead of as itself." The Breakpoint is a staple in paranormal movies, and is usually accompanied by the line: "[insert name of victim] isn't here right now." The Voice (no, not the show) goes hand in hand with the Breakpoint as one of its unmistakable signs, and is the true voice of the demon. Typically, the Voice is shrieking, highly disturbing, and incomprehensible. In order for the exorcism to go on, the voice must be stopped, which is another reason that it's imperative that the exorcist be confident in their skill and not become distracted from the task at hand.
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  (#10) Recite The Rite

  The Rite of Exorcism is an approximately 6,000 word long document from the Catholic tradition that starts with the Litany of Saints and continues through relevant Psalms, Gospel passages, and prayers. During this point, the exorcist will likely employ the tools of his trade, sprinkling the victim with holy water, asking someone to pray the rosary, and holding up crucifixes. Throughout this the demon will likely lie, become violent, and try to resist being exorcised at all costs. When these manifestations stop, it is a sign that the demon is becoming weaker and the exorcism is drawing to a close. The Rite can differ greatly based on the priest's personal preferences, but, like many other parts of an exorcism, it is best to mostly keep to the tried and true methods.
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  (#11) Make Sure It's Really Gone

  The worst kind of exorcism is one done poorly. "You don’t stop the prayers immediately," according to Father Gary Thomas, "because the demons will try to trick you into thinking they’ve left when they haven’t." The exorcist will then go through the initial steps again to check that nothing else in the vicinity is harboring the spirit. Many exorcists are then moved to prayer and further piousness by the miracle that took place in the great triumph of good over evil. Then it's onto the next case.

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