An Exorcism is an extreme act of faith whereby demons are cast out from people or from places.

Are Exorcisms dangerous?

Yes! Exorcisms can be extremely dangerous. If a non-believer attempted to perform an Exorcism, the result could be catastophic. Indeed, seven brothers of Sceva (Acts 19:14-16) attempted to exorcise a demon and wound up being sent running and naked (they were lucky-they could have been killed).

What kinds of demons are there?

There are several classifications of demons and spirits. The demons were cataloged in 1608 by Friar Francesco Mario Guazzo in his Compendium Maleficarum. Likewise, in 1612, the Exorcist Father Sebastian Machaelis put together a ranking of devils in his book, Admirable History, including the sins for which each is responsible. What follows are compilation of the two lists:

The list of demons:

Fire Devils: live in the upper air, help to supervise the groups.

Aerial Devils: reside in the air around us and have the most direct access to us.

Terrestrial Devils: primarily dwell in forests, woods, and fields.

Aqueous Devils: reside in lakes, rivers, and seas.

Subterranean Devils: abide primarily caves (though in recent years there is evidence of some dwelling in basements and sewers).

Heliophobic Devils: these particular being hate light and only travel by night.

Note: These are not Devils They may have the title of "Devil" but they are technically demons.

The Hierarchy of Devils

The Devil: Lucifer

The First Hierarchy:

Beelzebub (pride)

Leviathan (sins "directly repugnant unto faith")

Asmodeus (luxuriousness and wantonness)

Balberith (homicides, quarrels, blasphemy)

Astaroth (idleness and sloth)

Verrine (impatience)

Gressil (impurity and uncleanliness)

Sonneillon (hatred)

The Second Hierarchy:

Carreau (hardheartedness)

Carnivean (obscenity)

Oeillet (temptation to "break the vow of poverty")

Rosier (causes people to fall hopelessly in love, turning from God or from their spouses)

Verrier (disobedience)

Third Hierarchy:

Belias (arrogance)

*Olivier (mercilessness toward the poor)

Iuvart (various other smaller sins)

*not to be confused with the name: Oliver

What tools should an Exorcist have?

There is no hard and fast list of tools. Advisable items might include a cross or crucifix, "Holy Water", a Bible, and "Consecrated Wine or Oil". However, be it noted that these items are useless by themselves. It is only with faith working through them that they can serve for the purpose of an exorcism.

Can anyone be an Exorcist?

No. An Exorcist must be an member of the clegy or laity so ordained or otherwise called to the office of Exorcist. Nobody should ever take it upon themselves to presume that they can be an Exocist. Indeed, even those in the office of Exorcist must exercise caution, lest our faith should fail us in a critical moment during an exorcism.

How is an exorcism performed?

As with tools, there are no hard and fast rules. However, it is advisable to speak to the demon and see if they answer. It is also highly advisable to pray before going into an exorcism, as there is no way to know if you will even come out alive. One practice of mine that is helpful is to recite the 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer during the exorcism while anointing the door posts and window sills with oil. However, much of this is up to the individual and all of it is a matter of faith.

I do not encourage anyone to seek out demons or to perform an exorcism. I have watched plates fly off of the counters towards me in an otherwise empty kitchen. This is dangerous ministry and it is not officially recognized by most christian churches or church groups.