Exorcist
from Greek exorkistes, one who administers an oath
A religious specialist who performs rites to remove alleged demonic possession from people or places.
An exorcist is a person believed to cast out demons or supernatural beings from individuals, buildings, or objects. The role exists across multiple faiths, including Christianity and Hinduism, with specific training and mandates varying by tradition.
- The minor order of exorcist existed in the Latin Church since the third century.
- Catholic solemn exorcism requires explicit authorization from a local bishop.
- The Atharva Veda contains rituals for casting out demons and evil spirits.
- Malagasy Lutheran churches have a high demand for exorcism services.
- Only one in five thousand inquiries for exorcism is considered actual possession.
What it is
An exorcist is a specialist in the rite of casting out demons or other supernatural entities. The term originates from ancient Greece and denotes a person who removes these beings from individuals, structures, or items. Practitioners may be ordained clergy, such as priests or nuns, or traditional healers like shamans and geomancers. The role is defined by the belief that these entities have possessed a target, requiring a formal intervention to restore spiritual safety.
Where it comes from
The concept traces back to third-century Christian texts and earlier Greek traditions. In the Latin Church, the minor order of exorcist was formally established by at least the third century. Early rituals involved imposing hands and breathing upon candidates during baptism. The practice evolved through various councils, including the Council of Carthage, which codified the ordination rites for those tasked with removing evil influences from catechumens.
How it is done
Rites vary by faith. Catholic exorcists use specific formulae, holy water, and prayers mandated by a bishop. They may perform solemn exorcisms or minor rites during baptism. Lutheran pastors in Madagascar conduct high-volume exorcisms based on local demand. Hindu practitioners recite names of deities like Narasimha, burn incense, blow conches, and sprinkle water from holy rivers. These actions are performed to cleanse the afflicted or the environment.
Tools and materials
Materials include sacred texts like the Atharva Veda, Bhagavata Purana, and Garuda Purana. Clergy wear surplices and use books containing exorcism formulae. Ritual items encompass holy water, incense, conches, and images of deities. In some traditions, geomantic tools are used to align energy. The specific combination depends on whether the practitioner follows Catholic, Lutheran, or Hindu protocols.
Exorcist, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Christian liturgy, Hindu ritual
- Timing
- during baptismal preparation or crisis possession
What it is for
The primary intent is to rid persons or places of demonic possession. It is also used to prepare infants and adults for baptism by removing spiritual impediments. Families seek exorcists when they believe a household is haunted or when a member is afflicted by evil spirits. The goal is purification and the restoration of normal spiritual order within the community.
Who does it
Practitioners range from ordained Catholic priests mandated by bishops to Lutheran pastors and Hindu ritual specialists. In the Catholic Church, only priests of high repute receive permission for solemn exorcism. Historically, men were ordained to the minor order of exorcist. Today, roles may be held by lay members with spiritual gifts in Eastern Churches or trained clergy in Western denominations.
Peoples and places
The practice is prominent in Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican communities. In India, Dravidian traditions and West Bengal follow Vedic exorcism methods. Madagascar has a high demand for Lutheran exorcisms, influencing training in the United States. Different cultures emphasize distinct texts and rituals, reflecting their specific theological frameworks and historical developments.
At a glance: who, where and when
Belief worlds
Occasions
What people believe
Belief systems hold that demons can possess humans or objects. Christians believe Jesus granted the church power to command these spirits. Hindus view certain rituals as effective against ghostly situations described in the Puranas. The efficacy relies on divine authority, sacred words, and the spiritual purity of the practitioner. Possession is seen as a real spiritual affliction requiring specialized intervention.
When it is done
Rites are performed during crises involving suspected possession or as part of baptismal preparations. There are no fixed annual festivals for exorcism, though it occurs whenever a case arises. In Catholic contexts, it may happen at any time a bishop authorizes it. Hindu rituals may be integrated into daily puja or specific life events requiring cleansing.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Scholars analyze exorcism as a religious rite within broader cultural contexts. Anthropologists study how communities interpret possession and healing. Historians trace the evolution of ordination rites and ecclesiastical laws. Researchers note the collaboration between different Christian denominations in training exorcists. The practice is viewed as a significant aspect of religious identity and spiritual authority.
Cautions and what is closed
Catholic canon law restricts solemn exorcism to authorized priests to prevent misuse. Only one in five thousand inquiries results in actual possession cases, according to some practitioners. Misdiagnosis of mental health issues as possession can lead to harm. The process requires strict adherence to ecclesiastical guidelines to ensure spiritual and physical safety of all involved.
Compare and confuse
Exorcism differs from general prayer by its specific intent to remove hostile entities. It is related to healing rites but focuses on supernatural causation. In China, fangxiangshi served similar ritual functions. The term overlaps with demon hunter lore but remains a formal religious office in many traditions. Distinctions exist between minor baptismal rites and solemn exorcisms of possession.
Questions people ask about Exorcist
What is an exorcist?
An exorcist is a religious specialist who performs rites to cast out demons or supernatural beings from people, buildings, or objects. The role exists in Christianity, Hinduism, and other traditions, often involving ordained clergy or trained healers.
Where does the word come from?
The word comes from the Greek exorkistes, meaning one who administers an oath. It entered English via Latin ecclesiastical usage to describe those tasked with removing evil influences through sacred formulae.
Who can perform an exorcism?
In Catholicism, only priests mandated by a bishop can perform solemn exorcisms. Other traditions allow shamans, priests, or lay members with spiritual gifts. Training varies widely depending on the religious framework and local customs.
How common is demonic possession?
According to some Catholic practitioners, only one in five thousand inquiries for exorcism results in an actual case of demonic possession. Most requests involve other spiritual or psychological concerns rather than literal possession.
Good reading and sources
- Exorcist on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Exorcist", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-10.
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