oppression

   Demonic influence over a person that involves total domination of the victim’s will, either through a horrendous bombardment of external terrors or through an internal, psychological breakdown. Oppression follows INFESTATION and can progress to full demonic POSSESSION. It is also referred to as “vexation.” Oppressed victims are terrorized by demonic bloodcurdling screams; heavy breathing and footsteps; knockings, rappings, and poundings; hellish moans and inhuman voices through televisions or telephones; nightmares and disturbed sleep; putrid and disgusting smells, such as sulfur, rotting flesh, and excrement; extremes of hot and cold, often in succession; levitation of people or large objects and furniture; and, finally, materializations of a black form that personifies evil. Internally, the demon causes the victim to believe he or she is insane. There are dramatic personality changes and mood swings and deep depression. The victim becomes argumentative and makes heavy use of foul or obscene language. Friends and family feel the victim has undergone a marked personality change. Oppression is relieved by rites of EXORCISM, accompanied by the spiritual reform of the victim.