The Possession Files: Symptoms and Signs

The Possession Files is a Red Treehouse exclusive series, where we go in-depth on the most harrowing--and often tragic--stories of alleged demonic possession.

In season 1, we're going to explore one of the most well-known cases: Anneliese Michel.

As Anneliese’s story progresses, the tension between religion and science, or maybe more specifically, faith and reason, will become more complex. We can already sense the tension as Anneliese’s family tries desperately to find solutions for her struggles.

But with her doctors unable to find a cause for her blackouts and paralysis episodes, Anneliese becomes more convinced that her afflictions are more spiritual than medical.

As the medical symptoms—and questions—pile up, Anneliese begins showing signs that something much darker may be occurring. And it leaves us to wrestle with a series of difficult questions:

Should faith and reason be arch enemies, or is there a way for them to coexist? Does religious conviction require a person to cast aside rational thought? And perhaps one of the most interesting questions of all, and I’ll say up front that it’s a sensitive one—is it possible that what was once understood as demonic possession is actually a form of mental illness?

In this episode of The Possession Files, we’re going to explore the symptoms and signs of Anneliese’s struggles and hopefully gain a better grasp of the medical symptoms—and because Anneliese was convinced her troubles were spiritual—the signs of demonic possession.

I’m your host, Will.

Together, let’s explore The Possession Files: The Trials of Anneliese Michel.

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Music:

Into the Dark by Shakibhasansayed

Sad Rap Beat by Defekt Maschine

SOURCES:

1. The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel -- Written by Felicitas Goodman

2. Anneliese Michel: A True Story of a Case of Demonic Possession -- Written by Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea and Lawrence E.U. LeBlanc

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