I DO NOT KNOW if Entities are real.
Decades ago when I was a member of a benign Christian cult, I had no doubt. We believed that there was a spiritual dimension beyond the reach of science, the realm of God and Satan and angels and demons. We were often warned about the dangers of being influenced, or even possessed, by demons. Later I came to understand that such talk is an effective and abusive control technique. Today I find this topic interesting but also a potential rabbit hole that I do not have much time for.
Recently my IRL trusted friend Alex and I briefly discussed entities. He made me aware of a book published in 1994, Entities: Parasites of the Body of Energy by Dr. Samuel Sagan. Taking a shortcut, I asked Perplexity AI to summarize it.
Entities: Parasites of the Body of Energy by Dr. Samuel Sagan explores the phenomenon of non-physical beings, referred to as "entities," that attach themselves to humans and act as energetic parasites. These entities are described as causing a range of emotional, mental, and physical disturbances, from minor issues like fatigue and confusion to severe conditions such as depression and chronic illness.
The book presents a rational and methodical approach to a topic often steeped in folklore and superstition. Drawing on case studies, including the "hungry ghost" phenomenon recognized in Eastern traditions like Ayurveda, Dr. Sagan examines how these entities operate, their motivations, and their impact on individuals. He describes them as fixed presences in the body that drain life energy, often leading to symptoms like intrusive thoughts, emotional instability, and physical pain.
Dr. Sagan also provides practical guidance for identifying and addressing entity possession. His approach includes techniques for dislodging these parasitic presences and restoring balance to the affected person's energy body. The book demystifies the subject by integrating cultural perspectives with clinical observations, making it a valuable resource for those interested in alternative healing, spiritual practices, or understanding the subtle dynamics of human energy systems.
Last year Peter Limberg explored this topic in his article Discarnate Entities: Demons, Unattached Burdens, and Intersubjective Parasites.
“Entities,” or “discarnate entities,” is a phrase used in shamanic and psychedelic circles to describe beings that exist outside our minds and bodies, which not only interact with us but can do us harm. Demons are the most popular phrase used in Western consciousness for the harming entities…
Peter identifies four possible explanations.
First explanation: These entities are real but physical… Second explanation. These entities are aspects of our psyche… Third explanation. These entities are real and nonphysical… Fourth explanation. These entities are not real and can be explained through natural phenomena…
Peter is very good at spotting trends before I do.
Whether such entities are indeed real and regardless of whether you adopt a skeptical or believer stance, I predict that belief in entities will become more widespread, entering the collective conversation more robustly.
Another trusted source of mine exploring Woo is Tom Morgan who recently published There's a Horse Loose in a Hospital.
We used to have a whole class of people with the perfect mindset to assess weird stuff. It’s not “the experts,” it’s what Layman Pascal calls “the shamanoids.” When you were facing crisis or stasis, the shaman would put themself into an altered state and get a different perspective on the situation. Siberian shamans can supposedly shapeshift and inhabit the soul of a bear. This helps the community’s hunters to understand the bear’s mindset. The horse may have never been in a hospital before, but a true shaman can anticipate its movements.
The fundamental skillset of a shamanoid is the ability to see beyond a limiting frame.
And these days, a growing number of people are seeing beyond the very limiting paradigm of scientific reductionism. And as an aside, Layman Pascal is exploring *Xagick* but mostly behind a paywall. And I am also becoming more open to the weird stuff, albeit cautiously.
I asked Perplexity AI to address one of my concerns.
While AI is increasingly used to create stories involving non-physical entities, these narratives have not yet captured widespread mainstream attention as distinct viral phenomena. The field is growing, and AI’s role in expanding metaphysical storytelling is notable, but broad cultural impact remains emergent rather than established.
It is my intention to remain open and curious while avoiding having my attention captured. It is also my intention to honor the lived experience of others and, hopefully, that will go both ways. I have no awareness of an encounter with a nonphysical entity at any time in my life.