posseduta

Poseduta is the state of a person believed to be inhabited by a supernatural entity, such as a demon or spirit. The term, feminine form of pos­sediuto, is used in Italian religious, folkloric and popular contexts to describe a person whose behavior, voice or consciousness is said to be altered by an external presence. Possession is a cross-cultural phenomenon found in many traditions, though its interpretation and management vary widely.

In religious and folkloric perspectives, possession is frequently linked to contact with spirits, divine beings, or malevolent forces. Commonly reported signs include sudden changes in behavior, unaccountable physical movements, vocal changes or speaking languages unknown to the person, and knowledge of hidden information. Possession experiences may be interpreted as a test, a call to reform, a form of healing, or a manifestation of moral or social tensions. Explanations differ across communities, ranging from spiritual intervention to psychosocial distress.

From a medical and scholarly standpoint, possession experiences are examined through psychology, psychiatry, anthropology and religious studies. Clinicians emphasize differential diagnosis, noting that symptoms resembling possession can occur in dissociative, epileptic, or psychotic disorders, as well as in trance states or cultural performances. Researchers study how possession narratives shape identity, authority, and community norms, and how they function within healing rituals and social life.

Exorcism and liberation rites are among the ritual responses in contexts where possession is taken as a real intrusion by a supernatural agent. In the Catholic tradition, authorized exorcists conduct rites that include prayer, sacramentals, and commands aimed at restoring the person’s autonomy. Nonclinical healing practices and culturally specific ceremonies also exist, reflecting local beliefs about illness, agency, and the spiritual realm.