#the jewish exorcist book

[mourningmaybells]

I haven’t read fan fiction in awhile because I think the time I use up gets in the way of my current reading list (not even done with Carrie or Master and Margarita yet) but I do keep tabs on anything the exorcist 71-73 related in case anyone wants to say anything about Regan or Damien or Chris or Joe. It’s mostly radio silence there though

[ibarkatpeoplewoofwoofbitch]

So I'm pretty sure lucifers real name was Samael. His original name before he left Heaven.

"Samael, from the amoraic period onward the major name of Satan in Judaism. The name first appears in the account of the theory of angels in the Ethiopic Book of Enoch 6, which includes the name, although not in the most important place, in the list of the leaders of the angels who rebelled against God."

Who knows I could be 1000% wrong but like imagine if the other archangels especially michael call him samael to rub it in his face(he's always the one that's seen as the asshole in a lot of media privacy because he's the angel of "an angelic warrior, fully armed with helmet, sword, and shield, " "He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of the Church." "mentions of his name are in third- and second-century-BC Jewish works, often but not always apocalyptic, where he is the chief of the angels and archangels")

And if michael is the "mentions of his name are in third- and second-century-BC Jewish works, often but not always apocalyptic, where he is the chief of the angels and archangels"

Adam was the leader of Exorcist. But was it michael who taught them how to attack?. Because as much a warrior adam in most media represent him as head strong. And impulsive, also very arrogant.

The Exorcists' fighting styles pointed out by Carmella carmine "out for blood" and NEVER focus on getting hurt only on hurting others.

And "Gabriel is the herald of visions, messenger of God and one of the angels of higher rank."

Even the seraphim who are the "in the highest rank in Christian angelology and in the fifth rank of ten in the Jewish angelic hierarchy." Are powerful, and yet NEITHER of them knew how someone got into heaven. Is it gabriel that tells Sera to not question it. Especially when she was younger so she wouldn't fall?

And Sera carried that to Emily?

(Im sorry I know most of this don't male any sense I just saw six angels point angelic weapons at lucifer and I wanna know which ones)

These are all archangels I am certain. And I looked up how many arch angels are there and it says Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Chamuel (Camael), Raphael, Jophiel, and Zadkiel

We all know the first two.

Michael- He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of the Church.

Gabriel-Gabriel is the herald of visions, messenger of God and one of the angels of higher rank.

Now the others

Uriel- archangel of wisdom, light, and the truth of God.

Chamuel (camael)-Archangel Chamuel's mission is to help bring peace to the world. The Archangel of Love

Raphael- Archangel Raphael is often called upon to help with physical healing. travelers, the blind, happy meetings, nurses, physicians, medical workers, matchmakers, Christian marriage, and Catholic studies.

Jophiel-Widely known as the angel of beauty, Jophiel represents the beauty of God, and he plays a great role in helping you see your inner beauty

Zadkiel- In Jewish mysticism and Christian Kabbalah, Zadkiel is associated with the classical planet Jupiter. The angel's position in the sephirot is fourth, which corresponds to Chesed "Kindness".

Are we gonna see this? Because their gods main seven angels. Maybe we'd see Azrael the angel of death?

(Sorry tho when I'm into something I do research for hours)

[mrs-sharp]

During todays exam preparation, I found out that Eleazar was an exorcist active during the time of the Jewish War (66-73 AD). He allegedly cured epilepsy by using a seal ring with a healing root hidden beneath it to pull demons out of the nostrils of the possessed while reciting incantations of Solomon that were used by Jewish magicians. He likely possessed a magical compendium similar to the "Book of Remedies," which was considered a work of Solomon.

I first thought the name might be a reference to Eleasar (אֶלְעָזָר), the son of Aaron mentioned in Exodus, but I didn't know there was also an Eleazar who was supposed to be a magician/exorcist.

Don't know if the devs used this as a reference, but I thought this might be an interesting fun fact.

The text I found is in German, but I attached it in case anyone is interested in reading it.

(Bernd Kollmann, Wunder, in: Bormann, Lukas (Hg.) Neues Testament. Zentrale Themen, Neukirchener Verlagsgesellschaft, Neukirchen Vluyn 2014, 73.)

Edit:

In the ancient world, demons were imagined as squatters, similar to parasites. They cannot live independently but rely on a host: they enter through the "openings of the house," such as the mouth, nose, ears, etc. Once the demons have "entered," they immediately take control of the house. The symptoms range from fever to epilepsy. Commonly, this is referred to as "possession." There is a way of deliverance, carried out by an exorcist. The exorcist's task is to confront the demon's power and "drive it out." To do this, the exorcist can use incantations: spells intended to symbolically "bind" the demon. The most important aspect of this process is that the exorcist must call upon an even greater power, one that the demon fears and flees from.

Source: Universität Tübingen, https://bibliographie.uni-tuebingen.de/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10900/94238/Ebner_074.pdf?sequence=1

[absoluteocellibehavior]

Tag Game for “People I’d Like to Get to Know Better”! Tagged by the lovely, beautiful @bizarreohmart <3

Last song: “Blonde Dynamite” by Caravan Palace. Man, I love me some Electroswing and their new album Gangbusters Melody Club is *chef’s kiss*.

Favorite color: Purple. No question. It’s a good color!! Can you blame me??

Last book: Gosh it’s been so long since I’ve pleasure read but I believe it was “Thirteen Storyes” by Jonathan Sims! I’m also going to make a plug for my absolute favorite book series “The Shadowhunter Chronicles”. I have all the books and OUGH!! Those are good!

Last Movie: “The Boondock Saints”! GOSH, that was good!! Highly recommend!

Last TV Show: Me and the fam are working through season two of Arcane at the moment! I am sobbing! I am not ok! We’re sooooo chillin- *sobs*

Sweet/Savory/Spicy: SPICY!! I think it’s usually sweet for me but we had Cajun for Thanksgiving and I’m in the mood :]

Relationship Status: Taken >:D

Last Thing I Searched: Ah, let’s see… “Jewish prayer times”! Can you tell that Holy Ghosts religion sharing has been on my mind? HA!

Current Obsession: Speaking of which, Malevolent!! Specifically this Malevolent and TMA AU that lives in the realm of me and my friend’s discord chat. That and now a Malevolent/Critical Role crossover. So, Malevolent in general! I’ve pretty much been living in that Discord server and was even featured on the most recent Malevolent Autopsy! Yay!

Looking Forward To: End of the semester! Christmas villages! Seeing long distance friends! Sharing a Blood and Sand with my friend on her 21st! Malevolent gift exchange!

Favorite Drink: DR PEPPER CREAM SODA IS A GUILTY PLEASURE!! OH IT’S GOOD. But a nice Old Fashioned for special occasions <3

Song Playing on Loop in Your Head 24/7: “Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi. That song has inspired countless stories for many years now. It’s beautiful…

Current Favorite Character: Just one?! I’ll give you two. The partners: Charlie Dowd and Roland Cummings! I’m still listening to Malevolent and I’m working my way through Harlan’s first Call of Cthulhu campaign. I’m in denial about both of them. They’re in the Waylay sharing a Moscow Mule and Old Fashioned and you cannot convince me otherwise (this is a fanfic I’m planning on writing too).

Fun Activity You’d Really Like to Get Into: Book binding!! I think it’d be so neat. I’ve got this hand bound journal that I sketch in and it’s one of my favorite things. I’d love to learn leather work and how to make your own paper! This just combines those two in a perfect way.

Last Video Game: Played? Stardew Valley! I will marry Harvey or Sam come hell or high water. Now, watched about eight hours of lore videos over? Faith: The Unholy Trinity. Horrifying game. Delicious lore. SO good. Father Garcia, my beloved <3.

Last Comic/Graphic Novel: Truthfully, it was the garbage, totally inaccurate comic called “Samson: Judge of Israel” for my Old Testament class but I don’t wanna talk about that unless you want me to rant about modern Christians reading Jesus into the Old Testament where He shouldn’t be read into (*rasa frasas in Catholic Religion Major*). I will say that the art was stunning in it though. The last one I read out of choice was Blue Exorcist! I don’t think I’m caught up with it anymore but that is my favorite manga of all time! Father Shiro Fujimoto, my beloved <3

(Did I just “my beloved” two priest characters back to back? That wasn’t purposeful! You know, while we’re at it, Father Oscar Malevolent and Father Edwin Burroughs TMA, my beloved <3)

As for tagging!! My dearests @rightpastnowhere , @vee-lociraptor , and @rosesofenvy !! I’d love to hear from you! No pressure at all though <3

[diary-of-anastacia]

⋆. 𐙚 𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑒: Anastacia

⋆. 𐙚 𝒶𝑔𝑒: 15

⋆. 𐙚 𝓅𝓇𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓈: she/her

────────୨ৎ─────────

More about me!

⋆. 𐙚 𝒽𝑜𝒷𝒷𝒾𝑒𝓈: painting, reading, horse riding, aerial silks, baking

⋆. 𐙚 𝓂𝓊𝓈𝒾𝒸: lana del rey, arctic monkeys, tv girl, the smiths, the neighbourhood

⋆. 𐙚 𝓉𝓋 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌𝓈/𝓂𝑜����𝒾𝑒𝓈: gossip girl, gilmore girls, the good place, scream queens, white chicks, rush hour, legally blonde, scream, b99, dexter, love actually, notting hill, barbarian, the black phone

⋆. 𐙚 𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈: the book thief, the invisible life of adeline larue, the handmaid, five survive, the exorcist, the last time I lied

⋆. 𐙚 𝑒𝓍𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓈: I'm jewish, american, and I live in portugal! feel free to dm me if you ever want to chat!

[insomniac-jay]

Information About Unit 616

Araminta

Name: Araminta Beatriz De Santos

Age: 20

Gender: Female (Cisgender)

Birthday: 10/31

Nationality: Brazilian

Ethnicity: Afro-Brazilian

Species: Reaper

Occupation: College student; ceramic shop owner

Likes: Heavy metal, pottery, comic books, thriller movies, pão de queijo, her dog

Shaya

Name: Shaya Briana Jones

Age: 20

Gender: Female (Cisgender)

Birthday: 2/13

Nationality: American

Ethnicity: African-American

Species: Redeemer

Occupation: Student; children's author and librarian

Likes: Cute things, magical girls, fairytales, the color pink, baking

Roopa

Name: Roopa Iyer Age: 27 Gender: Female (Transgender) Birthday: 3/10 Nationality: Indian Ethnicity: Tamil Species: Reaper Occupation: Agent; dental assistant Likes: Fashion magazines, cucumbers, video games, cats, acoustic music

Barbara

Name: Barbara Anne Underwood Age: 23 Gender: Female (Cisgender) Birthday: 7/20 Nationality: American Ethnicity: White Species: Reaper Occupation: Horse groomer Likes: Boots, trucks, cheap beer, off road racing, old country music

April

Name: April Neveah Love Age: 22 Gender: Female (Cisgender) Birthday: 4/21 Nationality: American Ethnicity: African-American Species: Diviner Occupation: Missionary; accountant Likes: Sweaters, pretty headbands, reading, mathematics, ribbons, sewing

Ellie

Name: Elena Jeanette Rhett Age: 13 Gender: Female (Cis) Birthday: 6/6 Nationality: American Ethnicity: Mixed Species: Reaper Occupation: Student Likes: Softball, riding her bike, action movies, video games, bubblegum

Asher

Name: Asher Joshua Rosenberg Age: 27 Gender: Male (Trans) Birthday: 11/9 Nationality: American Ethnicity: Jewish Species: Reaper Occupation: Agent & recruiter; web designer Likes: House music, festivals, calligraphy, his pet hamster, lacrosse

Gavin

Name: Gavin Adair Age: 28 Gender: Male (Cis) Birthday: 1/20 Nationality: American Ethnicity: Indigenous (Cherokee) Species: Reaper Occupation: Agent; boxing trainer Likes: Combat sports, Candiace, his mom's handicrafts, hiking, boba tea

Yuki

Name: Yuki Sakamoto (nee Aoyama) Age: 30 Gender: Female (Cis) Birthday: 5/1 Nationality: Japanese, American Ethnicity: Japanese-American Species: Diviner Occupation: Analyst & profiler; HR representative Likes: Jazz music, plants, nature documentaries, pastries, cleaning

Liseth

Name: Liseth Catalina Martinez Ayala Age: 26 Gender: Demigirl Birthday: 8/8 Nationality: American Ethnicity: Mexican-American Species: Reaper/Diviner hybrid Occupation: Spy; singer-songwriter Likes: Astrology, cool shoes, fashion history & museums, barbecue foods, jewelry

Xian

Name: Xian Kuang (Kuang Xian) Age: 25 Gender: Nonbinary Nationality: Chinese, American Ethnicity: Chinese-American Species: Reaper Occupation: Freelance exorcist (former); agent; carpet cleaner Likes: Burning incense, photography, noir movies, cities at night, long coats

Tommy

Name: Tommaso Emiliano Episcopo Age: 23 Gender: Male (Cis) Nationality: American Ethnicity: Italian-American Species: Reaper Occupation: Auto repairman Likes: Italian coffee, his trusty comb, sports cars, leather jackets, cologne

Candiace

Name: Candiace Wendy Garnett Age: 29 Gender: Female (Cis) Nationality: Jamaican, American Ethnicity: Jamaican-American Species: Reaper Occupation: Magazine editor Likes: Classical music, nice clothes, painting, red wine, pearls, designer watches

Omar

Name: Omar Franklin Westmoreland Age: 22 Gender: Male (Cis) Nationality: American Ethnicity: African-American Species: Reaper Occupation: Auto repairman Likes: Car magazines, anime, arcade games, roller skating, street foods

Allen

Name: Allen Jorge Santiago Age: 25 Gender: Male Nationality: Cuban, American Ethnicity: Afro-Cuban Species: Redeemer Occupation: Line cook Likes: Flowers, perfume, gardening, beaches, lechon asado with lime and black beans, riding in his car

Savina

Name: Savina Andrea LeBeau Age: 30 Gender: Female Nationality: American Ethnicity: African-American Species: Reaper Occupation: Agent; store manager Likes: Jazz clubs, art books, crystals, rain, flowy clothes, Korean barbecue, rings

@punkeropercyjackson @floof-ghostie @mayacondotcom

[kathyprior4200]

Seraphim Sisters: Prologue: "Seraphim Sera"

Seraphim, “the burning ones,” are the highest ranking type of angel in Christian angelology and fifth in the Jewish hierarchy. In Islam, they are the highest, followed by spirit, archangels, and cherubim. Sometimes they are depicted as an eagle, a bull, a lion, and a human; other times they have four faces and six wings. In the Book of Isaiah, they are fiery beings with six wings which fly around God’s throne, singing “Holy, Holy, Holy, God is the Lord of hosts, the Earth is full of His glory!” They are the caretakers of God’s throne. The six wings would have eyes on them, two covering their face, two covering their feet and two used to fly. Seraphim have a fiery passion for doing God’s work, not resting day and night. Like fire, they are eternal and can bring enlightenment to others. One Seraphim placed a hot coal to prophet Isiash’s lips and said, “See this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sins are atoned for.” The choir is ruled by Archangel Metatron in “Meteorologica Cosmica” by Robert Fludd; the archangels each rule over a specific choir of angels. The Shem HaMephorash Seraphim members are Vehuiah, Lelial, Sitael, Elemiah, Mahasiah, Iehahel, Achaiah, and Cahethel.  

In Hazbin Hotel, the Seraphim are the third-highest ranking below the mysterious Speaker of God and God Himself. They are above or equal to the Archangels and also above Adam, the Exorcists and the Powers.

Seraphiel is one notable Seraphim, said to be the protector of Metatron. In Enoch three, he is tall as the seven heavens with the face of an angel and the body of an eagle. He is called the chief of the Seraphim, a judge angel, and a prince of the Merkabah and guide to Enoch/Metatron. He teaches songs to sing for the glorification of God. Jehoel is his servant, often associated with Michael, charged to restrain Leviathan, and destroy idolaters. He commanded the choir of Seraphim with Lucifer and rivaled him in beauty.

Metatron is a likely candidate for the Speaker of God, since Seraphiel protects him/works under him and Metatron is said to act like a vessel for God. Every command by Metatron must be fulfilled by the other angels. Seraphiel is called the Angel of Silence or the Angel of Purification because he emanates the fire of God that burns away sin.

Emily

Appearance: Emily is a bird-like seraphim woman with long spiky white hair, a black/gray face and large teal eyes. She has a white halo over her head.

She has six white wings and wears a long periwinkle dress with small diamond crystal designs near the bottom and a dark purple trim. She has a black star-like crystal design on her chest and wears black boots.

"Emily is the Glinda of Heaven, flitting around and bringing hope and cheer to the denizens of Heaven. She is the face of the Angel hierarchy in charge, and she adores her people. Doing everything in her power to do right by her kingdom and take on the responsibilities, she is a bit unaware of what goes on, being deliberately kept out of things. She wants to take on more responsibility and is determined, passionate, upbeat and kind.

Emily is playful, with a bright voice, and cheerful energy.”

0 0 0

Sera

Appearance: Sera is an avian-like Seraphim woman princess with a gray face with white freckles, thick extended eyelashes, and large teal eyes. She wears a glowing white/teal five-pointed crown on her head with teal crystals in it. In the trailer for Hazbin Hotel, she is seen grinning widely with flames in her eyes. Her hair is white/gray styled in long thick tubes or curls. She wears a long gray/teal with diamond crystal designs similar to Emily's.

"The eldest of the Seraphim Sisters, who work directly under the Speaker of God.

Sera is calm and responsible, carrying the weight of her leadership in Heaven, and feeling constant state of pressure to do right by her people. She is constantly under stress but hides it well with her controlled demeanor. She is overly serious and rarely eases up. Strict and orderly.”

0 0 0

King Seraphiel and Queen Seraphina were the ancient, royal Seraphim in Heaven, who worked under the Speaker of God. They were passionately devoted to God and would sing praises for Him and teach others to do the same. They were similar to the Ars Goetia in Hell; as the Ars Goetia were alternate rulers alongside the Seven Deadly Sins demon kings who ruled the Rings, the Seraphim ruled alongside the Archangels or the Seven Heavenly Virtues who ruled the Halos. Along with singing praises to God, they also interpreted messages from the Speaker of God and carried out His divine instructions. They often had meetings with Metatron, Jesus, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, and other elite angels to make sure things were running smoothly.

King Seraphiel had been around since the dawn of creation. He and Lucifer rivaled each other in light, song, and beauty. Seraphiel and Lucifer were called the “Morningstar Twins,” though Archangel Michael was often called “Lucifer’s more obedient twin.” Lucifer was the oldest of the angel siblings, a little older than Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Camael, Jophiel, and Zadkiel. Seraphiel was a different kind of angel, born from divine flames.

Like many angels, Seraphiel was upset when Lucifer and his angels rebelled and were later banished to Hell. Michael was soon put in charge of Heaven’s military (Before Adam was turned into an angel Exorcist and took over), while Seraphiel was now solely in charge of the Seraphim choir. Seraphiel had no more competition but was often lonely at the same time.

The universe must have sensed his loneliness, for before long, he had met his soon-to-be wife, Seraphina. Seraphina loved singing and spreading divinity as much as he did; it was a literal match made in Heaven. In human terms, they had the demeanors of African American performers. The royal couple had two beautiful daughters, the first one around ten years older than the second.

The parents smiled down at their first-born daughter. She lay in a golden crib in the palace, a ray of light touching down on her through a circular window in the ceiling. She had a dark gray face with large bright teal eyes and whisps of white curly hair beginning to sprout on her head. The downy white feathers of her six wings were poking out from her back.

“Oh Seraphiel, she’s perfect,” smiled Seraphina. “And she looks like you, too!”

Sure enough, their daughter did match Seraphiel, with his dark gray face, white freckles under his eyes and teal eyes. Seraphiel had a white beard, thick short white hair, and wore a glowing white crown on his head.  His robes were often fiery red and orange. Though his six wings were usually white, they could change color to yellows, oranges, reds, and hot blues, with flaring eyes all over them in his Angel Form.

“Well-behaved, too,” Seraphiel said with a nod. “Not a sob to be heard.”

Seraphina picked up her daughter and cuddled her close. The baby laughed and reached out to tug Seraphina’s curly white hair that hung slightly past her ears. Seraphina also had teal eyes and a dark gray face with white freckles. Unlike Seraphiel who was passionate about work, she was more inclined to spending free time doing art, poetry and composing her own songs. “They don’t have to be about God all the time,” she mentioned to Seraphiel. The baby tried to flap her little wings, staring down at the ground as if afraid she’d fall. Seraphina danced with her baby in her arms, wearing a stunning long purple dress with light purple crystal patterns near the trim.

The baby tried again, flapping her small wings, but barely getting an inch off her mother’s hands.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be flying in no time,” said Seraphina with a chuckle. She turned to her husband. “Shall we keep up with our family name traditions?”

“Oh yes,” said Seraphiel. “And I have the perfect name for her: Sera.”

Seraphina gently placed Sera in her crib and sang her a lullaby to sleep.

“Once there was a way

To get back homeward

Once there was a way

To get back home

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby

Golden slumbers fill your eyes

Smiles await you when you rise

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby.”

Sera soon grew up fast. As the first-born, she would be the next heir to the Seraphim choir. Seraphiel trained her in singing, fire magic, angelic weapon use, Enochian, Latin, flight, music, and other divine duties from the very start. Sera soon became one of the greatest muses in Heaven, having an angelic voice that all the Archangels and other Seraphim admired. Even the Speaker of God was most impressed with her progress. Seraphiel decreed that she would formally be included in the political council meetings to help make decisions once she became a teen. The more Sera grew up, the more stress she began to feel. If she wasn’t pleasing her parents, she was trying to please the other Seraphim. And then after getting through all that, she would eventually have to please the whole kingdom of Heaven!

Oh, how she longed for peaceful Golden Slumbers!

Sera buried her stress under piano lessons, studying, lectures, poetry, art, and any activity that could try and numb her thoughts. The few times she could relax and hang out with her fellow friends was a blessing. Sera would often pray to God to not force her into any arranged marriages. Fortunately, she was safe from that for the time being. Though that didn’t stop some Seraphim males from gazing intently at her beauty from afar.

Seraphiel conducted the fiery Seraphim choir; Sera flying around for hours in performances that stunned the adoring crowd below.

“Holy, holy, holy, God is the Lord Almighty!” Sera chanted, memorizing the words by heart. Five other Seraphim women flew with her, harmonizing as she led the choir. Her six wings glowed in stunning rainbow colors and fireworks boomed in the heavenly blue sky. They sang songs and hymns for more than an hour, vowing to “not rest day and night” until it was over. Sera posed with the five other Seraphim women as the crowd applauded, their feet and faces covered by their wings. They were Serenity, Serabella, Serena, Serastella, and Serendipity. They weren’t her sisters but part of the greater Seraphim devotee family. Sera was dressed in blue and purple, contrasting the golds and the reds of the other young angel women. They were, in human terms, a variety of different races, all with six white wings that could burst into harmless flames with eyes blinking on them.

“Don’t be afraid to create something original,” her mother said. Sera did create her own songs, but only in the privacy of her large bedroom. She didn’t want her father to think she was straying too far from traditional music.  Sera remembered all the fun times when she and her mother would travel around Heaven and make up their own music as they went. They would sing songs together and not have to worry about anyone watching them. It was one of the only times where Sera truly felt free.

“No matter what you have to do,” Seraphina said as they sat near a lake of golden water. “Know there’s always a shining star in you. Muzzled in work or happy in play, my eternal love is here to stay.” Mother and daughter embraced as Heavenly music played in the background.

Sera belted out as she played on her piano:

“Somebody (somebody)

Oh somebody (somebody)

Can anybody find me

Somebody to love?

I work hard

Everyday of my life

I work ‘til I ache in my bones

At the end (at the end of the day)

I take home my hard earned pay on my own

I get down (down) on my knees (knees) and I start to pray

‘Til the tears run down from my eyes, Lord!

I have spent all my years believing in you

But I just can’t get no relief, Lord!”

Tears flew from her eyes, the music a catharsis for her ever-nagging weary feelings. Was all her hard work and fading childhood worth it in the eyes of God? Why was she destined to be the center of Seraphim attention, while many souls in Heaven would stroll around, oblivious to Heaven’s intricate workings?

“Hmm…I-I think I should create something more unique than that mortal song I like…”

But she was soon tired and out of ideas.  

0 0 0

Once Sera became of age (still ancient in human years and terms), Seraphiel invited her to the first meeting.

“I know we have hidden some things from you,” he mentioned. “But we wanted to make sure you were ready. You see, the worlds outside Heaven are very dangerous places.”

“I have heard of Earth,” Sera said, smoothing out her teal-gray dress. A white crown glowed on her head. “That’s where humans are born and then they die and are sent to Heaven or Hell.”

“That’s right,” he said. He led Sera inside to a spacious room where some archangels and other Seraphim waited. The council members stood and bowed to the royals as they sat down. Sera sat next to her father at the round table as Michael discussed angelic weapons, military strategies, politics, charities, and the occasional music festival. Sera flinched as a large eye surrounded by six wings with smaller eyes on them casually discussed economics in a seat across from her. Blue fan-like designs decorated the walls and gold pillars held the ceiling decorated with Christian religious art. Stained-glass windows depicted fiery Seraphim, and a trio of Metatron, Jesus, and Seraphiel standing before God’s light. (Although the Speaker of God was implied to be Metatron, no one knew exactly who it was.)

Sera yawned in boredom, favoring scribbles over her previous notes on a scroll in front of her, until Michael mentioned something that made her hair and feathers stand up.

“As many of you know, Heaven is not one hundred percent foolproof, even though we’d like it to be.” Michael stood proud wearing blue robes and a golden sword sheathed by his side. “Ever since Lucifer fell to Hell, there has been an increased need for security. At first, we thought that Lucifer and his army would perish in the dark, never to be seen again. Alas, they soon formed their own kingdom of chaos, growing ever stronger. As soon as Lucifer tricked Adam and Eve into eating the Forbidden Fruit, and were banished from the Garden of Eden, God ordered us angels to step in. We realized that humanity was in danger of falling to sin. And if that sin ever reached our abode, it would infect us with it’s vengeful evil and suffering.”

“Lucifer would want nothing more than to kick us out of our own paradise,” Gabriel mentioned, his robes white. “All because he thought that humans were all evil and that God was unwise in favoring them over him. Still, I miss him.”

“Some wounds cannot be healed,” Raphael somberly added, his green robes shimmering in the sunlight coming from the stained-glass windows. “We tried allowing as many souls into Heaven as we could. But as the population grew, so did sin. More souls had to be banished from Heaven when they dared to question God in Heaven. Angels became like humans, getting into petty quarrels and arguments.”

Uriel fanned a flame in his hand, wearing robes of ruby red. “Something had to be done. Michael’s army alone was not enough to keep the demons at bay. Soon we had to deal with a new problem. The humans who had been banished to Hell somehow remained immortal in the Pride Ring. If was like they had to re-spawn and deal with suffering with not even death sparing them. Hell’s population grew and soon the overpopulation led to more chaos and more thoughts of rebellion.”

 Metatron added. “If Hell became more overcrowded, it would inevitably lead to a second Heaven/Hell War, with poor Earth in the middle. More demons roaming around would put Earth in danger. Many of the noble demons and the Sin Kings started to send their minions to Earth to spread lust, disease, war, and sin. Our Archangel Virtues send angels to counteract them, but it’s never been enough.”

“It was a drastic decision. A decision not many of us liked,” said Seraphiel. “Samael and Adina approved it right away. Michael and I were more apprehensive. How could we trust a former human to suddenly become an angel and take on such a crucial role? But then we remembered how God turned Enoch and Elijah, two former men into Metatron and Sandalphon respectfully. And we knew that all we could really do was trust in God’s plan.”

Sera looked worried. “What happened then?”

Seraphiel continued. “Adam, the first man, was one God entrusted to rule the New Earth, a place where humanity all bowed to their Lord. Since Adam soon died after nearly a thousand years on Earth, God turned him into an angel to reward him for his faith. Lilith was banished from the garden for her disobedience and Eve…well her fate was lost to time. Adam was the pinnacle of masculinity and strength. God then promoted him as the ruler of the Exorcists, a group of angels sent to protect Heaven from sinners and invading demons. Originally, they were sent down to Hell to try and purge the former humans of their sins. But since sinners could only redeem themselves on their own (and they didn’t, of course) the Exorcists had a new job…”

Seraphiel’s eyes glowed darkly. “…to exterminate and purge sinners in Hell once every year.”

Sera couldn’t help but gasp. “You mean…our own people kill the demons…and people who were formerly human?”

“Yes,” Seraphiel explained. “Adam and the Exorcists soon grew more demonic themselves, relishing in their bloodlust and killing as many as they could: men, women, children, didn’t matter who. The victims of murders on Earth got their revenge against those who had killed them, when they became Exorcists. The angelic weapons erased the sinner from existence and their remaining energy became part of Hell’s infrastructure. That energy also powered the Overlords in Hell, keeping their hierarchical systems running. Lucifer, too, approved of the exterminations of his own people. He didn’t care for the ex-human sinners and he did it to ensure the safety of his own royal family and his rule.”

“That’s…that’s terrible,” Sera breathed.

“I know,” Seraphiel said. “But we have no other choice. Once a human goes to Hell, all is lost for them.”

“Can’t God cure them?” Sera asked.

“Sinners must cure themselves,” Seraphiel said. “The whole point of sending them to Hell is for them to be reminded of their misdeeds on Earth. They have to work extra hard to prove themselves to God. Without the suffering leading to redemption and repentance, there’s no real faith.”

“But still…our own people, killing members of their own kind…hardly any soul can get to Heaven now!”

Seraphiel put a hand on Sera’s shoulder. “That’s the point, unfortunately. To keep the universe in order, we cannot take any risks letting random foreigners inside. Saint Peter is in charge of all the background checks and making sure the souls go through their Purgatory in the divine Courtroom of Judgement before going through the golden gates and receiving their heavenly identity.”

“But can’t they just be banished back to Hell?” Sera asked her father.

“We have too much work to do as it is. God expects perfection here. Souls working on their perfection go to Earth. Those who fail have no place in any world but Hell. Our kingdom needs to set an example for our Lord and to the rest of the universe.”

He looked at his daughter again. “One day, you will fully understand, Sera. Demons have no second chances…all they do is spread evil and suffering onto themselves and to the rest of their kind. Demons turning into angels is a one percent chance at best. Not impossible, but highly unlikely. If we let them in, they’ll only unleash the same suffering onto us. And if our kingdom crumbles, God might…” he choked, “Leave us behind, too.”

There were low murmurs spreading throughout the council. Sera, too, suddenly grew afraid of the demons and sinners.

The proud blonde Samael waved his hand, and a large orb of light showed a scene of Hell. Buildings were burning in flames under a crimson sky. Adam was playing his guitar and using it to magically blast citizens away. Lute and her fellow Amazon-like warriors flew through the sky, black halos with three black crystals hovering over their heads. The warrior women dived down and slashed and stabbed the animal-like demons on the streets with harpoon weapons, grinning evilly behind their black LED screen masks. Their Xs were over their right eyes. Lute was laughing manically in the air, licking demon blood off her curved swords. Sera was instantly appalled at Lute’s cutthroat methods and Adam’s sinister sexualization of the females.

“Sera, my daughter,” Seraphiel. “The time has come to learn your role. The Seraphim royals serve under the Speaker of God and collaborate with the Archangels. But we also have a duty to preserve our kingdom and watch over the incoming souls. And you, specifically…”

Sera waited with bated breath…

“One of your main duties is to watch over Adam and his Exorcist army.”

Sera’s eyes grew wide with fear, and she gulped. “Adam? I’m in charge of him?!”

“Yes,” Seraphiel said. “I know it’s a big, unexpected responsibility. But I know how strong and dependable you are, already. Your mother and I have instilled great leadership in you. I know you have what it takes to keep him in line. He’s been behaving recklessly for a while.”

“I can’t stop the exterminations…”

“No.”

“But…” she pondered. “As long as that creep leaves me alone…I suppose it could be enjoyable to make sure things go smoothly.” She grinned. “At least I can tell him off if he decides to make trouble.” Seraphiel nodded in approval.

Metatron and Seraphiel moved toward Sera who stood up. “Get ready,” Seraphiel whispered to her. Sera took a deep breath, remembering all the practices leading up to this. They moved to the center of the vast council room.

“Riase your right hand,” Metatron said. Sera did so. Sera knew she was being filmed to the denizens of Heaven the moment Metatron’s cell phone glowed purple and hovered next to him.

“I, Princess Sera of the Seraphim Royal Family…”

Sera repeated. “I, Princess Sera of the Seraphim Royal Family…”

“…hereby pledge my allegiance to God and the Speaker of God…”

“…hereby pledge my allegiance to God and the Speaker of God…”

“…carrying out His will and bringing order to my kingdom…”

“…carrying out His will and bringing order to my kingdom…”

“I shall exemplify courage, confidence, and compassion to my people…”

“I shall exemplify courage, confidence, and compassion to my people…”

“Ensuring the safety of souls and the competence of our armies…”

“Ensuring the safety of souls and the competence of our armies…”

“To aid in legislation and decision making for the greater good of all…”

“To aid in legislation and decision making for the greater good of all…”

“I accept all terms and consequences henceforth…”

“I accept all terms and consequences henceforth…”

“By God’s will, it is done. Amen.”

“By God’s will, it is done. Amen.”

Sera’s hands shook as she signed the line on the bottom of a piece of paper. Seraphiel’s royal golden eye seal burned onto the page.

“All hail Princess Sera!” Metatron announced.

The archangels and Seraphim clapped respectfully. Seraphiel walked over and placed a large glowing white crown on her head. It had five glowing points and teal gems in the front. The other crown was taken by Seraphiel. Sera’s white hair was in thick tube-shaped braids. She suddenly looked more womanly. Sera walked out to a balcony, where a crowd of denizens cheered for her below, following the conclusion of the meeting. Several Exorcists banged the ends of their spears and harpoons onto the ground in salute. Sera’s parents stood proudly behind her. Holographic images flashed in the sky of demons burning in flames at the mercy of the Exorcists. Adam winked at her from a hovering golden throne, making her squirm inside.

Sera stared hard at the flames before her eyes, her thick eyelashes extending past her dark colored face. The flames danced in her eyes…and she forced a wide beaming smile.

0 0 0

The day Sera’s younger sister was born was quite a unique one. Seraphiel and Seraphina were delighted by the baby’s constant laughs and cute dark face. She also had white hair, teal eyes, a dark face, and freckles. With a happy squeal, the baby zoomed across the room, Seraphina chasing her around the palace.

“This baby sure is hyperactive!” Seraphina called.

“Mom, are you sure she’ll be a good little sister for me?”

“Yes,” she called. “Of course, you’ll be expected to watch her.”

Sera groaned as the baby let out some loud cries and squeals, nearly knocking over a vase.

“Flying time is over,” chuckled Seraphina, catching her breath and holding her baby. The baby flapped her sprouting six small wings. All the family members had white halos over their heads.

“Right, now her name,” said Seraphiel. “Sera is perfect.”

“We already have a Sera,” Seraphina said.

“Seraph!” he called.

Seraphina giggled. “No. Seraph is over there.”

Sera smiled as a beautiful red fiery phoenix flew over and landed on Sera’s shoulder. She pet her feathery friend and he nuzzled his head into her hand.

“Your mom sure has her hands full,” Seraph mentioned.

“Tell me about it,” Sera communicated back telepathically. “I’m guessing my sister will be so passionate about redeeming demons that she’ll be a real thorn in my side for a while. I sure hope not.”

“Remember you were once more sympathetic to demons and sinners too,” Seraph reminded her.

Sera sighed sadly. “Those days are over. I can no longer focus on a fantasy dream. Especially with my crazy little sister flying through the palace!” She rolled her eyes, her crown heavy on her head.

The baby stared into her mother’s teal eyes.

“Mama!”

“Wow! She just talked in my mind! She said ‘Mama!’”

“Wow, that was fast,” Seraphiel said. “Usually takes a week or so to learn telepathy before the babbling regular speech. She’s only a few days old!”

The baby spotted a crude drawing of a sad demon with a spear in its heart on a fridge. “Poor guy, poor guy,” she said into their heads.

Sera tore down the piece of paper and crumpled up the drawing. “No, not ‘poor guy,’” she sighed. “Demons are evil!”

Seraph flew over to his perch and slowly burst into flames. He was soon a pile of ash on his small bed. The baby spotted it and started wailing.

“Birdy gone! Birdy gone!”

“It’s okay, Serenity,” said Seraphina. “Our phoenix is immortal and rebirths itself from the ashes.”

“Not my name! Not my name!”

Seraphina looked taken aback. “What? What do you mean ‘not my name?’”

“New name! New name!”

The two royal parents and Sera stared at each other. With a baby so eager and hyper to spread cheer…could Sera’s daughter be so bold as to change family tradition already at such a young age?

This child was not ‘Serenity’…for a name popped into each of their heads that made her more like…

“Emily!” all three said at once. Emily laughed in approval.

0 0 0

Seraphina smiled at Emily. “This one will be the smiling face for Heaven. I bet she’ll do a splendid job greeting new souls in Heaven! She already looks like a great future performer, like me!”

“I believe you’re right,” Seraphiel said with a smile of his own.

Sera was worried. “I don’t think she’ll be ready for my responsibilities when she’s grown up,” she said. “Already, she’s causing trouble from day one.”

“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you girls are safe,” said Seraphiel. “In the meanwhile, perhaps you can show Emily the way of an angel. With her positivity, she’ll help new souls adjust to Heaven while you continue your duties. We are immortal and essentially ageless, so there’s not much to worry about. If she tries to get in trouble, you can help change things for the better.”

Emily landed in Sera’s lap and let out a loud fart. Sera scrunched her nose. “I’ll sure be changing things alright,” she grumbled as she picked her up and walked off to change her sister’s diaper. When she was done, Emily was staring in awe at rainbow light reflecting off a stained-glass window in the palace.

“Yep, definitely an odd one,” Sera thought. “I only hope our family can do what’s right for everyone.”

Sera stared at Emily again and smiled warmly. She decided to sing her favorite lullaby she remembered when her mother sang it to her years before:

“Once there was a way

To get back homeward

Once there was a way

To get back home

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby

Golden slumbers fill your eyes

Smiles await you when you rise

Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry

And I will sing a lullaby.”

Emily soon drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Emily, despite her quirkiness…as a sister, she really was Somebody to Love.

[raindancejodi]

Halloween Movie Watchlist

Hi guys! It's spooky season so I'm trying to come up with a list of horror movies and Halloween movies to watch to celebrate! I want to watch one movie a night, and I want to watch mostly movies I've never seen before!! I've got a small list of the classics/my favorites:

Hocus Pocus - if you're American (or I guess just acitve on Tumblr) and have been paying attention to Halloween media at all in the last decade, you've definitely heard of this one! In case you haven't: a teenager accidentally reawakens 3 child-eating witches and must stop them before they eat the youth of every child in town. Sounds a bit scary like that, but it's one of the absolute best family Halloween movies around

The Conjuring - my favorite horror movie ever! So scary, so well acted. The actual story is a bunch of scammers (with the Warren's being the biggest liars/scammers of them all), but the movie's great! Synopsis: a family moves into a new house and scary/supernatural things begin to occur, seemingly focusing on the mother.

Halloweentown - back to the realm of 'family friendly', this is another absolute banger from my childhood. A teenage girl learns she's a witch and must use her new powers to save Halloweentown, a magical place where Halloween is 24/7

The Vigil - I watched this fairly recently and I was very impressed! A Jewish horror movie about a young man who must sit watch over a dead body (which is a Jewish custom I'm forgetting the name of), but supernatural forces begin to haunt him

The Nightmare Before Christmas - back to the more fun ones, this movie is probably the most quintessential 'Halloween movie' in my mind, I think I've watched it every year since I was born! Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween, grows weary of celebrating the same holiday over and over. When he discovers a portal to Christmastown, he gets filled with excitement over something new and decides to try his hand at being king of that instead

The Possession - another Jewish horror story about a Dybbuk box, a box containing a malicious spirit, that finds its way into the hands of a young girl and begins terrorizing her family. Based on a true story! Based here being the operative word, but the owners of the box do seem to consistently say they were genuinely afraid of the box (although no deaths have been attributed to it as far as I know)

Fear Street 1994, 1978, and 1666: technically 3 movies, but all part of a series based off of the books by R. L. Stine. Phenomenal movies, I loved everything about them and want to own them on DVD. This story follows a group of mostly teens as they uncover the truth of the curse of Shadyside, a town where serial killers seem remarkably common. Also has excellent LGBTQ rep (sapphic) and genuinely some of the best storytelling and 'unraveling' I have ever seen (in my opinion)

The Exorcist - a cult classic for a reason, the movie that kicked off the exorcism movie craze that continues to this day (The Exorcist: Believer, anyone?). A young girl begins to display horrifying changes in personality and her mother is desperate to find answers, so she reaches out to a priest. I like this movie a lot, but it may seem kinda hokey to those more used to the more 'modern' special effects. I also love this one because they don't let themselves get bogged down on the specifics of the 'why' and the 'how', bad things happen to good people for no reason all the time (the explanation at the end of Hereditary really undid the whole movie for me)

Halloween - it's literally called Halloween, how could I not include it? This one is my favorite of the franchise because I, personally, really dislike gore (specifically painful body horror like in Saw and later installments). Not that there's anything wrong with those types of movies, just not my personal cup of tea. This movie is much slower and much more thriller type than you might expect if your only knowledge of the franchise is the latest (2020 +) movies, but it is masterful in its suspense and its overbearing, black, ominous, foreboding feeling it evokes.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - can't have Halloween without Dracula! This is my favorite of the adaptations, I love the music, the sets, the casting, the costuming. It's beautiful and grandiose and suffocating and terrifying (and not totally SFW so maybe look up some details before watching with kids) and also a bit long so keep that in mind. A real estate agent travels to remote Romania to settle a land deal for a wealthy recluse, only to find his life and the lives of those around him irrevocably changed when the mysterious man takes a keen interest in his fiancé

That's 12 if you count Fear Street as 3, or only 9 if you wanna watch them all together (as I usually do, I really love those movies), and I'm gonna work out a specific order if I get a few more suggestions. Please add on and give me your ideas! I'm trying to focus more on Halloween movies - some connection to the holiday or more 'traditional' Halloween monsters like vampires, witches, werewolves, and ghosts - but there's more than a few non-Halloween movies on there so don't be afraid to add your fav scary movie too!

[cipheramnesia]

I watched my first horror movie tonight since i was a teenager in the 90's. Back then i mostly giggled through Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer with friends. Then life happened and i sort-of stopped watching things in general. Anyway, I'm now finding myself on months of bedrest and am watching things to pass the time and decided I'd watch a movie tonight and picked horror just to see if i even like horror. I caught The Pope's Exorcist and actually really enjoyed it, which is delightful! It kept me on the edge of my seat and in suspense and i know my heart was racing at times. So I figure enjoying that one gives me a starting point in the genre, and i was wondering if you might be able to suggest others based off my liking that one? I picked it based off rotton tomato critic and audience ratings. Not because i care heavily about such things, but it made it a logical place to start of what's new. I'm not catholic so i don't care about religion based horror but I'm not opposed to it. I don't like jumpscares. Learned that from Sixth Sense and 12 years on tumblr. Oh! I've also recently seen Renfield, though none of the dracula movies that follow the books. I don't really count Renfield as horror in this regard because it's comedy horror and more funny than scary. Kind of like how i found 90's horror. Though that might have been just as much me being a punk ass kid trying to look brave with my friends. Who knows. It was a long time ago. Anyway, do you have any suggestions? Old or new doesn't matter. I'm bored and mostly stuck in bed. Thank you for your time!

I haven't seen The Pope's Exorcist so I had to search it up - exorcism movies don't do a lot for me, but The Taking of Deborah Logan and Daniel Isn't Real are perennial recommendations which I think would sync up with possession movies. Deborah Logan is kind of divisive with how it treats Alzheimer's and dementia - for me it resonated with my experiences and felt like a sensitive exploration of the topic for horror, but it can also reas the opposite way.

Hellbender and The Deeper You Dig are some fantastic work by a team of independent filmmakers who are also a family. They all act and direct and write together in upstate New York and have astonishing talent. A magnificent illustration of why seeking work by independent artists is such a good idea.

I just watched Ghost Crew, a weird little low budget Scottish movie that I won't say too much about except that it starts out as slightly cringe-comedy faux documentary and grows into a lot more. Zombie For Sale is an adorable Korean romantic comedy zombie movie I had a fun time watching. The Dark (2018) also very intriguing movie, basically victims of abuse getting revenge but one of them is a revenant.

Jamie Marks Is Dead is a queer ghost story that made me cry, everyone should watch it. Also in the sweet romantic category is Attachement, a Jewish and queer horror. It's written and directed by a Jewish person and to my experience felt very true to life. My personal reading of it was a kind of metaphor about how Judaism can be carried forward in different ways everywhere from generational to academically to people who convert. It's another one that I think could be read different, but the positive reading works better for me.

A Wounded Fawn is just bonkers surreal, I can't describe it exactly but it's about a serial killer who gets in deep with some very hallucinatory shit. Related, but Vicious Fun is exactly what it says on the tin. Very fun silly stuff. He's Watching is imho one of the most terrifying found footage movies ever. All found footage movies use a lot of pretty common and consistent tricks of limited light and limited perspective, but He's Watching fucks with the sense of reality by constantly obfuscating who or what is recording, where the line between real and film is blurred.

Babysitter Wanted is also a fun twist on the satanic panic trope. Also similar in that vein, Anything For Jackson is pretty neat. And while I'm thinking about Shudder, The Mortuary Collection is pure spooky fun, a delightful anthology movie with Clancy Brown getting to chew up some scenery. Also for the movie that has everything, Saloum. It's a kind of revenge crossed with magic crossed with evil spirits centered around a bad ass team of mercenaries for hire.

Also check out my horror movie tag.

[exorcismdemoncasting]

Exorcism Services in New York: Restoring Peace and Spiritual Balance

In a bustling metropolis like New York City, where diversity and modernity coexist, the demand for spiritual healing is growing. Among the various spiritual practices, exorcism services have carved a significant niche. For those seeking liberation from negative energies, paranormal disturbances, or spiritual unrest, finding a qualified Exorcist in New York offers a path to renewal and peace.

Understanding Exorcism

Exorcism, rooted in ancient traditions, is the act of expelling malevolent spirits or energies from a person, place, or object. These practices are prevalent across cultures and religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous spiritualities. In modern contexts, exorcism often addresses psychological, emotional, or energetic disturbances perceived as spiritual afflictions.

An Exorcist in New York may utilize various techniques, such as prayer, chanting, energy work, or ritual cleansing, tailored to the individual's beliefs. This holistic approach makes exorcism accessible and effective for people from all walks of life.

Signs That Exorcism Might Be Needed

Exorcists in New York often encounter clients seeking help for unexplained phenomena or distressing experiences. Common signs that may indicate the need for exorcism include:

Unexplained Illnesses or Behaviors: Persistent negative emotions, physical ailments, or irrational behaviors that defy medical or psychological explanations.

Paranormal Activity: Unusual occurrences like objects moving, disembodied voices, or recurring nightmares.

Emotional or Energetic Imbalance: Feelings of oppression, fear, or spiritual disconnection.

Cultural or Religious Triggers: Experiences aligned with spiritual beliefs about possession or curses.

If any of these symptoms resonate, consulting a skilled exorcist can provide clarity and relief.

Finding an Exorcist in New York

The cultural diversity of New York City creates a unique landscape for spiritual services. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or follow an eclectic spiritual path, there is likely an exorcist or healer in the city who understands your needs.

Religious Institutions: Many churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues have trained clergy experienced in spiritual cleansing and exorcism rituals.

Independent Practitioners: There are professional exorcists in New York specializing in non-denominational or interfaith practices. These practitioners cater to diverse spiritual beliefs and use personalized approaches.

Holistic Healing Centers: Spiritual wellness hubs often offer energy cleansing, chakra balancing, and other forms of spiritual support that align with exorcism practices.

The Process of Exorcism

A professional exorcism session typically begins with an in-depth consultation. This step allows the exorcist to understand the individual's spiritual and emotional state, as well as the specifics of the disturbance.

Next, the exorcist may perform an assessment using religious tools, prayers, or energy readings to identify the source of the issue. The exorcism itself may involve rituals like:

Prayers or invocations to cleanse the space or individual.

The use of sacred objects such as holy water, incense, or amulets.

Guided meditation or energy work to restore balance.

Post-session, many exorcists provide advice on maintaining spiritual protection and harmony to prevent recurrence.

The Growing Popularity of Exorcism in New York

With New York's fast-paced lifestyle, stress, and exposure to various energies, more people are turning to spiritual practices to restore balance. Exorcism has become a sought-after service not only for resolving supernatural disturbances but also for addressing deeper emotional and psychological issues.

Moreover, media portrayals of exorcism have sparked curiosity and awareness. Films, documentaries, and books have demystified the practice, encouraging people to explore it as a viable solution for spiritual discomfort.

Choosing the Right Exorcist

When seeking an Exorcist in New York, it is essential to prioritize professionalism and authenticity. Look for practitioners with:

Positive reviews or recommendations.

Transparent practices that align with your beliefs.

Certification or affiliation with reputable spiritual organizations, where applicable.

Avoid practitioners who make unrealistic promises or charge exorbitant fees.

Embracing Spiritual Renewal

Exorcism is not merely about expelling negative energies but also about fostering personal growth, healing, and harmony. In a city as vibrant and complex as New York, the role of an exorcist is invaluable in helping individuals reclaim peace and balance.

If you are experiencing unexplained phenomena or a sense of spiritual unrest, connecting with a skilled Exorcist in New York could be the first step toward transformation. With the right guidance, exorcism can empower you to overcome negativity and embrace a renewed sense of well-being in the heart of the city that never sleeps.

[fordecree7]

THE BIBLE BOOK OF GOD

New Testament

Acts 19

Paul in Ephesus

19 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

The Sons of Sceva

11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

A Riot at Ephesus

21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31 And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35 And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40 For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 19

Diane Beauford

[mourningmaybells]

She had a what

chris had a son who died from aplastic anemia before regan was born, which made her distrust doctors since it was from an experimental medication that had a documented bad reaction to young children. she got over the distrust but it explains some things

honestly there's a lot in the book that give the characters from the exorcist a fucked up backstory, or get de-pedestaled like father merrin because it turns out a lot of what the demon says is true (mixed with lies though) or preys on their insecurities.

also, spoilers i guess, kinderman is jewish (not portayed well), karras might be in the closet (unintentional but everyone who read it thought it was) and karl and willie have a dead daughter who, it turns out is alive because karl hid the fact that willie's daughter is alive (literally crazy when i think about it even though this is a side plot)

[dfroza]

A book burning

Some of them had considerable libraries about their magic arts; they piled up their books and burned them publicly. Someone estimated the value of the books to be 50,000 silver coins. Again, word spread, and the message of the Lord overcame resistance and spread powerfully.

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 19th chapter of the book of Acts:

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul’s overland journey brought him back to Ephesus. He encountered a group of about a dozen disciples there.

Paul: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?

John’s Disciples: We’ve never heard about the Holy Spirit.

Paul: Well then, what kind of ceremonial washing through baptism did you receive?

John’s Disciples: We received the ritual cleansing of baptism that John taught.

Paul: John taught the truth—that people should be baptized with renewed thinking and turn toward God. But he also taught that the people should believe in the One whose way he was preparing, that is, Jesus the Anointed.

As soon as they heard this, they were baptized, this time in the name of our Lord Jesus. When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them in the same way the original disciples experienced at Pentecost: they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

For three months, Paul continued his standard practice: he went week by week to the synagogue, speaking with great confidence, arguing with great persuasiveness, proclaiming the kingdom of God. Once again, some members of the synagogue refused to believe and insulted the Way publicly before the whole synagogue community. Paul withdrew and took those with him who had become disciples. For the next two years, he used the public lecture hall of Tyrannus, presenting the Word of the Lord every day, debating with all who would come. As a result, everyone in the region, whether Jews or Greeks, heard the message. Meanwhile, God did amazing miracles through Paul. People would take a handkerchief or article of clothing that had touched Paul’s skin and bring it to their sick friends or relatives, and the patients would be cured of their diseases or released from the evil spirits that oppressed them.

Some itinerant Jewish exorcists noticed Paul’s success in this regard, so they tried to use the name of Jesus, the King, in an exorcism they were performing.

Imagine this: There are seven of them, all sons of a Jewish chief priest named Sceva, gathered around a demonized man in a house.

One of the Jewish Exorcists: I command you to depart, by the Jesus proclaimed by Paul!

Evil Spirit: Jesus I know. Paul I know. But who are you?

Then the man leaps up, attacks them all, rips off their clothing, and beats them so badly that they run out of the house stark naked and covered in bruises.

Word of this strange event spread throughout Ephesus among both Jews and Greeks. Everyone was shocked and realized that the name of Jesus was indeed powerful and praiseworthy. As a result, a number of people involved in various occult practices came to faith. They confessed their secret practices and rituals. Some of them had considerable libraries about their magic arts; they piled up their books and burned them publicly. Someone estimated the value of the books to be 50,000 silver coins. Again, word spread, and the message of the Lord overcame resistance and spread powerfully.

Eventually Paul felt he should move on again. The Holy Spirit confirmed that he should first travel through Macedonia and Achaia and then return to Jerusalem.

Paul: I must eventually see Rome.

So he sent Timothy and Erastus, two of his helpers, ahead to Macedonia while he stayed a while longer in Asia. It was during this time that a major incident occurred involving the Way.

An idol maker named Demetrius had a profitable business, for himself and for others, making silver shrines for Artemis (also known as Diana by the Romans), one of the deities worshiped in Ephesus.

Picture this: Demetrius calls a meeting of all the artisans who are similarly employed in idol making. Everyone in the idol industry comes together.

Demetrius: Men, we are all colleagues in this fine line of work. We’re making a good living doing what we’re doing. But we’d better wake up, or we’re all going to go broke.

You’ve heard about this fellow Paul. Here in Ephesus, he’s already convinced a large number of people to give up using idols. He tells them that our products are worthless. He’s been doing this same kind of thing almost everywhere in Asia. It’s bad enough that he is slandering our fine and honorable profession, but do you see where this will lead? If his lies catch on, the temple of Artemis itself will be called a fraud. The great goddess of our region, the majestic deity who is revered here in Asia and around the world, will be disgraced.

The crowd goes wild with rage. They start chanting.

Crowd: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians! Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!

Soon the whole city is filled with confusion, and a mob forms. They find Paul’s Macedonian travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, and drag them to the theater. Paul wants to go confront the crowd and protect his friends, but the disciples hold him back. Even some provincial officials of Asia who are friendly to Paul send him an urgent message, warning him to stay away from the theater.

Enraged voices are shouting on top of each other, some saying one thing, some saying something else. The crowd is completely out of control. Most of the people don’t even know what caused the commotion in the first place. Some of the Jewish people push a man named Alexander to the front of the crowd, hoping he can calm the disturbance. He raises his hands to silence the crowd and gets a few sentences out; but then the crowd realizes he’s a Jew, and once again they start chanting.

Crowd: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!

For two solid hours they keep the chant going.

Finally the town clerk manages to calm the crowd.

Town Clerk: My fellow citizens of Ephesus, everyone in the world knows that our great city is the caretaker of the temple of Artemis! Everyone knows that we are the home of the great statue that fell from heaven! Our status as the economic center of the idolmaking industry is not in danger, so please, calm down. Don’t do anything rash. The men whom you have seized aren’t temple robbers, nor have they blasphemed our great goddess. If Demetrius and the artisans who share his important trade have a legal complaint, don’t bring it here to the theater; take it to the courts—they’re open today. If you need to charge someone with a crime or launch an inquiry, take the matter to the regional judges. We need to do this according to regulations, or we’ll all be charged with rioting. This kind of behavior can’t be justified.

So he succeeds in dispersing the crowd.

The Book of Acts, Chapter 19 (The Voice)

Today’s paired reading from the First Testament is the 2nd chapter of the book of Exodus:

One day a man and woman—both from the tribe of Levi—married. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that her son was healthy and beautiful, she feared for his safety; so she kept him hidden from view for three whole months.

When she could no longer keep him hidden away, she took a basket made of reeds, sealed it with tar and pitch, and placed her baby boy in it. Then she wedged the basket among the reeds along the edge of the Nile River.

All the while, the child’s sister watched from a distance to see what might happen to her baby brother.

Later on Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river while her young attendants walked along the bank nearby. Pharaoh’s daughter noticed the basket wedged among the reeds and wondered what it might contain. So she instructed her maid to bring it to her. When Pharaoh’s daughter opened the basket, she found the baby boy. He was crying, and her heart melted with compassion.

Pharaoh’s Daughter: This is a Hebrew child.

Child’s Sister (coming out of her hiding place): Would you like me to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child for you?

Pharaoh’s Daughter: All right. Go find a nurse.

So the baby’s sister went and fetched his mother. The boy’s mother approached Pharaoh’s daughter.

Pharaoh’s Daughter (to the nurse): Here! Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay you for your services.

So the woman took the child—who was secretly her own son—and nursed him just as Pharaoh’s daughter had instructed.

The boy grew, and when the time was right, the woman brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she adopted him as her own. She named him Moses because, as she explained, “I took him out of the water.”

Years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to observe his people—the Hebrews—and he witnessed the heavy burden of labor forced upon them. He also witnessed an Egyptian beating one of his Hebrew brothers. He looked around to see if anyone was watching but there was no one in sight, so he beat the Egyptian just as the Egyptian had beaten the Hebrew. Moses ended up killing the Egyptian and hid the dead body in the sand.

He went out again the next day and saw two of his Hebrew brothers fighting with each other. Moses confronted the offender.

Moses: Why are you hitting your friend?

Offender: Who made you our prince and judge? Are you going to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?

Fear immediately gripped Moses.

Moses (to himself): The news of what I did must have spread. I must get out of here quickly.

Moses was right. When the news reached Pharaoh, he sought to have Moses killed. But Moses ran away from Pharaoh until he reached the land of Midian. There he sat down beside a well.

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. While Moses was sitting there, resting from his journey, they came to get water from the well in order to fill the troughs with water for their father’s flock. At that moment, a band of shepherds came and forced the priest’s flocks away from the well; but Moses stood up for the young women, came to their rescue, and even watered their father’s flock for them. The women returned to their father Reuel (he was also known as Jethro).

Jethro: Why are you back so early today?

Women: An Egyptian was at the well and he saved us from the bullying of the shepherds. He even drew water from the well and watered the flock for us.

Jethro: Where is this man? Why did you leave him at the well? Go find him, and invite him over for a meal.

After experiencing Jethro’s hospitality, Moses agreed to come and live with him; and eventually Jethro arranged for one of his daughters, Zipporah, to marry Moses. Later Zipporah became pregnant and gave birth to a son; and Moses named the child Gershom because, as he explained, “I have been an outsider in a foreign land.”

Many years later, Egypt’s king died. The Israelites continued to moan because of their bondage, and they cried out to be rescued from their oppression. Their cry for help ascended to God. He heard their pleas and remembered the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the situation the people of Israel were in, and He was moved to take action.

The Book of Exodus, Chapter 2 (The Voice)

A set of notes from The Voice translation:

The Hebrew word for the “basket” that Moses’ mother prepared is the word used in Genesis 6:14 for the “ark” that preserves Noah and his family from a watery judgment.

What begins as a dinner invitation turns into an adoptive home for this wandering fugitive. Through all the twists and turns in Moses’ life, God is preparing him for a special task. Since he is raised by his Hebrew mother, he hears the stories of his people and learns to love them and identify with their suffering. Since he becomes part of Pharaoh’s extended family, he knows how to gain access to power. Since he spends these years in the land of Midian taking care of Jethro’s flocks, he has an intimate connection with a land through which one day he will lead a vast company of people. In the meantime, Moses must figure out who he is and whose he is, for soon there will be a job to do.

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Tuesday, April 23 of 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New) of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons with reflections upon Passover:

It is a somber time in Israel for the first night of Passover. Instead of the usual saying, "Chag Pesach Sameach," most Israelis are saying "Chag Pesach Kasher" or another equivalent...

I have been sensing the heaviness for some time now, and though I had hoped to host a larger seder this year, some of my guests have fallen ill, others have canceled at the last moment, one had a work conflict, and therefore I will have a small seder with just two of my sons this evening.

During the Holocaust, Jews at the concentration camps who wanted to observe the Passover Seder faced a dilemma regarding the “letter of the law.” The Torah clearly states that no chametz was to be eaten during the days of Passover, but the only food given to the prisoners contained leaven. The prisoners were forced to either use chametz as their "matzah" (and water as their "wine") or else to fast for the holiday, thereby endangering their lives.... The then rabbis quoted the verse from the Torah that reads: "you shall live by my commandments” to further imply that you shall “not die by them," and therefore they allowed for the use of chametz in such circumstances and gave a special blessing for doing so.

Though circumstances may be happy or sad, sweet or bitter, we nevertheless focus on what is essential during this time, namely, the Lord's love and deliverance of his people... If we set our eyes and hearts upon our God, we shall not be shaken, even if the earth shall tremble and the mountains be moved into the seas.

Wishing us all a blessed holiday, and may it please the Lord to especailly help Israel and the Jewish people at this time, תשובה שלמה. Amen.

- John

=======

Hashivenu:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/lam5-21.mp3

­4.22.24 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel365:

The Passover Seder is a generational affirmation, a transmission of the story of God’s miraculous redemption of the Jewish people from Egypt. In this context, the Seder plate, as the centerpiece of the Seder table, is a visual aid, containing symbolic foods that are eaten or displayed at the Passover Seder.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

April 23, 2024

Four Cosmologies

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

The cosmos consists of “all things”—every system, every structure, every organism, every process, everything—in heaven and on Earth. Cosmology is the system and study of the whole cosmos. In his final epistle, the apostle Peter outlines four different cosmologies. One is false; the other three are each true but at different times in history.

The false cosmology is that of evolutionary uniformitarianism, the doctrine taught by latter-day intellectuals who will scoff: “Where is the promise of his coming?...all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4). But this is altogether wrong! The heavens and the earth that were “of old...the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished” (2 Peter 3:5-6) were the first cosmos. The primeval cosmos, in which “every thing that he had made...was very good” (Genesis 1:31), was destroyed in the waters of the great Flood.

The present cosmos is “the heavens and the earth, which are now...reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7). This “present evil world” (Galatians 1:4) was to last many a long year, but “the day of the Lord will come...in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise...the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).

But then, out of the ashes of the old corrupt world, so to speak, God will make a new and incorruptible world. “We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

That cosmos will continue forever! “The new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 66:22). HMM

[backtochrist]

The Sons of Sceva

Miracle 36 - New Testament

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. - Acts 19:13-20

[witchern]

once again the fact that i can't say ANYTHING about the plot of this book is killing me on a daily basis but vibes-wise i can tell y'all it's "the haunting of hill house" meets "the exorcist" but jewish ✌️

submitted the next 25 pages of the book RIGHT under the wire and now i wait for feedback.......the horror......

[ashton-slashton]

I just speedran Legion, the book Exorcist III was based on, and overall I’d say the movie is better cause it cuts out a lot of the filler, but there’s two absences I wish were in the movie: 1. Kinderman is Jewish, and it gives him a different view of things than the Jesuit/Catholic characters, but it’s not explicit in the movie except for him calling out a coworker for antisemitism, and 2. There’s a whole backstory for the Gemini about his twin brother whom he loved dearly whose death pushed him over the edge.

I won’t spoil it in case you want to read it for yourself, but the brother (Thomas) factors heavily into the ending, and what happens to the Gemini is pretty different than either version of the movie. Also, from what we see of the brother, which isn’t a whole lot, he’s a lot like Billy Bibbit, with a stutter and being put in a mental hospital, I would have loved to see Brad do a sort of reprisal of that character, and I think he even said in the documentary that came out a few years ago that he wished that subplot had been included. Not that I would want the Gemini to be made too sympathetic, but it adds to his character.

THIS IS SO MUCH OMG???

Also my partner is currently reading The Exorcist, and like... yeah, Kinderman gave us that vibe. He and Fr. Dyer had such a great dynamic. I'll have to read the books so I can really experience the stories in full!

Also aww, a little Billy Bibbit guy would've been so nice 🥺 My dad still refers to Brad Dourif as "Little Billy Bibbit" even though Brad is 20 years older than him, because Brad is just cemented in my dad's mind as a timid little 25-year-old kid.