A Fragmented Mind: Altered States of Consciousness and Spirit Possession Between Rituals and Therapy

Abstract This paper focuses on understanding how cultural influences, social expectancy, and personal beliefs shape the perception of altered states of consciousness and how these mental states have been interpreted as a way to communicate with the spiritual world. Altered states of consciousness are commonly encountered in religious, spiritual, and therapeutic (e.g., hypnosis) practices. While neurophysiological aspects of altered states of consciousness are an important part of understanding the nature of human consciousness, the cultural meaning that these states of mind assume in different communities is equally fundamental. The phenomenon of spirit possession is a meaningful example of how sociocultural factors influence and shape the perception of altered states of consciousness. An understanding of the meaning of spirit possession as a tool to “exorcise” individual trauma or to address communal fears and turmoil is provided here. From the historical concept of the supernatural nature of physical and mental illness through the discussion of rituals aiming at casting out or taming the possessing spirit, this paper wants to provide an understanding of how sociocultural factors have been determinant in embedding altered states of consciousness in religious and spiritual practices, and how these states are of therapeutic value for mental wellbeing.