Opening the Darkest Door
I have recently come across a most disturbing phenomenon in my studies of the Diabolic Infestation of the Soul. It seems there is a most frightening psychological conundrum when considering the concept of demonic possession even the most remote possibility of reality upon our earthly plane is the notion that just believing it may be true could very likely be the spark needed for the Demon to discover, seek out, and ultimately inhabit its next vessel of evil: You.
From the Exorcist through Paranormal Activity, generation after generation of “believers” seem to have come to the realization and acceptance that this openness to the very possibility of possession may be the very invitation to the demons awaiting entry just outside our otherwise normal sun-dappled realm. It is of no comfort and some fearfulness to consider that an institution as old and authoritative in all matters spiritual as The Vatican believes that demons are real and do sometimes possess humans, necessitating exorcism.
Art History gives us depiction after horrifying depiction of just how these Demons may have come to manifest themselves in our world.
Demons sporting horns may originate with the Greek god Pan, who dwelt amongst the shepherds in the countryside.
Lévi's Baphomet is the source of the later Tarot cards image of the Devil in the Rider-Waite Tarot design. The actual image of a goat in a downward-pointing pentagram first appeared in the 1897 book La Clef de la Magie Noire by Stanislas de Guaita, later adopted as the official symbol — called the Sigil of Baphomet — of the Church of Satan.
Many an artist upon the digital planes of deviantART has taken on the task of depicting Demons in all of their forms and manifestations. These are some of the most frightening yet beautiful works of art on the site.
If one believes in a God, it is said, then one must believe in a Devil...
If one believes in the protection of Angels, it would follow, then one must certainly believe in the assaults of Demons...
Be careful in what you believe... for belief itself may be what makes it so...
Vos es iam aperio.Sweet dreams for the Day of the Dead.
Questions for The Reader
- Do you worry that exploring demonic themes in your art might "open you up" to becoming a portal for supernatural entrance into this world?
- Goya? Bosch? What's the most frightening or affecting depiction of a demonic being that you've ever seen in classic or contemporary art?
- Does the idea that thinking about demonic spirits, simply considering their actual existence, might open a portal for them into your life frighten you? What about later tonight as you lie awake reviewing this question?
- Do you believe possession is a real phenomenon or simply a medical problem?
- Do you think “exorcising” ideas about evil through art is healthy?
- Have you ever abandoned an artwork because you were receiving an evil vibe from further progress on the work?
- Have you ever felt the presence of an evil or demonic spirit?
