Possession



Possession is where a being takes control of another being's body.

Overview
Certain creatures require human bodies to interact with the physically world, normally spiritual beings such as angels and demons. All beings with this power, except angels, can take control of the person in question involuntarily. Angels, however, must bear permission of the host. Technically, angels can possess anyone, even though Castiel did say, "Finding a human vessel durable enough to contain me is not easy." They prefer what is called a true vessel, to avoid destroying their host, a fact that is highly emphasized with archangels.

The most advanced known form of possession demonstrated so far, is the successful possession of a non-human and non-coporal being, specifically a Reaper, something that only Azazel has accomplished.

Archangel possession, as opposed to other forms of possession is much more complex and damaging to the host, as except from the true vessels, the Archangels sheer power will be to much for a human body to withstand, causing it to slowly decay.

While it is possible for a human to overcome possession by a demon, it is incredibly rare and requires an incredibly strong emotional stimulus, such as very close family coupled with very strong will power. It is nearly impossible to overcome angelic possession. However, Sam temporarily managed to overpowered Lucifer.

Lucifer appeared to be able to possess people with his voice as the only bodily manifestation, an ability seeming unique to him alone, as shown when he talked through a nun while still trapped in the Cage.

When a person is possessed, it can also have an effect on the person's biology: for demons, the person's blood changes to become demon blood, but changes back when they leave their vessel. The same thing happens with angels, only changing to Angel blood. Eve caused her host's body to start producing monster eggs even after death and also caused her vessel to bleed black blood. Ghosts can sometimes cause their vessels to excrete ectoplasm, and similarly the Khan worm causes its vessel to excrete slime when in pain. Leviathans literally alter the whole body: making the host near-invulnerable, and allowing it to morph so the Leviathan can feed or take on another identity (as demonstrated with Annie/Dr. Gaines).

It is revealed by a demon in "Torn and Frayed" that when they possess a body they possess every part (muscles, cells, brain), rather than simply taking over, thus explaining why possession causes biological changes. He speculated if angels have the same effect while taking possession of a human host. Whether or not it was the same was never explained clearly. Allthough the fact his torture was successful in acessing Samadriel's brain indicates it is.

Protection
Against demons:


 * Anti-Possession Tattoo: Such a tattoo prevents demonic possession from occurring.
 * Devil's Trap: It binds a demon to a location, making them powerless until they escape.

Against angels:

As shown, it is near physically impossible to remove an angel once inside a vessel, however saying "no" will prevent such possession.


 * Holy Oil: Working very similarly to a Devil's Trap, an angel is trapped within flames. However, unlike the Devil's Trap, the trapped angel still can use their powers, and can even escape, but it relies on their resourcefulness and creativity, and the esccape could come at the cost of their vessel and life.

Creatures with this ability

 * Archangels
 * Angels
 * Demons
 * Eve
 * Ghosts (some, rare)
 * Specters
 * Khan Worm
 * Leviathans
 * Reapers
 * Vanir

Body Materialization
Body Materialization is the ability to summon or create a physical body; normally for an ethereal/spiritual being to use to effectively operate in the physical world. Acheri Demons can materialize themselves as little girls without need for a body to possess. Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are able to materialize their own human bodies, though War still had to or chose to take the form of another human.

In real folklore, angels can create thier own physical body and pass themselves as normal humans. They do not possess humans like on the show.

Known Holders
These characters can manifest themselves without the use of vessels, instead they just assume human form.


 * Acheri Demons (As little girls)
 * Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
 * Cupids