The Dark Sacrament: book review

As an avid reader and collector of occult and paranormal books I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this powerful book that is based very close to home. Demonic possession is something that shot to light when the movie The Exorcist stunned and shocked audiences all over the world, what followed was a spate of reported cases involving people supposedly possessed or influenced by invisible forces and demons. Regardless of what your view may be when it comes to the existence of these powerful forces and entities The Dark Sacrament will both educate and terrify. Essentially many of the cases in the book lead back to the oppression and possessions coming into being because of the intervention of stronger spiritual forces, the Ouija board in particular is no stranger to the spotlight.

While many of the accounts painstakingly presented in the book can be quite similar the real similarity they feature is the ability to shake your very foundations as to the existence of evil. Each account is expertly researched and transfers to paper perfectly in a way that will keep you coming back for more. While I read vast collections of similar styled books this is the first and only book that has ever actually made me question my own beliefs, the authors really did their homework and it shows at every turn of the page. Truly this is a book aimed at adults only because it deals with some very deep and important issues, while other books have attempted to do the same none have come this close.

The stories themselves are all recounts of the actual individuals who went through their trials and tribulations in the island of Ireland, it’s indeed a unique look into an otherwise unseen world. Though Ireland in the past was known to be in the firm grip of the Catholic Church The Dark Sacrament points to the cases where ordinary everyday people regardless of their belief systems were instead gripped by demonic power. Perhaps one of the most frightening factors detailed was that children too can be just as susceptible to the forces of darkness, and that they don’t always welcome the idea of ridding their demonic oppressors. One of the most memorable stories involved a young boy finding an Ouija board on his way home from school, treated to a magic trick like no other the boys life is soon turned upside down. The demon whom he contacts influences the boys life to the point where he becomes possessed under complete control of the entity, at a loose end his parents contact the local parish priest who in turn recommends an exorcist.

This is where the book really shines, not only are the stories recounted by the individuals themselves but also by the priests and exorcists who had to deal with the darkness they faced. I was very impressed by unravelling process of information held between the pages, though I’m very educated in the ritual of exorcism and the history behind it the authors offer up notes in the final pages that really shine light on everything you ever wanted to know about the subject. While the individuals themselves have had their details changed in order to hide their identities I was amazed to see that one particular person did not, Canon Wm. Lendrum. It was a testament to the man himself that he did not mind being publically identified as one of the main figures people turn to when they are faced with a demonic force. It’s the people like Wm. Lendrum that really make the book special, while you would expect the book to be preachy it does not put any emphasis on what you the reader should believe instead it gives you the facts and lets you make your own mind up. What I really liked was how the authors don’t just tell the stories they actually explain the possibly reasons behind the occurrences and in doing that help others prevent such happenings tainting their own lives.

After studying the occult and paranormal for many years I have come to the conclusion that many people don’t see the dangers in such things as Ouija boards and other means of spirit communication, while it can be done safely it can take a lot of time do it right. What many of the cases in The Dark Sacrament had in common was the obvious lack of education when it comes to such devices, though alcohol abuse and other forms of self abuse can open doors for demonic forces and negative energy the book itself may indeed serve as a way to prevent further escalation of cases.

Exorcism has always been a touchy subject in many countries but none such so as in modern Ireland, thankfully The Dark Sacrament tackles the subject perfectly without ever offending or pushing your own beliefs aside and every page turn is an edge of your seat experience. I recommend the book as a must read, whether you do or don’t believe in the existence of evil you will absolutely love the book – the only problem I found was it was nigh on impossible to put down! – The Dark Sacrament is available from all good bookstores such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Author David M. Keily was interviewed by Jim Harold on the Paranormal Podcast some time back, for fans of the book it to is not to be missed and offers a rather insightful and personal look into the both the creation and research that went into The Dark Sacrament.

Review Score: 10-10

The Paranormal Podcast

It’s no secret that I'm a big fan of almost everything paranormal, from practising tarot and other means of divination to actually studying parapsychology and the occult. And so I'm absolutely delighted to say I finally found a podcast that addresses all these subjects and much more. So what’s it called? Quite simply it’s called “The Paranormal Podcast“ and it’s as the name suggests a podcast that deals with the paranormal and all things spooky. In the past I have listened to a few podcasts and radio shows of a paranormal nature which attempted to explain and educate but they always fell short. There were a few reasons such as hosts not letting their guests get a word in edge ways/poor equipment set-ups which resulted in badly transmitted audio from both the guests and the hosts.. the list goes on and on.

Again The Paranormal Podcast soars above the rest, not only is the audio quality exceptional the host Jim Harold is both sincere and inquisitive, he is not afraid to admit he doesn’t have all the answers and gives his guests ample time to provide a deeper insight into what those answers might be. After listening to my first show I like many listeners was hooked and quickly went about downloading every single episode available, but didn’t that cost a lot? Not at all. Subscribing to The Paranormal Podcast is 100% free which is mind-blowing when you see the wealth of entertainment and education that show delivers over and over again. Jim Harold tackles so many paranormal subjects with an open mind and a professional manner that both draws you in and sends chills through your spine, what subjects exactly?

After listening to every episode i could find I have seen the show feature ghosts and spirits/tarot/ufo’s & aliens/cryptozoology/near death experiences & after death communication/ghosthunting & psychic's/magik & astrology ..and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Paranormal Podcast has something for everyone. Other shows too featured guests but for the most part they were unknown and not very professional, instead here we have popular figures such as the legendary author Brad Steiger, Annette Martin, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Dr Bruce Goldberg and even my favourite Irish author David M. Kiely all make an appearance over the vast archive of shows. If you are obsessed or just curious about the paranormal and the unexplained then make The Paranormal Podcast your first stop for all your spooky needs, and if that’s not enough Jim Harold graciously offers yet even more podcasts.

We all love sitting around campfires sharing ghost stories but its not really something we can do on a regular basis, however through the magic of the internet now it’s possible. Jim Harold’s Campfire is a virtual feast of great stories that come from the actual listeners themselves. The stories range from downright scary to humorous and heart-warming, its a rare unseen yet interesting look into the paranormal events that occur around ordinary people every day. Just like the previously mentioned podcast this exciting mix of storytelling and real life happenings is truly not to be missed. If you are a believer or a sceptic or simply just not sure these campfire stories will give you hours of listening for absolutely no cost at all. I as a general rule don’t mention other sites or even podcasts but i genuinely recommend you check out what’s going on over at JimHarold.com and give his podcasts a listen, I know many of you who read my blog on MySpace (over 50,000 subscribers thanks guys!) are into the paranormal too. So give it a try you won’t be disappointed, with Halloween right around the corner it’s the perfect time to tune in.