Spirit possession is a paranormal or supernatural event in which it is said that ghosts, demons or other entities take control of a human body, resulting in noticeable changes in health and behavior. The term can also describe a similar action of taking residence in an inanimate object, possibly giving it animation.
The concept of possession exists in many religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Haitian Vodou, Wicca, and Southeast Asian and African traditions. Depending on the cultural context in which it is found, possession may be considered voluntary or involuntary and may be considered to have beneficial or detrimental effects.