I’m a bit nervous about sharing this story because it still keeps me up at night if I think about it too much. Here goes…
I’ve lived in the same house in Torrance, California for about 20 years now without many “supernatural” occurrences. I have a bad habit of watching TV late at night when I can’t sleep and this particular night a few years ago I was doing just that. It was around 3 a.m. and I had the fan in my room on because it was very hot.
I was laying on my stomach and facing the TV sideways. I closed my eyes for just a moment.
I remember seeing a red ribbon laying across a chair I had, blowing in the fan’s breeze, just before I shut my eyes. (Strange because I don’t own such a thing nor any red articles of clothing that would look like it!)
Suddenly I felt pinned down to my bed. Mostly the upper part of my body as though something were sitting on me (I’m getting goosebumps, remembering as I type this). Then I heard a loud, angry growl right in my ear! I panicked and I remember flailing my legs because they seemed to be the only things that could move.
The growling continued and I said a prayer in my head along with a phrase I heard in church “Abba Father” which means, “Help me, Father”. Instantly, the growling stopped and I was able to sit straight up in bed. The TV show I had been watching still going on… the fan still blowing. No “red ribbon” on the chair.
I couldn’t sleep the rest of the night… and I still don’t know if it was a Demon or a Dream that haunted me that night.
On a side note, the next morning I looked in my dream dictionary for the meaning of a “ribbon” and didn’t find much. I searched for the color “Red” and found that it meant “A warning of danger.”
Sent in by Desirae, Copyright 2011 TrueGhostTales.com
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This sounds a lot like Old Hag syndrome (//www.trueghosttales.com/nightmares/sleep-paralysis.php)- a form of sleep paralysis in which a person feels as if they are being held down or sat upon. It usually happens just as a person is falling asleep or as they are waking up. It can also cause audio and sensory hallucinations. I agree with you: it can be quite frightening, experienced it myself for a good two years. I have also seen the red you have described. Though I would not see a ribbon, usually it was a red pin-prick of light or small red hands. I don’t know if that has something to do with Old Hag Syndrome- but I have heard many people who have experienced it say they have seen something red.
Anyways, I wouldn’t be too freaked out about it. It usually happens when a person is really stressed out or not getting enough sleep. If you still feel scared about it I would recommend saying the Lord’s Prayer or St. Micheal’s Prayer ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_to_Saint_Michael) before you go to bed.
Hope this helps.
Hello Magdelena, and thanks for such an insightful comment. I agree that it may have been the sleep paralysis you described…after this incident, I researched a bit and concluded that such an occurrence doesn’t always have to be explained supernaturally. What only leads me to believe so (as I explained to T.J.) is only that I believe that my curiosity in the occult may have opened a door, and a growl such as I heard may have been a warning…I sometimes mule around in my head such possibilities but find myself only becoming further creeped out.
A simple prayer always seems to work
wow that must of have been scary ive exprenced something like that but i never say a ribbon i saw a blue bouncy ball idk but i also never heard growling in my ear i could never move anything but my head then i close my eyes i wake up its morning and i can move … lol
Hey Monique. I think when something like this happens to anyone its jarring…as for the your blue ball and my red ribbon, someone I discussed this event with said that the “red ribbon” might have been my “totem” or “charm”. Its duty is to warn me of danger, and protect me…I don’t know if I take that seriously (she lives on an Indian reservation and is very much into “magic”) and the ideas of “totems” seem like a concept for fitted for a video game…but something to consider nonetheless.
Same thing but it was something really evil dark and demonic little kid and just screammed a really really evil demonic sound i ever heard in my sleep i think dream eater
Has this only happened the once, or is it reacuring?
Although Magdelena’s answer is most likely the cause, demon’s can and do flit around from place to place in search of someone suseptable to their bullying tactic’s.
The fact that the sensation stopped as soon as you said Abba Father may suggest something else was the cause, other than medical.
That said, if it only happened the once, then if it were something demonic its most likely moved on to someone less able to protect themselves.
If you are concerned, do as suggested previously or have a rose quartz next to your bed or under your pillow to protect you when you are sleeping.
God bless.
Hello A.J. The old hag syndrome has happened to me throughout my life a few times, and everytime goes away with a prayer or a desperate plea to God. This particular experience was the first time I had heard anything though. That growl still haunts my memories, it was very loud and very angry.
I tend to think this WAS in fact a demon only because I think I may have brought it upon myself. I ignore warnings friends give me about being too interested in the occult as it can open doors. I think I may be more susceptible when I allow my curiosity about such entities as demons to push me to think about it more…After this incident, I threw away all my books about ghosts, or hauntings and tried not to give in to the Travel Channel shows I normally watch.
I wasn’t harassed again.
I’m glad things are better for you.
Just to put your mind at rest, the definition of occult is:
The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to “knowledge of the hidden”. It is simply the study of a deeper spiritual reality that extends beyond pure reason and the physical sciences – ie religions. Some (but not all) mainstream religious denominations view the occult as being anything supernatural or paranormal which is not achieved by or through God (as defined by those religious denominations). This is why, whenever supernatural occurances are depicted in (say) the Bible, these are more likely to be referred to as ‘esoteric’ as opposed to occult – for example, the Virgin Mary conversing with the spirit, Archangel Gabriel or Jesus’ 40 day struggle with the Devil. All the same thing – just dressed up differently!
In other words, it wouldn’t make a jot of difference whether you possess occult books or not. If a demon has latched on to you it will remain until either it choses to move on, or you get rid of it – ie an exorcism.
If you’re naturally very psychic by nature – and it sounds like you are- then you are a like a light, attracting all and sundry (good and bad) from other realms. Non of us can control our psychic nature, nor the light that we shine, but we can learn how to protect ourselves from the bad stuff. Naturally, I would recommend using prayer first and foremost but you know what? Knowledge is power and the more you learn and understand about those undesirables, from as many sources as possible, the better.
Thanks for the input, but I disagree with your opinion. Especially as you got your “definition” for the word ‘occult’ from Wikipedia.
A pastor once told me that the desire for the knowledge of dark forces is more impending than the collection of objects. In other words, the interest in demons is all they need for you to invite them in. Interest being reading books, watching certain television shows, discussing with friends, thoughts , certain people can invite them; all of these things give them power, you see. Things that seem harmless at face value.
I was also told at a very young age, by a missionary from Brazil, that I had been given the gift of “Discerning of Spirits” by God.
If you do not know what this gift is, its “the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to perceive the source of a spiritual manifestation and determine whether it is of God (Acts 10:30-35), of the devil (Acts 16:16-18), of man (Acts 8:18-23), or of the world. It is not mind reading, psychic phenomena, or the ability to criticize and find fault.”
I don’t know if modern culture would perceive such an ability as “psychic” but you must only use the ability for God. Not for personal gain. Basically you have insight into the “spiritual world” & its very very disturbing. When I was little, I would get feelings from people, know things about them. I even helped a women not to commit suicide…I was only 10. When I began to glorify myself, the gift was taken.
We are given power over demons by God. You can force them, in his name, to leave your presence. Unfortunately, through our desires, we can also allow them in.
The word occult simply means “Secret” or “Hidden” The word in and of itself is neither good nor evil
When used as an adjective, “Occult” means “hidden or secret”.
When used as a noun, which I have in previous entries “The Occult” means the “supernatural or supernatural agencies and affairs considered as a whole (usually preceded by the ).”
The definition for the word “Hungry” is associated with “Starving” or “Ravenous” however is someone says they are hungry, we assume that want food, not that they are in dire need of it…
I properly use the word “The Occult” because it has been used in books I’ve read to described a certain sub culture. Using the word brings to mind certain elements that I would like to convey.
So can we please stop with the condescending, off topic comments about the definition of the word “the Occult”?
Being condescending was not my intention. Words have definitions and I was not the first one to bring up the definition of the word so it was not off topic at all. I stand by what I said. The word “Occult” is not inherently evil.
I never said “I have an interest in occult.”
That sentence doesn’t make sense. I said “I have an interest in “THE Occult”. Again, when used as an adjective, which is, a word you use describe something, it means “secretive” or “hidden”.
As you may or may not understand, “secretive” or “hidden” does not describe whether “occult” is “good” or “evil”. In fact, this definition does not imply any simplistic notion such as what is “good” or “evil” at all.
When used as a noun, as in the sentence “I have an interest in “THE Occult”, it means the “supernatural or supernatural agencies and affairs considered as a whole (usually preceded by the ).” according to dictionary.com
Again I explain, I have used the later of the functions of the word. That is, I’ve used “THE OCCULT” as a noun. Not an adjective, therefore I have not used it incorrectly, I have not debated whether it is “good” or “bad” nor have I done anything but attempt to understand an experience.
I never stated that THE occult is evil, inherently or objectively. I didn’t state that even The Supernatural is evil. Essentially, what I learned from my experience is that unnatural interest in THE OCCULT is what can be harmful to me in particular. In my opinion, it opens doors to things I don’t want to experience.
The whole point of my entry, which has clearly gone over your head, was to share an experience. Not to argue.
Desirae I really think that you are making this (what I wrote) out to be more of a deal than it is. I didnt mean to upset or offend. I was not trying to argue with you nor was I trying to infer that you said it was evil. Please accept my apology.
Thats cool, Desirae, you’re entitled to your own opinion – although, it should be your opinion alone and not the rhetoric of others.
this happened to me aswell for about a year everyone told me it was sleep paralysis but i’m pretty sure it was a evil spirit trying to take over my body it would litteraly screech in my ears n “evil laugh” at me when i would tell it to stop i also remember one time during the event i had an out of body expierence and i felt it trying to take me away through my door but my spirit wouldnt budge i dont even know how to explain it really but i was watching ghostly encounters one day on bio and a man had a similar event happen and he said he yelled at it and told it stop and that he wasnt afraid any more i did the sme and it stopped i was so grateful i wish i could thank that man but anyway try it please
im here if you ever need someone to talk to
Thanks girly,
I too lean on the side that it may have been some sort of evil entity as I explained it other comments, I have an interest in the occult and like watching shows like Ghostly Encounters or Ghost Adventures which I’m told will open doors. I think I brought what happened to me upon my self, because as soon as I stopped, I was no longer harassed.
Reference to your Red Ribbon post…….I once had a dream where I was in a restaurant with a family member and we were both attacked by a red shiny winged creature i.e. demon. In the dream I pushed my relative out of harm’s way and then I confronted the red demonic creature in Jesus name. This red demon and I then had a violent and deadly sword fight. I know nothing about swords in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm the Lord God has truly taught my hands to war and fingers to fight because I am still around today.
Psalm 144:1 – Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
The fighting was very intense because the red demon creature wanted to kill me. This creature then kicked me so hard that I went flying through the air straight out a window. I landed on my back in the middle of a dirt street. People were walking all around me, but then this Chinese or Japanese women dressed in ceremonial dress with a powdered white face, walked up to me and told that I was not suppose to leave that restaurant because those who entered the place never left alive.
I should add that the bible states that Satan is a giant red 7 headed serpent/dragon and everyone knows red symbolizes danger.
Revelation 12:2-4 – And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Interesting dream, and full of such symbolism…who was it that you were trying to protect in the beginning of the dream?
Don’t consult dream and guide books, only the Bible for answers. If it isn’t in the Bible then you’re getting your answers from the enemy, it’s that simple. What you describe is a demonic attack. The fact that you prayed about it and immediately it stopped also confirms it. That’s how it always works. Christ gave us dominion over demons, and all we have to do is invoke Him and demons have to obey Him. Thousands of people have experienced similar things as yourself and overcame with the common solution, Christ Jesus. The Bible says to put on the full armor of God to protect yourself from spiritual attacks. If I were you I would use this experience as evidence that dark forces are real and the best thing to do is to cling to God for He will always protect us. Best wishes.
I agree completely. Thank you very much.
Hi Desirae
1 John 4:1-6 is a good place to start. Works always for me, anyway. If Spirit can’t provide me with a full reply as stated in that passage, then I banish it from my presence post haste.
As you have been granted the psychic gift of “Discerning of Spirits” by God (as you mentioned previously) I think the aforementioned passage in the Bible will provide you with you some sound basic advice.
To protect yourself fully and banish anything not of God from you presence, I would suggest reading:
Psalms 23, 19, 75 and 79 whenever you feel threatened by negative energies around you.
There are also other things you could use to protect youself, in addition to readings from the Bible such as carrying around a rose quartz, burning pure essential oils – that kind of thing. But given your views on the any type of occult practise not connected to Christianity, I’m guessing you’d rather not use those. But if you would like to find out more, I’d be happy to suggest a few.