Spirit-Possession in Fiji: The Pastoral Challenges of Discerning and Healing

Spirit possession provokes two common responses: exorcism rites or medical treatment. Drawing on pastoral experiences in Fiji's two major cultures, this paper examines possession types through social anthropology, psychology, and theology. Understanding local cosmology and pastoral discernment are important, especially for ancestor possession common in indigenous Fijian culture. The pastoral worker's character and relationship with the patient, along with religious ritual and symbol, aid healing. An accurate diagnosis may require combining spirituality, psychology, and socio-cultural analysis.

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Abstract

Spirit possession elicits two common responses – rites to exorcise Satan or medical intervention. Drawing on pastoral experiences in the two major cultures of Fiji, this paper examines different types of spirit possession from the perspectives of social anthropology, psychology, and theology, which all play important roles in dealing with cases of spirit possession. Understanding of and communication within the local cosmology is important. Pastoral discernment is emphasized, especially in cases of ancestor possession, which are common in the indigenous Fijian culture. The character of the pastoral worker and relationship with the patient are also of great importance in the healing process. So too is the healing power of religious ritual and symbol, as will be shown in cases of possession within both cultures. To achieve as accurate a diagnosis as possible, a mixture of spirituality, psychology, and socio-cultural analysis may be necessary for healing.