Diary of an Occultist

May 8th, 2022

Dear all who may be reading this including me, 

It is a golden evening. The sunset is gentle and its rays are lining my skin like cold clouds on a mountain. Today was a busy day. 

I woke up in the afternoon, which I usually do not do. It was around 1:30 PM when I did. After a few moments of processing, I realized how late it was and that I was supposed to go to a bookstore with Delaney. Quickly, I put my clothes on - a black tank top, a black cardigan, and dark grey joggers - and texted Delaney that I missed my alarm and was going to be late. Of course, I also brushed my teeth before I left my house. I ran to Satchel's since she texted me to meet her there. When I finally reached Satchel's, I saw her waiting there, her arms crossed and looking in the other direction. I tapped her and she got a little startled. But then she realized it was me and we started some friendly small talk. 

We began walking to Davenport Volumes. I told her about the bookstore the last time I talked to her and she was interested. When we walked in, she gasped. She said the store was gorgeous and wanted to stay there for eternity. She quickly began browsing through its many books and I did too. I went back to the occult section. Since I am going to be exorcising a spirit I might as well learn more. It wasn't long before I found a book right for my situation: "Exorcisms and Possession in the Contemporary United States." I skimmed through the book. It was mainly discussing the facts and histories of cases of demonic possession that have occurred recently. I figured it would be useful to know what to expect and what strategies some of the exorcists have used for their success. Delaney noticed the book I was looking at. She said something like: "That's a pretty dark book you have in your hand there. I didn't know you were into paranormal stuff like that." Little did she know about the unnamed book I had back at home. I chuckled under my breath and simply went along with what she said, saying that I just enjoy scary stories and unusual events throughout history. I then asked what book she was interested in and she told me it was one on Taoists and shamans in Tibet, as she was probably going to do her next project on the subject. 

We browsed a little bit more and then checked out the books. The shopkeeper gave me another weird look but I ignored it this time. She asked if I wanted to go back to Satchel's but I told her I wanted to explore another coffee place, so we did. This one was called "Javabrick Cafe." Its look was more modern and cosmopolitan than Satchel's but its coffee was still good. I decided to diversify and get a salted vanilla-cinnamon cappuccino. Delaney got a straight-up black coffee. I was surprised at first but it suited her - she was confident, bold, and authentic, just like her coffee. We chatted some more about her adventures in anthropological research and my complex philosophical beliefs. At the end of it though, she said she had to leave but to follow her outside before she did. I did as she requested and just as she was about to turn to walk down the street, she put her two hands around my head and kissed me on the lips. I definitely did not expect it but it was certainly a welcome surprise. She grinned with a smug look in her eyes and then said she'll see me later. 

I was in a daze of bliss for the next hour. I honestly don't even remember walking home but I did. I arrived home and then went up to my room. I figured I might as well finally read the new chapter, so I did. The new chapter was plainly titled "Exorcism." The name is self-explanatory but essentially the chapter discussed the proper rites, mindset, and tools needed to banish an unwanted spirit from a body or a location. If the spirit was invading the body of a person, and it was later in the stage, the process would be much more difficult and more effort would need to be used. The chapter also suggested meditating on the idea of confidence and purity (for a two-hour duration) before an exorcism and cleansing the surrounding area. If the cleanse is not successful, rites of exorcism must be employed. Exorcism, in this case, is not a Christian thing, but rather a more secular practice. Exorcism, in fact, has been practiced for millennia before they were conducted in Christianity. 

I decided to end my day with the confidence meditation outlined in the chapter. To begin, I had to make sure the room was dark and silent again. I then had to visualize a golden orb floating in front of me as I sat down, breathing deeply. With every breath, this orb would get brighter. After it reached its maximum level of brightness, I visualized it entering my heart and filling my very being. When it fully reached every part of the body, it turned into a flame, symbolizing the fiery spirit of confidence. I kept this image up for an hour while breathing deeply. At the end of it, I felt both relaxed and powerful at the same time - as if nothing could stand in my way. 

Tomorrow, I will talk more with Delaney, and I will begin trying to find the family that needs my help. I will also be reading the other new book I got to prepare myself. 

Sincerely, 

Douglas.