Step into the hidden world of the debtera — the enigmatic, half-sanctioned, half-feared ritual specialists of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In this episode, JJ dives deep into the sacred highlands of Ethiopia to uncover a figure who is equal parts cantor, healer, scribe, exorcist, and yes… sometimes magician.

We explore what the debtera actually is, how they’re trained, why they live in the spiritual borderlands between priesthood and folk magic, and how they serve communities confronting everything from the evil eye (buda) to zār spirits to full-on demonic possession.

This episode also features a detailed look at the three stages of Ethiopian Orthodox exorcism — Meyaz (capturing), Masleflef (questioning the spirit through the host), and Maswotat (driving it out). These aren’t Hollywood theatrics. These are living, breathing, ritual systems practiced today at places like the Entoto Kidane-Mihret Monastery, where spiritual healing, theology, and human desperation collide.

Whether you’re curious about demonology, fascinated by ancient Christian traditions, or simply drawn to the edges where religion blurs into magic, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Join me as we walk the threshold with the debtera — the man who chants by day, battles spirits by night, and lives in the liminal space between the holy and the haunted.

#debtera, #ethiopianorthodox, #tewahedo, #exorcism, #demonology, #southerndemonology, #folkhealing, #magicandfaith, #spiritualwarfare, #paranormal, #occultstudies, #hauntedhistory, #ancientchristianity, #demonicpossession

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In this joint episode of Southern Demonology and The TW Road Podcast, JJ and Chris dive into the unsettling intersection between faith, delusion, and obsession — what happens when spiritual experience spirals into full-blown psychosis.

From the apocalyptic frenzy of Rapture prophecies to the chilling order of Heaven’s Gate and the catastrophic end of Jonestown, the conversation unpacks how charismatic authority, unchecked belief, and isolation twist human devotion into tragedy.

But it’s not all doom and brimstone — along the way, the two trade blows over Star Trek, cult psychology, Maslow’s pyramid, and even the theological merits of Taylor Swift. What begins as a dark dissection of mass delusion expands into a larger reflection on modern echo chambers, the erosion of truth, and the human need for meaning — however dangerous that pursuit may become.

With humor and honesty, JJ and Chris remind listeners that belief is a double-edged sword: it can lift us toward transcendence or plunge us headlong into madness.

Access all of Southern Demonology's episodes, social links, and contact info at https://www.southerndemonology.com

#southerndemonology #spiritualpsychosis #cultpsychology #faithandmadness #heavensgate #jonestown #religiousdelusion #theology #demonology #southernhorror #occult #beliefsystems #podcast #truecrime #paranormal #rationalfaith #echochambers #religiousstudies

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In this gripping and heartfelt episode of Southern Demonology, JJ sits down with Chelsea, founder of Team Haunt Paranormal, for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts eerie and inspiring.

Chelsea shares what it's like leading a team of investigators grounded in integrity, curiosity, and compassion. From strict no-provocation policies and walkie-ready safety protocols to ghostly voices that follow them across locations, Team Haunt doesn’t just hunt the paranormal—they honor it.

You'll hear:

• How Team Haunt investigates respectfully and methodically
• Why they never isolate a team member without unanimous consent
• The chilling story of a haunted house where the people were more terrifying than the ghosts
• An incredible spirit box voice that appeared across two different haunted locations
• The team's approach to debunking versus documenting hauntings
• Why they avoid apps, Ouija boards, and attention-seeking drama
• How haunted theaters, museums, and yes, even the Clown Motel top their wishlist

Whether you're a seasoned investigator or a curious skeptic, this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and just enough of the weird to keep your lights on at night. Plus, you'll learn why relationships—not just with spirits, but among teammates—are the real reward.

🎧 Listen in and prepare to rethink what it means to explore the unknown—with ethics, empathy, and EVP gear.

🔗 Links & Contact

🔹 Team Website: teamhauntparanormal.com

🔹 YouTube: Team Haunt Paranormal

🔹 TikTok: @teamhauntparanormal

🔹 Email: teamhaunt@yahoo.com

💬 For more or to connect, reach out via SouthernDemonology.com or join the Discord community!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/southerndemonology.

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