HOW DEMONS GAIN CONTROL Demons gain control in several ways: 1. Through generations: Demons may oppress or possess a person because of previous possession or oppression of the parents. This accounts for demonic influence over children (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Deuteronomy 5:9). 2. Through the mind: The mind is one of the major battlefields of Satan. If Satan can control your thoughts, he will eventually control your actions. Lack of mental control eventually results in lack of use of the will. This leads to sinful actions. Continuing in sinful thoughts and actions can lead from oppression to possession and finally to a reprobate mind such as is described in Romans l. This is a mind totally controlled by evil thoughts. Demons also gain access through mind-altering drugs which reduce the ability to resist demons and grant increasing access. "Brain washing" or "mind control" teaching also provides an entrance point. 3. Through sinful actions: Sinful thoughts are soon fulfilled by sinful actions. For example, the thought of adultery is fulfilled in the actual act of adultery. Sin is rebellion, and rebellious thoughts and actions provides an entry point for demonic activity. When a believer continues in sinful thoughts or actions they "give place" to the Devil (Ephesians 4:27). More spiritual room is given for the operation of the enemy. Sins of involvement with the occult, including objects, literature, seances, etc., are actions which are especially dangerous and attract demonic powers. An unbeliever who lives in sin is open not only to oppression of demonic powers, but also possession. As you have learned, there is no neutral ground in spiritual warfare. You are either on the side of good or evil. You belong either to God or Satan. If you belong to Satan and have not experienced the new birth in Jesus Christ, then you are his to use, oppress, or possess as he wills. 4. Through desire: Some people desire and request of Satan to be under the control of demons powers. They do this for purposes of having supernatural power or performing supernatural acts. 5. Through an empty "house": Demons consider the body of the person they inhabit as their house (Matthew 12:44). When a person who has been delivered from demonic powers does not fill his spiritual house with the new birth experience and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, reentry may occur. 6. Through permission: Sometimes God grants permission for activities of demonic powers to accomplish special purposes. This can be allowed as a trial of believers as in the case of Job. It can also be judgment for sin as in the case of King Saul.

Vortex, funnel ghosts Appearance & Characteristics:
Avortex is a very strange and mysterious phenomena. They usually take on the appearance of a swirling funnel shape when moving about. They can also appear in pictures as being long and narrow and having a tread like design within their body. They are readily confused with a speeding orb when they slow down and take on this straight & narrow look. It's not presently known if a vortex has ever been captured on video tape. It should be noted that they are often felt as a cold spot. Locations spotted:
They are most often spotted inside homes & old buildings. At times they can also be spotted outdoors but that is very rare. Speculations:
There are many theories as to what vortices are exactly, including a visiting relative or a former resident of the home. It is also believed by some that it is a vehicle to transport spirits in the shape of orbs from their realm to ours. Picture: Long husky vortex

Shadow ghosts, dark entities Appearance & Characteristics:
These ghosts usually appear as a shadow of sorts. They look a bit like Ecto-mist but with form and are normally reported to be two feet in length or longer and tend to travel at a height of two to ten feet. In photographs it's easy to confuse them with natural shadows so be careful. They are usually sneaky and evasive. When they are spotted it's usually out of the corner of your eye or as they are darting through a wall. They are often spotted in a mirror as well. Locations spotted:
Most often spotted in homes. Have also been seen outdoors at a distance. Speculations:
I guess the general consensus would be that they are ghosts in one of their forms. Some would say that they are demonic spirits but that doesn't seem to be the case. See the demonic spirits category for more on that.

Ectoplasm, Ecto-mist, vapor, ghostly mist Appearance & Characteristics: Cloudy vaporous mist
The term was originally used to describe the substance that oozed from spirit mediums during a séance from days gone by. It is now associated and referred to as a mist or fog, and it usually displays a swirl effect within a vaporous cloud. It normally appears several feet off the ground and can linger or travel quickly at will. It's usual colors are gray, white or black but has also been seen and photographed in several other colors. Ecto has been caught on both video & all types of cameras. It's important to note however, that a camera can inadvertently create this effect artificially in cold weather by a person exhaling to close to the lens when taking the picture. The exhaled breath looks similar to ectoplasm but without the swirls. Oh, and we certainly don't want to be smoking during a ghost hunt for obvious reasons. Locations spotted:
All locations but most generally spotted outdoors and most particularly at cemeteries, battlefields & historical sites. Speculations:
Believed by many to be the soul or spirit of those that have passed on from this life. It has been speculated that the spirit will transform to this vaporous state before appearing as a full-bodied apparition. Picture: Ecto-mist with lot's of great looking swirls