The Ritual lists guidelines for conducting an exorcism, and for determining when a formal exorcism is required. The Catholic rite for a formal exorcism, called a 'Major Exorcism', is given in Section 11 of the Rituale Romanum. The statue of Saint Philip of Agira with the Gospel in his left hand, the symbol of the exorcists, in the May celebrations in his honor at Limina, Sicily. There was 'a 50% increase in the number of exorcisms performed between the early 1960s and the mid-1970s'. Requested and performed exorcism began to decline in the United States by the 18th century and occurred rarely until the latter half of the 20th century when the public saw a sharp rise due to the media attention exorcisms were getting. However, there are Biblical verses, like John 13:27, that implicitly convey that demonic possession can be voluntary, as exemplified in individuals like Judas Iscariot, who willingly submitted to the Devil. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence. Therefore, practitioners regard exorcism as more of a cure than a punishment. In general, people considered to be possessed are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions, because possession is considered to be unwilling manipulation by a demon resulting in harm to self or others. Protestant Christian exorcists most commonly believe the authority given to them by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity) is the sole source of their ability to cast out demons. The exorcist often invokes God, Jesus or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. Certain Christian theologians have held that the wearing of a headcovering by Christian females confers protection against fallen angels, which they teach are referenced in 1 Corinthians 11:3–10.

The exorcist may use prayers and religious material, such as set formulae, gestures, symbols, sacred images, sacramentals, etc. In Christian practice, the person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of a Christian Church, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. In Christianity, exorcism is the practice of casting out or getting rid of demons.

Exorcism by Eth Natas