Fans of the popular TV series Supernatural know that when it comes to angelic possession, things can get complicated. A recent Reddit discussion delved into the ins and outs of possession in the show, exploring the intriguing question of why Lucifer didn’t simply repossess Castiel after Amara ripped him out at the end of Season 11.
In Supernatural, angels cannot possess anyone without their consent. This rule applies even if the angel has possessed the person before, meaning that they would need permission each time they wish to repossess a vessel. This consent requirement is a crucial part of the show’s lore and plays a significant role in several storylines.
However, some fans pointed out that archangels like Lucifer can repossess their vessels even if permission was only given the first time. This is seen in Season 5, when Raphael returns to Donnie Finneman even though Donnie is catatonic and unable to give consent. Similarly, in Season 14, Michael returns to Dean without explicitly asking for permission again.
The situation with Sam is different, as he managed to regain control of his body from an unwilling Lucifer. Lucifer might have chosen not to repossess Sam for fear that he could lose control once more. Instead, he seeks out other vessels to try on.
Castiel’s case is unique, as his vessel’s original human occupant, Jimmy Novak, is long gone. Castiel gave Lucifer permission to possess him, not Jimmy. It’s possible that another occupying angel could have more power over a shared vessel than a human soul, especially when the last human occupant gave permission to Castiel rather than Lucifer. In this case, the same rules might not apply.
The Reddit discussion also explored whether the circumstances of an angel’s departure could impact their ability to repossess a vessel. For instance, if an angel willingly leaves, they might be able to “leave a door open a crack” and return more easily. However, if they are forced out or ripped out violently, it could slam the door shut, preventing them from repossessing without permission.
One example mentioned is Gadreel in Season 9, who possessed a man before telling Dean he would have to ride shotgun inside Sam. Gadreel left his current vessel willingly, but he didn’t mean real harm to mankind and chose not to leave the door open for his original vessel. This suggests that even if an angel leaves on their own terms, they can decide whether to close or keep the door slightly open.