Zar is the term given to a sub-category of djinn, as well as the rituals through which they communicate and the custom of engaging with them.
- Zar often take control of a person without their consent, or they stimulate sickness and disaster for that person.
Without appeasing the zar, misfortune and sickness cannot be eased. This is important since it is more common to exorcise intrusive demons.
- The zar aren't going away, and they're not willing to be exorcized.
- Because forced exorcism always causes more damage than possession, a system of appeasement has evolved.
- Trance is produced so that the zar may communicate with a trained zar expert, such as a kodia or balazar, who can understand the possessed person's wishes and devise a plan of action.
- In return for symptom relief, gifts, donations, or some kind of devotional routine is usually required.
The zar spirit does not leave after the ceremony; instead, it is transformed into an ally.
In other words, the individual is still possessed, but the possession has been converted into a mutually advantageous partnership.
- Zar spirits may be male or female, but they nearly always attack women.
- Many people think that the zar symbolizes pagan customs that have survived.
- The rituals are similar to those seen in Vodou or Santeria. It's unclear if these traditions developed separately or have similar origins.
- Trance, dancing, and drumming are all used in Zar.
- Animal sacrifice or plant offerings are often used as a form of sacrifice.
- Zar activity is mostly seen in Muslim communities.
- Zar is a contentious practice in many places, and religious authorities are working to eradicate it.
Related Practices - Kodia, Santeria, and Vodou.
You may also want to read more about Paganism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on Religion here.