''Zar''

By Crusader1307

In several Religious Belief Systems of Northeastern Africa – The ''Zar'' is a complex, yet ''festive'' Ceremony designed to remove a Malevolent Spirit from a Person. Traditionally, a Grouping of selected Women gather around the Afflicted, and begin to dance and play drums, flutes and bells. Creating a trance-like ''melody'', The Afflicted is then spun around and around. A Shaman (Priest) begins to recite various ''Prayers of Removal'', which after many hours (in some cases days) – will remove the ''malicious or plaguing'' Spirit. Some Zar Ceremonies require specific clothing worn by not only the Performers, but The Possessed. Normally, Zar Participants are ''professional'' and paid for their talents.