Group Therapy and Social Status in the Zar Cult of Ethiopia

Abstract

The phenomenon of possession by the 'Zar' spirits is described as it occurs in the 'Zar' cult of northern Ethopia. The healing of the spirit, individual vulnerability and Zar cosmology, the practitioner, diagnosis through demonstration, and treatment and social status within the Zar society are discussed in detail. It is concluded that: 'The 'Zar' is a catch-all for many psychological disturbances, ranging from frustrated status ambition to actual mental illness. Healing is in the context of a culture which is more highly organized than commonly found under the 'shaman' type… . Since no patient is ever discharged as cured, the Zar cult functions as a form of group therapy… . The Zar cult is not a deviant cult.' (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)