I've Witnessed Zozo Dozens Of Times – Here's How I Survived
Zozo is often described by believers as a cruel, sadistic demon who preys on vulnerability. Said to be especially drawn to females and individuals suffering from depression or psychological distress, Zozo's name has become synonymous with terrifying encounters through spirit boards.
Reports of Zozo's presence span the globe. He's said to make contact in various ways, including electronic voice phenomena (EVP) experiments and automatic writing sessions. However, Zozo most commonly reveals himself during Ouija board sessions, where he allegedly uses psychological manipulation to trap and torment those who summon him.
Over the years, I've been on countless ghost hunts and witnessed what many believe to be Zozo announcing his arrival on a Ouija board. His signature is clear: the planchette repeatedly slides from Z to O and back again, spelling out his name in a continuous and unsettling loop.
So, how did I survive these terrifying encounters? Did Zozo follow me home, as many fear he might?
The answer is simple: I knew I was safe because Zozo is, at its core, nothing more than a modern trend in ghost hunting.
The real reason Zozo frequently appears on spirit boards can be explained by the ideomotor effect, a psychological phenomenon where small, unconscious movements by the participants steer the planchette without anyone realising it. During a Ouija session, the group's hands subtly guide the planchette, but sometimes there is no clear direction or word in mind, causing the planchette to glide aimlessly.
In such cases, the planchette often slides as far as it can across the bottom row of the board, where it stops at the letter 'Z', the final letter of the alphabet. Having reached the end of this row, the planchette reverses direction, moving back along the row. As it approaches the opposite side, it nears the letter 'N,' which is positioned at the far end of the row. However, 'N' doesn't make as much sense in the sequence, as no familiar words begin with "ZN." Instead, the planchette stops just short of 'N,' landing on the letter 'O,' which feels more logical and acceptable to the participants.
This process repeats itself, with the planchette gliding back and forth across the board, forming the repetitive sequence "ZOZO." While the motion may seem deliberate, it is often the result of subconscious expectations rather than a demonic presence. In sessions with clear intent or focus, such as those attempting to contact a specific individual or spirit, the appearance of "Zozo" is far less likely, suggesting the phenomenon occurs most often in unfocused sessions that lack a clear direction or intent.
The effect can be so convincing that many put a lot of faith in Ouija boards and are convinced that Zozo is making himself known, but Zozo isn't an invention of the internet age or Ouija boards. The demon's name first appeared in 1816 in an account of a young French girl allegedly possessed by Zozo and two other demons, Mimi and Crapoulet. This story was documented in Jacques Collin de Plancy's 1818 book, 'Dictionnaire Infernal'. Translated into English, it reads:
"The village of Teilly, three leagues from Amiens, witnessed in 1816 the spectacle of a girl who wanted to pass herself off as being possessed. She claimed to be under the power of three demons: Mimi, Zozo, and Crapoulet. An honest clergyman alerted the authorities, who determined that the girl was ill. She was admitted to a hospital, and nothing more was said about the possession."
This account suggests that the girl's alleged possession by Zozo and the other demons may have been attributed to illness or psychological distress. Although the case was dismissed as fraudulent at the time, Zozo's inclusion in 'Dictionnaire Infernal' marked the start of his reputation in the world of demonology.
Zozo's name surfaced again in a more modern context in 1949, during the infamous case of Ronald Hunkeler. Allegedly possessed through a Ouija board, Ronald endured a violent exorcism, an event that inspired William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel 'The Exorcist'.
Zozo's legacy even extends to Hollywood, with the 2012 horror film 'I Am Zozo', which follows a group of friends terrorised by the demon after a Halloween Ouija session.
If the psychological explanation doesn't convince you, there's another possibility: Zozo might be a tulpa.
A tulpa is a supernatural being created through concentrated thought and energy. The idea is that repeated belief and fear surrounding Zozo, particularly during emotionally charged Ouija sessions, could manifest an entity into existence. Essentially, the widespread fear of Zozo might have given birth to something real.
Whether Zozo is a psychological construct, a historical demon, or a tulpa, his reputation has certainly made him a source of anxiety for those experimenting with spirit boards.
Either way, if you're worried about encountering Zozo during a Ouija board session, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the experience is as safe and positive as possible.
First, try to remain calm and focused throughout the session. Fear and negative energy can amplify unsettling experiences, so approaching the board with a rational and open mindset is essential. Remember that the Ouija board is a tool, and much of its impact comes from the expectations and emotions you bring to the session.
If the session begins to feel too intense or unsettling, trust your instincts and end it immediately by consciously moving the planchette to "Goodbye." Finally, avoid deliberately summoning Zozo, even as a joke. Doing so can create unnecessary anxiety and increase the chances of participants unconsciously steering the planchette in a way that seems to confirm Zozo's presence.
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