Zozo - The Ouija Demon
For over two centuries, Ouija board users have reported contact with an entity calling itself Zozo. The demon introduces itself through distinctive movements, then reportedly causes misfortune, possession, and terror. Thousands of people across multiple cultures have reported encounters with this same entity.
Among the countless spirits allegedly contacted through Ouija boards, one name appears with disturbing frequency: Zozo. Across cultures, continents, and centuries, users of spirit boards report contact with an entity that identifies itself with this name - and the encounters rarely end well. Whether demon, thoughtform, or collective delusion, Zozo has become the most notorious entity associated with divination boards.
The First Recorded Appearance
The earliest documented reference to Zozo appears in 1816, in the French publication “Dictionnaire Infernal” by Jacques Auguste Simon Collin de Plancy. The text describes Zozo as a demon who possessed a young girl in Picardy, France in 1816.
The possessed girl reportedly spoke in tongues, revealed secrets, and caused objects to move. During exorcism attempts, the entity identified itself as Zozo, Ozoz, and Zaza - variations on the same name pattern.
This documented case predates the invention of the Ouija board by decades, suggesting the entity (if real) existed before spirit boards provided a convenient means of contact.
Modern Encounters
The widespread association between Zozo and Ouija boards developed in the 20th century as the boards became popular. Common elements in Zozo encounters include:
The Introduction: The planchette moves to Z-O-Z-O repeatedly, or traces figure-eight patterns (possibly representing infinity or a binding symbol). Some users report the board spelling “Abracadabra” or “Paradise” before Zozo appears.
The Progression: Initial contact may seem benign, but the entity becomes increasingly controlling and threatening. It may claim knowledge of personal information, make predictions, or become aggressive.
The Aftermath: Users report bad luck, nightmares, depression, relationship problems, and in extreme cases, physical harm or possession following Zozo encounters. Some report the entity following them after the session ends.
The Darren Evans Case
Paranormal researcher Darren Evans brought widespread attention to Zozo in the 2000s. Evans documented his own encounters beginning in 1982 and collected hundreds of testimonies from others who had contacted the same entity.
Evans’s experiences included:
- A board session where the entity threatened his family
- Unexplained scratches appearing on his body
- His girlfriend attempting suicide during or after Zozo contact
- Years of paranormal activity he attributed to that initial contact
His website and interviews popularized awareness of Zozo, leading to increased reporting of encounters - which skeptics note could be influenced by suggestion.
Common Patterns
Zozo encounters share consistent elements across different reports:
The Name Game: Zozo, Zaza, Ozoz, Oz, Mama, Abacus, and variations. The entity seems to favor names with repetitive sounds.
Movement Patterns: Figure-eights, rapid movement to the edges of the board, circular patterns.
Escalation: Encounters typically worsen the longer communication continues. The entity seems to gain strength or influence through extended contact.
Difficulty Ending: Users report difficulty ending sessions with Zozo. The planchette won’t say “goodbye” or fights attempts to close the session.
Aftermath: Negative life events following contact - ranging from bad dreams to serious harm.
What Is Zozo?
Theories about Zozo include:
A Specific Demon: An entity from an older spiritual tradition that users are contacting. The 1816 documentation suggests something predating modern spiritualism.
A Thoughtform/Egregore: A collective psychological entity created and sustained by belief. The more people who expect Zozo, the more “real” it becomes.
Ideomotor Response: Unconscious muscle movements guiding the planchette, with the name being suggested by cultural knowledge of the legend.
Confirmation Bias: People who experience misfortune after Ouija sessions attribute it to Zozo; those with positive experiences don’t connect the two.
Multiple Entities: Different beings using the same name, or lying about their identity.
The Warning
Regardless of what Zozo actually is, consistent advice from those who’ve researched the phenomenon:
- If the planchette begins moving to Z-O-Z-O, end the session immediately
- Do not engage in conversation with an entity claiming this name
- Move the planchette to “GOODBYE” and close the session properly
- Do not use the Ouija board again for an extended period
Whether real demon or psychological phenomenon, Zozo has earned a reputation as an entity better avoided than engaged.
Sources
- “Zozo: The True Story of Ouija’s Most Terrifying Demon” by Darren Evans
- Ouija board - Wikipedia