Djab are mercenary spirits: spirits for hire. Each Djab is an independent contractor who can be paid or bribed to do magical work for you. (The word Djah is singular and plural.) Theoretically they can be compelled, too, but that course of action is not advised. Eventually, inevitably, the Djab will turn the tables.
Djab are invoked in rituals and spells to perform magical work on behalf of the spell-caster. Typically, they’re invoked in aggressive, less savory spells—spell-work that other spirits will refuse. If safer spirits would participate in such spells (usually those that cause harm to others or that make others do what they do not wish), then no one would invoke Djab.
Djab is a corruption of Diable, French for “devil,” but the Djab are not necessarily diabolical. Some are scary and unpleasant; others are just exceptionally independent. There may #not be one clear-cut, precise definition for Djab, if only because each may manifest a little differently. They make up their own rules. Although potentially dangerous spirits who are willing to do malevolent work from which other spirits may shy, Djab also serve as guardians if so requested, aggressive bodyguards willing to search out and destroy enemies. Djab are sometimes invoked to serve justice when it will otherwise not be found.
Some Djab are affiliated with a person or family who may or may not be able to exert control over the Djab. Others are wild, autonomous spirits who play by no rules other than their own.
Exactly like an independent contractor, they must be paid per job and they can be very aggressive about collections, to the point where they can be described as loan sharks. Should one find oneself in trouble with Djab, whether by one’s own devices or via someone else’s malicious magic, preventive and safety measures do exist, but they must be performed by experienced practitioners.
ORIGIN:
Haiti
SEE ALSO:
- Baka
- Lwa
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.