Dark occult ritual: elder priestess swings smoking incense

By @archminalabib · Sep 13, 2026

14 likes · 6 comments

Zar (الزار) is a traditional spirit-possession and healing ceremony found historically in Egypt and parts of North Africa and the Middle East. In popular belief, emotional or physical distress could sometimes be attributed to a possessing spirit, and the Zar ceremony was performed to appease or negotiate with the spirit through music, drumming, chanting, incense, dance, and trance. This artwork portrays a dark, supernatural interpretation of an Egyptian Zar gathering. At the center, a woman enters a trance as the rhythm of frame drums intensifies around her. The kodya—the female ritual leader—raises a smoking censer while women chant and musicians maintain the hypnotic rhythm. Dense incense smoke fills the room, transforming into eerie, almost human shapes, suggesting the unseen spirits believed to be present during the ceremony. Surrounded by traditional garments, jewellery, ritual objects, candles, and ancient Egyptian-inspired surroundings, the scene explores the mysterious boundary between folklore, spirituality, trance, and the supernatural.

Make an image like this

Entry in the Haunted Occupations theme.

About this image

This haunting dark fantasy illustration captures an eerie supernatural occult ritual set inside a dim, candlelit ancient chamber, with a glowing full moon and distant city skyline visible through an open carved lattice window. A senior priestess holds a smoking brass incense burner over a central enraptured ceremonial leader, surrounded by robed women holding frame drums, with ritual artifacts including statues, a skull, and Egyptian Eye of Horus wall art filling the shadowed space. The moody desaturated dark palette of deep inky blacks, rich burgundy, weathered cream, and wispy pale smoke creates a tense, gothic folk horror atmosphere.

Comments (6)

@archminalabib · Sep 14, 2026
yes, the relationship between Ancient Egyptians and cats, it was much deeper than simply “Egyptians loved cats.” 🐈 Cats in Ancient Egypt Cats were associated with protection, fertility, motherhood, and the home. The goddess Bastet was strongly associated with cats. She was originally represented more ferociously, but later became especially connected with a cat or a woman with a cat's head. Cats were valued for controlling mice, rats, and snakes, protecting grain stores and households. Cats could appear in domestic scenes, sometimes sitting beneath or beside their owners. Egyptians produced enormous numbers of cat figurines, bronze statues, amulets, and mummified cats, particularly in later periods. Cats were not simply pets in a modern sense; they could have religious and symbolic significance.
@CaylaCatz · Sep 13, 2026
Very cool! And thank you for the explanation. It's a very interesting read.