Mazzikin

The Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, contains various descriptions of mazikin throughout its pages. While these descriptions may not present a uniform or consistent portrayal, they provide insights into the understanding and beliefs about mazikin in Jewish tradition during the time of the Talmud's composition.

The Talmud describes mazikin as having certain characteristics similar to both angels and humans (Chagigah 16a).[2] According to the text, mazikin have wings like angels, can traverse great distances quickly like angels, and possess knowledge of future events like angels. However, they also share traits with humans, such as eating, drinking, procreating, and dying.

Mazikin are believed to be numerous and constantly present around humans. Abaye, a prominent Amoraic sage, states that demons are more numerous than humans and surround them like a ridge around a field. Rav Huna, another Amoraic sage, further explains that every person has thousands of demons on each side, one thousand to the left and ten thousand to the right (Berakhot 6a).[3]

Certain Talmudic passages describe methods of detecting mazikin, such as sifting fine ashes around one's bed to see their footprints, which resemble the feet of a rooster (Berakhot 6a).[4] Another method involves using a black cat, specifically a firstborn black female cat, the daughter of a firstborn black female cat. By burning its hair and grinding the ashes, then placing the ashes in one's eyes, a person could supposedly see the mazikin (Berakhot 6a).[5] Other passages suggest that mazikin can be found in specific locations, such as under gutters (Pesachim 112a)[6] or in ruins (Berakhot 3a).[7]

The Talmud also describes practices to protect oneself from mazikin, such as reciting the Shema Prayer before going to sleep (Berakhot 5a).[8]