Asemann

(Ah-SAY-min)

From the Republic of Suriname, this living

VAMPIRIC WITCH, very similar to the ASEMA, has the ability to shape-shift into animals at night (see LIVING VAMPIRE). In her animal form, she goes hunting for humans to drain of their blood. Her name is a play on the word azen, which means "carrion" or "cadaver."

To prevent it from entering into a home uninvited, people should place a broom crosswise on the door. Should they find themselves outdoors at night and under threat of her attack, throw a handful of pepper seeds on the ground. The asemann is one of the vampire species that is mystically compelled to count. Should she still be counting come morning, she will automatically revert to her human form. Now exposed for what she is, the witch can be slain in any manner that would otherwise normally kill a person.

Source: American Folklore Society, Journal of American Folklore, vol. 58­59, 242; Melton, Vampire Book, 576