Omaja was a demon in human or animal form. When omaja appeared in human form, it was most often a woman with untied hair. Omaja was powerless if a man did not talk. In the event that he spoke, her actions took place. The man would lose his will. There is a belief that omaja cannot bewitch a person if he does not see a cross on his head. This cross is imagined between human eyes and covered with a cap or scarf. People protected themselves from omaja with garlic and a knife or any other blade.