Discovery Series | Spooky Science: The Benefits of Forensic Occultism

Forensic occultism presents two critical benefits to the field of forensic science. The first is contributing to research. Research is scientific knowledge one can trust and enhances not only the academic community- but humankind (SAGE Publications). It is an important aspect of any community or society. Forensic occultism generally contributes topic specific research on occult crime, one of the most thoroughly researched topics being ‘black’ occults, specifically Satanism. A reference book was completed by the Michigan State Police, denoting signs and symptoms of black occult crime. Clues to occult crime include candle or candle drippings, non-discernable alphabet, mockery of Christian symbols (i.e. inverted cross), use of animal parts, animal mutilation, bowls of powder or colored salt, robes- especially black or red, and occult books such as ‘magik rituals,’ etc. (Michigan State Police, 1988).

Other signs to keep in mind are wax drippings on victims, branding iron or burn marks, human or animal feces on or consumed by victims, and bloodletting (Michigan State Police, 1988). This reference book also includes information on some occult practices and beliefs. This information is indispensable to crime scene investigations and forensic science; however, it was compiled more than 30 years ago. More current research on forensic occultism considers different definitions for terms. For example, the term occult in the reference book by the Michigan State Police was indicated as specifically being evil or Satanic. As cited earlier, occult does not necessarily mean evil or satanic, but this is included in the definition.

Current laws regarding forensic occultism are vague and outdated, for example, one needs a permit to practice necromancy in San Francisco (City and County of San Francisco) and fortunetelling in Maryland requires permits (Maryland Code Local Government Division.) These laws do not regulate the extent of how one might act on their belief, such as mass killings, sexual deviance or abuse, and animal mutilation and abuse. With more research forensic occultism can further inform law more holistically. The older articles written on forensic occultism typically refer only to satanic or ‘black’ cult crime. Newer research shows forensic occultism is not limited to Satanism and other ‘black’ cults but includes all religions and belief systems. Many modern cults such as NXIVM, the Church of Scientology, and Raelism have no links to Satanism but to major religions such as Christianity, or no religion at all. More research into to this would likely inform new laws and policies in regard to religions and crime.

The second benefit is establishing methods and techniques for investigating occult crime. As mentioned above, identifying signs and symptoms of occult crime is crucial to forensic occultism investigations. This allows investigative techniques and methods to be established. For example, there are several crimes more often associated with occults. These are trespassing, vandalism, theft, arson, animal sacrifice, suicide, kidnapping, murder, human sacrifice, and ritualistic abuse. Satanic tourism and legend tripping are important terms for investigators to understand. Satanic tourism is activities at geographic sites linked to tragic events and speculated to be associated with the supernatural. Legend tripping is where people visit allegedly haunted locations, generally associated with folklore (Crews, 2015, p. 20). These activities can lead to panic in communities and to crime, rumor of crime, or previously occurring crime being linked to the paranormal or supernatural. This unique information contributes to investigative techniques and allows investigators to be successful in identifying and properly investigating occult crime.

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