NCJ Number
131000
Date Published
1989
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies various levels of involvement in the occult, reasons why involvement in the occult among teens has increased while it has remained stable among adults, and signs of the occult in the investigation of crime scenes.
Abstract
The first level of involvement in the occult is the "fun-and-games" level; at this level, teens use the trappings of the occult for peer acceptance. The second level of involvement in the occult is the "dabbler;" these persons are those who begin to show a serious interest in the activities and precepts of the occult. "Dabblers" will begin to read occult literature and collect occult paraphernalia. The third level is that of the "true believer;" this level involves mostly adults who have accepted the occult as a lifestyle much as normative society pursues acceptable religious lifestyles. Teens' involvement in the occult stems from peer pressure and rebellion, two of the most powerful factors in adolescent behavior. Adults tend to become involved in occult practices to avoid responsibility for decisionmaking and the consequences of those decisions as they succumb to immediate physical and psychological needs; adults are less motivated to become involved with the occult than are teens. Occult practices are not illegal, but they may stimulate illegal behaviors. Knowledge of the occult is essential in criminal investigations, since the dynamics of cult life can underly various crimes. The paper lists ritual crime scene clues, presents the satanic ritual calendar, and includes definitions common to satanic worship. Satanic symbols are also included.