M. Martyr
Occult and Crime
The occult has played a role in true crime throughout history, whether in the form of sorcery or witchcraft, cult participation or suspicious religious practices. Not only is it a fascinating subject to explore, it also provides insight into the minds of criminals and their motivations. In this article, we will look at what exactly the occult is, the unseen roles it plays in true crime, real-life examples of occult activity in criminal cases and how we can examine the link between the occult and crime.
The word occult refers to mysterious or secret knowledge and practices in science, religion, and magic. Occult practices include activities such as fortune-telling, astrology, necromancy, and hypnotism. It is also associated with dark forces, supernatural powers, and demonology. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that those who practiced occultism could gain supernatural knowledge or powers, often by engaging with dark forces and evil spirits.
Witchcraft
Witchcraft is one of the most common examples of occult activities seen in true crime. In some cases, those accused of a crime believed that performing rituals or spells would protect them from punishment. In others, the accused believed that witchcraft could help them to commit their crimes without being detected. Witchcraft is still used in criminal cases today to explain events that couldn’t otherwise be explained.
Cult Practices
Cults are another form of occultism in criminal cases. They often involve sacrificing animals, rituals that involve intense mental or physical pain, and other activities that are considered to be against the law. Many cults have been used by criminals as a means of carrying out the perfect crime, such as the Manson Family cult, who committed the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969.
An Understanding of the Unseen Roles of the Occult
The occult has an unseen presence in true crime in its ability to manipulate the thoughts of both victims and criminals. Through fear, supernatural forces can control victims and cause them to do things they normally would not do. In addition, many criminals use the occult to create illusions in order to deceive their victims. This is especially true in cases involving child abductions and unsolved murders, where each side is often unable to comprehend the other’s motives.
Occult Motivation
The occult can also provide criminals with the motivation to commit their crimes. By believing that an unseen force is behind their actions, criminals can justify their behaviour without guilt. This is often seen with serial killers, who typically have a distorted sense of reality and regard their crimes as a form of religious or spiritual cleansing.
Victimization
Occult practices also have a hidden role in victimization. By creating a false sense of security, victims can be fooled into believing that they are safe. This is seen in cases of human trafficking, which often involve false religious cults or occult ceremonies to lure victims into submission.
Occult Activity in Infamous Criminal Cases
There have been numerous notable criminal cases that have involved occult activity. Here are just a few examples:
Adam Lanza
Adam Lanza was responsible for the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting in 2012, in which he killed 20 students and 6 staff members. During the investigation, a search of his home revealed documents and images related to occult symbols and rituals. This evidence suggested that Lanza was influenced by the occult and used it as a violent means to drive his homicidal behavior.
Charles Manson
Charles Manson was the cult leader of the Manson Family, responsible for numerous murders in 1969. Prior to the crimes, Manson had become a fanatical follower of the occult and convinced his followers that they could become immortal if they killed. Examination of the crime scenes revealed features of occult worship, such as pentagrams, sacrificed animals and other symbols related to Satanism.
John Wayne Gacy
John Wayne Gacy, also known as the Killer Clown, was a serial killer who murdered 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. Investigation into his crimes revealed that Gacy was an avid practitioner of the occult, often performing ritualistic sacrifices in an attempt to gain supernatural powers. Gacy was also a fan of tarot card readings and occult symbols and believed that the spirits of his victims were guiding him through his crimes.
Exposing the Link Between the Occult and Crime
The link between the occult and crime is an important one, as it can provide insight into a criminal’s motivations and behavior. By examining the evidence, criminologists can gain a better understanding of why certain crimes were committed and how the occult can influence criminal behavior.
Exploring Connections
By analyzing occult practices in criminal cases, criminologists can explore the connections between occultism and criminal behavior. This can help to explain why certain crimes are committed and why certain criminals are motivated to commit certain acts. This can provide insight into the criminal mind that would otherwise be untraceable.
Understanding Motivations
In addition, exploring the link between the occult and crime can help to uncover the motivations of those involved. Many criminals use the occult as a form of escapism, as it provides a distorted view of reality that allows them to justify their actions. By understanding the motivations behind the occult, criminologists can better understand criminal behavior and find ways to prevent them from committing further crimes.
Another way to examine the role of the occult in true crime is by exploring how supernatural forces can be used to explain certain events or influence certain outcomes. While this is not necessarily a form of occultism, supernatural beliefs can be used by criminals to explain their behavior or provide them with a false sense of power.
Exploring Mysticism
From religious ceremonies to ritualistic practices, examining how mysticism plays a role in true crime can provide insight into a criminal’s mindset. While the supernatural is often used to explain certain events or outcomes, exploring how this aspect can affect a criminal’s beliefs can help criminologists gain a better understanding of their thought process.
Investigating Superstitions
Another way to explore the role of the occult in true crime is through the examination of superstitions. Investigating superstitions can shed light on how a criminal perceives their own behavior and how these beliefs can drive them to commit certain acts.
Conclusion
The occult has always been a fascinating subject to explore and has played a hidden role in true crime throughout history. From occult rituals to cult participation and supernatural beliefs, the occult has the power to influence the minds of criminals and manipulate their actions. By understanding occult practices, we can gain a better understanding of criminal behavior and explore the connections between the occult and crime.
