Crime Scenes and Cultures
Join anthropologist Tony Kail and forensic archeologist Steven Katz as they look at the phenomena of culture and its appearance at crime and incident scenes. What happens when public safety agencies find artifacts, walk in on ceremonies or discover unfamiliar shrines at scenes? What can anthropology tell us about religion, magic and witchcraft? Tony and Steven demystify the mysterious and dispel myths by taking listeners into world cultures that are frequently misunderstood. Using cases and incidents from their own files, the Crime Scenes and Cultures podcast joins anthropologists, forensic professionals, and religious practitioners to give an understanding into the incredible diversity of cultures around us.
Crime Scenes and Cultures
Crime Scenes and Cultures Episode 1: Paganism & Witchcraft
Mystical shrines, secret rituals and full moon ceremonies. The world of witches and those who follow Pagan traditions is rarely understood and frequently misrepresented by Hollywood stereotypes. Over the years forensic professionals and public safety agencies have encountered members of these communities sometimes under a cloud of suspicion and fear. What do witches do? What do altars and shrines look like and how do responders gain a cultural understanding of those we seek to serve?
On this first episode of Crime Scenes and Cultures we introduce the basis for our show and speak to an authority on witchcraft and Paganism. Witch and writer Star Bustamonte joins us for a riveting conversation about Pagan traditions, artifacts and sacred spaces. Together we discuss encounters between police, crime scene investigators and forensic professionals as we seek to cultivate understanding between those who stand within the circle and those outside the circle.