ABSTRACT

The initial encounter that a first responder may have with a Wiccan religious ceremony may be puzzling. Someone who is unfamiliar with the cultural artifacts, rituals and practices of Wicca may confuse this religion with Satanism. Due to inaccuracies in the news media and with the similarities in artifacts, Wicca is many times falsely aligned with satanic beliefs. It is understandable that the appearance of robed figures, burning candles and ritual knives may appear threatening to an outsider, and it is possible that this may affect the manner in which the first responder communicates with the “mysterious” group.