Chief Ray Shultz

Chief Schultz,
I'm writing as a member of the Wiccan Religion. I understand that I don't know the particulars of this case, other than what I read. I understand how details can be misinterpreted by the media.

I'm just hoping that I can clarify details from a Wiccan perspective.

Let me clear a few things up. First, the "Wiccan Dagger" is called an
Athame. (It wasn't clear if this was the term Ms. Sanford used, or the reporter.) It's usually blunted, so it doesn't accidentally cut something
before use. You see, it's purpose is to direct energy, like a wand. The
most substantial thing an Athame is going to cut, would be air. My
first Athame was a pewter letter opener, given to me by my mother for
Yule. It would have bent before cutting anything!

Second, the
solstices are the first days of Winter and Summer. The most recent Holy
Day was Ostara, the first day of Spring or the Vernal Equinox. Not a
solstice. This is the celebration of the first day of spring, and the renewal it represents in our calendar. There is no sacrifice of any kind that takes place during these observances.

I come from a LEO family and I'm truly sorry that you have to investigate cases like this, and I'm also sorry that the police involved in this case don't get more
training in the cases of minority religions. I've been called
on numerous occasions to act as an expert on Wicca, Pagan religions and
even Diasporic faiths. (Including ABC TV, the Connecticut Post, the
Stamford Advocate, The Baltimore Sun, the Washington Post, the
Associated Press and more). I understand that LEOs can't take a Witch to the crime scene, that even if they could, they don't know who knows what
their talking about. I suggest, "Cop's Guide to Occult Investigations:
Understanding Satanism, Santeria, Wicca, and Other Alternative
Religions" By Tony Kail. I honestly feel that each department should
have a copy or two of this book.

I have also been volunteering for years at All Experts dot com in these fields. All Experts provides a forum for people to anonymously post questions and receive answers from the expert of their choosing. If you'd like to check this out, please visit tinyurl.com/amyblackthorn

Blessings!
Rev. Amy Blackthorn
-------------------------
From:
"Schultz, Ray D."

Amy, thanks for the Email. Yes you are right most of the information came from Ms Sanford. She is a Self Proclaimed Wiccan and she described the weapon as a Wiccan Dagger. We have been very careful to say they we have not come to any conclusions and that we are investigating all angles of this case. We have ment no disrespect to anyone or any religion.