Warning Signs...

I. Overemphasized interest in the occult, characterized by:

- Well worn occult or Satanic literature, also notice Bibles, Psalms, or New Testaments kept by a person who is strongly anti-Christian

- School essays about the occult or fixations with death and violence - note also paintings or drawings

- Occult items such as a robe, a silver chalice or goblet, oddly-shaped knives, black candles, bone collection, religious and/ or occult jewelry

- Occult symbols drawn or carved on personal possessions, clothing, self, walls, or floor

- An altar or something that could be used as an altar

- A "grimoire" or "Book of Shadows" - a Satanic journal, in a black covered book, a spiral or looseleaf binder, or on a computer disk

- Writing in strange lettering or languages (also backwards)

II. Strong behavioral and/or personality changes, such as:

- A decided withdrawal from longtime friends or family

- A whole new set of friends

- Any sign of self-mutilations, such as occult symbols carved or tattooed into the skin; notice especially a design or satanic nickname written of tattooed in the web of skin between the thumb and index finger, usually on the left hand

- A sudden, consistent switch to dark clothing

- A new interest, particularly noticeable among males, in buying occult or religious jewelry

- A remarkable increase in aggression and violent behavior

- Chronic depression

- A distinct drop in grades and interest in school

- An obsessive interest in power/black/heavy metal bands that push Satanic themes

- A preoccupation with death and destruction

- Nightmares about demons

- Missing pets in the family or neighborhood

- Consistent inability to account for absences, especially on satanic calendar holiday nights

- Any behavior consistent with physical, sexual, or drug abuse

- Obsessive involvement/interest in fantasy/role playing games, particularly those that deal in satanic or occult formats

- Talking with and dependence on invisible friends or spirits

- Playing or acting out non-age appropriate sexual situations

- Letters explaining how much the parents are hated

- Fear or unusual preoccupation with the number "6" or multiples thereof

- Verbal or written records that are strangely written or written backwards

- Sudden, irrational fear of being left alone

- Fear of specific colors, especially red, black or purple

- Sudden, unexplainable fear of small places

- Sudden fear of bathing or extreme and heretofore unexhibited preoccupation with cleanliness

- Sudden desire for frequent changes of clothing, especially underwear

- Sudden change in normal toilet practices

- Sudden fear or aggression toward religious objects of persons

- Books arranged backward and upside down on the shelf

- Notebooks containing pictures with blood, death, daggers, nooses, etc.

- lists of names of people you do not know (or some crossed off)

- Language becomes very foul, even at home

- Removal of religious objects from the bedroom or house

- Sneaking out of the house at night

- Extreme secrecy about what they are doing or why