Just because I'm obsessed with skulls...doesn't mean I'm a Satanist: A Personal Blog

One thing that grinds my gears....is being considered an occultist or "Satanist" because I'm obsessed with skulls.

Well...NO.  I'm not.  

This has been my obsession since I was a child.

And this isn't since I've moved into the bible belt.  

Ever since I was a child (decades ago), I was stigmatized by my obsession with skulls.  I grew up in a very urban setting in New York City.  Kids are fucking ruthless, more so in that environment.

I was labeled "weird", "morbid", "demon", "evil", and "crazy".

Which may be partially true.  

My perception was always a pragmatic approach, even as an adolescent.  It was never "ooooooh cool a dead person".  The way my brain analyzed it was this:

Regardless of our upbringing, racial identity, social status, beliefs, and life choices....this is what we ALL are underneath the skin.  The moment the last breath escapes our lungs, our bodies start to break down into it's simplest form: the human skeleton.

Maybe because I saw my first dead body at the age of 13.

And it wasn't at a funeral home.

But that's a story for another day.

I guess that's what imprinted on me for my career choices as an adult.  

Fast forward to my late 20s, I pursued and graduated with a degree in Biological Anthropology.  While working as a first responder.  

So obviously, I dealt with a lot of death by then.

This opened gateways for me in the forensic science industry.  I mainly worked in morgues and worked up death scenes.  

One thing I learned is this: Death tells tales that the living will not wish to speak upon.  They tell you tales of love, happiness, trauma, sadness...the list goes one.

Death will also bring loyalty, or lack thereof, to light.  Unfortunately, I've had to bear witness to families turning on each other after the death of their beloved.  

The deceased do not embellish their tales.  They do not lie.  Their bodies are proof of the legacy that they leave behind.  

The fragility and finality life is something we truly take for granted.  We always say "oh next time" or "we'll come back to visit".

When in reality, tomorrow isn't promised.  Even your next breath isn't.  

So, that being said...I'm not a Satanist because of my skull obsession.  I'm obsessed with the most basic form of our physical being, and the human experience revolved around it that differs with each person.