A woman lays unconscious on the floor surrounded by charcoaled symbols, burning candles, a bowl of viscous red liquid, and an array of dried herbs. Was this a healing ritual gone wrong or just straightforward foul play? Increasingly, first responders must deal with foreign practices and cultures that are often disturbing in their unfamiliarity. Understanding cultural variations and nuances can make the difference between much-needed emergency treatment and the aggravation of an already sensitive situation.
The first book of its kind, Magico-Religious Groups and Ritualistic Activities:...

Santa Muerte: Mexico's Mysterious Saint of Death is a collection of history, folklore and accounts surrounding the saint of death. This easy to read overview of the Santa Muerte culture features stories of paranormal activity, legends and folklore and eyewitness accounts. The book also includes over fifty photographs of artifacts, ceremonies and shrines dedicated to Santa Muerte. One of the features that make this book so unique is the focus on the saint of death in pop culture. The book features a collection of Santa Muerte themed fashion, music, books and cinema.

Widely known for its musical influence, Beale Street was also once a hub for Hoodoo culture. Many blues icons, such as Big Memphis Ma Rainey and Sonny Boy Williamson, dabbled in the mysterious tradition. Its popularity in some African American communities throughout the past two centuries fueled racial tension--practitioners faced social stigma and blame for anything from natural disasters to violent crimes. However, necessity sometimes outweighed prejudice, and even those with the highest social status turned to Hoodoo for prosperity, love or retribution. Author Tony Kail traces this...