Interview with Evansville’s Forest Witch

This episode features an interview with Crystal Folz, also known as Evansville's Forest Witch. Crystal has been practicing witchcraft since the 1990s, with a practice deeply rooted in animism and Kentucky folklore. She is also actively involved in the pagan and paranormal communities, serving as a co-chair for both the Three Corners Pagan Circle and the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators.

Here are some of the key topics discussed in the episode:

• Introduction to Crystal: Learn about Crystal's background in witchcraft and her connection to animism and Kentucky folklore. [01:37]
• Community Involvement: Discover Crystal's roles in the Three Corners Pagan Circle, serving witches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and her involvement in paranormal investigation teams. [02:15]
• "Back Porch" Approach to the Paranormal: Understand Crystal's common-sense approach to paranormal encounters. [02:45]
• Defining Witchcraft: Explore the broad definition of what it means to be a witch and how it can vary for different individuals. [03:25]
• Witchcraft vs. Wicca: Clarification on the distinction between witchcraft as a practice and Wicca as a specific religion within witchcraft. [08:13]
• Understanding Dark Magic: Gain insight into Crystal's perspective on what constitutes dark magic. [13:16]
• Ethical Sourcing: Learn about Crystal's practice of scavenging materials and her views on unethical labor standards in mass consumerism. [16:36]
• Psychic Abilities in Investigations: Discover how Crystal uses her psychic abilities to provide readings of spaces during paranormal investigations without relying on equipment. [23:23]
• Involvement in Missing Persons Cases: Hear about Crystal's experience as a psychic consultant in search and rescue operations and her emphasis on avoiding assumptions. [34:01]
• Kentucky Folklore and Superstitions: Delve into fascinating local folklore and superstitions related to ghosts and witches. [45:57]
• Animistic Beliefs: Understand Crystal's animistic worldview, where everything possesses a spirit and energy, and the importance of respecting those spaces. [59:07]
• Three Corners Pagan Circle Events: Learn about the public rituals and events organized by the Three Corners Pagan Circle to educate and connect the community. [01:05:38]

Show Notes:  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/18

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://kentuckyconjurer.me/

https://www.threecornerspagancircle.com/

Crystal's email:  dirtandbones@kentuckyconjurer.me