In a previous post I discussed an article in Fortean Times that mentioned connections between Western esotericism and an individual connected to the classic silent horror film Nosferatu. Just yesterday the media, in places like The Guardian, reported about a grave robbery in the form of someone stealing the head from the corpse of Nosferatu‘s director, F. W. Murnau. Some of these reports are interesting not simply because of the morbid nature of the theft in connection with a horror film, but also a particular speculation being offered. As The Guardian writes:

Wax residue is said to have been found near the grave, suggesting that candles had been lit, and a possible occult motive for the theft.

The Washington Post was even more bold in its connection of the incident to alleged occult activity:

A candle left at the scene led to speculation that Murnau’s corpse was part of a ceremony staged by “Satanists” or those practicing “black magic,” as Ihlefeldt put it.

And at the conclusion:

Given the lasting power of Murnau’s creation, it’s not hard to understand why an errant German Satanist would want to make off with his skull — which is little comfort to Ihlefeldt.

This is an interesting line of reasoning from wax residue to candles to an occult motive if not an outright satanic ceremony. Isn’t it possible that candles were used for lighting during the theft? Why should candle wax be tied to the occult rather than other possibilities? What occult or satanic practices and beliefs require grave robbing and the heads of dead horror directors?

It seems to me as if the media couldn’t avoid sensationalism in regards to this story, and that fear and satanic panic regarding “the occult” or Western esoteric tradition is alive and well.