Morbid Outlook - Readers' Questions Answered

Dear Witch Hazel,
I recently began to study Wicca and spellcraft. I’ve read about how important casting a circle is, but none of the books I have are specific about how to do this or when it is needed. can you clarify this?

The thing I am wondering is what references you are using that state the importance of circle casting and then do not provide valid information for its construction? Somehow that is like having a cookbook without providing recipes!

More often than not a circle is always cast as it is part of the ritual workings. I highly suggest looking into the written works by Silver Ravenwolf for a primer on how to carefully go about constructing the sacred space.

Dear Witch Hazel,
Because of information obtained at Morbid Outlook, I’ve decided to become a vegetarian. More specifically, I’ve decided to “go cruelty free.” In the Good Reasons to go Vegetarian article, cruelty towards poultry and beef while in the form of chickens and cows are mentioned, but nothing about seafood. I think it’s safe to assume that the swimmy-swimmy sorts of fish are treated rather badly, but what about animals such as clams and scallops? Any information would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Congratulations on venturing towards a healthier and cruelty-free lifestyle. However, do read up on the subject of vegetarianism and be sure that you ARE eating balanced foods. Too many young folks today become “vegetarian” and then overload on carbohydrates and fats, often depleting their body of essential nutrients along the way.

Another warning bell to keep in mind is that some food companies will slip animal product into something that could pass as “vegetarian”. As an example, crackers, a harmless little starch, often contain lard also known as pig fat. Sometimes the ingredients will also say “beef flavoring,” “chicken flavoring” and the like. Now, not all flavorings are animal byproducts, but a good percentage of items will have them.

If you must eat pre-packaged foods, it helps to look at the front of the product, where there will sometimes be a “U” in the middle of a circle. That means the food is kosher for Orthodox Jewish folks who follow kosher law and that the item has no animal product in it. If you see the “U” in the cirlce with a "D" next to it, that means there is some dairy in it, so avoid the item if you are a vegan (no dairy or eggs.)

For questions about vegetarianism, obtaining great cookbooks, or learning about animal cruelty, check out www.peta.org where they will keep you abreast of the latest developments. Drop them a line about the fish industry and they will give you a wealth of interesting but rather disturbing information.

Hello! I happened upon this website and it has so far proved informative. I do have a question and would like some advice or direction. I am seeking a natural way to lose weight. I am 27 year old female, 5'3, 180lbs and I also have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The only prescribed medications I am on are Claritin (for allergies) and Hemoctye-F Elixir w/B6 and B12 (I am anemic) I do not have a history of high blood pressure. I do experience swelling in my legs from sitting all day as I am wheelchair bound and since I am in a high stress job, I do get "twitches" in the muscles of my face and hands and sometimes my legs.

I happened upon this tincture from another site. The ingredients are Motherwort, Hawthorn Berry, Tansy, Fenugreek, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper, Hawthorn Leaf, Ginkgo, R/O Water, 12% Alcohol.

Its uses: Anemia; Fatigue; Heart Problems; Weight Loss. Can be used as a preventative for those at high risk of heart disease. Methodology: 6-12 drops, 3 times per day.

I’ve been researching the ingredients from other sites trying to see if there would be any adverse reactions that I need to consider. So far I have not noticed anything in the ingredient lists that says it would help in weight loss. I am specifically looking for something in liquid form, as it would be easier to swallow than massive pills.

This is a complex issue with many variable things to consider. Sit back and relax folks as we dig in.

First off, for our readers, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is characterized by generalized weakness and muscle wasting which will affect the limb and trunk muscles first. Calves are often enlarged. The disease progresses slowly but will eventually affect all voluntary muscles. It is chromosomally X-linked and affects mainly males – an estimated 1 in 3,500 boys worldwide. Survival is rare beyond late twenties.

Considering the nature of the illness, some of the lower extremity swelling that you have reported may in fact be due to the disease process.

The herbal tincture that you mentioned does not contain anything that will help one lose weight, outside of anecdotal reports claiming that Cayenne does. It does seem to have some benefits for folks with high blood pressure and diabetes however.

It helps to remember that the weight loss industry is a burgeoning multi-billion dollar conglomerate, designed to promise “hope” with some new gimmick. If truth be known, the only way to really lose weight and keep it off is to move. Many fads will help people lose weight, but once they go back to their regular eating patterns, the weight comes back with double the fat cells. The reason being that most of these drastic diets cause people to lose water and muscle tissue. What you lose in muscle tissue does not grow back! Instead, the body replaces it with more fat cells, making it just that much harder to take off the next time around. At this stage, the larger the person, the more fad diets they have probably been on over their lifetime.

Essentially, one has to eat a balanced diet, move the body aerobically for 30 minutes or more, which can only include the upper body if need be, and take in enough oxygen to help burn the fat off and help the muscles to work.

Since you are wheelchair bound, you can do upper body strengthening and weight training with just as much benefit as if you were using the lower portion of your body as well. This is also recommended considering the disease process that you are currently dealing with.

The fact that you stated you have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and knowing its severity worries me more than your weight problem. If you find that you are swelling, please see your doctor as it may be a progression of the illness and may not have anything to do with a weight problem per se. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Hi, I have no idea who you are really, but I recently experienced something that I believe you might be able to help me out with a little in understanding. I’ll try to explain it the best I can, but I’m not very educated in the matter, and would like to know what your opinion is if that is okay.

Recently I went on Spring break to Hawaii to get away from school. On my trip, I met someone named David whom I learned later on in our relationship that week was a witch. You see, late one night when he, I, and a friend went to his house to relax after going out for the night, David asked me to sit down so he could “give me a reading.”

At first I hesitated of course, but then I thought sure, what could it hurt. Skeptically, I sat down with him, facing him, while he told me to “just relax, and let him in.” So we sat there staring at each other, and the next thing I knew, it was as if the world around me had changed, and it was only him and I. As if he were in my mind, reading my thoughts, but talking to me along the way. I... I really don’t know how to explain what happened next, but it was as if his face had changed into that of a woman.

Something...well...not evil per se, but... since I didn’t really have control over the situation, I felt as if he had bad intentions. As if he were in my mind, flipping pages, and his eyes changes, and facial expressions were extremely rare. Definitely not him. Not him at all. But it was at the same time. Who knows really, since I’ve never experienced such a thing I’m sure I sound pretty ignorant, but it was such an odd experience, I just knew it was for real. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire life, and I was wondering if maybe you could get back to me on this with any info.

One more thing. He also did this to two other people I know while I was there. I saw him do it at least three more times while I was in his presence, so it was not only me. As if the person had trouble with their eyes. It was so obvious when they were under his “control”. He would breath in, and almost toss away their thoughts, or whatever was going on, I’m not sure.

I tried to figure him out. He told me that I “was the one” when he had first did my reading. Like I had a certain power as well. While he was doing someone else’s reading, I tried to use my “powers” and try to go into his thoughts, since he could do it to me. I guess I was just trying to copy him, but who knows if it worked. I couldn’t read his thoughts, but maybe I was.

First off, for someone to claim they are a witch and then to irresponsibly do a reading without asking permission immediately smacks of a power trip. A hard and fast rule is that witches are a part of the Wiccan religion, and one of the most important “rules” is “and it harm none, do what thou will.” Meaning, it cannot manipulate or harm in any way, intentional or unintentionally. Even healing rituals cannot be performed without the person’s consent.

From what you described, a number of factors and/or questions will come to mind. Were any of you drinking or doing any illicit chemicals? If not, was he burning some type of incense where he could have masked a chemical meant to induce the mental manipulation? (I always look for the rational before going towards the “magical” element.)

If none of those are the case, it is quite probable that he is either very skilled at hypnotism and as such, utilized his ability like a psychic vampire.

At any rate, he sounds like someone who has a “control” issue and falls on the side of a “power freak.” This is not the type of person to be around and eventually, karma will catch up with him for playing control and manipulation games such as you described. If you really think about it, this is a rather showy and mentally unhealthy length to reach for in order to convince someone that they are “the one.”

Always be on guard for the type that wants to show you their “power” as a means of impressing you. Their ego is usually not healthy and they can lead you down a road that you may not wish to go.

Thank you so much for the kind words. We certainly try to keep the articles pertinent and up to date for the readers. Knowing that it brings enjoyment makes all the work worthwhile.