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Pseudoscience Watch List-Money is often involved- ( Article)

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Pseudoscience Watch List-Money is often involved- ( Article)

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Definition:
The Pseudoscience Watch List Money is Often involved, is when the purveyor solely uses Pseudoscience to gain money and that being the goal they are after. Pseudoscience used for monetary gain has to be closely watched, because the main clientele for these services are usually vulnerable and desperate (sick looking for a cure all or looking to speak to a loved one that has passed).

Connection:
This article clearly shows why money is often involved on the watch list. There was no other practical reason for the “psychics” scam other than to swindle this poor lady out of almost fifty thousand dollars. This scenario also shows sadly what will happen if you fall for one of these people's words, they take it further and further and coerce you out of as much as they can giving you just enough hope to be rid of things like “dark energy” just to keep you lining their pockets.

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A self-proclaimed psychic in Houston allegedly scammed a woman out tens of thousands of dollars to help with her relationship issues over three years, according to court documents.
The video above is ABC13's 24/7 live stream channel.
Records show 48-year-old Theresa Sher Evans is accused of committing the felony offense of theft aggregate through a fortune-telling fraud scheme.

Evans is said to have defrauded the victim of at least $46,876.60 from July 18, 2018, to Feb. 1, 2022.

According to documents, Evans was contacted by the victim in 2018 to help with the woman's relationship issues, improve her love life, and make her business successful again.

The victim initially paid $300 to meet with Evans and her mother, who also claimed to be psychic, at their home.

Documents show Evans told the victim that "vanquishing the dark energy involved a process." She said if they did not rid her of this dark energy - inherited from her past ancestry - she would remain single and unsuccessful forever, and her children would face the same problem.

Evans then asked for items, such as clothing, that the victim's romantic interest had given her and additional money as the "process" went on. Evans would apparently tell the woman the dark energy would have a daily, constant, and insidious negative effect on her life if she didn't pay.

Records read that the money was "of the highest power" and was the fastest way to clear the dark spirits. No one was to touch that money or items provided to Evans as they would be placed on an altar in a special room that only "their kind" would be allowed in.

Evans allegedly went as far as asking the victim to purchase underwear, saying she needed it.

After that instance, the victim withdrew $36,000 from her credit union and gave it to Evans, who said she would get the money back in a week and the dark energy removal would be completed.

The scam continued, with Evans buying things like Ralph Lauren sheets, a comforter for the altar, and a Luis Vuitton wallet with another $8,000 in cash inside that she said she needed to continue the work.

Lastly, Evans instructed the woman to obtain credit cards to pay for additional items from Saks Fifth and Neiman Marcus. Approximately $46,000 later, the scam artists told the victim they were "almost there" before losing contact with the victim.

That's when the victim hired a private investigator and contacted Houston police to report Evans.

In 2003, Evans was charged with another theft, which was reduced to a misdemeanor. This time it was allegedly for convincing another victim to open credit cards at Dillard's, Foley's, and Macy's and max out those accounts purchasing items to remove an "evil spirit."

Evans is expected to be back in court on Friday.
SEE ALSO: Elderly couple scammed out of $3K gets fooled again for another $3K on same day, son-in-law says

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Self-proclaimed psychic accused of scamming woman out of more than $46K to remove 'dark energy'

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The woman allegedly defrauded the victim of at least $46,876.60 by asking her to purchase items like clothing, a Luis Vuitton wallet, and more.

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Theresa Caputo: The Fake Long Island Medium | Skeptical Inquirer

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Post 2: Pseudoscience Watch List - Often Appeals to Emotion ( Article)

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Post 2: Pseudoscience Watch List - Often Appeals to Emotion ( Article)

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Definition:
The Pseudoscience Watch List Often Appeals to Emotion, is when people often let their own emotions drive their beliefs often clouding their own inhibitions and driving them away from rational thoughts.
Connection: This article depicts television’s medium, Teresa Caputo, appealing to the emotions of her audience by using information she gathered on them prior to readings. Before readings, her team researches the audience in the front row to uncover any information on possible passing's in their personal family or close friends. This is how they can ensure accurate readings. From the audience's view, if they are being told that their passed aunt is reaching out, and the medium uses the name/ something personal like a nickname, they are going to be more willing to accept it as a truth. This is an example of appeals to emotion.

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Theresa Caputo, a self-proclaimed psychic whose Italian origins are quite evident (she was born Theresa Brigandi), has been a celebrity for quite some time now thanks to her reality TV show Long Island Medium. However, all of her apparently paranormal demonstrations are perfectly explainable and, interestingly, most of them would not have been possible only a few years ago.

Caputo, in fact, seems to be the next evolutionary step of contemporary mediums after the likes of Rosemary Altea, John Edward, Sylvia Browne, and James Van Praagh: performers who, from the stage, point to members of the audience and claim to receive communications from the dead on their behalf. In the cases of Altea, Edward, Browne, or Van Praagh, the use of old cold reading techniques is quite clear. These are techniques that undoubtedly require a quick mind, ready to grasp any information coming from the sitter and convincingly sell it back to believers as if it came from the spirits.

Caputo, however, has taken a step forward. Instead of taking risks with straight cold reading-guessing and inevitably making mistakes-she prefers to come well prepared to her shows.

To begin with, Caputo places in the front rows those who she already knows, for whom she already has performed in the past and about whom she has already learned everything there is to know. But her great idea (or perhaps that of her staff) was to take full advantage of what modernity has to offer. In particular, it is thanks to the information found on Facebook and other social media that she can astound her public.

Thanks to an exposé by magician and skeptical investigator Mark Edward (2012), who worked on a "sting operation" on Caputo for Inside Edition, her methods are now quite clear. "In combination with selling seats through Ticketmaster and the use of credit cards, Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter and all the rest of the latest places people post private information, our own egocentric fascination with ourselves makes it easy for the techie-smart agent or producer to make seeming miracles happen," explains Edward. "Like the old days when the gypsy only needed to tell her sitters what they wanted to hear about themselves, we are now in an era when anyone can tell you more about yourself than you might ever want to know."

Edward relates several such episodes, revealing how absurd this can get: "At one point Theresa asked a woman, '... Why am I picking up baby clothes?' To which the woman replied, 'Oh, that's weird. I just put up a bunch of pictures of baby clothes on my Facebook page!' Not weird at all, really."

It is enough for her to have a few similar bits of information placed beforehand on a seating chart of the show. Her staff can then cue her to the right spots, since all seats are numbered and far apart. She really can't miss. Even the casual encounters that she seems to have on the street during her "reality" program are carefully choreographed. "In classic mentalist style," continues Edward, "everyone must sign a pre-show waiver or agreement to have their image used on television. It's only a standard form to those folks. Why would they suspect anything? They should. All the staff needs is a laptop, a name, an address and a willing victim."

Converting the 'Skeptics'

Karen Stollznow, a linguist, author, and skeptical investigator, wrote about Caputo's exaggerated displays of emotion:

There is rarely a scene where she isn't in tears or claiming empathetic abilities, such as, "I could feel your tears running down my cheek." In one episode she announces that the spirit of a deceased six-year-old boy has become "attached" to her. Convinced that the only way to free the spirit is to meet with his mother, she tracks down the woman whose details she happens to have in an appointment book. Caputo appears to be greatly distraught by the little boy's constant presence, but she is strangely unavailable for a session until the following week. She spent this week in apparent spiritual agony, yet still had time to have lunch with friends, all the while complaining about her invisible friend. (Stollznow 2012)

Another of her specialties is confronting and converting "skeptics." As Stollznow notes:

During a live interview for Long Island radio station KJOY a line of eight "skeptics" are pitted against her. Visibly stressed at first she asks the group, "Who lost a sister?" A woman acknowledges this question, and the medium quickly finds her stride, achieving perceived "hits" with her staple "validations" about clothing and personal letters. Caputo had emotionally disarmed the woman who was taken in by what a real skeptic would readily recognize as a classic cold reading. Skillful editing seems to have ironed out any misses and genuine skeptics.

It is no surprise, then, that in 2012 Theresa Caputo received a Pigasus Award for Performance from the James Randi Educational Foundation.

Today mediums really have an easy life. One wonders what Margery Crandon, D.D. Home, Eusapia Palladino, and all of the famous mediums of the past would have given for a chance to amaze their clients in such an easy way, instead of risking every night to be proven wrong by tipping tables with their legs or exuding ectoplasm gauze. It all seems very silly, in the end, but it is quite distressing to look at the effect that banalities of this kind can have on the grieving. People get emotional; they start to cry and seem to be willing to give Caputo everything they have in order to speak again with their loved ones. Instead of helping the grieving accept their loss and go on with life, such "performers" keep them stuck in their sad situation, preventing their healing. The only consolation is that she won't last long, as this is the fate that awaits all self-styled psychics. "Caputo," admonishes James Randi, "is just one more of the myriad faux seers who have stepped into the TV spotlight for their turn, and though her exuberant shtick rather outdoes the others, she'll do her number along with Van Praagh, John Edward and 'Psychic Sally' until someone with a newer novelty elbows her offstage" (Randi 2012).

References

Edward, Mark. 2012. Is Caputo kaputo yet? Skepticblog (November 9).

Randi, James. 2012. The "medium" is not the messenger. Wired (September 4). Stollznow, Karen. 2012. Long Island medium: A tall story. JREF Swift Blog (June 27).

Massimo Polidoro

Massimo Polidoro is an investigator of the paranormal, author, lecturer, and co-founder and head of CICAP, the Italian skeptics group. His website is at www.massimopolidoro.com.

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Theresa Caputo: The Fake Long Island Medium | Skeptical Inquirer

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Theresa Caputo, a self-proclaimed psychic whose Italian origins are quite evident (she was born Theresa Brigandi), has been a celebrity for quite some time now thanks to her reality TV show Long Island Medium. However, all of her apparently paranormal demonstrations are perfectly explainable and, interestingly, most of them would not have been possible only a few years ago.

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The Real-Life 'Exorcism Of Emily Rose' Is Way Scarier Than The Movie

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Post 3: Pseudoscience Watch List - Convinces By Faith and Belief. (Video)

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Post 3: Pseudoscience Watch List - Convinces By Faith and Belief. (Video)

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Definition

The Pseudoscience Watch List Conveys by Faith and Belief, is something to look out for when people blindly put their faith into something they cannot tangibly show or explain. Often denouncing scientific claims and choosing to follow personal beliefs even if there is no evidence, or even detrimental to themselves or others.
Connection
Faith and Belief is very powerful to some, powerful enough to twist the perception of believers and hide the line between right and wrong. None of that is more prevalent then in the case of Anneliese Michel (The inspiration for the movie The Exorcism of Emily rose). At the heart of it Anneliese was a girl suffering from severe episodes of epileptic seizures and psychosis along with other neurological disorders, manifested in the belief of being possessed due to the harsh Catholic upbringing she had. Anneliese was put on medication but as her condition worsened her parents turned to their church, believing the words and action of their own daughter they turned to a Priest who was convinced she needed an exorcism. Aneliese was taken off her medication and subjected to 76 “exorcisms” in the span of 11 months, in these 11 months Anneliese was subjected to being restrained for hours while refusing to eat or drink as well. Her symptoms did not get better with the exorcisms nor did the family try to seek better medical help, all this culminated in Anneliese Michel’s death at the age of 23 due to malnutrition. Faith and Belief are very convincing and can convince even parents to harm their own children while wrongfully thinking they are doing right by them.

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The Real-Life 'Exorcism Of Emily Rose' Is Way Scarier Than The Movie

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Post 4: Pseudoscience Watch List- Does not Progress ( Article) 

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Post 4: Pseudoscience Watch List- Does not Progress ( Article) 

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The Pseudoscience Watch List Does not Progress, Is when a belief or thought has not changed since it was first introduced. It often does not get any deeper or advance people's knowledge in any way.
Connection:
Pseudoarchaeology is a form of archaeology where actual scientific fact is removed for speculative theories that generally do not connect with what happened in history. This type of archaeology Does not Progress scientific understanding, it hinders the truth from reaching most of the uninformed populace. Articles like this one show the biggest perpetrator of Pseudoarchaeology “Ancient Aliens”, even though this article states that the author does not believe that aliens bit these 7 sites they still perpetuate this wrongful information by having clickbait titling. All this type of Archaeology does is hurt the scientific world and take away from the huge accomplishments of those ancient civilizations. Stonehenge is impressive and amazing because they rolled those stones over 32 km, to the site of it and then aligned those stones to the solstices and equinox. The pyramids of Giza are an architectural marvel because of the difficulty of it to build, they didn’t need aliens to build it and perpetuating that nonsense deters from learning the methods of these civilizations techniques on these impressive cites.

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop’s latest health fad was so bad that NASA got involved

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Post 5: Red Flags- Mystical Energy ( Article) 

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Post 5: Red Flags- Mystical Energy ( Article) 

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The mystical energy red flag describes the use of any unknown energy factor or general mysticism around some unknown force. Like reiki and how they can pull chakra points without there being any proof.
Connection:
This article is a clear sign of the Mystical Energy red flag. Body Vibes are a type of sticker that when put on your skin is supposed to “Rebalance the energy frequencies in our body”, they do this apparently by pre programming a conductive carbon material to help heal all sorts of ailments (Hangover, anxiety and even a sticker for self love). There is no frequency that the human body emits that is “ideal” even if there was we have no way to discern it, so the claims that a sticker could emit another frequency to balance us back out is honestly laughable.

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop’s latest health fad was so bad that NASA got involved

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Body Vibes sells a line of wildly expensive stickers that claim to ease anxiety, pain, hangovers, and more. They’re Goop-endorsed, but where’s the science?

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Definition:
Products, medicines, and other objects utilized by ancient civilizations are being used by ancient knowledge. The difficulty is that the ancients understood far less than we know now.
Connection:
Ancient methods that have been practiced for many years have a tendency to become popular time and time again. An ancient technique that has resurfaced recently due to viral videos on TikTok that have over 6.4 billion views, is called "Menstrual Masking". This is specific to women who want to enhance their skincare and get in touch with their roots and ancestors. Women are using their period blood and using it as a face mask in unsanitary ways. There aren't many studies or research that support this has any actual benefits. Dermatologists say there is no way women are collecting their blood in a sterile way as there are probably bacteria and sweat amongst other things in the blood. Many women still continue to do this ritual every time of the month, chasing the proposed "youthful" benefits and ancestral connection just because it has been used traditionally and superstitiously for so long.

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"I will usually put my fingers inside of me and then apply it to my face," 30-year-old tells me, earnestly staring down the barrel of the lens on Zoom. We're talking about moon masking - otherwise known as using your period blood as a face mask.

For a lot of people, their 'time of the month' is spent suffering the wrath of mother nature, cursing the pain and refilling hot water bottles like they're going out of fashion. But for others, it's believed to be the perfect time to naturally absorb nutrients via your skin, connect to your femininity and give back to the earth. Although it might sound strange, the practice is not actually as niche as you might think - 'periodfacemask' videos have 6.4 billion views on TikTok. But why are women doing this, and what does it say about our society if our first reaction is to find it slightly gross?

"For many, it's shocking to see women connect so deeply with themselves and their bodies," says Daniela. "When we look into the history of suppression, women's rights, females touching their genitals, tools for menstruation, there's so much shame associated. I think it's so important to explore your vagina and vulva and be curious."

Daniela, who I found via an Instagram hashtag, lives in Berlin and has been moon masking for four years now. She works as a sex counsellor and relationship coach and posts openly about using her menstrual blood as a mask, and even as plant fertiliser. "It's really empowering. Our blood is so natural and holy. When I allow myself to really connect deeply with my menstruation, it feels like I'm connecting to the earth and to all my ancestors."

When it comes to the science behind using menstrual blood on the face, there aren't many supporting its benefits. When I reached out to dermatologists for this article, the general response was discomfort ("I just don't think it's one they'd be comfortable commenting on"). , MD, a popular TikTok dermatologist, however, had no problem refuting it in a Dr Joyce Park recent video and begged people not to try it out. "There's no way you're collecting blood in a sterile way," she says. "There's probably bacteria and sweat and other things in the blood." You also risk transmitting any vaginal infections you might have onto your face, she adds.

Despite this, culturally the use of menstrual blood is something that has been done traditionally and superstitiously for years. In the Philippines, it is said that if you wash your face with period blood, you will be blessed with acne-free skin during puberty. "My great-grandmother practiced using moon blood face masks, which my mother passed on to me too," says Kamilla Bello , a 25-year-old artist. "These monthly rituals and practices deeply connect me back to my matriarchal lineage, and it reminds me of the power of all women."

Bello has been well versed in these rituals for many years and says she used to taste her blood every month in secret as a teenager, as well as smearing it on her face in the shower. "I became more consistent with the practices in my early twenties then started sharing my journey online during the pandemic when I gained more knowledge and understanding". She also incorporates blood into her regular routine in other ways including, like Daniela, as a fertiliser for plants - "I formed a habit of peeing in my garden instead of using the toilet so I don't discard my blood" - and for use in rituals."

"I also use a cup on the second day of my cycle [when I bleed the most] to collect my blood and use it for ritual purposes - moon blood face masks, anointings for protection, offerings for my womb and ancestral altar, reviving dead or sick plants, etc. For the rest of the cycle, I use period underwear. I soak it in water to squeeze out the blood and infuse a prayer before offering it back to the soil."

Rituals and connection to your body aside, does using blood in your routine actually have any benefits to the appearance of your skin? Between 1590 and 1610 Hungarian noblewoman (and supposed serial killer) Countess Elizabeth Báthory was said to have bathed in the blood of countless young souls in order to maintain a more youthful appearance. Whether this is true remains a mystery, but fast forward to the modern world and Dr Barbara Sturm has found a more legal way of maintaining your youth with blood. In 2019 there was a two-year waiting list for her famous Blood Cream, and in 2013 the internet was taken by storm when Kim Kardashian released pictures of her vampire facial . A vampire facial, or a PRP facial, is a process where platelet-rich plasma is extracted from your own blood and then micro-needled back into the skin. But with the blood cream alone costing $1,400 and vampire facials similarly pricey, it's unsurprising some are sticking to the free version.

, 34, from Germany has been masking two to three times a month for the last year and a half, and says she has noticed a difference in her skin. "I see a change and feel the change. The skin is super, super smooth and also the breakouts disappear... I just pour the blood into my hand and just put it all over my face and let it dry." Another advocate, 38-year-old Mary Miranda from Chicago, says that she has also seen improvements in her skin texture, feeling that it has become softer and more nourished. "Menstrual blood is healing, has anti-inflammatory properties and is full of rich nutrients and minerals," she says.

Throughout her life, Mary Miranda suffered from painful periods which she believes were due to a disconnection between her womb and body. Now, her period is her favourite part of the month and she is excited to see her womb health improving after surgery to remove a fibroid tumour and treat endometriosis in 2018. After once being terrified she might have to have a hysterectomy she now says, "I made a deeper commitment to honour, cherish, worship and take care of my womb and menstrual cycles."

Lisa Marie echoes this sentiment. "Something's changed within my mindset and how I heal as a woman. It's made me way stronger having this connection to my womb. It helped me to say no in some situations too. I don't feel ashamed any longer and it's helped others talk about it too. I think it's really had a great impact on my life."

While menstrual masking won't be for everyone, and is advised against online due to hygiene and safety concerns, these women seem happy and connected to their bodies on a deeply personal level. I can't lie, their skin really did look radiant too. It's a practice that probably won't make it into the mainstream, but these women are right that we do need to make periods less taboo by talking about them and exploring our bodies. If reading about moon masking has done that for you today, then that's bloody brilliant.

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Why women are using their period blood for face masks

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A DIY vampire facial might sound unsavoury to some but 'menstrual masking' is becoming an increasingly popular skincare alternative

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Definition:
When people recall information that reinforce what they think or want to believe, but forget items that contradict or pose a problem for the view, this is known as confirmation bias. This is somewhat common in fortune telling and extremely popular among psychics.
Connection:

Haunted houses, ghost sightings and people who claim to have experienced some sort of otherworldly presence can be found everywhere. Whether that's the spooky abandoned house in your hometown that everyone has a story about or some forgotten cemetery filled with roaming spirits. The biggest problem with ghost sightings aside from bored small town kids making up stories is the lack of evidence and the “evidence” that people do have is menial at best. Every site on the list in the article has been confirmed to be haunted by some unknown specter or patrons hear disembodied voices, the issue with this is there is no confirmation when it comes to spirits that cannot be denied that they exist. People who have experienced things in these sites will take only their thoughts and experiences into account, they never look for more realistic answers. Most of those buildings on the list are over 100 years old, building techniques from back then lead to a lot of noise. But instead of looking for answers based on fact they confirm in their own minds that they are haunted with or without real proof.

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The Paranormal Seekers have investigated a lot of locations, public and private. Below is a list of locations that we have investigated, that we have been able to share with you! Check out our…

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Can the Moon affect our health and behaviour?

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Post 8: Red Flag- confusion of Causation and Correlation (Article)

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Post 8: Red Flag- confusion of Causation and Correlation (Article)

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Definition:

refers to the failure to properly drive a cause-and-effect link between two events or variables based merely on an observable association or correlation between them.
Connection:
The moon has a big effect on a lot of people’s lives as some believe the moon can trigger intense emotions and irrational behaviors. In ancient times it was first started that the moon has effects on our physical bodies. There was a link between mental illness and the full moon. There was a theory explained by historian John J. Johnston that the water content in the brain was “related” to the certain “tides” of the moon phases. Considering the full moon causes irrational thoughts, behaviors, actions, and severe mental illness. The word lunacy which is known for the moon’s madness is a short word for lunatic, which was written in John J. Johnston’s book. Studies have proven there is no real correlation between the moon and mental health, just that there are effects on other organisms.

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Sleep trouble. Violent behaviour. Mental health. Menstrual cycles. All these and more have at one time or another been associated with the Moon.

Why have people believed that there is a connection between the Moon and human health? And what, if any, is the scientific basis for it?

How the Moon affects humans - a history

Belief in the Moon's influence on human sickness and health is ancient and widespread, from early folklore and medicine through to contemporary accounts of full moons and a rise in violent crime.

One of the oldest objects in the 2019 The Moon exhibition at the National Maritime Museum was a Mesopotamian tablet from 172 BCE. The tablet describes how to ward off the evil effects of a lunar eclipse, which were believed to threaten the life of the king.

In ancient Greece and Rome by contrast, girls were given crescent-shaped amulets on their birthday to protect them from evil spirits. Women also wore them to improve fertility and for protection during childbirth.

By the 16th century, tracking the Moon's position had become an "essential part" of medicine according to Louise Devoy, Curator of Royal Observatory Greenwich. The chart below shows one way in which physicians would determine how the Moon affected their patients.

"They used the black spokes on these rotating paper discs - volvelles' - to keep track of the Moon's position," Devoy explains. "The waxing phases of the Moon were thought to enhance the benefits of bloodletting. In contrast, the Full Moon was thought to intensify a patient's fever. Similarly, apothecaries created herbal remedies using watery plants that were thought to be influenced by the Moon."

Volvelle to show the critical days of illness, Astronomicum Caesareum by Petrus Apianus, 1540 (ZBA7662, National Maritime Museum)

In Hinduism meanwhile the god Chandra embodies the movement and changing faces of the Moon, and is closely aligned with periods of sickness and health.

In one story, Chandra is cursed by 26 of his wives for spending too much time with the 27th wife. His resulting illness 'waxes' and 'wanes', echoing the cycle of the Moon.
Animation by TEXTURE
In India, newspapers still report on the belief that people should avoid eating during a lunar eclipse. An article published in the Times of India before the July 2019 eclipse warned, "It is believed that eating during lunar eclipse is harmful for health, and this is simply because the eclipse leads to emission of strong ultraviolet rays, which impacts cooked food as it is prepared with water, which further attracts emissions, which turns the cooked food into poison."

Lunar cycles and menstrual cycles

There is a long and surprisingly persistent association between the Moon and a woman's menstrual cycle.

Etymologically at least the connection is clear: the Greek word for Moon - 'mene' - and the Latin for month - 'mensis' - provide the root for the term 'menstruation'.

Scientifically, the connection is more dubious.

In 1708, physician Richard Mead published the catchily titled A Discourse concerning the action of the sun and moon on animal bodies and the influence which this may have in many diseases.

Taking inspiration from Isaac Newton's theories, he proposed that the gravitational pull of the Moon affects fluids within the human body, aggravating conditions such as epilepsy and kidney stones as well as menstrual cycles.

"Every one knows how great a Share the Moon has in forwarding those Evacuations of the weaker Sex, which have their Name from the constant Regularity they keep in their Returns," he claimed, adding that the Moon's effect on these "monthly secretions" was more pronounced nearer the Equator.

"It is very observable, that in Countries nearest to the Aequator, where we have proved the Lunar Action to be strongest, these Monthly Secretions are in much greater Quantity than in those near the Poles, where this Force is weakest."

Diagram of the phases of the Moon, 1846-1860 (AST0051.2, National Maritime Museum)

While there is no scientific evidence to support Mead's 18th century theories, the ideas that lunar and menstrual cycles can somehow be 'synced' has persisted.

In 2016, period tracker app Clue analysed data from over 1.5 million users in order to determine whether there could be a correlation between lunar phases and the menstrual cycle.

The study found no link.

"Looking at the data, we saw that period start dates fall randomly throughout the month, regardless of the lunar phase," concluded data scientist Dr Marija Vlajic Wheeler.

Does the Moon affect sleep?

The idea that a Full Moon may result in poor sleep is a consistent theme, but the scientific evidence remains inconsistent.

A study in 2013 conducted with 33 volunteers did find that on average it took them five minutes longer to fall asleep during a Full Moon. Volunteers in the experiment also spent 30% less time in deep sleep.

While it's easy to assume that the increased moonlight from a Full Moon may be the cause of disrupted sleep, this study was held in a sleep laboratory, where the amount of light was tightly regulated each night.

However, following publication of the study, two further experiments failed to replicate the results.

When it comes to the question of whether the Moon affects sleep, the editors of scientific journal Current Biology have this warning: "The conundrum of 'lunar effects on sleep' represents an exemplary case of a scientific question which should be approached with caution, as it may seem much easier than it will likely be."

'Lunacy', the Moon and madness

"For millennia, there has been a widespread belief in the association between the Full Moon and extremes of behaviour linked with mental illness," historian John J. Johnston writes in The Moon exhibition book. "The very word 'lunatic', now thankfully outmoded, is an indicator of the former pervasiveness of this conviction among the general public and medical professionals alike."

Johnston goes on to explain how Aristotle believed that the brain's high water content made it susceptible to the phases of the Moon. These theories on the 'tides' of the mind resulted in a Full Moon becoming associated with violent behaviour, seizures and mental illness.
Read more in The Moon exhibition book Animation by TEXTURE
Later studies have failed to find a correlation between the Moon and mental health. An analysis of 'lunar-lunacy' research published in 1985 concluded that there was no connection between the Moon and incidents such as crime, suicides and mental hospital admissions. A recent study in 2019, analysing the data of 17,966 individuals treated at various psychiatric wards over a period of 10 years, also found " no evidence that our celestial neighbour influences our mental well-being."

Despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence, the popular link between a Full Moon and extreme behaviour continues. In 2007 for example, Brighton police announced that they would be putting more officers on duty during full moons to counter an apparent increase in the number of violent incidents.

So, does the Moon really affect our health and mood?

There is no absolute proof that the Moon affects human mental and physical health, though its effect has been observed in other organisms: corals for instance appear to time their spawning based on the lunar cycle.

As for humans? Niall McCrae, author of The Moon and Madness, has criticised previous scientific studies suggesting a connection between the Moon and health - but stops short of discounting a 'lunar effect' altogether.

"We can be confident that the Moon does not have a noticeable impact on most people's lives most of the time, but we cannot rule out the possibility of its role among various environmental factors that might affect our sleep, moods and vitality," he says.

"Convincing scientific evidence that the Moon affects human biology or mental health has not yet been found," concludes Richard Dunn in The Moon exhibition book. "Nevertheless, its more obvious effects on Earth - through light and gravity and due to its regular cycles - have exerted a powerful influence on how humans have led their lives, whether through the ordering of time, the ability to navigate, or attempts to determine what the future might hold."
Main image: 'Impact of a Meteoroid During the Total Lunar Eclipse', © Rafael Ruiz (Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2019)

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Can the Moon affect our health and behaviour?

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From sleep and menstrual cycles to full moons and 'lunacy', discover the history and science behind the Moon's supposed effect on humans

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Post 9: Red Flag- All natural ( Article)

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Post 9: Red Flag- All natural ( Article)

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Definition:

"All natural" refers to the belief that items with the designation "all-natural" are healthier. This is not true, because the requirements for being all-natural are so low that the label has no relevance, to say nothing of the fact that many substances found in nature are lethal.

Connection:
Homeopathic usage that has no physical scientific evidence can be found frequently at your local drugstore. These products with only "claims" tend to be strategically placed beside actual medications with real ingredients to hide in plain sight. Experts say that the products being sold under "homeopathic" are usually mainly sugar/water pills with no active ingredients working to their "claims". A team of journalists asked pharmacists if they would recommend homeopathic remedies to treat children's cough and cold symptoms over real medication. This resulted in 6/10 pharmacists agreeing that homeopathic products will work better. This is ethically unjust as we trust in these healthcare professionals to know what is best for us, especially children. There is no justification for promoting remedies that will not actually work.

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Tiffany Foxcroft, Tyana Grundig, Asha Tomlinson

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Hidden camera reveals some pharmacists recommend homeopathic products to treat kids’ cold and flu

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Some pharmacists working in Canada’s top drugstores are recommending homeopathic products to consumers, even though, experts say, these products are essentially sugar water or sugar pills with no scientific evidence they can do what they claim, a CBC Marketplace investigation has found.

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Everything You Need to Know About Angel Numbers

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Post 10: Reason for Belief- patternicity (Article)  

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Post 10: Reason for Belief- patternicity (Article)  

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Definition:
Patternicity is the human brain searching for patterns and correlations in things we see here or experience. Stemming from our survival instinct, finding patterns in everyday occurrences tends to meld into our beliefs and the way we perceive information coming from the senses.
Connection:

Numerology, belief that numbers hold power and coincide with different events. Angel Numbers are a part of this, where a repetition of 3 of the same number is supposedly your angel trying to tell you something (ex. Seeing 444 is telling you to be more grounded and search for guidance, or 777 is supposed to represent good luck and fortune). The pattern of seeing the same 3 numbers in succession of each other has some believe it truly is their angel trying to send them a message, where reality sits it's just a mere coincidence the brain is trying to convince you is way harder than it actually is. The clock does strike 3:33 twice (on a 12 hour clock) but that is only as remarkable of a time as 3:52 is and so on, angel numbers are nothing more than the brain focusing on something completely trivial just because it's a small pattern.

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Here's how to interpret these perceived messages from the universe.

Have you ever looked at your phone, only to discover the time is exactly 11:11? Or perhaps you noticed your favorite song is two minutes and twenty-two seconds long, and moments later ordered a cup of coffee that totaled $2.22? These are referred to as angel numbers and, in the metaphysical realms where practitioners such as myself operate, there are no coincidences (in fact, I coined this term's acronym - TANC - back in 2019, and it's become somewhat of a catchphrase in my work). Angel numbers are the perfect example of this TANC phenomenon. You can find references to angel numbers all over Instagram, Witchtok (and Astrologytok and Manifestationtok, for that matter). So what do they mean? What do they tell us? And how can we work with them? Let's dive in!

What are angel numbers?

Within numerology, angel numbers are number sequences (usually three or four numbers) that contain repetition (such as 111 or 4444) and/or patterns (such as 321 or 8787). Although they may appear in the most ordinary places, these digits usually grab our attention and - even if for only a moment - evoke a sense of wonder. The reason we're enchanted by these sequences, however, is an extension of their symbolism: It is believed that these numbers are messages from the spiritual universe that offer insight, wisdom, and directionality. Whether you assign them to angels, guides, ancestors, spirits, or simply a higher state of your own consciousness, angel numbers can confirm you're on the right path, shed invaluable insight on a complicated situation, or even illuminate the powerful, mystical meaning behind recurring themes you experience throughout your life.

Believe it or not, the power and significance of repeating integers has actually been around for hundreds of years. The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras was a brilliant mathematician, but - in addition to inventing unique quantitative solutions - Pythagoras believed that our reality is a physical manifestation of the energetic vibration of numbers. Fast-forward a few thousand years, and an author named Doreen Virtue published dozens of books in the early 2000s on "angel numbers," coining the term and exploring the unique, mystical messages baked into number sequences. And, over the past two decades, this concept has taken the metaphysical community by storm. Whether you believe that angels are sending you hyper-specific messages or that your subconscious is affirming your consciousness, angel numbers have made a lasting impression on our psyche.

What makes angel numbers special?

One of the ways angel numbers differ from other esoteric practices is that they're not linked to your birth information. Unlike the zodiac signs, astrology birth charts, or even calculating your life path number in numerology, Angel Numbers aren't determined by your date, time, and/or location of birth. While zodiac sign personality traits offer insight on your likes, dislikes, tastes, and preferences, angel numbers don't shed light on your identity, but rather the ways in which you're moving through the world. Another important characteristic of angel numbers is that they're extremely fluid: You may be followed by an angel number for years, or you may experience an angel number as a singular occurrence. There's no hierarchy in the way you encounter this mystical signature (in other words, a long-term connection isn't more meaningful than a one-time observation) - the most important thing is that you're paying attention.

Of course, like all things in the metaphysical space (astrology, tarot, palm reading, etc.), numerology is also subjective. One of my favorite things about being a metaphysical practitioner in this era is that all practices emphasize agency, free will, and autonomy. Resources shouldn't be prescriptive, but rather, perspective - the more you learn, the more comfortable you are cultivating your own ideas, impressions, and interpretations. The way you understand and experience mysticism is totally unique to your own reality, so don't be afraid to tap into your individual truths as you fortify your relationship with spirituality.

Where can you find angel numbers?

Part of what makes angel numbers so magical is that they appear in the most ordinary places. Angel numbers show up on clocks, timestamps, and alarms. They appear in addresses, phone numbers, and license plates. Angel numbers may even show up in receipts, price tags, and travel itineraries. You could chalk this up to frequency illusion or you could consider TANC: The reason angel numbers appear in the most mundane environments is because the spiritual universe is intentionally offering a gentle reminder that you're moving through something greater than any day-to-day circumstance could ever express. You're on a mission. There's a purpose. And, especially when the road ahead feels foggy and unknown, the presence of an angel number can feel like a warm embrace. To quote Kris Jenner (who may or may not be the guardian angel of Calabasas, California), the appearance of angel numbers is basically saying "you're doing amazing, sweetie!"

What do angel numbers mean?

One of my favorite aspects of angel numbers is that their meaning is personal. For example, one person may see "333" as a sign they're on the right track, whereas someone else may experience "333" as a validation of intuition. When you observe an angel number, my recommendation is to stop, grab a pen and paper (or the notes app on your phone), and jot down whatever thoughts, ideas, or impressions come to mind. That way, you can cultivate a unique relationship with that angel number and, anytime it shows up in the future, you have already defined what that sequence means in your life.

In numerology, however, different numbers carry different symbolism, so as you're beginning to develop your unique relationship with angel numbers, you can work with the powerful spiritual interpretations of digits to understand the meaning behind certain sequences.

Zero is associated with new opportunities. When you witness zero in a sequence (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern), this could signify a fresh start. You're at the very beginning of a brand new cycle, which means you can create whatever your heart desires. Don't be afraid to make big, bold decisions at this point in your journey.

One is a powerful manifestation figure. If you encounter one as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern), relish the opportunity to make a wish, set an intention, or plant a seed, as this is believed to indicate a "greenlight" from the universe. You are working with extraordinary support from your angels, guides, or ancestors, so - at that moment - the present and future are dynamically connected.

Two suggests balance, trust, and alignment. Experiencing two in a sequence (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) could mean that someone - either in the physical realm or spiritual domain - is helping you get where you need to go. Seeing twos could indicate that it's an excellent time to reach out to your most trusted companion to see if divine collaboration is possible.

Three is an indication of magnetic creativity. Noticing three as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) could mean that you have the opportunity to add your unique talents and abilities to a situation. Moreover, the presence of three indicates that by leaning into your innate gifts, you'll find more value and abundance in whatever circumstances you are navigating. Your artistic expression is critical!

Four symbolizes stabilization. Observing four as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) suggests that you are in the process of grounding, rooting, and cultivating an infrastructure that's truly built to last. When interacting with four, don't be afraid to ask for help or assistance, especially if you're navigating long-term projects that require specific expertise. Fundamentally, this is about establishing trust that will empower you to reach new heights.

The presence of five suggests that major changes could be on the horizon. If you've been feeling stuck, stifled, or inspired, observing five as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) reveals that massive shifts might be in the works. For now, these transformations may be occurring behind-the-scenes - in other words, key decision-makers are still weighing options - but five appear as an angel number suggests you're on the right path.

Although some may fear six (especially in a triplet) because of religious associations with the Devil or demon figures, within angel numbers, six (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) has a supportive, compassionate, and empathetic nature. Six can be a gentle, much-needed reminder to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Sure, things may not always go according to plan, but with angel number six on your side, you know that you can choose how you want to interpret a situation, remembering that everything happens for a reason.

Seven is as lucky in angel numbers as it is at the casino! Experiencing seven as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) means that good fortune - especially finance-wise - could be on the way. New monetary opportunities may arise, so seven invites you to branch out and explore possibilities beyond your comfort zone. Short-term gigs may become lucrative, consistent income streams, so integrating your spirituality with your values is the perfect expression of this energy.

One of the most divine numbers in numerology is eight, and observing this digit as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) could reflect a connection to the spiritual universe in a powerful way. Those who believe in an afterlife may see eights as a sign that they're receiving supernatural support from loved ones who've crossed on. Fundamentally, eight is the symbol of infinity - the endless loop that transcends any singular lifetime - so don't be afraid to dive into your intuition when this angel number appears.

As the final digit in numerology, the presence of nine suggests a chapter may be coming to an end. Witnessing nine as an angel number (either within a set of three, four, or within a pattern) is sign that a meaningful cycle could come to a close, and you'll soon be beginning a brand new journey. Likewise, this is an excellent time to step outside your comfort zone, expand your horizons, and explore new territory. Whether you're interested in venturing into a new career or going back to school, the spiritual universe will be sure to support your courageous choices.

Aliza Kelly is a celebrity astrologer, columnist, author, and host. Referred to as a "rising star" in modern spirituality, Aliza has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, The Cut, and many other publications. She's the author of three books: The Mixology of Astrology: Cosmic Cocktail Recipes for Every Sign; Starring You: A Guided Journey Through Astrology; and This Is Your Destiny: Using Astrology to Manifest Your Best Life.

Beginning your own spiritual journey? Start here:
Now, see the signs you're most compatible with romantically:
Find Aliza on Instagram.

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Everything You Need to Know About Angel Numbers

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Are you always looking at the clock at 11:11, or noticing your takeout often comes out to $22.22? Astrologer Aliza Kelly tells us how to find angel numbers and use numerology to interpret messages from the universe.

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Post 11: Reason for Belief- Unexplained (Article)

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Post 11: Reason for Belief- Unexplained (Article)

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Definition:

Unexplained is a reason for belief, it happens when something unfathomable to what we understand happens. When this unexplainable event happens we try to rationalize that experience in our own way or take it as fact.
Connection:

When the unexplainable does happen our brains tend to run wild with fantasies and possible outcomes we know shouldn't be true. So when animal carcasses were being found exsanguinated and no visible sign of damage aside bite marks, they assumed it must be the work of some vampire creature now known as Chupacabara (Meaning Goat Sucker). Instead of looking for the rationale in these attacks on the animals, and a natural explanation for the farm animals' blood loss (such as it had been consumed by insects). They jumped to speculation and hysteria due to the cause of their death, only being fueled later on by sightings and the story gaining popularity. All “bodies” of Chupacabra have been identified as just canines with mange leading to their hairless appearance (similar to what has been detailed as the creature), there is always a truth buried in the unexplainable you just have to look for it not cling to speculation.

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To use a simple definition, " cryptids" are animals whose existence is unproven.

Is there, for example, a winged beast with cloven hooves and the head of a goat stalking the New Jersey Pine Barrens? The answer is almost certainly "no."

Reported sightings of this so-called " Jersey Devil" go way back. It's said that Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, encountered the thing sometime in the 19th century. Yet no corpse or live specimen has ever been documented by the scientific community.

That matters.

Take it from skeptic Michael Shermer, who wrote the following breakdown in his foreword to " Abominable Science: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie and Other Famous Cryptids" by Daniel Loxton and Donald R. Prothero:

How then should we deal with cryptid claims and anecdotes? Shermer writes that "until a body is produced, skepticism is the appropriate response."

Still, whether you believe in any of these unverified creatures or not, nobody can deny their cultural significance.

Some cryptids are economic powerhouses, drawing tourists to places that might otherwise get overlooked. Cryptids have also been immortalized by soap brands, Minor League Baseball teams and low-budget Disney movies. Heck, at least one of them prompted an official memo from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal.

From Mongolian Deathworms to Mokele-mbembe, here are seven cryptids who've garnered celebrity status.

1. The Loch Ness Monster, aka: "Nessie"

"Loch Ness monster Spotted Again!" declared the Sept. 25, 2021 edition of the New York Post. Drone footage appearing to show a huge, long-necked animal beneath Loch Ness - a 22-square-mile (56-square-kilometer) lake in northern Scotland - had been recently uploaded to the internet, as reported by the Post.

Alas, the video turned out to be a hoax. Someone had clearly edited the footage and its "monster" bears a striking resemblance to one mass-produced plesiosaur toy.

Plesiosaurs, for the record, were seagoing reptiles that coexisted with dinosaurs between about 201 and 66 million years ago. Many species had long necks, small heads and needle-shaped teeth.

The first modern "sighting" of a giant monster in Loch Ness dates back to August 1933. Many subsequent accounts describe an animal that sounds a bit plesiosaur-esque.

Perhaps what people are really seeing is some type of misidentified native fish. Or maybe Scotland's geology is playing tricks on us.

Loch Ness is bordered by a natural fault line that sometimes produces tremors. Those can send bubbles and waves dancing across the water's surface. Viewed from a distance, such disturbances might possibly be mistaken for the thrashings of a giant lake beast.

2. The Yeti, aka: "The Abominable Snowman"

Most "eyewitness" testimonies say this cryptid has brown, black or red-brown fur.

So why are Hollywood yetis almost always white-haired? (" Monsters Inc." has some explaining to do.)

A shaggy biped with ties to Central Asian folklore, the yeti is said to dwell in the Himalayan Mountains and Tibetan Plateau. Cryptozoologists usually interpret it as some kind of primate - possibly akin to the orangutan.

Stories about weird footprints in the snow beds around Mt. Everest made yetis world famous during the early 20th century. Eventually, the U.S. government took notice. On Nov. 30, 1959, the American embassy in Nepal released a document outlining the official regulations for yeti hunters in the area.

3. Mothman

The riverside city of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, has a museum, a statue and a recurring festival all dedicated to the one and only "Mothman."

Believers will tell you the creature's got glowing red eyes. Other attributes include massive wings and a tall, vaguely humanoid stature.

In 1966, the " Point Pleasant Register" started reporting on Mothman sightings. When the nearby Silver Bridge over the Ohio River collapsed Dec. 15, 1967 - killing 46 people - there were rumors that Mothman was connected to the disaster.

Those rumblings inspired John Keel's 1975 book " The Mothman Prophecies" and its 2002 film adaptation (which starred Richard Gere and Laura Linney).

4. Mokele-mbembe

Mothman wasn't the only cryptid to go Hollywood, as it were.

" Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend" is a 1985 Disney movie about 20th-century dinosaurs who live off the grid in the Congo River Basin. The picture drew inspiration from Africa's fabled Mokele-mbembe.

In case you hadn't heard, this thing is supposed to be a huge water monster resembling the herbivorous, long-necked and very much extinct dinosaur, Brontosaurus.

During the early 20th century, animal merchant Carl Hagenbeck popularized the belief that non-avian dinosaurs were still at large in Africa. Back in his day, a lot of museum displays portrayed Brontosaurus and its kin as water-bound lake creatures.

Yet there's no evidence to support this. Indeed, thanks to bone and trackway evidence, it's now clear that the magnificent animals were fully terrestrial landlubbers.

5. Chupacabra

What on Earth drove the mayor of Canovanas, Puerto Rico, to form an armed posse with 200 people and a caged goat?

Monster stories, that's what.

The year was 1995 and there'd been some horrific reports about a mysterious beast slaughtering domestic animals left and right. It was said the creature drained the blood of its victims, leaving fatal injuries behind.

Eventually, the cryptid became known as "El Chupacabra," which means " the goat-sucker" in Spanish.

Over in Mexico and the southwestern United States, coyotes and raccoons suffering from mange - which can render them all but hairless - are occasionally misidentified as chupacabras.

6. Mongolian Death Worm

On his expeditions to Mongolia during the 1920s, American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews heard stories about a bizarre animal called the "allergorhai-horhai." Since then, it's picked up a wicked nickname: the "Mongolian Death Worm."

As recounted by Scientfic American, he told these tales in a 1922 Asia Magazine article, writing that the organism "is shaped like a sausage about two feet long, has no head nor legs and is so poisonous that merely to touch it means instant death. It lives in the most desolate parts of the Gobi Desert, whither we were going."

Cryptozoologist Ivan Mackerle later added to the mythos, claiming the worm could kill full-grown men with a high-voltage electrical attack.

7. Sasquatch, aka: "Bigfoot"

Sasquatches need no introduction. A 2020 poll found that 11 percent of U.S. adults believe the legendary, upright-walking apes really do exist.

The term "Bigfoot" originated in a 1958 newspaper column. Written by Andrew Gonzoli of the Humboldt Times, the piece describes mysterious footprints that were found at a construction site in northern California.

Fast-forward to 2003. That year, Raymond Wallace - a logger who'd worked on the site - passed away at age 84. Wallace's surviving children told the press their late father had faked those monster prints in '58. His tools of choice? Feet-shaped wooden carvings.

Photos and plaster casts of other alleged Bigfoot tracks have been met with skepticism from zoologists.

But, at least we'll always have " Harry and the Hendersons."

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From Bigfoot to Nessie: 7 Legendary Cryptids That'll Keep You up at Night

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To use a simple definition, " cryptids" are animals whose existence is unproven. Is there, for example, a winged beast with cloven hooves and the head of a goat stalking the New Jersey Pine Barrens? The answer is almost certainly "no." Reported sightings of this so-called " Jersey Devil" go way back.

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Post 12: Reasons for Belief- Perception and Observation (Article)

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Post 12: Reasons for Belief- Perception and Observation (Article)

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Definition:
The way we Perceive and Observe the world can be affected in many ways. What we believe can also have an adverse effect on the observations we make day to day, what to some people might be a miracle would be just a normal sight for others and vice versa.
Connection:

People always want to believe that there is more in the woods than there actually is, since the “sighting” of Bigfoot/Sasquatch in California in 1967 there have been thousands of others all over densely wooded areas of North America. Being in the woods can affect your Perception and Observation, especially when you're in thick brush. The so-called sightings are most likely just a black bear standing for a few seconds or even just another hiker enjoying the woods at a distance. Research has shown the number of black bears in an area greatly affect the number of sightings, People will see what they want to instead of taking a second to discern if what their mind and eyes are relaying the same message.

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Post 13: Reason for belief- Ideology ( Article)

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Post 13: Reason for belief- Ideology ( Article)

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Definition:

Ideologies are the groupings of like minded thoughts, people, sayings and actions that start ideas that group together. These collections of ideas often congregate into beliefs and decisions based upon those beliefs.
Connection:

The Wendigo is a voracious creature/spirit, known widely among tribes of Canada's and northern parts of the United States aboriginal peoples. Though some small differences appear between the different tribes, the overarching implications and look of the creature are the same. Its hunger for human skin can not be tamed, it will hunt any person in its territory and there is a chance to be possessed by the spirit itself. The ideology surrounding this terrifying creature stems solely from one thing: cannibalism. Hundreds of years ago in the harsh winters this was something people sometimes had to resort to survive, so the story told by chiefs of the Wendigo was to warn the people against these actions. The whole idea could also be applied to a problem that also affected people which is “Wendigo Psychosis”, this type of psychosis affected people's actions and mentality making them hunger for only human flesh. The creature served as a warning for others what they would become, if they too succumbed to this desire.

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The Wendigo was gaunt to the point of emaciation; its desiccated skin pulled tautly over its bones. With its bones pushing out against its skin, its complexion the ash gray of death, and its eyes pushed back deep into their sockets; the Wendigo looked like a gaunt skeleton recently disinterred from the grave. What lips it had were tattered and bloody. Its body was unclean and suffering from suppurations of the flesh, giving off a strange and eerie odor of decay and decomposition, of death and corruption.
- Basil Johnston, Ojibwe teacher and scholar, Ontario, Canada.
In Minnesota's north woods, the forests of the Great Lake Region, and the central regions of Canada are said to live a malevolent being called a wendigo (also spelled windigo). This creature may appear as a monster with some human characteristics or as a spirit who has possessed a human being and made them monstrous. It is historically associated with cannibalism, murder, insatiable greed, and cultural taboos against such behaviors. Known by several names - Windigo, Witigo, Witiko, and Wee-Tee-Go - each roughly translates to "the evil spirit that devours mankind."

This creature has long been known among the Algonquian Ojibwe, Eastern Cree, Saulteaux, Westmain Swampy Cree, Naskapi, and Innu peoples. They have described them as giants, many times larger than human beings. Although descriptions can vary somewhat, common to all these cultures is the view that the wendigo is a malevolent, cannibalistic, supernatural being strongly associated with winter, the north, coldness, famine, and starvation.

The Algonquian legend describes the creature as"

"a giant with a heart of ice; sometimes, it is thought to be entirely made of ice. Its body is skeletal and deformed, with missing lips and toes."

The Ojibwa describe it:

"It was a large creature, as tall as a tree, with a lipless mouth and jagged teeth. Its breath was a strange hiss, its footprints full of blood, and it ate any man, woman, or child who ventured into its territory. And those were the lucky ones. Sometimes, the Wendigo chose to possess a person instead, and then the luckless individual became a Wendigo himself, hunting down those he had once loved and feasting upon their flesh."

According to the legends, a Wendigo is created whenever a human resorts to cannibalism to survive. In the past, this occurred more often when Indians and settlers found themselves stranded in the bitter snows and ice of the north woods. Sometimes stranded for days, survivors might have felt compelled to cannibalize the dead to survive. Other versions of the legend cite that a Wendigo might also possess humans who displayed extreme greed, gluttony, and excess. Thus the myth served as a method of encouraging cooperation and moderation.

Native American versions of the creature spoke of a gigantic spirit over fifteen feet tall that had once been human but had been transformed into a creature by magic. Though the descriptions of the creature vary slightly, the Wendigo is generally said to have glowing eyes, long yellowed fangs, terrible claws, and overly long tongues. Sometimes they are described as having sallow, yellowish skin, and other times, they are covered with matted hair. The creature is said to have several skills and powers, including stealth, is a near-perfect hunter, knows and uses every inch of its territory, and can control the weather through dark magic. They are also portrayed as simultaneously gluttonous and emaciated from starvation.

Wendigos are said to be cursed to wander the land, eternally seeking to fulfill their voracious appetite for human flesh, and if there is nothing left to eat, it starves to death.

The legend lends its name to the disputed modern medical term Wendigo psychosis. Some psychiatrists consider it a syndrome that creates an intense craving for human flesh and a fear of becoming a cannibal. Ironically, this psychosis occurs in people living around the Great Lakes of Canada and the United States. Wendigo psychosis usually develops in the winter in individuals isolated by heavy snow for long periods. The initial symptoms are poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Subsequently, the individual develops a delusion of being transformed into a Wendigo monster. People who have Wendigo psychosis increasingly see others around them as being edible. At the same time, they have an exaggerated fear of becoming cannibals.

The most common response when a person showed signs of Wendigo psychosis was a curing attempt by traditional native healers. In past cases, if these attempts failed and the possessed person began to threaten those around them or to act violently or anti-socially, they were executed. There have been reports regarding this psychosis dating back hundreds of years.

A 1661 Jesuit Relations document stated:

"What caused us greater concern was the intelligence that met us upon entering the Lake, namely, that the men deputed by our Conductor to summon the Nations to the North Sea, and assigning them a rendezvous, where they were to await our coming, had met their death the previous Winter in a very strange manner. Those poor men (according to the report given us) were seized with an ailment unknown to us but not very unusual among the people we were seeking. They are afflicted with neither lunacy, hypochondria, nor frenzy; but have a combination of all these species of disease, which affects their imaginations and causes them a more than canine hunger. This makes them so ravenous for human flesh that they pounce upon women, children, and even upon men, like veritable werewolves, and devour them voraciously, without being able to appease or glut their appetite - ever seeking fresh prey, and the more greedily, the more they eat. This ailment attacked our deputies, and, as death is the sole remedy among those simple people for checking such acts of murder, they were slain in order to stay the course of their madness."

Another documented case occurred in 1878 when a Plains Cree trapper from Alberta named Swift Runner suffered one of the worst cases. Swift Runner was a trader with the Hudson's Bay Company who was married and the father of six children. In 1875, he served as a guide for the North West Mounted Police.

During the winter of 1878-79, Swift Runner and his family were starving, along with numerous other Cree families. His eldest son was the first to die of starvation, and at some point, Swift Runner succumbed to Wendigo psychosis. Though emergency food supplies were available at Hudson's Bay Company post some 25 miles away, he did not attempt to travel there. Instead, he killed the remaining members of his family and consumed them. He eventually confessed and was executed by authorities at Fort Saskatchewan.

A Wendigo allegedly made several appearances near Rosesu in Northern Minnesota from the late 1800s through the 1920s. Each time it was reported, an unexpected death followed, and finally, it was seen no more.

Another well-known case involving Wendigo psychosis was that of Jack Fiddler, an Oji-Cree chief and medicine man known for his powers at defeating wendigos. Fiddler claimed to have defeated 14 wendigos during his lifetime. Some of these creatures were said to have been sent by enemy shamans, and others were members of his band who had been taken with the insatiable, incurable desire to eat human flesh. In the latter case, family members usually asked Fiddler to kill a very sick loved one before they turned wendigo. Fiddler's brother, Peter Flett, was killed after turning wendigo when the food ran out on a trading expedition. Hudson's Bay Company traders, the Cree, and missionaries knew the Wendigo legend, though they often explained it as mental illness or superstition. Regardless, several incidents of people turning wendigo and eating human flesh are documented in the company's records.

In 1907, the Canadian authorities arrested Fiddler and his brother Joseph for murder. Jack committed suicide, but Joseph was tried and sentenced to life in prison. He ultimately was granted a pardon but died three days later in jail before receiving the news of this pardon.

Among the Assiniboine, the Cree, and the Ojibwe, a satirical ceremonial dance is sometimes performed during famine to reinforce the seriousness of the wendigo taboo.

The frequency of Wendigo psychosis cases decreased sharply in the 20th century as the Native Americans came into greater and greater contact with Western ideologies.

However, Wendigo creature sightings are still reported, especially in northern Ontario, near the Cave of the Wendigo, and around Kenora, where traders have allegedly spotted it, trackers and trappers for decades. Many still believe that the Wendigo roams the woods and the prairies of northern Minnesota and Canada. Many have given Kenora, Ontario, Canada, the title of Wendigo Capital of the World. Sightings of the creature in this area have continued well into the new millennium.

© Kathy Alexander/ Legends of America, updated December 2022.

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In the forests of the Great Lakes Region, and the north central regions of Canada is said to live a malevolent being called a wendigo.