Congratulations on the forthcoming bouncing bundle of joy is in order!

While Mercury in retrograde has a tendency to create havoc within our lives, being born with that as part of ones astrology isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Children born under this aspect tend to be a bit more philosophical and reflective in their lives than their peers. With people running around without having an ounce of conscience to consequences, its nice to know that these little retrograde people will be around to help us see clear through the muck.

Hi Terry! Power animals, also known as Totem Animals, are often referred to in the Native American tradition where certain spiritual animal characteristics are influencing parts of our lives. Some have a keen eye for such things while others need a bit more prodding. Take note of any type of animal, insect or bird that may be within your environment. Sometimes these power animal/creatures show up when we need to reflect upon a certain aspect of their energy. Often, we are shown these animals in our dream states as well, so it is always good to keep a pad by your bed and jot down any animals that show up in your dreams.

Now, if you happen to notice this, do a web search for Totem and then the name of the creature. There are an abundance of really informative sites online that can decipher the meanings of the assorted animals that are appearing in your life.

Well Eric, curses, just like prayers, can work. Sometimes the prayer or the curse may take longer than anticipated to come about or it may not be exactly what you anticipated. You will know you have been cursed when things in your life seem to take a turn for the worst. The person who sent a curse has a lot of karmic debt for sending it, so to retaliate in kind is not recommended.

There is a little bit of a catch though. Sometimes someone will send a karmic wheel to someone who has done them wrong. This is a bit of a gray area because it isn’t someone sending you negative energy per se, but sending back exactly what someone sent them. If the person is sent this karmic wheel and is in fact an innocent party, very little will ripple in their lives. This isn’t recommended because, as stated, it does fall into that gray area of working with negative energy and having balls of negative energy floating around just isn’t good for the universe.

Unfortunately, we also live in a world where many people are indeed truly negative and want nothing more than power over others and don’t consider the consequences of their actions. If one of these types cross your path and decide to mess with you for no apparent reason, just take a glass of salt water, put a plate over the top and turn it upside down and place it under your bed. This will work as a shield while you are the most vulnerable, i.e., while you are asleep. Once the water evaporates, you can either refill it or discard the residue in a moving body of water.

Tabitha, my heart goes out to you as there is a lot to deal with in your young life. First and foremost, and hear me clearly on this, a therapist is to help you uncover your issues and problems not dictate how to behave, act or worship. That being said, if you feel that you are not receiving proper treatment, speak with a school guidance counselor immediately. If there is any form of abuse, whether physical or mental, you have the right to call Child Protective Services so that you are taken from a hostile situation and placed somewhere where you can and will be safe.

Religion is a personal issue even when we are young and choose to investigate various denominations. For the record, Wicca is a recognized religion and is even given credence with our US military services.

What I am not understanding is why aren’t you in the custody of your stepmom if she is still married to your father?

The real issue at hand is that you are living with grandparents from another generation and time. Some are open to understanding new ideas with the world around them and others are a closed book. You don’t have to justify or dignify your life, beliefs or existence to anyone. Let your actions speak for themselves. You can still maintain a belief as a Wiccan without involving them in it in any way. If you must do circle work, you can always do it outside of your home away from their prying eyes.

Above all, you do need some sort of support group, whether it is a like-minded peer group or professional service. However, I cannot stress it enough, you are not to tolerate any form of abuse, emotional or otherwise and you have the right to take action to negating it from your life.

Thank you writing to me and for continuing to help make this a popular column with Morbid Outlook readers! Have a question of own? Please write to me at witchhazel@morbidoutlook.com. I can’t promise a personal reply, but I will try my best to answer your questions in an upcoming column.