Is it ethical to purchase from a witch?

[crowley9]

I'd like to start by saying I was raised in a Christian family, with strong morals and ethics. The problem was that I felt suppressed (I wasn't allowed to ask inappropriate questions, couldn't be friends with non-religious people etc). It didn't bother me that much, until I was about 15-16, when I realized I didn't feel good about myself, because I was lying to me too. So I "decided" I didn't want to believe in God anymore, I would still be a good person, help everyone I can, since I feel you don't have to believe in God to be a good person.
I don't flat-out deny God's existence, I just think I'd need a reason to believe in Him. Maybe there is still a higher power out there...
Anyway, lately I've been feeling a little bit down, stress has built up and I feel my immune system is failing me (I've been getting sick more often in the last 2 years). I became invested in finding something to help me and I've come across a gypsy witch selling spring water which is supposed to have beneficial properties to it (curing diseases, giving strength etc.), and is also one of the purest water in the world.

My question is: would it be ethical for me to try it?

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it, and I don't think God approves of it
- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

 

[Deathbydefault]

Your first priority should be figuring out whether or not that water is legit... Which it probably isn't.
Perhaps you wouldn't have to make this ethical/moral decision at all if you consult a medical professional first.

 

[fantome profane]

I'd like to start by saying I was raised in a Christian family, with strong morals and ethics. The problem was that I felt suppressed (I wasn't allowed to ask inappropriate questions, couldn't be friends with non-religious people etc). It didn't bother me that much, until I was about 15-16, when I realized I didn't feel good about myself, because I was lying to me too. So I "decided" I didn't want to believe in God anymore, I would still be a good person, help everyone I can, since I feel you don't have to believe in God to be a good person.
I don't flat-out deny God's existence, I just think I'd need a reason to believe in Him. Maybe there is still a higher power out there...
Anyway, lately I've been feeling a little bit down, stress has built up and I feel my immune system is failing me (I've been getting sick more often in the last 2 years). I became invested in finding something to help me and I've come across a gypsy witch selling spring water which is supposed to have beneficial properties to it (curing diseases, giving strength etc.), and is also one of the purest water in the world.

My question is: would it be ethical for me to try it?

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it, and I don't think God approves of it
- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

I have to ask, how much is this spring water going to cost you?

 

[Quintessence]

Speaking as a Witch, run away quickly. Any Witch worth your time will never claim to be able to cure diseases with something like spring water. A scam artist, on the other hand, will. Real Witches tell you to go see a doctor.

 

[Riverwolf]

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it

First of all, by your own admission, the person selling is a "gypsy." Now, for the record, the term "gypsy" is actually a VERY derogatory term for a very specific group of people who are more properly called "Romani". I strongly recommend doing research on this group before using the term "gypsy".

Second of all, "witch" is a term that has become rather diluted in its meaning over the years, but is starting to become more focused. Specifically, it refers to anyone who practices any of the traditional spellcrafts that are either indigenous to Northern Europe, or formed over the last century in Western civilization using those indigenous traditions as baselines (such as can be found in Wicca).

Do not confuse the two. It's easily possible for a Romani person to practice witchcraft, but don't assume so unless they specifically say so.

Third of all, what @Quintessence said. The water this person is selling is most likely no more "healthy" than bottled water from a corner market(which, for the record, pretty much always comes from spring water... and what this person is selling is almost certainly that very same bottled water being resold under false pretenses).

- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

You say you were raised in a very strict Christian family. As a result, your views on God are going to be very skewed towards what you were raised with. That's fine if it works, but you still clearly have a lot to learn about how much variety there truly is. That's fine. Everyone has to start somewhere.

For example, I'm a polytheist. I don't believe in an omnipotent, omnipresent, omnibenevolent God (or more simply, an "omnimax" God). Rather, I believe in many Gods, each with their own values. What pleases one God will displease another. Which one "created" everything? Probably none of them; there isn't typically a "Creator" in polytheist theologies.

Now... all of that said, I also second what @Deathbydefault said. Seek professional medical help. It could be that you're developing allergies you didn't have before (yes, that can happen), and you'll need the proper treatments. Stress can also do a number on your immune system, speaking from very direct experience. I recommend looking into meditation techniques for that, as well as relaxing music. Plus, no joke, laughter is a FANTASTIC stress-reliever. Expose yourself to anything that makes you laugh. Doing so regularly will reduce your stress.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I'd like to start by saying I was raised in a Christian family, with strong morals and ethics. The problem was that I felt suppressed (I wasn't allowed to ask inappropriate questions, couldn't be friends with non-religious people etc). It didn't bother me that much, until I was about 15-16, when I realized I didn't feel good about myself, because I was lying to me too. So I "decided" I didn't want to believe in God anymore, I would still be a good person, help everyone I can, since I feel you don't have to believe in God to be a good person.
I don't flat-out deny God's existence, I just think I'd need a reason to believe in Him. Maybe there is still a higher power out there...
Anyway, lately I've been feeling a little bit down, stress has built up and I feel my immune system is failing me (I've been getting sick more often in the last 2 years). I became invested in finding something to help me and I've come across a gypsy witch selling spring water which is supposed to have beneficial properties to it (curing diseases, giving strength etc.), and is also one of the purest water in the world.

My question is: would it be ethical for me to try it?

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it, and I don't think God approves of it
- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

There is nothing unethical about it, but you should be aware that you would be buying "snake oil," and this water will not cure diseases, give your strength, or other such claims.
Also, there is nothing inherently bad with witches. If you have an issue with buying stuff off of witches, what about Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Satanists, and others?

 

[Thana]

I'd like to start by saying I was raised in a Christian family, with strong morals and ethics. The problem was that I felt suppressed (I wasn't allowed to ask inappropriate questions, couldn't be friends with non-religious people etc). It didn't bother me that much, until I was about 15-16, when I realized I didn't feel good about myself, because I was lying to me too. So I "decided" I didn't want to believe in God anymore, I would still be a good person, help everyone I can, since I feel you don't have to believe in God to be a good person.
I don't flat-out deny God's existence, I just think I'd need a reason to believe in Him. Maybe there is still a higher power out there...
Anyway, lately I've been feeling a little bit down, stress has built up and I feel my immune system is failing me (I've been getting sick more often in the last 2 years). I became invested in finding something to help me and I've come across a gypsy witch selling spring water which is supposed to have beneficial properties to it (curing diseases, giving strength etc.), and is also one of the purest water in the world.

My question is: would it be ethical for me to try it?

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it, and I don't think God approves of it
- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

I'm not sure it's really a moral dilemma. And I think you already know God wouldn't exactly approve, otherwise you wouldn't have felt the need to ask. But He's not going to condemn you for it either.

And I hope you know that more likely than not, that woman is selling you water from her kitchen tap.

 

[fantome profane]

And I hope you know that more likely than not, that woman is selling you water from her kitchen tap.

And I hope they don't live in Flint Michigan.

 

[crowley9]

Thank you everyone for your responses!

Riverwolf: She actually calls herself a gypsy witch, and as far as my research went, they call each other gypsyes, not romani - the authentic gypsy craftsmen from hundreds of years ago. They try to elevate themselves by using the term “romani”.

fantome profane: it’s €400 per bottle

No, the witch is from Transylvania (Romania). I’ve found her bonanza account and she is confirmed being from Romania. And I kind of have a positive feeling about it, at least because of the location (Transylvania is known for being one of the most mysterious places in the world). Also found some interesting things on her website. I kind of do my research before trying something like this. And her story kind of checks out. There was a spring (found articles on the internet) that romanian presidents used to drink from, to preserve youth, etc. I know it’s weird but she claims to have worked for them in the past and there are articles proving it.

I was just asking if it’s ethical or not. I am willing to try it out.

 

[fantome profane]

fantome profane: it’s €400 per bottle

Am I reading this right? Is that 400 Euros? Did you miss a decimal place?

If I am reading that right please please don't do this. Please take that money and donate it to a good cause. There are people living in this world who don't have access to clean drinking water. There are children who walk for miles to get poisonous water because that is all they can get. Please please don't do this. Do something good with your money, and get a glass of water from the tap.

https://thewaterproject.org/

Not saying you have to do this, but it is a worthwhile charity. But do something good with that money and I think you might feel better.

Please don't waist your money. And if you have real heath problems see a doctor, not a witch doctor.

 

[Riverwolf]

Thank you everyone for your responses!

Riverwolf: She actually calls herself a gypsy witch, and as far as my research went, they call each other gypsyes, not romani - the authentic gypsy craftsmen from hundreds of years ago. They try to elevate themselves by using the term “romani”.

Well, if they're actually Romani people reclaiming the term gypsy, then it's fine. Such people do exist, but always double-check, first.

fantome profane: it’s €400 per bottle

No, the witch is from Transylvania (Romania). I’ve found her bonanza account and she is confirmed being from Romania. And I kind of have a positive feeling about it, at least because of the location (Transylvania is known for being one of the most mysterious places in the world). Also found some interesting things on her website. I kind of do my research before trying something like this. And her story kind of checks out. There was a spring (found articles on the internet) that romanian presidents used to drink from, to preserve youth, etc. I know it’s weird but she claims to have worked for them in the past and there are articles proving it.

I was just asking if it’s ethical or not. I am willing to try it out.

FOUR HUNDRED EUROS?!

That alone is enough proof that it's a scam. NO water is worth that, and if any water source had that kind of properties for real, you bet it'd be studied like crazy and be more well-known. Articles don't "prove" anything; for all you know, they were written and distributed by this same person and any allumni as a way to lend credance to the scam.

Transylvannia is only "mysterious" because of Dracula. In reality, it's just another place Eastern Europe, part of Romania, like any other place.

When that much money is on the line, NEVER settle for "kind of checks out" when it comes to medicine. If it's not from an official source, always assume it's a scam unless several actual doctors and scientists independently corroborate it. Is professional health care not widely available where you live?

 

[crowley9]

I appreciate everyone telling me to seek professional medical help, I've already done that. I've had this problem for the last 2 years. Believe me, witches, spells weren't my first choice, not even the second. I fully understand the lack of evidence from doctors and scientists regarding this water. What I CAN tell you is that it is from a real place, which was closed off during the communism at the order of then-president for his own private use.
The price seems ok to me. You think real witches would sell such a thing for $5-10?
Besides, I am very well aware that it could be a scam, but at this point that is something I'm willing to consider. I hate being angry and frustrated for no apparent reason and at all times.

 

[fantome profane]

I appreciate everyone telling me to seek professional medical help, I've already done that. I've had this problem for the last 2 years. Believe me, witches, spells weren't my first choice, not even the second. I fully understand the lack of evidence from doctors and scientists regarding this water. What I CAN tell you is that it is from a real place, which was closed off during the communism at the order of then-president for his own private use.
The price seems ok to me. You think real witches would sell such a thing for $5-10?
Besides, I am very well aware that it could be a scam, but at this point that is something I'm willing to consider. I hate being angry and frustrated for no apparent reason and at all times.

Ok, then to answer your question directly. It is not ethical. It is unethical all way round. It is unethical for this person to sell you this snake oil at this ridiculous price. And it is unethical of you to waist this money.


So do what you are going to do.

 

[Riverwolf]

I appreciate everyone telling me to seek professional medical help, I've already done that. I've had this problem for the last 2 years. Believe me, witches, spells weren't my first choice, not even the second. I fully understand the lack of evidence from doctors and scientists regarding this water. What I CAN tell you is that it is from a real place, which was closed off during the communism at the order of then-president for his own private use.
The price seems ok to me. You think real witches would sell such a thing for $5-10?

It's water. They should be selling it for a dollar at most, maybe 2 if it's that smart water thing. Heck, in California, restaurants are required by law for water to be free. (Yes, this is despite the drought. And I fully support it.)

Besides, I am very well aware that it could be a scam, but at this point that is something I'm willing to consider. I hate being angry and frustrated for no apparent reason and at all times.

I know. I've been there.

But if it's spellcraft you seek, learn how to cast such spells yourself. I've dabbled in spellcrafts before, they're not that expensive. Honestly, you can probably cast basic spells with stuff you have around the house.

 

[Baladas]

I am not a betting man, but I would be willing to put money on this being a scam.
I would advise looking elsewhere.

I have dealt with con artists before.
At any rate...is it ethical?

All things considered, I wouldn't consider it ethical personally.
Mainly because I consider it a waste of money, because I do not believe you will benefit from it.

In the end, it is your money. Do what you will with it.

I wish you well.

 

[psychoslice]

Is it ethical to purchase from a judgemental dogmatic fundamentalist Christian ?.

 

[Valjean]

You say you were raised to unquestioningly accept unsupported dogma; that questioning was discouraged. Apparently you never acquired any skill in critical analysis, because a more obvious scam can scarce be imagined. She's selling what we Americans call "snake oil" -- a completely bogus cure.

Does she have documentation for her claims? Double blind tests? Articles in medical journals?

Where is she getting this magic water? Do the people living near this spring have a history of unusually good health and longevity? If so, surely the water's been tested to see what's in it. But wait...she say's it's "pure," that means there's absolutely nothing in it but water; it's identical to the distilled water you can buy in any store. But how is this possible? It's spring water -- full of dissolved minerals -- very impure.
Didn't the obvious oxymoron of "pure spring water" set off any alarms?

If magic water is what you're looking for, can't you scoop some holy water from the font in your family's church, for nothing?

 

[Sees]

If anything you should research places considered to have an open to the public sacred/special/healing water source, save up a bit more cash, then take a pilgrimage. Get more for your money with far less chance of being duped.

You don't want to be "that guy"

 

[Sultan Of Swing]

I'd like to start by saying I was raised in a Christian family, with strong morals and ethics. The problem was that I felt suppressed (I wasn't allowed to ask inappropriate questions, couldn't be friends with non-religious people etc). It didn't bother me that much, until I was about 15-16, when I realized I didn't feel good about myself, because I was lying to me too. So I "decided" I didn't want to believe in God anymore, I would still be a good person, help everyone I can, since I feel you don't have to believe in God to be a good person.
I don't flat-out deny God's existence, I just think I'd need a reason to believe in Him. Maybe there is still a higher power out there...
Anyway, lately I've been feeling a little bit down, stress has built up and I feel my immune system is failing me (I've been getting sick more often in the last 2 years). I became invested in finding something to help me and I've come across a gypsy witch selling spring water which is supposed to have beneficial properties to it (curing diseases, giving strength etc.), and is also one of the purest water in the world.

My question is: would it be ethical for me to try it?

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it, and I don't think God approves of it
- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

You can't find a reason to believe in God's existence...

Yet you somehow have found a reason to buy a 400 euro bottle of water.

Please don't throw away money like that.

 

[Aquitaine]

I'd like to start by saying I was raised in a Christian family, with strong morals and ethics. The problem was that I felt suppressed (I wasn't allowed to ask inappropriate questions, couldn't be friends with non-religious people etc). It didn't bother me that much, until I was about 15-16, when I realized I didn't feel good about myself, because I was lying to me too. So I "decided" I didn't want to believe in God anymore, I would still be a good person, help everyone I can, since I feel you don't have to believe in God to be a good person.
I don't flat-out deny God's existence, I just think I'd need a reason to believe in Him. Maybe there is still a higher power out there...
Anyway, lately I've been feeling a little bit down, stress has built up and I feel my immune system is failing me (I've been getting sick more often in the last 2 years). I became invested in finding something to help me and I've come across a gypsy witch selling spring water which is supposed to have beneficial properties to it (curing diseases, giving strength etc.), and is also one of the purest water in the world.

My question is: would it be ethical for me to try it?

I'm battling these:
- since a witch is selling it, and I don't think God approves of it
- but I don't know to what extent I believe in Him
- it's from nature, so why would God have anything against it?

It's a scam, go see a doctor.