Winter solstice, also known as Yule, is an important time for practitioners of Wicca. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and it is a time where the earth is at its most still and quiet. Many rituals and traditions are observed during this sacred time. One common ritual that Wiccans perform during the winter solstice is the lighting of the Yule log. The Yule log is a large log, usually from an oak tree, that is chosen and decorated with festive greens, candles, and other symbols of the season. It is then lit on the evening of the winter solstice to symbolize the return of the light and warmth of the sun.
Influencer and model Remi Bader talked about her experience with the drug and is annoyed that it became a craze. "Now it's considered this trendy drug that is just looking at as negative," she said on a TikTok with WeightDoc. "But what about all the people that need it?" These drugs also come with a hefty price tag. Dr. Celine Gounder, the editor-at-large for public health at Kaiser Health News, said it costs about $15,000 a year. It's part of the reason why we are seeing celebrities jump on this trend. But most insurance companies, along with Medicaid and Medicare, do not cover these drugs. "40 percent of Americans are obese and if you had to treat people at $15,000 a year," Dr. Gounder said. "You are looking at trillions of dollars. More than we already spend on healthcare." There's not much research on the long-term effects of these drugs, but some studies show people become more at risk to pancreatitis, gallstones and kidney disease.
Weight loss TikTok trend triggers shortage of diabetic medication 03 10 But people who are not diabetic and just have the desire to lose weight quickly are picking up the syringe to inject themselves. This includes exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet that is low in calories, animal proteins, and processed foods, and rich in whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, says Dr.
It is then lit on the evening of the winter solstice to symbolize the return of the light and warmth of the sun. Another important aspect of the winter solstice rituals in Wicca is the celebration of the rebirth of the sun god. The winter solstice marks the turning point where the days start to become longer again, and this is seen as a time of hope and renewal.
'Magic pill does not exist': Doctors warn of paying the price for trendy short-term weight loss drugs
CBS News Baltimore Live BALTIMORE - A diabetic drug is taking social media by storm as a quick way to lose weight. But the alarming trend's short-term effects could be hurting you in the long run . Doctors are pleading with people to stop this fad as the soaring demand for it is affecting people who truly need it. It's a hot topic on TikTok with endless personal accounts of people drastically losing weight in a short amount of time. The main drug they are using is called Ozempic, which is a medication designed to stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin for people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss TikTok trend triggers shortage of diabetic medication 03:10 But people who are not diabetic and just have the desire to lose weight quickly are picking up the syringe to inject themselves.
It's even a trend that celebrities like Elon Musk, Rosie O'Donnell and Chelsea Handler have joined by taking similar types of drugs. "It becomes almost this fashionable thing where superstars are using it to stay thin and that's absolutely not its intended use at all," Dr. Neda Frayha, with Ascension St Agnes Primary Care, said. Dr. Frayha said this alarming trend is creating major supply shortages . Therefore, people who truly need the medication are forced to wait for manufacturers to restock it this month.
Influencer and model Remi Bader talked about her experience with the drug and is annoyed that it became a craze. "Now it's considered this trendy drug that is just looking at as negative," she said on a TikTok with WeightDoc. "But what about all the people that need it?" These drugs also come with a hefty price tag. Dr. Celine Gounder, the editor-at-large for public health at Kaiser Health News, said it costs about $15,000 a year. It's part of the reason why we are seeing celebrities jump on this trend. But most insurance companies, along with Medicaid and Medicare, do not cover these drugs. "40 percent of Americans are obese and if you had to treat people at $15,000 a year," Dr. Gounder said. "You are looking at trillions of dollars. More than we already spend on healthcare." There's not much research on the long-term effects of these drugs, but some studies show people become more at risk to pancreatitis, gallstones and kidney disease.
Besides, as soon as people stop taking them, the pounds return. "If you are not on them basically for the rest of your life, the weight comes right back on," Dr. Gounder said. We reached out to Novo Nordisk, the healthcare company that makes Ozempic and Wegovy. In a statement to WJZ, they say these drugs are not intended as lifestyle medications and are prescription only. "While we recognize that some healthcare providers may be prescribing Ozempic® for patients whose goal is to lose weight, it is up to the clinical discretion of each healthcare provider to choose the best treatment approach for their patients," they added. "Novo Nordisk does not promote, suggest, or encourage off-label use of our medicines and is committed to fully complying with all applicable US laws and regulations in the promotion of our products. We trust that healthcare providers are evaluating a patient's individual needs and determining which medicine is right for that particular patient." Rather than trying to find a quick fix, doctors recommend developing a healthier lifestyle to shed the pounds instead. "I think we as a society have been looking for the magic cure, the magic pill sort to speak, to treat overweight and obesity for decades, and that magic pill does not exist," Dr. Frayha said.
Dr. Frayha also encourages people to speak to their healthcare provider to determine what are the best methods to use personally for their health needs.
As we explored in this article, every weight loss medication has associated side effects. Depending on your personal medical history, genetics, and a wide variety of other factors, you may be at an elevated risk of experiencing severe complications or side effects from taking weight loss medications.
Wiccans often gather in groups to perform rituals that honor the sun god and give thanks for the return of the light. In addition to these rituals, Wiccans also engage in practices such as meditation, divination, and spellwork during the winter solstice. This is a time for introspection and setting goals and intentions for the coming year. Many Wiccans also use the winter solstice as an opportunity to connect with nature and the cycles of the earth, taking walks in the woods or spending time outdoors. Overall, the winter solstice is a sacred time in Wicca, where practitioners come together to celebrate the return of the light and the rebirth of the sun. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the coming year. Through rituals and practices, Wiccans connect with the cycles of nature and the spiritual significance of this special time of year..
Reviews for "The role of crystals and gemstones in winter solstice rituals in wicca"
1. John - 1/5
I was extremely disappointed with the "Winter Solstice Rituals Wicca" book. Firstly, I found it to be very poorly written and lacking in depth. The author seemed to assume that the reader already had a strong understanding of Wicca and its rituals, making it difficult for a beginner like myself to follow along. Additionally, the rituals described in the book lacked any real substance and failed to provide any spiritual or meaningful experience. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about or practice Winter Solstice rituals in the Wiccan tradition.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Winter Solstice Rituals Wicca", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the book did provide some basic information about Wicca and the Winter Solstice, I found that it lacked depth and detail. The rituals described were too simplistic and felt more like a quick overview rather than a comprehensive guide. I was hoping for more meaningful and spiritual practices that would connect me with the energy of the solstice, but unfortunately, I did not find that in this book. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre resource for anyone genuinely interested in Winter Solstice rituals in the Wiccan tradition.
3. Emily - 2/5
As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was excited to explore new Winter Solstice rituals through this book. However, I was disappointed by its lack of originality and depth. The author seemed to rely heavily on generic rituals that can be found in any basic Wicca guidebook, offering nothing new or unique to the Winter Solstice traditions. Additionally, the book lacked proper guidance on how to adapt the rituals for individual needs or preferences. Overall, I found "Winter Solstice Rituals Wicca" to be a repetitive and uninspiring read, failing to provide any valuable insights or practices for those already familiar with Wiccan traditions.