A wacky woman who identifies as a real-life vampire claims she survives by feeding off the energy of others.
Hellen Schweizer insists she’s not a blood-sucker.
She describes herself as a psychic vampire who uses the emotional energy of people around her to stay energised.
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Unlike traditional vampires, as well as not drinking blood, she also doesn’t fear mirrors, or sleep in a coffin.
Although she does perform spells, wear custom fangs, and avoid the sun whenever possible.
“Living as a vampire is very spiritual,” Hellen, from Providence, Rhode Island, New England, US, told What’s the Jam.
“I ask people if I can use their energy, I don’t just take it.
“I have music playing, light incense and relax.
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“If they’re ok with it, I put my hand on their chest and we do some breathing and I take their energy.
“They feel more relaxed and I feel energised.
“I carry out spells.
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“I light a candle, focus my energy and attention on giving myself prosperity and protection.
“I do a ritual when the sun goes down where I get my magical tools, kneel with a mirror because vampires can see themselves in the mirror and I recite a mantra ‘I believe in myself and I believe in my power’.”
Hellen says she always felt “different” but it wasn’t until 2016 that she realised her gothic outfits and obsession with vampire culture weren’t just a phase.
She said: “I’m living how I’ve always wanted to live, not pretending to be a good Christian girl because that’s not who I am – I’m a vampire.
“I dress how I want, do my energy work and spell work.
“I always knew that I was different but in 2016 I realised that my vampire outfits weren’t a costume, they’re me.”
Hellen avoids sunlight whenever she can, but doesn’t drink blood because it would be “too much work”.
She said: “I hate getting up in the morning which is very stereotypical.
“I don’t burst into flames when I touch the sun but I feel so drained when I go out in the sun.
“It makes me good for nothing for the rest of the day if I go out in the sun.
“I don’t sleep in a coffin but a lot of people think I do.
“I have a queen-sized bed.
“Drinking blood is a lot of work, you have to be safe, they have to be tested and you need equipment.”
Hellen says she’s often misunderstood and mocked by strangers.
She added: “People say they’ll call Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
“People assume that I’m a serious macabre vampire but I’m silly and fun.
“I want to encourage people to live their best life.
“Don’t pretend to be something you’re not to please someone or behave in society.
“Dress different, practice magic or be a witch or a vampire if you want.
“It isn’t hurting anyone, you’re just being yourself.”
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