Reality of Physical Shifting: Eyes

Original: https://www.facebook.com/notes/amelia-nightside/physical-shifting-eyes/707014752672255
February 2, 2014

It is often claimed, in many communities and subcultures (Vampires, Otherkin and even pagans), that some people experience a physical shift of their eyes. This is often explained as a color change, but also I’ve heard of a change in the shape of the pupil (from the average, human’s round pupil, to a more elliptical pupil like that in a feline).. I will try to explain this phenomenon and if it holds any merit realistically.

First, let’s get some Basics

The eye is a slightly asymmetrical globe, about an inch in diameter. The front part of the eye (the part you see in the mirror) includes:

• The iris (the pigmented part)

• The cornea (a clear dome over the iris)

• The pupil (the black circular opening in the iris that lets light in)

• The sclera (the white part)

• The conjunctiva (a thin layer of tissue covering the front of the eye, except the cornea)

Just behind the iris and pupil lies the lens, which helps to focus light on the back of the eye. Most of the eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. Light projects through the pupil and the lens to the back of the eye. The inside lining of the eye is covered by special light-sensing cells that are collectively called the retina. The retina converts light into electrical impulses. Behind the eye, the optic nerve carries these impulses to the brain. The macula is a small extra-sensitive area within the retina that gives central vision. It is located in the center of the retina and contains the fovea, a small depression or pit at the center of the macula that gives the clearest vision.

Eye color is created by the amount and type of pigment in the iris. Multiple genes inherited from each parent determine a person’s eye color.

– http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/picture-of-the-eyes

 

How Your Eyes Work

Vision begins when light rays are reflected off an object and enter the eyes through the cornea, the transparent outer covering of the eye. The cornea bends or refracts the rays that pass through a round hole called the pupil. The iris, or colored portion of the eye that surrounds the pupil, opens and closes (making the pupil bigger or smaller) to regulate the amount of light passing through. The light rays then pass through the lens, which actually changes shape so it can further bend the rays and focus them on the retina at the back of the eye. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains millions of tiny light-sensing nerve cells called rods and cones, which are named for their distinct shapes. Cones are concentrated in the center of the retina, in an area called the macula. In bright light conditions, cones provide clear, sharp central vision and detect colors and fine details. Rods are located outside the macula and extend all the way to the outer edge of the retina. They provide peripheral or side vision. Rods also allow the eyes to detect motion and help us see in dim light and at night. These cells in the retina convert the light into electrical impulses. The optic nerve sends these impulses to the brain where an image is produced.

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/resources-for-teachers/how-your-eyes-work

(interactive image available at the above link)

Eye Shape

The actual shape of your eyeball is very important. A misshapen eye can actually cause vision problems because it interferes with how light hits the rods and cones at the back of your eye, causing miscommunication from the optic nerves to the brain, this then would require the use of vision aid such as glasses or contacts.

Human eye shapes can affect vision. There are several different types of eyeball shapes: a normal eye, or one that’s emmetropic; an elongated or myopic eyeball, which causes nearsightedness; and a shortened or hyperopic eyeball, which results in farsightedness. The cornea and lens of the eye can also be shaped differently and affect vision.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/69728-human-eye-shape-types/

Pupil

In the eye, the pupil is the opening in the middle of the iris.

It appears black because most of the light entering it is absorbed by the tissues inside the eye.

In humans and many animals (but few fish), the size of the pupil is controlled by involuntary contraction and dilation of the iris, in order to regulate the intensity of light entering the eye.

This is known as the pupillary reflex.

In bright light, the human pupil has a diameter of about 1.5 millimeters, in dim light the diameter is enlarged to about 8 millimeters.

The shape of the pupil varies between species.

Common shapes are circular or slit-shaped, although more convoluted shapes can be found in aquatic species.

The reasons for the variation in shapes are complex; the shape is closely related to the optical characteristics of the lens, the shape and sensitivity of the retina, and the visual requirements of the species.

– http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/p/pupil.htm

More on Pupil shape: http://www.journalofvision.org/content/13/9/607.abstract

Can your pupil change shape? Yes. Is this para-normal? Not really

Read an overview regarding changes in pupils: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/eye-problems-changes-in-your-pupils-topic-overview

Some causes of pupil shape changes include:

• Iritis
• Normal genetic variation
• Multiple sclerosis
• Brain tumor
• Syphilis

http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/symptoms/pupil_symptoms/causes.htm

Eye Color

How do we get it?

Human eye color originates with three genes, two of which are well understood. These genes account for the most common colors — green, brown, and blue. Other colors, such as gray, hazel and multiple combinations are not fully understood or explainable at this time.

We used to think of brown being “dominant” and blue being “recessive.” But modern science has shown that eye color is not at all that simple.

Also, eye colors don’t come out as a blend of the parents’ colors, as in mixing paint. Each parent has two pairs of genes on each chromosome. So multiple possibilities exist, depending on how the “Wheel of Fortune” spins.

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-color.htm

Get your fill gazing at those baby blues now, Mom, because there’s a chance they could become brown (or go green).

….

What’s responsible for this magical transformation in your baby’s eye color? The answer depends on the amount of melanin present in the iris (the colored part of the eye) — and that in turn is determined by the genes your baby has inherited — as well as other factors

http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/ask-heidi/baby-eye-color.aspx

Melanin is a protein. Like other proteins, the amount and type you get is coded in your genes. Irises containing a large amount of melanin appear black or brown. Less melanin produces green, gray, or light brown eyes. If your eyes contain very small amounts of melanin, they will appear blue or light gray. People with albinism have no melanin in their irises and their eyes may appear pink because the blood vessels in the back of their eyes reflect light.

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/f/eyecolor.htm

Finally, the big question:

Can eye color change? Simply put, sure but it’s not likely to be a good thing. Please continue reading…

Also, did you know your eye color can change over time? Since the eyes don’t constantly produce pigment, they can become lighter or darker as time goes on.

Science: What Your Eye Color Reveals About You

↑↑ Notice the words “..as time goes on”. Any natural change in color is a gradual change, not instantaneous as a result of mood, shifts or energy levels and related experiences.

Changes (lightening or darkening) of eye colors during puberty, early childhood, pregnancy, and sometimes after serious trauma (like heterochromia) do represent cause for plausible argument to state that some eyes can or do change, based on chemical reactions and hormonal changes within the body.

Studies on Caucasian twins, both fraternal and identical, have shown that eye color over time can be subject to change, and major demelanization of the iris may also be genetically determined. Most eye-color changes have been observed or reported in the Caucasian population with hazel and amber eyes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_color#Changes_in_eye_color

Why does my eye color change hourly? P.S. I am not joking.

Answer 1:

The quick answer is that yours eyes don’t change, but the way we see your eyes does. I said it was quick, not quick to understand. Here’s what’s happening. When we see something, we are really seeing light that comes from some source (a lamp, the sun, etc.) then bounces off an object and into our own eyes. There are some great tutorials on light and color at:

http://www.microscopy.fsu.edu/optics/lightandcolor/index.html.

Just click on a topic and an animation will be activated.

The angle we observe an object from can change the apparent color of an object. Take a glossy photograph or magazine picture and look at it from various angles. The picture doesn’t change, but the way we see it does. So does the light source. Look at the ocean on different days and from different angles (on the beach, from the pier, from the hills) and you will see a similar effect.

When different amounts and types of light (fluorescent, sunlight, etc.) hit your eyes from different angles, or we look at your eyes from different angles, they will seem to be different colors. When your pupil (the hole in the middle of your eye) is more dilated (open) or constricted (closed), the color will also seem to change. Imagine you stretch a balloon out; the color will lighten as the material stretches. Dilation or constriction of your pupil will also change light angles.

Your eyes may seem to change more than your friends’ eyes do if you have different pigments (colors) in your iris (the colored part of your eye).

By the time you understand why the color of your eyes seems to change, you will have learned a lot about both color and how yours eyes work

http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=916

↑↑ Based on this answer, one could say that even our own perceptions of our eyes as a third person, like through a mirror, could change depending on changes in light and angle.

The levels of melanin generally remain the same throughout life, but a few things can change them permanently.

The first is a handful of ocular diseases like pigmentary glaucoma. Another is a condition called heterochromia, or multicolored eyes, which affects about 1 percent of the population and is often caused by traumatic injuries. An example of this can be seen in the rock star David Bowie, who attributes his contrasting eye colors, hazel and light blue, to a blow to the face as a child.

The third cause appears to be genetics. A study in 1997, for example, looked at thousands of twins and found that 10 percent to 15 percent of the subjects had gradual changes in eye color throughout adolescence and adulthood, which occurred at nearly identical rates in identical twins.

What causes the iris of the eye to change color? For most of my life, my iris color in each eye was dark brown. When I was in my 50s, the color began to lighten. I’m now 62, and the iris color is hazel, a mix of brown and green. Also, my father’s eyes slowly changed from hazel to pale blue by the time he was in his 70s…

Caucasian population will see a change in their eye color as they age. In the case of you and your father, the eye color changed due either to a gradual decrease in the number of pigment granules in the iris or to a degradation of the granules.

http://articles.philly.com/2012-07-03/entertainment/32509150_1_oxygen-eye-disease-blue-eyes

3 Know that you can’t permanently alter your eye color naturally. Although many of us may dream of having a different eye color, unless you undergo surgery or opt for contacts you won’t be able to permanently change the colors of your iris’. There are a few things that will change your color for a short period of time, but they are not permanent. Be careful about what you choose to do to change your eye color, as it may cause damage to your eyes or be unhealthy in other ways. As with all things, use caution and good judgment before altering your body. Talk to your doctor for further opinions on altering your eye color.

4 Understand that a drastic change in eye color could be a symptom of a serious illness. If you notice that your eyes have significantly lightened or darkened, you should visit your doctor for an appointment immediately. Drastic changes in eye color are symptoms of multiple ocular diseases and infections, and may be dangerous to your body. A small shift in eye color may be natural, but completely changing colors (for example, brown to blue) could be a serious symptom.

http://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Eye-Color-Naturally

One other possibility is magick, more specifically, Glamour spells. It is however, my belief that the real world is not like The Craft, and that glamour spells only effect others’ observations of you, not your actual appearance or physical body.. I also believe that, regardless of how it’s changed, it is not a permanent change.

Werewolves, Lycanthropy & Skinwalkers

Originally shared by: Amelia Nightside on Sunday, March 25, 2012

*additional sources may need to be cited.

Werewolves

So, what actually is werewolf or lycanthropy?

Is it a fact based on concrete evidences?

Is it a myth, fabrication of feeble minds?

Is it an exaggeration of some other things?

Well, all these questions have been puzzling mankind for last 5 centuries. Though many ingenious hypotheses have been suggested as possible explanations, definite conclusion can’t be drawn. Some experts have tried to observe it as purely supernatural phenomena while others have relied on scientific observations. Contradictions and debates still persist and will continue till any single theory solves the jigsaw which seems unlikely considering complexity and diversity of the topic. Nonetheless, the werewolf phenomenon has not perished yet; recent werewolf sightings are still reported.

The word werewolf is most likely to derive from two old-Saxon words, wer (meaning man) and wolf. Frequently used Greek terms Lycanthropy refers to the transformation process while Lycanthrope, which is in fact synonymous to werewolf, is the afflicted person. The popular definition of werewolf or lycanthrope is a man who transforms himself or being transformed into a wolf under the influence of full moon. – http://alam25.tripod.com/

Possible Explanations for the Werewolf phenomenon

• Robert Burton, the clergyman and scholar, considered lycanthrope to be a form of madness as mentioned in his book Anatomy of Melancholy in 1621; he blamed every thing from sorcerers and witches to poor diet, bad air, sleeplessness and even lack of exercise for this.
• The diet of medieval peasants may have been a source of werewolf delusions. Ergot infection on food grains like wheat and rye was common in Europe during the middle ages. This is actually a fungus which grows in place of grains in wet seasons after very cold winters. Alkaloids of this fungus are chemically related to LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, a strong hallucinogenic psychoactive drug which produces dream like changes in mood and thought and alters the perception of time and space. It can create lack of self-control, extreme terror and blurring the feeling between the individual and the environment.) Similar to this modern drug, Ergot poisoning results in hallucinations, mass hysteria and paranoia. Continuous exposure to this contamination through bread or other food items could contribute to either an individual believing he is a werewolf or a whole town believing that they have seen a werewolf.
• Rabies – A strain of virus carried by dogs, wolves and other mammals including vampire bats causes Rabies. The virus strikes the central nervous system and produces uncontrollable excitement and painful contractions of the throat muscles’ intervention preventing the victim from drinking. Usually the patient dies within three or four days of first symptom.
• Porphyria – At the 1985 conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, biochemist David Dolphin suggested that the untreated symptoms of Porphyria match many of the traits associated with the classic lycanthrope. One of them is severe photosensitivity, which makes venturing out into daylight extremely painful and thus dooms the sufferer to a life of shadows and darkness. As the condition advances, the victim’s appearance grows increasingly morbid; discoloration of the skin and an unusual thick growth of facial or body hair occurs. There is a tendency for an abnormal change in skin and formation of sores. Eventually the disease attacks cartilage (the soft bone) and causes a progressive deterioration of the nose, ears, eyelids and fingers. The teeth, as well as the fingernails and the flesh beneath them might turn red or reddish brown because of deposition of Porphyrin, a component of Hemoglobin in the blood. Porphyria is often accompanied by mental disturbance, from mild hysteria to delirium and manic-depressive psychoses.
• Hypertrichosis – Hypertrichosis is also known as “Wolfitis”, refers to a condition of excessive body hair growth. In most cases, the term is used to refer to an above-average amount of normal body hair that is unwanted and is an aspect of human variability. The hair growth can be generalized, symmetrically affecting most of the torso and limbs, or localized, affecting a particular area of skin. Though severe Hypertrichosis is quite rare it results in excessive or animal-like hair on face and body.

http://alam25.tripod.com/exp.htm

Lycanthropy

Lycanthropy is the professed ability or power of a human being to transform into a wolf, or to gain wolf-like characteristics.

A more modern use of the word is in reference to a mental illness called lycanthropy in which a patient believes he or she is, or has transformed into, an animal and behaves accordingly. This is sometimes referred to as clinical lycanthropy to distinguish it from its use in legends. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lycanthropy)

Clinical lycanthropy

…is defined as a rare psychiatric syndrome that involves a delusion that the affected person can transform into, has transformed into, or is a non-human animal.[1] Its name is connected to the mythical condition of lycanthropy, a supernatural affliction in which humans are said to physically shapeshift into wolves. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_lycanthropy)

 

 

Skinwalkers

In some Native American legends, a skin-walker is a person with the supernatural ability to turn into any animal he or she desires, though they first must be wearing a pelt of the animal, to be able to transform. Similar lore can be found in cultures throughout the world and is often referred to as shapeshifting by anthropologists. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin-walker)

Shapeshifting

… is a common theme in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. … shapeshifting occurs when a being (usually human) either (1) has the ability to change its shape into that of another person, creature, or other entity or (2) finds its shape involuntarily changed by someone else. If the shape change is voluntary, its cause may be an act of will, a magic word or magic words, a potion, or a magic object. If the change is involuntary, its cause may be a curse or spell, a wizard’s or magician’s or fairy’s help, a deity’s will, a temporal change such as a full moon or nightfall, love, or death. The transformation may or may not be purposeful.

Berserkers (or berserks)

…were Norse warriors who are reported in the Old Norse literature to have fought in a nearly uncontrollable, trance-like fury, a characteristic which later gave rise to the English word berserk. Berserkers are attested in numerous Old Norse sources. Most historians believe that berserkers worked themselves into a rage before battle, but some think that they might have consumed drugged foods.

Furry, Otherkin & Therian

*needs some modifications

What’s the difference?

By Amelia L Nightside on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 2:16pm

Furry – Member of a fandom. These are individuals who CHOOSE a fursona (a character) and either roleplay and/or indulge in artwork and other depictions. Some of subsets of the fandom do include anthropomorphic sexual fetishism.

I believe the sexual fetishism depictions (art and otherwise) are called “Yiff”.

– more or less it’s a fandom expressed through glorified cosplay and roleplay with an appreciation for all other art form medias in relation to anthropomorphic creatures (but not all furries dress up and cos/roleplay).

↑↑ My own words.

Links/Quotes below for comparison and clarification:

Quote

The term “Furry” is used to describe the Furry Fandom or an individual “Furry” fan, also referred to as “Furries”.

The Furry Fandom grew out of the science fiction and fantasy communities as a unique group focused on anthropomorphic animals and creatures. Anthropomorphic animals are animals with human characteristics such as the familiar cartoon characters Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse or popular mascots like the Philadelphia Eagle or San Diego Chicken.

The Furry Fandom is a broad community of people that come from all ranges of socioeconomic and political backgrounds. Different people count themselves as “Furries” for equally broad reasons. Some are fans or artists of visual, written or theatrical arts such as animated cartoons and fantasy stories. Some are mascot and character fans or performers such as professional theme park and corporate mascots or volunteer character performers. Some are Therians or people with strong personal or spiritual connections to animals similar to some Native American cultures.

Because the Furry Fandom encompasses such a wide range of people and interests, to term someone as a “Furry” is similar to calling someone a “Sports Fan”. The term “Sports Fan” itself does not identify the sport in which a person is interested, at what level or even which teams or regions in which they take an interest. Similarly a Furry could be a costumed performer with no interest in cartoons or an artist or animator with no interest in or familiarity with costuming.

You are encouraged not to judge this very broad group of proud and individually unique people, but rather to learn what is important to each. Although some can be shy, and many will not speak while in costume, most Furries are generally very friendly and willing to share their individual interest in the community with those who show genuine curiosity.

http://whatisfurry.org/

Quote

The furry fandom is a subculture interested in fictional anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics.[1] Examples of anthropomorphic attributes include exhibiting human intelligence and facial expressions, the ability to speak, walk on two legs, and wear clothes. Furry fandom is also used to refer to the community of people who gather on the Internet and at furry conventions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furry_fandom

Otherkin – a physically human individual who identifies on an integral and personal level as non-human. This identity can manifest/originate spiritually and/or psychologically. Otherkin encompasses ALL non-human identities from mythological creatures (Dragons, Fae, Demons, Angels, etc.), Modern mythological creatures (“fictionkin” including characters and/or species from fictional and entertainment medias – books, t.v. shows, etc.), plants, extraterrestrials, machines, inanimate objects and earthly animals.

Quote

Otherkin is a collective noun for an assortment of people who have come to the somewhat unorthodox, and possibly quite bizarre, conclusion that they identify themselves as being something other than human.

– http://www.otherkin.net/articles/what.html

Quote

The best definition, because it is relatively general, is that Otherkin are people who identify in some internal way as non-human.

– http://www.otherkincommunity.org/wiki/Otherkin

Therian – any physically human individual who identifies on an integral and personal level as a non-human [Earthly] animal, extinct or extant. Basically a sub category of Otherkin. Therianthropy is NOT Shamanism or Totemism as such are spiritual paths, like religion and are a choice while Therianthropy is not. Some Therians indeed choose to include/involve their Identity with practices such as Shamanism and Totemism but the three are not at all the same (though some argue that they are similar)..

Quote

A Therianthrope is someone who truly believes he is earthen animal (which is not to be confused with otherkin which is a person who believes he is perhaps a dragon or what not; still the same subject though).

http://therian-guide.com/index.php/2-introduction.html

Quote

Therians are people who believe that they are, in whole or in part, a non-human animal. That is to say that part of their core being is a non-human animal, be it spiritually, mentally, et cetera. Unlike furry lifestylers, therians do not necessarily try to outwardly project their animalistic nature, nor do they choose their animal side. They consider themselves to be an animal within.

http://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Therianthropy#Subculture

Quote

Therians are people who identify, in some intrinsic way, as an animal that exists or has existed on earth

http://otherkin.wikia.com/wiki/Therians

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/sciences/sociology/religion/totemism-and-animism

http://www.shamanism.com/

http://therioshamanism.com/

http://www.thegreenwolf.com/

The primary difference is that, even if they feel deeply connected to their character, being a Furry is a choice. While being Otherkin/Therian is an identity; You identify as the creature (your Theriotype/Kintype) rather than simply with, having some affinity for, or “connection” with the creature.

As a side note, Walk-ins and possession often come up with this subject. I’d like to clarify that unless the new soul, somehow forms, melds and becomes one, evicts or destroys the original or host soul, it is not you/the individiual, and therefore does not qualify as a Kin or Theriotype. However, there is a term (or terms) for multiple souls, personalities and/or individuals inhabiting one body. This is known as Multiplicity or Plurality. The collective whole being called a Multiple System (there are others but this is the one I’m most familiar with). The most well-heard of version of Multiplicity is Disassociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, however not all Multiples/Multiple systems are disordered.

A few links regarding Multiplicity and Walk-Ins:

http://www.kinhost.org/wiki/Main/MultiplicityTMM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkdDhoPrrMs

http://www.crystalinks.com/walk_ins.html

There are MANY MANY MANY more links and resources available, some may be referenced in the links I’ve provided. I hope this clears a few things up for all of you. If anyone has further questions, by all means, I’m open.

[originally written as a response-comment in a forum, pardon any confusion of wording]

Reality of Turning

To begin, the message in-short here is:

• Some believe turning is possible and some don’t.
• You can’t be turned by being bitten.
• There are several cases where “turning” could be used to mislabel one’s perception of what’s really happening
• There may be at least one theory that could be True Turning.

And especially keep in mind here – If turning is something you’re waiting for then you’re likely going to wait a long time and should probably look for a better hobby and not give up on the rest of your life just yet. It is not worth the risk, and while argued to be possible, it is HIGHLY unlikely to be done successfully if at all.

 

 

Turning
Is generally defined as the act of changing one individual into the same thing as the parent or original thing. (I.E. a vampire turns a non-vampire INTO another vampire)

Turning is an incredibly controversial topic.

 

TURNING IN FANTASY
For vampires and werewolves of fantasy and fiction, the most common method of turning is through a bite, for werewolves scratches can also trigger one to turn.

– What is it specifically that causes one to turn?

Your answer is as good as mine. Some claim it to be a virus, a venom or poison that causes some sort of infection. This then (as my guess would be) mutates the DNA of the human victim and transforms them into the same species as the “parent” creature.

 

TURNING IN NATURE
In nature, there is no such thing. Many species have venom. Many species also cause infection via bacteria or viruses in their saliva (mosquitos and ticks for examples). Some species, like the Komodo Dragon, rely on both venom and bacteria to kill their prey. These methods are for killing prey for food, not to create more of it’s kind.

Some conditions, carried and caused by animals can cause strange thoughts and behavior which may lead to a conclusion of turning. However; there is no actual change.

Examples for conditions that cause such symptoms are (but are not limted to)

Rabies
is spread by infected saliva that enters the body through a bite or broken skin. The virus travels from the wound to the brain, where it causes swelling, or inflammation.Symptoms may include:

• Drooling
• Convulsions
• Exaggerated sensation at the bite site
• Excitability
• Loss of feeling in an area of the body
• Loss of muscle function
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness and tingling
• Pain at the site of the bite
• Restlessness
• Swallowing difficulty (drinking causes spasms of the voice box)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002310/

Rabies is transmitted through biting, and the dementia and aggression of late-stage rabies can make people behave like wild animals.http://blogs.static.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/36662.html

Mad Cow Disease
symptoms related to the nervous system:

• Depression
• Loss of Coordination
• Dementia

Before the development of modern technology and medicine, the conclusion of turning may have been taken for nearly Any unusual ailment, from infections disease to defects and disorder or any other such disease which may cause a change in physical or mental condition (bleeding from the mouth, disformation of the teeth/gums, changes/deterioration in brain structure and/or function, irrational changes in behavior, etc)

Infectious Disease
After an individual died of disease (Tuberculosis or Flu for example), a relative (who had frequent contact with the deceased while alive) would then develop symptoms of the same disease, and it would be concluded that the previously deceased relative had come back and begun feeding on the sickening individual

Defect or Disorder
Any abnormal appearance of the body might have caused thoughts of turning or possession; birth defects, hypertricosis (excessive body hair), etc.

 

IN CONCLUSION
The point is, there is currently no known animal, substance or organism that can or does change a human’s (or any animal’s) DNA into that of a whole new species, stops the process of aging and causes one to be able to survive off blood alone.

There are a number of cases of animals infecting people either with an ailment intended to kill prey for food or by an involuntary naturally occurring virus or bacteria.

These cases and occurrences in nature are not true turning as it is described in fiction.

 

REAL VAMPIRISM
There are a number of speculations..

Here are some possible explanations for a perceived “turning”:

• Awakening; It is commonly believed that Real vampires are born, not made. If one is born, not knowing they are vampire, then later awakens to their vampiric nature, this individual could easily come to the conclusion/belief that they were in some way “turned” into a vampire.
  • Awakenings can also be triggered other vampires, and experiences in life. This could lead one into the belief of a sire in the sense of Turning.
• Psuedo-Vampirism could be considered turning as one who does not identify the need nor as a vampire develops vampiric need after having been drained to the point that their body must take from outside them-self in order to replenish their energy. Pseudo-Vampirism is temporary but can be mis-interpreted as a turning.

 

HOW CAN YOU BE TURNED?
Remember, This is JUST speculation and nothing conclusive.

Some believe turning to be possible when speaking of real vampires following are some theories (speculations and hypotheses):

Damage to energy body
This would only be possible as an energy/soul-related condition (Psychic, maybe Hybrid). This leaves out the possibility of Turning (in this manner) someone into a blood-needing vampire (Sanguinarian).

I believe it would have to involve enough draining of the target to first induce Psuedo-Vampirism and somehow managing to damage the energy body enough so that the system can not naturally return to normal.

– This would involve
Extreme draining of the victim (remember, symptoms of severe energy drain are similar to symptoms of severe blood loss), while simultaneously maintaining their energy body and keeping it from collapsing (for want of a better term) and their physical body from dying.

Blood
Some believe that an exchange of blood between vampire and non-vampire or a feeding (from non-vampire, OR from vampire, depending on who you ask) of a large quantity (unspecified) of blood would somehow induce Vampirism.

Some also believe in a sort of trigger found in Sanguinarian blood which may “turn” a non-Vampire if they have certain genetic predisposition for it.

– This could involve (more information may be needed)
Something within blood or saliva (carried in bodily fluids) that would induce the need for physical blood (or blood component, whatever you believe). What exactly could do this evades me currently, perhaps some sort of virus or disease which would break down blood or blood components, causing one to feel a need/desire to ingest such to replensish their loss.
Or
A studied and confirmed genetic “switch” triggered by (More information needed)

For more on”Genetic Switches”: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/genes-turned-off-on.htm | http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/gene-switches.html | https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411131911.htm

Metaphysical Constructs (more information needed)
Some claim that through the use of Psionic constructs, one can inhibit or altogether change a person’s energy system. In this way, some believe it is possible to create a Vampiric need for energy in an otherwise/previously healthy indivdiual.

THE DANGER & RISK?
IF the aforementioned methods were to be attempted, whether legitimate turning or not…

Energetically
My understanding of the physical and the metaphysical body is that they are closely linked. What effects one, often effects the other. To damage the energy body so much as to cripple it could likely traumatize the physical body.

– To what extent?

That can’t be said for sure, but equal and opposite reaction (cripple or kill the heart chakra and related organs will be effected, as an example) makes sense to me, and to say it would also cripple the physical counterparts and in turn further stress, cripple or kill the body seems about right.

Blood
There is no known difference between a Real Vampire’s blood and that of a non-vampire. Real Vampires are human. Exchanging of blood would have no effect in regards to turning.

Drinking large quantities could not only cause the “feeder” to become ill (if one is not used to blood in any quantity especially) to their stomach, but also the loss of blood could make the individual who is donating become ill and at risk of potentially fatal complications.

ANY exchange of bodily fluids (give and/or take) risks serious disease such as (but not limited to) HIV/AIDs, Hepatitis B & C.

 

**This article is NOT to encourage one to attempt turning or look for being turned. This article is strictly here as mix of information and personal speculation based on (minimum) of 7 years listening/reading the experiences, information and thoughts of others to explain the reality of turning. DO NOT start asking to be turned! DO NOT use this article outside of it’s intended purpose as described.**

 

Therian/Otherkin Bill of Rights

Summary

You have the right to identify as anything you happen to identify as, you have the right to be respected for who you are, you have the right to expect the same courtesy from others that you give them, you have the right to ask for proof of extraordinary claims, you have the right to ask questions, you have the right to say no to somebody trying to exert power over you, and you have the right not to be pressured to do things you don’t want to do.

Full Text

You have the right to be who you really are inside, whether that is a wolf, a bear, a big cat, a horse, a dog, or even a fish. It is no one else’s business to say or to judge. Sometimes you really do have to look and act like a respectable adult human in order to be successful in real life. But you don’t have to compromise on who you are inside even if you have to control how you look and act on the outside.

You have the right to be respected for who you are. No one else should be telling you what kind of animal you really are if that does not feel right to you, or what your aura really looks like, or what religion you should believe if you don’t want to. If someone tries to take power over you by telling you that they know more than you about who you are or what to believe, you can tell them no if you don’t agree. It can feel good to have other people tell you things about your identity that you want to hear, but be aware that you don’t have to agree with everything they say if it does not feel right to you. You are the sole owner of the real estate inside your own head.

You have the right to expect the same courtesy from others that you give to them. If you try to join a group that is disrespectful of you, or that wants you to bow and worship their authority, or that harasses and hazes newcomers, you can tell them no. You can find a community that is respectful to you and treats you the same as everyone else. No one else has the right to treat you like you are worth less than them, not even if they are bigger and older and more experienced than you.

You have the right to ask for proof of extraordinary claims. If someone says they can physically change into a wolf, or that green monkeys fly out of their butt, it is normal and reasonable to ask them to prove it. If they offer lots of excuses why they can not show you proof, you have the right to say you do not believe them and go find people to be with who do not feel the need to make up stories about how powerful and special they are. You may really want to believe that people can physically shift, but you need to think hard about whether you would believe a similarly extraordinary claim about something you aren’t so emotionally invested in (like, “I own an elephant that can fly”), and what standards of proof would be reasonable to expect under those circumstances. Then apply those standards. Keeping an open mind is good, getting fooled by people who can’t back up their grandiose claims is bad.

You have the right to ask questions. If someone gets mad because you questioned something they said, even in a polite way, or asked for proof of an extraordinary claim, you should consider whether they are being reasonable or mature. Being a therian does not make you so special that you get a free pass to be a jerk to other people, nor does it mean you have to put up with other people being a jerk to you. The therian community is actually a pretty big place, so if you find yourself in a section of it where people are being jerks, you can look for other therians to hang out with who aren’t jerks. You don’t have to stay in a bad friendship, even if you have an important thing in common with them.

You have the right to say no if someone tries to exert power over you without your permission. No one is your “alpha” unless you want them to be, and you should think very carefully about the maturity level of people who want power over others, especially if they try to demand it or take advantage of it in creepy ways. You especially have the right to say no if someone tries to touch you when you don’t want them to, or demands sex when you are not comfortable with that. Be very wary of any group or “pack” that uses power over people in an inappropriate way. You have the right to be respected, and you do NOT have to agree to be submissive to an “alpha” in order to have a close knit group of therian friends – a “pack” if you want to call it that – or a therian support community. Real wolves don’t actually behave that way in the wild. Authority based packs are a very human thing, and not always a healthy thing.

You have the right not to be pressured to do things you don’t want to do, especially if they are dangerous, harmful or illegal. Or even if they just make you feel uncomfortable. Real friends will not pressure you or force you if you say no, you don’t feel okay doing something.

Reuse Rights

You have to copy, use, reproduce, or modify this document as you see fit. You may use this document on your own websites, or in any way you choose.

This paticular version taken from: http://archive.is/X9kys#selection-1337.0-1385.147

**Edit of this specific document by Amelia Nightside

Readers of this piece may also be interested in:

Questioning in The Otherkin Community, by Seraphyna

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C19a_q5GTOi8zuylyBtBoOs1GeG_-fpTArrSzUjB5DQ/edit?usp=sharing

General Resources

Modifications to be on-going (as best as I am able).

Please comment and share your resources. Those you comment may or may not be added to this list per MY discretion.

On The InterWebs

General Sites

• – O – Jafira’s Lair
• Otherkin Phenomena
• – O/T – The Were Library
• – https://www.otherkin.net/
• – MS – Scientifically Oriented Inquiry and Advocacy for Sanguinarians
• – O/T – Project Shift “Therianthropy Explained”
• – O/T – The Art and Writing of Orion Scribner
• – O+ Between Forest and Sea ( Plurality/Multiplicity & Otherkinity )
  — Within The Ruins Between Forest and Sea (previous website) —Resources — Academic & Other Publications on Otherkin
• – O/T/V+ – Vampire Learning Center
  —Facebook
• – V – House-Eclipse
•  – V – Sanguinarius.org for Real Vampires
• – V- SphynxCat’s Real Vampires Support Page
• Therian Wiki
• – O – AnOtherWiki
• – V/MS – The Red Cellar
• – MS – Sanguinarians.com
• – V/MS – Investigation and Research Into Sanguinarians

Web Forums

• – http://theriankincorner.boards.net/
  —Facebook — Twitter
• – O – MechHaven
• – Therian Wilderness
• – O – Draconity.org
• – O – International Starseed Network

Blogs

• – O/T/V – The Shadow Sage
• – O/T/V – Amelia’s Musings (this page)
• – T – Thébaïde
• – T – Lupine Instincts
• – T – the Savannah | Spirit of the Wind
• – T – Animal Quills
• – T/O – The Horned Gate | Beyond Awakening

Videos/Vlogs & Channels

• – JaguarTherianthropy
• – Spazzcatfilms
• – GestaltChimera
• – Therian Nation
• – T/O – TheriKiNexus

Social Media

• – O/T/V – Reality of Non-Human & Vampire Identities (G+)
  —Facebook
• – O/T – Kinity (G+)
• – V – Vampire Community News (FB)
  — Vampire Community News
• – The Otherkin Community (LJ)
• – VampireCult (VF)
• – O/T – Therianthropy (VF)
• – O – Dragonkin Grove (G+)
• – O/T – TheAngryLionShark (T)
  — “Otherkin Basics”
• – T – The Jaguar Cometh – Tumblr

Other

• 2012 Therian Census results
• 2013 Therian Census Results
• 2014 Tumblr Otherkin Census
  —2014 Tumblr Otherkin Census results
• Analysis of Non-Human Identity Results(2015)
• The Green Wolf (Personal website/blog for Lupa. Subjects involve animal spirituality and related)
• Wild Ideas

Text / Non-Fiction Books, News-Media & Scholarly Articles/Studies & Other Writings

• A Field Guide to Otherkin, by Lupa Greenwolf [Out of print but sometimes free previews pop up around the net, and then there are the few who can afford the price of a hard copy] – https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Otherkin-Lupa/dp/190571307X

• “The Otherkin” By Emma McNeil for Fortean Times Magazine – Issue 283 – Pages 44-46 – January 2012 http://www.forteantimes.com/

   

• Vampirism & Energy Work Research Study – http://www.suscitatio.com/main.html

   

• The Psychic Vampire Codex by Michelle Belanger
  — Available Online Condensed Version (non-pdf)
• Grivell, T., Clegg, H. & Roxburgh, E.C. (2014) An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Identity in the Therian Community. Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research, 14, 113-135. – http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/7057/ – Pdf and other full article copies available as of May 2015.

Offline: Meetup Groups/Communities/Organizations

• New Orleans Vampire Association (NOLA)
• Norwegian Dragonkin Gathering
• Atlanta Vampire Alliance (AVA)

*Key*
Topics/subjects specified where web address or title may not be obvious,
Not all web pages/groups are guaranteed active.
If any links appear broken, please say something.

Information Covered:
O = Otherkin (Unicorns, Draconity, Fictionkin, Objectkin, etc. possibly included), T = Therian, V = Vampirism (Medical Sanguinarians possibly included), MS = Medical Sanguinarian (Med. Sang.)/Sanguivore specific, D = Donor specific resources (in reference to Vampires & Sanguinarians) + = more/other

Social Medias:
(F) = Facebook, (G+) = Google Plus, (LJ) = LiveJournal, (T) = Tumblr, (Tw) = Twitter…

Totems, Guides and Therianthropy (oh my)

*May need updating

Originally Published/Created by Amelia Nightside
February 5, 2014

I have found that many of those who are newly awakening, or even those already aware of a kin-type, often seem to be confused by what exactly Therianthropy is. Equally so, there seems to be a blurring of lines between Therianthropy, Spirit (animal) Guides, and Totem animals.

I would like to use this to explain to everyone the difference(s) between the three.

Basics

Define – First, I will define these terms, and then, if I feel it is needed, I will further explain the differences between each.

Therianthropy – This is an identity. Individuals who identify as a non-human [Earthly] animal are considered Therians. This identity most commonly is held psychologically and/or spiritually. This identity is often experienced via Shifts and species ( or sometimes body) dysphoria. This identity is often expressed via voluntary or involuntary behaviors, personal preferences and body modifications which may reflect that of their non-human identity.

What is a shift?

http://therian.wikia.com/wiki/Therianthropic_Shifting_types

What is Species/Body Dysphoria?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species_dysphoria

Body dysphoria is used to describe general feelings of sadness or an uncomfortable mood. It can include feeling great anxiety, irritability or restlessness in relation to one’s physical body.

…

Body dysmorphic disorder, on the other hand, occurs when you have a preoccupation about some quality in your appearance.

http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding_150/190_fitness_tip.html

Totems –

1. An animal, plant, or natural object serving among certain tribal or traditional peoples as the emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/totem

2. A totem is any natural or mythical animal to whom you feel a close connection during your life or some particular period of your life. The energy of the totem animal speaks to you in some way that is relevant to your own personality or circumstance in life.

https://crystal-cure.com/article-totems.html

More on Totems:

http://therian-guide.com/?page=Discovery

http://www.firelion.org/raven/ahwwfaq/ahwwfaq02.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totem

Spirit Guide – 

a term used by the Western tradition of Spiritualist Churches, mediums, and psychics to describe an entity that remains a disincarnate spirit in order to act as a guide or protector to a living incarnated human being.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_guide

A spirit guide can be an incorporeal, once human, individual, or a non-human creature (hence Spirit Animal).

Spirit Animal Definition

Spirit animals are typically associated with traditional as well as modern Western shamanic practices. During initiations or shamanic journeys, the shaman would find one or several animals that she or another person is associated with. Traditionally, the spirit animal is used for guidance.

Think of your spirit animal as a guardian spirit or spirit guide. It can play the role of protector and provides guidance. It’s like a “personal guide or protector” that has a personal affinity with the person it’s associated with.

Power Animals

In addition, the spirit of the animal could unite with the person it “chose” in more personal ways and one will often find similarities in traits of personality, characteristics, and synchronicity between the two. As such, the power or essence of the animal can be felt or communicated. In that sense, spirit animals can also be referred to as “power animals”.
http://www.spiritanimal.info/

Power Animals should never be confused as a Kin- or Theriotype. Power Animals are interpreted and expressed through humanized, often romanticized, traits and characteristics assigned as being related to that particular animal (even if naturally, such does not actually apply to the real animal). It is a metaphor, a representation, not an identity. I.E. – The fox is sly. The snake cunning. The bear is strong. The owl is wise.

Real Differences

Compare and Contrasts

One’s Therian-animal or, Theriotype, IS their identity, it IS what they feel they are, and often who they are integrally and internally, at their core.

A Spirit Animal is a type of guide, it can be a totem, but not all totems are also spirit guides.

Totems aren’t always permanent, though they can be, and will leave once their message has been received, or they’ve accomplished what they needed to.

A Spirit Guide (as an animal – per context of this article) and a Totem, are completely separate entities from one’s self, if they are entities at all and not just metaphoric symbols. A Theriotype is not seperate from a Therian, not metaphoric and is not a symbol, message or messenger in any way shape or form.

Often, a person can experience something like a shift in related to their Spirit Guide or Totem; This however, is a case of the entity trying to communicate or teach you something. A shift of this sort likely will not be recurring over a long period of time.  More commonly, these entities appear to you via dream, meditative vision or by drawing such animals to be around your everyday life (this is not something that usually lasts forever, but can come and go if the totem and/or guide remains yours for an extended period of time/for life). – In short, there will be signs (as vague as that sounds).

Side Note –

It is possible to have the same type of creature as your theriotype and a totem or guide. It is important, however, to remember that a Guide/Totem is not YOU. While your Theriotype is you.

More on Spirit Guides, Totems & Therianthropy (were/as related):

https://hermitsjourney.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/some-thoughts-on-spirits-guides-and-totems/

http://www.monstrous.com/forum/index.php?topic=13509.0

General Lexicon

This is an informational/educational piece I attempted to put together some time ago. Given the evolution of language, as well as my own general feeling of always needing to improve, edit and update, this piece is not presented as an end-all be-all and may be overdue for some edits, modifications and updates.

If there’s anything in particular that catches your eye – something you want to know more about, or a definition you’d like to see modified or something of that sort, please feel free to comment. I will consider all critiques but I do not guarantee that I will use them.

The majority of these terms relate to the Otherkin/Therian idenity group and subculture/community, though some terms also relate to the Real Vampire identity group and subculture.

 

General Lexicon

Here is a list of terms, and their respective definitions, that you may see used commonly around the greater community as a whole.

**Please do not reproduce or edit this document without due credit to and/or asking it’s creator (Amelia) for permission. **

The majority of these terms are defined in my own words (Amelia), any that are not (or I felt needed a bit more support and information for it), have their source listed. 

Therian – 1. An individual who identifies spiritually and/or psychologically as a non-human [Earthly] animal, extinct and extant.   2. Therian, in common use, may also refer to an individual of a subclass of mammals, Theria (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theria); This definition is not generally used in the Community.   

 –   “Therianthropy”, in common use, refers broadly to a metamorphisis of human and animal (http://www.reference.com/browse/therianthropy); However, this is not generally the context used in the Therian community, instead Therianthropy refers, in this context, to an individual’s personal Identity of being physically human and animal internally (primarily being of spiritual and/or psychological/neurological speculated origins).

Otherkin – An individual who identifies spiritually and/or psychologically as non-human. Generally this may refer to Mythological creatures, can also be used as an umbrella term for all creatures, as well as other entities (plants, inanimate objects, etc).

Animal-Kin – A lack-for-better term introduced to identify and describe non-earthly animal-identified Otherkin. After it was no longer accepted to use “Therian” to apply to all animals and animal-creatures.

Therio-Mythic – Also a term used to describe non-Earthly animal kintypes.

Phytanthrope – Also termed, Green-kin or Plant-kin; An indiviudal who identifies as a non-animal plant.

Therio-type – The animal a Therian identifies as.

Kin-type – The creature/entity/object an Otherkin identifies as.

Were- – a prefix meaning “man”. In terms of the Therian and Otherkin communities, Were was once another term for Therian, but was followed by the individual’s therio-type (ex. were-cat, were-wolf, were-deer). Such use has been falling out of fashion. Also (more commonly now) used for Otherkin who identify as anthropomorphic and sometimes shape shifting, man-creatures of myth and folklore (such as, but not limited to, the werewolf etc).

Shift – A sensation which expresses one’s therio/kin-type. Given the power of the human mind, consciously and subconsciously, it is considered possible for non-‘Kin identified persons to will or otherwise experience shifts of some level or degree. Most ‘Kin/Therians if they experience shifts at all (not all do) experience their first shifts involuntarily and learn to recognize triggers (if any exist) or otherwise control shifts to varying degrees.

• Phantom – Phantom Limb; A term taken and modified from the medical community, is the sensation of having physical limbs where physical limbs do not exist (medically this is a physical nerve reaction which causes sensation felt after amputation of a limb). Some phantom limbs can be felt alongside, as if on top of, existing physical limbs.
  
  – The official term for the sort of limbs that Therians/Otherkin experience is Supernumerary Phantom Limbs  which are phantom limbs one experiences where no such limb has physically existed before, this version of Phantom Limb or Shift is still considered a primarily psychological phenononon by the “professionals”. Shifts of this sort may not be limited to obvious limbs and can come about as sensations of fur, scales, etc or specific organs such as eyes, teeth and claws.
  
  – There are an incredibly small number of individual Therians/Otherkin (actually one to my current knowledge) who, through use of an MRI was able to confirm neurological responses in regards to these phantom limb sensations.
  
• Mental – The sensation of having the mindset of one’s Theri/Kin-type. This often is described as more instinctual, basic, animalistic and even carnal-based (depending on one’s Kin/Theriotype).
  – This may or may not be accompanied by an observedSensory shift where apparent basic senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) improve, worsen or otherwise alter. It is however generally considered impossible for such senses to alter beyond the physical capabilities of the human body.
  
  – There may be some speculation in regards to Clair-Senses/Abilities in relation to Sensory Shifts (as in Clair-audience, Clair-Sentience, Clairvoyance, etc.).

 

• Astral – The sensation or experience of being in the form of one’s Therio/Kin-type while astrally projected, out of body or on another plane. (Bi-location and other forms of projecting included, though not officially “Astral” shifts. “Projection Shifts” may be more accurate, but is not an official term)
• Aura – When one’s Aura, or “energy field” shifts into the form of one’s kin/theriotype. This may be accompanied by the sensation of phantom limbs and detectable (visible, for some) to those sensitive/aware to such things.
• Shadow – Often mistakenly identified as Physical Shifting by those (if any) who witness it. This may be a form of Aura-Shifting. When light is low and/or visibility is questionable, the outline of one’s body (their shadow or silhouette) may appear to morph into that of their therio/kin-type.
• Dream – Being one’s therio/kin type in their dream.
• Cameo – Any shift which represents a different type than what the individual identifies as.
• Empathy – The sensitivity to energy, this primarily being emotions. An Empathy(/ic) shift is much like a cameo shift, except that it is effected and influenced by others. (also Clairsentience)
• Physical – Highly controversial. The physical morphing of a human body into the body of one’s type.

 

Dysmorphia – (Species) A conviction that one’s physical body is wrong. This is often accompanied with Dysphoria of varying severity.

Dysphoria is generally a feeling of unhappiness, discomfort and even disconnectedness (in this context, it is associated with one’s self [species or physical body].

Furry – An individual of the Furry Community and Fandom. The Furry Community is a culture involving anthropomorphic fictional characters created and chosen as one’s fictional identity, used in roleplay and expressed in many other artistic forms.

Multiple System – or “Multiple” for short is any individual body with more than one individual residing in it. The additional individuals are sometimes referred to as “Alters” or “Headmates”. Sometimes there is an “original” or “host” of the body, but this is not always the case. Individual cases where there is disorder in the “group” or it causes problem with normal societal functioning, are labeled as Disassociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder). It is possible for a system to exist in a healthy, cooperative state and not be labeled as “disorder”. Alters/Headmates may be the result of spiritual walk-ins or psychological creations, in some cases it is believed that one’s soul or psyche can literally divide itself and become multiple individual parts of their own right. This may be a result of trauma or other unknown and varied reasons. Alters/Headmates can sometimes be human or nonhuman while the body they reside in is indeed human. For this reason there is some mixing of members from the Multiple Community into the Therian and Otherkin communities. The state of being multiple is called “Multiplicity” or “Plurality”.

Fictionkin – Any individual who identifies as a character or creature from modern myths and entertainment medias. Not all Fictionkin identify as non-human characters and therefore, not all Fictionkin are Otherkin. A headmate within a Multiple System who is a Fictional character or creature is known as a Fictive.

Fluff – Something that is not apparently genuine (real, true). “Fluff” is also defined as an individual (usually self-identified ‘Kin or Therian) who is mislead, closed/refuses to learn and may be varyingly delusional (delusion is defined as holding beliefs or ideas despite evidence to the contrary – basically rejecting facts)

Poly- – Prefix meaning many.

• -morph – Root word meaning form. An individual who identifies as Polymorph[ic] identifies as having multiple forms (Like a shape shifter). One can identify as a Polymorph who’s only true shifts are Cameo Shifts. Their “form” is fluid. One can also identify as a single entity or creature that has a few, often limited, other forms (Ex. an Angel may also have the form of a Dove and/or a Tree – I think of the Greek gods for other examples, they are represented by animals and objects but also take those forms. The Greek deities and similar creatures or entities can be considered Polymorphic).
• -kin – Also -therian, -were; A Polykin Refers to an individual who has more than one type.

Contherianthrope – A therianthrope who’s animalistic side is so interwound into their human side the two are indistinguishable. A contherianthrope does not experience shifting but rather expresses a constant of both animal and human sides at the same time. Contherianthropes have been described as finding it very natural to use both human conceptualization/logic and native animal emotion/instinct, jointly, as combined factors in decisionmaking, dynamically blending each to add richness and insight to the overall process. (http://www.therianthropes.com/contherianthrope.htm) – In other words; Contherians constantly feel half Kinside and half human.

Suntherian – (also Vacillant) was a term invented by WordWolf to mean is a therian whose theriotype (primary or sole) is integrated into his baseline personality. That integration, however, does not prevent them from having minor fluctuations of mood, sensation or being that feel slightly more animal, or slightly less animal. (http://therian.wikia.com/wiki/Suntherian) – IOW Suntherians experience sliding shifts (though are also constantly shifted – feeling part Kintype and part human).

Anthropomorphic – resembling or made to resemble a human (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/anthropomorphic) ; The Werewolf, in forms of entertainment and media is often depcited as an anthropomorphic , wolf-man, creature.

Feral – A term used in opposition to anthropomorphic. Ex. A Werewolf might be described as an anthropomorhic form, while a wolf would be feral form.

Vampire – Generally an individual who identifies a need for blood and/or metaphysical energies (non-physical -, life energy, Qi, Ki, Chi, Prana..) in order to maintain their all-around health, well-being and ability to function on a regular basis.

Vampire-Kin – An individual who identifies as the supernatural creature of myth, legend and folklore known as the vampire. Many Vampire-Kin seem not to identify a need to feed on blood or energy.

Thoughtform –  an non organic/artificially created entity (or object?)  through either psychological (thought) or psionic means

Construct (Psionic) – an non organic (not from “the source” or “creator”)  created entity or object via psionic means. Examples: Psi balls, Energy Shields,

Tulpa  – a more stable type of thoughtform which is capable of independent action and has it’s own conscious, self awareness and free will apart from it’s creator. May be modelled after a human or nonhuman entity.
2. A tulpa is an entity created in the mind, acting independently of, and parallel to your own consciousness. They are able to think, and have their own free will, emotions, and memories. In short, a tulpa is like a sentient person living in your head, separate from you. (https://www.tulpa.info/what-is-a-tulpa/).

Servitor – A type of Thoughtform created for a specific purpose or function. Existence is usually temporary and contingent on it’s determined purpose or function. May be modelled after a human or nonhuman entity.

Egregore – the most complex type of thoughtform representing a “collective group mind” created by a group via ritual or regluar thought. This entity can be maintained and effected by the creator(s) but can also influence the creator(s). Examples of possible Egregores: Jesus, Santa Claus, Slender Man…

Psionic – relating to or denoting the practical use of psychic powers or paranormal phenomena.(Google search)
Psion – someone who manipulates energy and utilizes psychic abilities for various purposes 2. An individual who actively uses psi abilities, whether consciously or otherwise (http://psionguild.org/education/glossary/)

You might also find the following of interest:

Otherkin Lexicon, by Orion Scribner @Frameacloud.com

Otherkin Lexicon, by Orion Scribner – Mobile-Friendly Hosted by Yumpu.com

My Awakening

This “blog” inspired by: http://youtu.be/kuSeQuptGBU – A Real Vampire on Awakening by Poorvamp.

My awakening wasn’t quite as quick in a single moment.. and apparently too long to post on YouTube XD

Real Vampirism

Not sure how old I was, but I was in middle school (between the ages of 11 and 14), my brother actually had a video game called Soul Reaver. This was my first, ever observed depiction of a vampire who both drank blood (while the main character was in the realm of the living) and “sucked souls” (while in the realm of the dead/ethreal) as it may be termed.. This both interested, and as a child who was frequently afraid of “what’s in the dark” without being able to describe or understand why or what, frightened me.

After an interesting dream, ( as briefly described here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/amelia-nightside/just-a-dream/168621253178277 ) The method I sought to combat my fear and uneasiness one insomniatic night was to learn. I got on the family computer and did a couple of web searches “Are vampires real?” and “Real Vampires” were what I remember searching for.

I clicked on the very first link at the top of the search list, which was an article by Inanna Arthen on Earthspirit.com. This article helped me a lot in combating my fears, but also opened my mind and eyes to some similarities I found. While I kind of scoffed at the idea of my being a vampire (simply because I had never had an interest in vampires of fiction, plus at this time, they were really only fiction to me still) I did find multiple people who shared similarities with the description I had found. Some were friends, some relatives, but the one most closely resembling the description was me, whether I wanted to admit it or not.

Around 13-14, I had my maternal and closest, most cherished grandmother pass away, a great aunt (paternal) (whom I wasn’t really in-the-know about) pass away and my father (protector, idol and best friend) was more or less ripped out of my life, at my hand, due to some personal demons of his being discovered. [1-2 years later my maternal grandfather also passed away. ]

At this time I had started becoming incredibly curious with spirituality and religion. My mother was looking for comfort and support in this way, and I tagged along out of sheer desire to learn. Everything was pretty well Christian based, but I was doing my own research on the side as well, asking as many questions as possible.

I was also beginning to stray a bit from mainstream ideals. I found myself on a web community for the “Gothic & Industrial lifestyles” in which I felt most at home. It wasn’t very long before I made a very close friend on that site. This friend introduced me, once again, to the world of Real Vampires via a webforum on this site.. Again, I didn’t think I would fit in at all , didn’t really care if I was one of them or not, but wanted to learn. My friend, during this time, also came out to me as a vampire, claimed he was empathic and made some subtle insinuations that this desire to learn wasn’t just innocent curiosity, and that I NEEDED to learn….

While I was socializing and learning a brother of mine and his small group of friends had begun dabbling in magicks and such. Some focused on basic energy manipulation, one went down the path of being a “dark” solitary witch (or so that’s how he made it out), they all dabbled a bit in “hunting” entities (such as evil spirits and the like. Purposely going into cemeteries and drawing out these entities). The “dark solitary witch” is the friend who, around this time began taking more of an interest in me and would sneak out of my brother’s room to come talk to me.

I never mentioned vampires to this guy, but discussed nearly everything else.

At this time I had been experiencing an increasing number of various paranormal(ish) phenomena. Anything from Dream travel, shared dreams, remote viewing, prophetic dreams, I perceived spirits and such entities more frequently and more intensely (sensing and seeing) .. It had gone on all my life as far as I can remember, but my awakening brought it on much stronger.

I also found myself experiencing incredible mood swings, with breakdowns (generally bouts of uncontrollable random crying, or an incredible urge to run, fly and rip out of my own skin). I eventually found the term Empathy, and upon further investigation realized that my “explosions” and mood swings were due to both this and the fact that I had not been controlling the energy within me. I was not actively feeding, nor was I doing anything to filter, shield or any such necessities of an empath or psychic/psionic/pranic/energy vampire.

This actually wound up with me seeing a number of professional psychologists/psychiatrist/counselors both in school and outside of, for a number of reasons (because of the family drama/trauma that had gone one, as well as my own instabilities mentally and emotionally – the paranormal experiences and mood swings – I wanted answers, and though I did not get them from the doctors, I felt it was a safe place to try).

Between my brother’s friend, my online friend and the information available to me, I was awakening to my abilities in energy manipulation and to my nature as a Vampire (whether I accepted the term or not)..

I practiced long-distance draws with a number of online-friends I’d made overtime and found that such alleviated my frequent headaches (had a migraine nearly every single day for a year when I was 13) and took the intensity off the mood swings. I began recognizing my auto-feeds (when I’d draw from a classroom, or particular classmate subconsciously) and found 1 classmate particularly interesting in that he would look right at me every once in a while during these draws (though it didn’t help that I was frantic in trying to stop it, and my body and facial language likely gave it away that I was uncomfortable) as if he was aware of what was happening..

It was suggested at some point during this time to try blood, which thankful for my boyfriend of the time, I was allowed to.

Therians & Otherkin

While in that online community, I was also introduced to the subject of Therians and Otherkin. Now, I have nearly always perceived phantom wings throughout my life, and had a very strong fondness and connection with wolves.

Though I did not understand it as anything more than mundane at the time, I expressed this “connection” as a young child (4-8 years old) through dreams (dream shifting), day dreams (fantasizing), role playing in games like “house” – instead of the pet dog, I was a cat or a protective wolf. I also created myself imaginary heros and characters such as Wonder Wolf (a wolf who could communicate telepathically with people, shape shift and fly) I often also pretended to be something of a gryphon having feline & wolf characteristics and wings. Whether separate entities or not, I’ve always felt they all were of the same whole, so expressing it all at once in some hybridized form just made sense to me.

– For the record my favorite animal(s) as a kid were numerous, though the wolf  (and felidae) always stayed in the back of my mind in some way, I personally claimed monkeys, pandas and horses, most frequently, as my favorite animals.-

Anyway, the community I was in had a number of self-identifying therians, to which I took with an open mind and a grain of salt. I loved the friends I made, regardless of what they thought they were. The subject itself I took in the same way, at first, that I did with Vampirism. I kept an open mind, as some things clicked, but at first didn’t think it would apply to me, so I just focused on what I knew, learning one thing at a time.

Around 16 or so is when I started entertaining the thought of possible Therianthropy and/or being otherkin. I began spreading out to other online communities besides the one I’d started on, I learned much more and slowly came to accept myself in this way as well.. I began recognizing more intense, and more frequent, phantom limbs, mental shifts and the like.

Conclusion as of this date.

I currently identify as (though feel my learning process, even 10 years later is not nearly finished) an Empath (though not needed to state I guess), Pranic/Energy/Psionic/Psychic Vampire. Polymorph(ic), Clado-feline & Timber wolf Therian/Otherkin.

The Vampirism is an aspect of my self as is the empathy. The therian/otherkin-ity are all separate creatures but of the same entity (me).

In a sense, I guess you could say I don’t know how or why I’ve come to be a vampire, Never really figured it out that far, though knowing that I am, at least in this life, I just am. I’m comfortable with myself and don’t NEED to know the how or why, just have to live with it as best I can.  Being therian/otherkin is more like having previous lives and those creatures are imprinted upon me as part of my identity, but I never felt, or remember, being such a hybridized form. The wolf, is a typical wolf, as is the Feline. The polymorph, I’m still trying to figure out if it’s truly an identity as an entity or if it was an aspect of me (Is it like the wolf and feline, or is it more like the empathy and vampirism).

My wings seem to be the most interesting, They are completely rooted in who/what I am, but I don’t know how or why. I don’t feel as if my wolf or feline forms have wings, but with the fact I have them, and often (though not always) experience them alongside my shifts and Hunger I wonder if they should.

.. I guess it’s as if, the wolf and feline are the past, they are still me but being human physically they are not at the front, they are a part of me, but as a memory, an impression. I’d love to be them again and feel either would be my “true” form, but the wings are much more strongly apparent. It’s very difficult to explain, I don’t understand it, which makes it that much more interesting…