OtherKin

[Black_Shuck]

As crazy as it my seem for some this plays a big part in my life was the best place to post this, in the Theological Concepts. Now first of all please no say that I or any one that believe this needs help, or is crazy and the whole throwing "The Book"(which every one it my for you) at me okay. It's happened a few time(I think only like 2 times really but it gets old quick).
Okay. What if are Soul are something different then what we think it might be. What if these Human bodies are vessels, learning tool for use to understand everythingthere is to know about this world and other world(as in a Multiverse). But on to what a really want to talk about(I was building up to it....hehe).
OtherKin: One who believes that there soul it not that of the human body that they are in. This can be anything from an animal of any kind(Dog, cat, wolf, tiger, bird, and so on), to what some call Mythical Being...i.e. Dragons, Fae, Elves, an Elemental of sort. And the 2 type it's hard for even us who are them to believe AngelKin and DemonKin. Now to start, Angels and "Daemons" do not belong to any one Religion or culture. They are all over. Now I am serious about this, this isn't some RPG thing though I know it can sound that it just "play" around right now and see where I'm coming from. This hard for me to talk about for the knowing that I might get bashed in a way. But I like talking about things that mean something to me. If you must know which of the last two I believe I am to help you in discussing this, I believe I am AngelKin. For why I'm here....I don't know for we are but man(or in human bodies) and don't know what the Will of God or the Gods are. Maybe I decided this, who know why.
I would just that to know what you all think of this matter, and if there is an one else here that feels the same way, if you are any of the OtherKin type, Religion doesn't matter, I know people who are Christian, Pagan, or any religion that believe they are Kin. And just to repeat myself: Please no Bashing, saying "O your just crazy get help" you can believe that just please be nice okay. And NO throwing your Religious Book at quoting it to make a point, it as already happened, if you can give me an answer on what you believe for yourself from what you feel instead of quoting a book please don't post.
In love, SoA(aka Azakel........< Angelic name :angel2

Before I begin, I don't have anything against otherkin but I think it is more escapism than a real belief, I think it is the theological equivalent of Second life. I don't need to cite any books to say I don't believe it. Personally I don't think it helps the case any that most Otherkin that have met are furries. I don't know what the next life who is to say you can't become that creature you want to be but for now, it just feel like the escapism of someone that isn't satisfied with there current form. So in a nutshell, I think otherkin is a form of escapism that could be more positively worked into creating something artistic with that imagination.

 

[no-body]

Before I begin, I don't have anything against otherkin but I think it is more escapism than a real belief, I think it is the theological equivalent of Second life. I don't need to cite any books to say I don't believe it. Personally I don't think it helps the case any that most Otherkin that have met are furries. I don't know what the next life who is to say you can't become that creature you want to be but for now, it just feel like the escapism of someone that isn't satisfied with there current form. So in a nutshell, I think otherkin is a form of escapism that could be more positively worked into creating something artistic with that imagination.

Yeah pretty much that is what I've been trying to say. Therianism is an ancient belief but the whole body dismorphic thing is new and sounds more like furry than anything spiritual. Buddhist who can "feel" that they've been other animals in past lives don't for instance have the need to climb trees and a strong craving for nuts if they had been a squirrel at one point.

 

[painted wolf]

Yeah pretty much that is what I've been trying to say. Therianism is an ancient belief but the whole body dismorphic thing is new and sounds more like furry than anything spiritual. Buddhist who can "feel" that they've been other animals in past lives don't for instance have the need to climb trees and a strong craving for nuts if they had been a squirrel at one point.

If it's escapism, then I wish I could have escaped it.

Unlike furries... therians do not simply choose an animal that they like. I don't have any particular fondness for wolves for example.
Unlike Buddhists this isn't a case of "feeling like being something in a past life"... it is this life and this soul... and matters of the soul are very much a spiritual thing.

As for the body dysphoria, it is recorded in the psychological literature... though I can't say how common it is among therians (or it is required to "be one").

Wiley InterScience :: Session Cookies
Lycanthropy: New Evidence of Its Origin

Am I mentally Ill? Who knows? But if I was just "playing pretend" then I fooled not just others, but myself.

wa:do

 

[Azakel]

If it's escapism, then I wish I could have escaped it.

Unlike furries... therians do not simply choose an animal that they like. I don't have any particular fondness for wolves for example.
Unlike Buddhists this isn't a case of "feeling like being something in a past life"... it is this life and this soul... and matters of the soul are very much a spiritual thing.

As for the body dysphoria, it is recorded in the psychological literature... though I can't say how common it is among therians (or it is required to "be one").

Wiley InterScience :: Session Cookies
Lycanthropy: New Evidence of Its Origin

Am I mentally Ill? Who knows? But if I was just "playing pretend" then I fooled not just others, but myself.

wa:do

I agree with PW and what she has said here, she does know what she is talking about(more then me). Thank for the info too.
If it is just escapism then I would have ended this long ago and not deal with it.

 

[no-body]

If it's escapism, then I wish I could have escaped it.

Unlike furries... therians do not simply choose an animal that they like. I don't have any particular fondness for wolves for example.

I think you'll forgive me if I don't really believe you on this. Everybody wants to be a coyote, wolf, raven, bear, something cool etc. If you where compelled to be a a spiritual anteater or something it would be a lot more believable.

Unlike Buddhists this isn't a case of "feeling like being something in a past life"... it is this life and this soul... and matters of the soul are very much a spiritual thing.

To me that makes little sense but I know little of Therianism. I thought it would be like how some Buddhist can feel the energy of their past lives in this one.

As for the body dysphoria, it is recorded in the psychological literature... though I can't say how common it is among therians (or it is required to "be one").

Wiley InterScience :: Session Cookies
Lycanthropy: New Evidence of Its Origin

Am I mentally Ill? Who knows? But if I was just "playing pretend" then I fooled not just others, but myself.

wa:do

I'm thinking otherkin and furries are more like people with "multiple personality disorder" it doesn't really exist they are just so susceptible that they make themselves believe it. Frankly I don't care what people do spiritually if it helps them and harms no one the only reason I have to comment on this is because the parallels to homosexuals and especially transgenders frightens me, it makes a mockery of their very real struggles.

 

[painted wolf]

I think you'll forgive me if I don't really belief you on this. Everybody want's to be a coyote, wolf, raven, bear, something cool etc. If you where compelled to be a a spiritual anteater or something it would be a lot more believable.

believe what you want... but you've never worried about being locked away for being crazy if someone caught you... or worried you were possesed/evil because of who you are.

'm thinking otherkin and furries are more like people with "multiple personality disorder" it doesn't really exist they are just so susceptible that they make themselves believe it. Frankly I don't care what people do spiritually if it helps them and harms no one the only reason I have to comment on this is because the parallels to homosexuals and especially transgenders frightens me, it makes a mockery of their very real struggles.

My trans wife would disagree. We find our shared experiences growing up a useful source of mutual understanding.

wa:do

 

[Azakel]

It seems to me that those that are not a Therian and no nothing about it and don't wish to learn about it are always going to down play it and make ignorant comments. Even after people like myself and more PW have said what we have said I'm might just be about done with theses Threads.

 

[Azakel]

Everybody wants to be a coyote, wolf, raven, bear, something cool etc. If you where compelled to be a a spiritual anteater or something it would be a lot more believable

If you have listened to what ether Painted Wolf or myself have been saying throughout the thread you would know that this is crap. And that you have no knowledge of people with the Therian community or individuals.
We have both started some less then awesome animals that people as therian are....
I guess that people just don't want to hear what we have to say and understand us.
What ever....

 

[no-body]

My trans wife would disagree. We find our shared experiences growing up a useful source of mutual understanding.

wa:do

If your spirituality can help you connect with someone you know that is great. Using the term "body dysmorphic" for spiritual beliefs is still condescending to people with real problems.

If you have listened to what ether Painted Wolf or myself have been saying throughout the thread you would know that this is crap. And that you have no knowledge of people with the Therian community or individuals.
We have both started some less then awesome animals that people as therian are....
I guess that people just don't want to hear what we have to say and understand us.
What ever....

You gave a couple of examples that where a little lackluster but still not something no one in their right mind would choose like a dung beetle. Think of the infinite amount of dead animal souls out there are you telling me not one therian is going to be connected to an earwig or something? Like I said seems mighty convenient but if it helps you, it helps you.

 

[Black_Shuck]

believe what you want... but you've never worried about being locked away for being crazy if someone caught you... or worried you were possesed/evil because of who you are.

My trans wife would disagree. We find our shared experiences growing up a useful source of mutual understanding.

wa:do

LOL Well I do have to worry about being locked away for what I believe, look at what my title is and you will get the picture.

I still think that it is escapism but I think you should try to look at yourself objectively and analyze your feelings and see where they come from.

 

[painted wolf]

If your spirituality can help you connect with someone you know that is great. Using the term "body dysmorphic" for spiritual beliefs is still condescending to people with real problems.

If I thought it was simply spiritual then I suppose it would be.
I don't see "myself" when I look in a mirror... from everything I've learned about the trans community this is very similar to what my spouse experienced for much of her life.

"Clinical Lycanthropy" is a genuine psychiatric diagnosis (and no, it isn't just wolves) and they include body dysmorphic disorder as part of the diagnosis. I'm sorry if you feel offended about my problem being associated with "real problems". But you aren't in a position to really judge it are you?

You gave a couple of examples that where a little lackluster but still not something no one in their right mind would choose like a dung beetle. Think of the infinite amount of dead animal souls out there are you telling me not one therian is going to be connected to an earwig or something? Like I said seems mighty convenient but if it helps you, it helps you.

I don't believe in re-incarnation... it doesn't matter how many "dead souls" are out there.
And I'm sure cow's are just the sort of thing people would choose to be.

wa:do

 

[painted wolf]

I still think that it is escapism but I think you should try to look at yourself objectively and analyze your feelings and see where they come from.

Think what you like. I know where my feelings come from... altered brain chemistry, likely a disruption of serotonin.

wa:do

 

[Black_Shuck]

It seems to me that those that are not a Therian and no nothing about it and don't wish to learn about it are always going to down play it and make ignorant comments. Even after people like myself and more PW have said what we have said I'm might just be about done with theses Threads.

Personally I seek to understand where you are coming from but if you are going to be offended by people speaking their mind then why post it on a public forum? I think you would have gotten a more positive response on an other kin website. I accept that you believe this but do I accept this as a remote possibility? Nope. It feel to convenient because most peoples "other" seem to reflect what they see in themselves as or personality traits that other people see in them. Many of these type don't seem content with reality which I don't blame them but you can't change it by wishing and that is what Otherkin, Furries and other groups seem like they are trying to do.

 

[Azakel]

I thank you Paint Wolf for stinking in here with me. I don't think I would have care for these threads to go on as long has they have without another knowledgeable Therian 'helping' out ^_^.
But really people should remember that this is in a Discussion forum and not a Debate. Follow the rules and be respectful or get out.

 

[Azakel]

Personally I seek to understand where you are coming from but if you are going to be offended by people speaking their mind then why post it on a public forum? I think you would have gotten a more positive response on an other kin website.

I post to share, not to be put down a ridiculed by people aren't listening and ignoring what is being said. If I wanted to post in a place where all people believe the same then I would of, but I don't.

It feel to convenient because most peoples "other" seem to reflect what they see in themselves as or personality traits that other people see in them. Many of these type don't seem content with reality which I don't blame them but you can't change it by wishing and that is what Otherkin, Furries and other groups seem like they are trying to do.

I bet you haven't even really touch the Therian or Otherkin community. You are Stereotyping and overgeneralizing base on a few loud and outspoken people.

 

[painted wolf]

If I were to just pick an animal it would have been a Cat or a bird... I dislike canids in general.

wa:do

 

[Gentoo]

I post to share, not to be put down a ridiculed by people aren't listening and ignoring what is being said. If I wanted to post in a place where all people believe the same then I would of, but I don't.

In other words, we're not looking for validation from the peanut gallery. You're sharing experience to those interested in Discussing it.

 

[Azakel]

In other words, we're not looking for validation from the peanut gallery. You're sharing experience to those interested in Discussing it.

Exactly Sister Gentoo.

 

[Guitar's Cry]

I think you'll forgive me if I don't really believe you on this. Everybody wants to be a coyote, wolf, raven, bear, something cool etc. If you where compelled to be a a spiritual anteater or something it would be a lot more believable.

I would suggest that the very fact that certain animals are often chosen may suggest a particular psychological need on the part of our society which is woefully removing us from the environments our brains are wired for.

(Note: When I use the term "psychological," I am not degrading the experience in any way; to me, what is psychologically significant is more profound since it is the reality we exist in.)

Gentoo is the only one I've discussed this with, but I consider the wolf to be my personal animal spirit guide. And I've thought the same thing; wolves are cool, am I just drawn to them because they're "in"? (This being from someone who avoids what's popular like the plague. Just ask Gentoo )

But I've always been drawn to them. I can't help it. A particular dream I had during a transitional stage in college emphasized that. Is there something in the wolf--an intelligent social animal that still conveys all the primitive elements of a predatory beast--that is profoundly meaningful to me, and the many others who respect this animal?

We are, afterall, animals wearing the masks of civilization doing our best to subdue that primal side--the very fact we feel that there is spiritual profundity in animals suggests that we still want to connect to that beast within.

So, long post short, I think that suggesting people go for just "cool" animals is something of a superficial observation.

 

[KatNotKathy]

I wonder how many animals out there think they're really human on the inside.