Damnit, I want to be interesting too!

[Wraywolf]

I’ve never really experienced anything reminiscent of Therianthropy, or any sort of “animal inside” sort of incidents. Now, werewolves may just be the flavor of the month to me, my current fleeting obsession, but after reading all these interesting scenarios by Xzen, LordD, and… whomever else. I can’t remember. Well, it's just...

I really would like to…

(How can I say this without sounding stupid…?)
(…)
(I can’t. Damn it!)

I would like to *cringe* awaken my inner wolf. Or whatever animal personifies my personality. But I don’t want to force myself to see it. I don’t want to become a delusional lycanthrope who prances around in his underwear howling at the moon. I was wondering if any of you could help me (In a NON satanic, mystical, fruity-pants way) bring out the lupine side of my brain. If it’s even possible.

There! I said it! Man, I think a part of me just died…

*feels around*

oh god NO! Why did it have to be THAT part? Why couldn’t it have been something unimportant, like my brain? or lungs?

[Silent_Darkstalker]

i dont quite understand what your getting at. do you want to see if your a therianthropy or what?

if thats the case then the only way to find out is meditate. calm down, relaxe, learn about your body, your mind, and god(s) know what else. soul search in other words.

if you end up not being "anything" then so what, at least now you know more about yourself then what you did before.

if your talking about becomeing a real physically changeing werewolf.. then your just deludeing your self. they dont exist. and lets just say they did, you'll have to be born with that "gift/curse" you cant just become one. again thats only IF physical shifters actually exist.

just my two cents, take 'em or leave 'em.

[SoulScream]

Well, my view is that you either are one or you're not. Don't try to force it if it's not there, but if it is there, then once again, don't force it. let it show itself on it's own. Let your instincts do the work. Or as the Rynster suggests, try having a conversation with yourself. I tried it. it does help to clear up a lot of things that go on in the brain :) Meditation doesn't seem to work for everyone, but i recomend it. Just relax. chill out. Sort out your brain and find you. Follow your instincts.

[Cape]

it may also be wise to heed this warning: Be careful, because being a therianthrope isn't exactly the greatest thing in the world for some people. You wouldn't believe the ammount of depression this has caused me due to the "animal inside" slowly becoming an even larger part of me than it used to be, and wanting things that I just can't have due to the fact that i am a human living in a human society.

in short, it can really cause some problems, but it seems to depend on the person.

[Wolf-Bone]

If you don't mind my asking, if you weren't already therian then what lead you to sites such as this?

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad you say outright you're not a were rather than try to play make-believe as so many do. But it's not really something anyone can "bring out" in another person.

For what it's worth, you don't appear to me to be in any danger of deluding yourself.

[Ender]

Good question http://www.werewolf.com/vb/images/icons/icon14.gif I would also like any information that could be given, or even links to sites that could give info.

Preferably someone who doesn't have a Marijuana reference in thier sig.

[lordragoon]

Interesting? That's a first... but anyway...

First of all, you can't force therianthropy like a blow to the head can force amnesia. Depending on who you ask, therianthropy might be something you are born with. But I think it can be coaxed into existance. I think it's all mental - you think, therefor you are. If you want to see the wolf inside, it's already there. As Darkwolf keeps calling out, he's no therian and yet he can produce the same results as the best therianthrope. I'll try to type up some basic recomendations, though I'm not the best person for this. If it wasn't for Xzengrim, DarkOmegaWolf, and McKitty, I'd still be sans mental or astral shift. Just figured out how to do those, and without help I would never have. Those people are probably better for that subject. Kishi-Garou too, though I haven't talked too much to her about therianthropy. And I can give advice on dream shifts, but it's gonna' take me a while to type them up. I'll PM them to you tomorrow.

In the meantime, may I suggest you try to figure out what you are? Think about nicknames, pets, friends; they all shape you. What type of animal you're more interested in, what type of personality you have. It's best to think about this for a while - you might be wolf inside, but it's just as likely your personality more matches a bear or you think more like a tiger. And the "that's cool" effect isn't always worth it; a tiger may be more impressive many other things, but if it ain't you, meditation will be harder. Knowledge about the animal matters as well. If you can't imagine how a leopard would walk or think, that's probably not your best choice.

Anyway, got to go. I'll get my advice as soon as I can. I suggest you ask some of the expert therians (they won't think so, but they are) and try googling the wereweb and various links. Again, others will be able to help you more than I can.

[Ender]

Thanks. I (as far as I can know as of now) have an animal in mind that I think would reflect my mental and personal state.

I wouldn't say I'm interested in the subject just because "it's cool", like you said, I'm interested in it because of the many cultures around the world of practice and beleive in animal connections amoung thier people.

Plus this may be relatable in my research of Shamanistic practices (VERY interesting, highly recommened subject to look into).

[lordragoon]

That was actually to both you and Wraywolf. I'll PM it after I test everything tonight. I'm not too certain how well it will relate to other subjects, but it might work. Anyway, sorry it's taking so long.

[Wolvaurynomir]

Or as the Rynster suggests, try having a conversation with yourself. I tried it. it does help to clear up a lot of things that go on in the brain

I'm quoted and correct. Can life get any better than this?

[wolfwolf]

heheheh. Fruity-pants.... hehe.:D
Oh...
Anyone can learn to mental shift pretty easily and it's not satanic or mystical or fruitypants. It's just contiously controlling the way you think, and your thoughts become more and more pictures and feelings and less words. Much simpler. I don't like to practice it because sometimes I start uncontrolled mental shifts, and those are bad. Mostly around the full moon (realizes that comment it opening me up to a bunch of crap from people... whatever.)
Anyways, the uncontrolled thing is just me though. I don't know if it even happens to anyone else. And I did it before I ever contiously practiced-- and thought I was a vampire... but that's a whole 'nother story.
PM me if you want me to walk you through how to mental shift.

-wolfwolf
PS: dude, you are interesting-- you're an EYEBROW VENDOR. Oh, and I agree that you shouldn't take advice from someone with a marijuana reference in their signature. Sorry guys, but drugs mess you up. :shrug:

[Wraywolf]

If you don't mind my asking, if you weren't already therian then what lead you to sites such as this?

Like this:

"El Goonish Shive is teh best comic EVA"
Then
"Shapeshifting, eh?"
Now
"Neat! Werewolves!"

Yay for googel!


And thanks LordD! That's very cool of you. You’re all being so helpful. *Sniff* It touches me. In a platonic way.

Also, what is Werenet? Excuse my ignorance, but I am fairly new to the whole Were scene. I have been here about 5 mounths. A newbie I am.

[Wolf-Bone]

what is Werenet? Excuse my ignorance, but I am fairly new to the whole Were scene. I have been here about 5 mounths. A newbie I am.


Were.Net is a therianthropy resource, and for a time was one of the most respected. Perhaps still is. However, Were.Net's approach towards those who openly do not share the attitude of the admins (and thier friends) has gotten them alot of heat. There have been two occassions in its history I know of where people ditched it en masse to go elsewhere because they were fed up with the lunchroom politics, a few of whom were formerly part of the admin. itself.

I went there from 1999 up until about two weeks ago, and as far back as I can remember it's been more about discussing technology, science, politics, whatever the issue of the day is than therianthropy. But to be fair, therianthropic discussion has become the exception rather than the rule for just about everywhere.

BTW, before ANYONE says anything about what I just said, let me first point out that I tried INCREDIBLY hard to be neutral during the last split, and have defended WN numerous times in the past from un-called for server bashing.

[lordragoon]

Alright. First of all, I want to warn you that I am no expert on the subject of therianthropy. It's a difficult subject to find information on, and I'm new to it.

I think that therianthropy is an ability that can be grown, whether or not you already had it. The best method to do this is to practice shifts. I've already given the lecture on figuring out what you are. Until you know that, you can't really do anything. The animal inside will change who you are and how you think, so it's probably not easy to switch later. Now on to the subject.

To bring out whatever animal you've chosen. First of all, I do suggest that you do a lot of research on your perspective animal sides. Knowledge about style of movement, appearance, knowing what the animal senses and how; it's all useful.
One type of shift you might want to start with is the mental shift. Most of the time, this shift occurs by itself - one moment you feel tense, the next you feel wolf. But it can be forced. The general recommendation is meditation, at least at the beginning. Once you become closer to your animal side, you'll be able to mental shift with little work, but 'til them, it's not easy.
There are a few steps to this. To start, you'll want to get some type of relaxing music. It can be whatever you find relaxing, although music with a lot of lyrics isn't the best choice. I've had flute music suggested to me, but anything could work. The next step is to find a good place. Again, you'll want someplace calm and relaxing. I'd recommend your bedroom or a quiet place in nature. It helps if you won't be interrupted and will be able to sit or lie down.
The next step to sit or lay down at your site, plug in your music, and close your eyes. Don't bother with how you're sitting, where you put your hands, or any of that. If you think to much about meditation, it doesn't become easier. From then on, it's a matter of clearing your mind, then visualizing your animal side. More specifically, you think about how an animal would see the area around you. Not just colors - did you know that canines can taste water? Can you imagine what a tail feels like? You have to think about all of it, and you should be able to do it while avoiding any thoughts that are too human. Not easy.
Stop after meditating for about ten minutes. After a meditation, you might feel 'more animal', in both action and reaction. Other results include heightened (minimally) senses, raised pulse, altered balance, and grayed vision. Your mileage may very. Don't expect too much your first times.
I'm trying to write down some more advanced meditations, but it's taking a while for me to test it all.

Another option is dream shifting. That's what I'm the most knowledgable at. It requires no prep work and very little time.
There are a few things that you have to think ahead about. You won't want to try a dream shift the morning before a job interview or a long day at school. Make sure you'll be able to wake up on your own, and that you won't have to run around too soon after.
To attempt a dreamshift, do all the stuff you normally do before going to bed, then do so. However, instead of counting sheep, you should instead think of how your animal looks. In as good detail as you can get, imagine the animal running across whatever its natural environment is. I, for example, think about how a wolf or tiger looks as it runs through an endless forest.
Eventually, you'll fall asleep and hopefully dreamshift. It might take several attempts, but it might be easier and more effective then mental shifting. The choice is your's. Good luck.

[Quicksilver]

I like to consider myself somewhat helpfull here on werewolf.com.... as my self title venerated bear... I do follow.. a "shamanistic ideal" of buddisim, native american spiritualisim, and wicca... and yes I still believe in god... the only constant in ALL religions...
But what I am getting to... anyone who says that they are a shifter.. are one of two things... a liar... or a trader.. think for a sec... if they really were.. they just betrayed their people.. so why converse with them.. they broke a sacred oath.. what makes you special....anyway..l ol
What I was gonna get to about spiritualisim and "awakening you inner spirit" is that it takes both some (not alot) of meditation... not the stereotypical monk in a room meditation... go do some community service.. or go where you can be active and think... not a gym.. like on a nature walk.. or a mall parking lot... and watch people..not in a creepy manner please...
then after you have watched how the norm is..you take a walk.. and look back at yourself.. are you the same?? do you see yourself as one of them? do you sit in church.. and beg yourself to go get spiritual nourishment.. (im not sayin christianity is wrong).. if so... you probably have a strong spirit ancestor that you need to grip with.. to fuffil yourself... private me if you think you do... laters all...
btw.. I am not claimin to be anything special.. just a resource for knowlege..

[punisher]

they just betrayed their people.. so why converse with them.. they broke a sacred oath..

I really don't know where you get this. This has nothing to do with buddism or shamanism. The only place you will find things about betraying the werewolf "people" and sacred oaths which are then broken are White Wolf influenced sources.

If you want a book on therianthropy, check out Magic of Shapeshifting by Rosalyn Greene. It is a flawed book, but a good place to start.

[Wolf-Bone]

If you want a book on therianthropy, check out Magic of Shapeshifting by Rosalyn Greene. It is a flawed book, but a good place to start.

No, it's a very BAD place to start. The title alone oughtta set up red flags to anyone looking for legit material.

[SearchingWolf]

Well why dont you enlighten us and give us your list of acceptable material?

[Wolf-Bone]

Well, I think my friend Anton summed it up best:

lupus.therianthropy. net/MagicossRev.html

[punisher]

Yes, yes; we all know the book isn't all that great. More reviews won't make it better. The problem is, I don't know of any better books on the subject. If you do, please post info on them. I would love to have another book to recommend, and let this one lapse into obscurity.

You could go to: http://www.therianthropy.or g/SO/ but the info there isn't much better than Greene's book. When there are no other books on a topic, you are left with the one that is there. Someone here could write one and clear up this whole problem. I even know of some publishers that work in this vein that I could provide contact info for.

[Wolf-Bone]

Yes, yes; we all know the book isn't all that great. More reviews won't make it better. The problem is, I don't know of any better books on the subject.

That's because there really are none. We don't exactly like the idea of putting our shit under a microscope for everyone to analyze, dissect, and disrespect.

You could go to: http://www.therianthropy.or g/SO/ but the info there isn't much better than Greene's book.


I really like the irony of that statement. You do realize that Greene is actually believed to have bitten material from there, don't you?

When there are no other books on a topic, you are left with the one that is there. Someone here could write one and clear up this whole problem. I even know of some publishers that work in this vein that I could provide contact info for.

Or, you could just look within yourself instead of treat it like it's fucking nuclear physics, that can be broken down to a science. It can't. It's about YOU, the individual. No two weres are totally alike in thier therianthropy.

[Wraywolf]

Woo, down boy. Lets not be to hasty. Pwnisher was just submitting some information that I asked for. We’re all friends here, lets spread love, not hate. *Insert hippie smilie here*

Thanks to LD, Pwn, wolf-wolf, and everyone else that submitted information. You all rock. :buttrock:

[MisterRogers]

You know, in the land of Make Believe, Audrey Duck thought that she wasn't special, but she is! Everyone is special, even you! And you know what? I like you just the way you are. It's such a good feeling to know that we can be loved by people, even when we're not perfect.

[wolfwolf]

You know, in the land of Make Believe, Audrey Duck thought that she wasn't special, but she is! Everyone is special, even you! And you know what? I like you just the way you are. It's such a good feeling to know that we can be loved by people, even when we're not perfect.
I'm not sure what just happened here, but I've very scared...

[Quicksilver]

You know, in the land of Make Believe, Audrey Duck thought that she wasn't special, but she is! Everyone is special, even you! And you know what? I like you just the way you are. It's such a good feeling to know that we can be loved by people, even when we're not perfect.

Again "god" has plagued us with ignoramt posters! Has chris banned this idiot yet??

[wolfwolf]

Again "god" has plagued us with ignoramt posters! Has chris banned this idiot yet??
No don't ban this one. He's hilarious. Look at his other posts.

[Wraywolf]

Again "god" has plagued us with ignoramt posters! Has chris banned this idiot yet??
People, please! We need to show some tolerance! Even if this man is creepy and annoying, the best coarse of action we can take is to ignore him. Once he realizes we aren’t amused by the way he act’s, he will ether act more appropriately, or leave.

Let’s not make this a nazi forum where everyone has to act in a certain “normal” way. I think most of us can empathize with unfair treatment due to outstanding our beliefs or attitude. Being looked at strangely because we act or think in ways that are considered “weird” by others. Let’s not become what we hate.

MEANWHILE, BACK ON TOPIC, SUPERMAN SAVES A KITTEN
I would not really consider myself an Outcast. People have not rejected me, or if they have, not openly. In fact, I know many people who regularly greet me on my way to class. I am pretty well known, and in a good way. I just have trouble pursuing relationships with other human beings. I suppose I could be called shy, although none who know me would say that.

I’m just a little self conscious, you know? I kind of view myself as the weird kid, even though people have told me that is not the case.

“You think you’re weird?” a girl says to me after we exchange some conversation “Why? Because you’re interested in unusual things? That doesn’t make you weird.”

I lean towards the thought that, if someone got to know me, they would distance themselves from me. It’s because I always thought of myself as the weird one. That if people saw my oddities, they would not like me. This has caused me to seek out a twisted form of normalcy.

Instead of saying what I think is true, I often bow towards conformity. I say things I do not mean, and act in ways I, as an individual, would not condone. It’s sad, but for a while I was a pretender. Desperately trying to mold myself into what everyone would like. Beating out everything that made me an individual, I crafted a personality so bland and inoffensive, I became a total “blah”. But, even when I thought I had created the perfect suit of conformity, I still stood out.

People remember me for some reason. Sparks and tidbits of my true nature penetrated my Suit of Blah, and people remember me. Ghosts of my true being were left behind, like wrinkles in an ironed suit. I could not smooth myself out completely.

It was incredibly painful. To mask yourself, and routinely scream at yourself for daring to be an individual. I was afraid, No, terrified that I would be looked down on. I hated the idea of scorn so much, that I put up a barrier. “I don’t want other people to think badly of me,” I said to myself “So I won’t give them a chance to think anything of me.” And thus, I became a loner.


*Reads what he just wrote* Cooo-e. Isn’t self-discovery fun?

[Quicksilver]

No don't ban this one. He's hilarious. Look at his other posts.
I have read his other posts.. and I retract my previous statements.. this guy is pretty hilarious..