Non-human: What exactly does that mean?
Each of us has our own unique identity, something that separates us from one another. Whatever the reason might be, there are individuals who feel that their inner identity is not quite human on some personal psychological, spiritual, or energetic level. We obviously acknowledge that humans cannot physically be anything other than human. However, in the realms of the non-physical, the possibilities are endless. Some may believe that their soul is the product of reincarnation, once a dragon long ago and now reincarnated into a human body. Others may just believe they are the product of the here and now and some how their spirit is that of a tiger. And of course, those of a scientific mind may just think they have their wires crossed somewhere inside their brains which is causing their non-human experiences. The reasons and the possibilities are endless, but regardless of the why's or the how's, those who identify as non-human can all agree that to some extent, they aren't human inside.
Let's define a few terms that I've already thrown out:
Otherkin: The generally accepted definition of Otherkin is someone who believe's on some level that they are non-human (not physically). This includes pretty much everyone including mythical beasts, fictionkin, elves, fae, and so on.
Therians: The definition of a Therian is pretty much the same except that most believe Therianthropy consists mostly of earthly beast animals and not fictionkin, elves, or other humanoid species. There appears to be some wiggle room for dragons and other mythical beasts since belief in their earthly existence is commonly debated among the communities. It mostly just depends on who you ask.
It's also important to note that there is an ongoing debate on whether Therians belong under the Otherkin term. Therians will argue that they are entirely separate, but many only see their differences as something to be labeled as a branch off of Otherkin. As you meander around the various websites and forums in the community, you can be your own judge. I personally make no distinction between anyone as I simply call someone what they are: Dragon, Elf, Wolf, etc..
Shifting is also something that is common among the communities and there are several types. Here are some of the most common:
Phantom shifting: This type of shifting is the most common and usually involves the individual experiencing phantom appendages such as a tail, wings, claws, or even entire bodies.
Mental Shifting: The individual experiences behaviors akin to those species that they identify as. Some examples of this might be chasing a phantom tail, chasing other animals, growling, dropping down on all fours to walk, and so on. Experiences vary as some can be mild and controllable while others have great issues with keeping their humanity at the forefront.
Dream Shifting: You don't have to be non-human to dream about yourself, but often times non-humans will dream that they are in their correct body.
Physical Shifting: The taboo topic of non-humans. There are some who make claims of physically shifting into their non-human forms. These claims cannot and have never been backed up with physical proof. We are humans on the outside and this is something we just have to deal with.
This is just brushing the surface but at least gets your feet wet. As I use other terminology in the course of my blog, I will do my best to define them in the context they're being used.
For further information, and more precise definitions of these terms and other terminology, please see the links section.
Let's define a few terms that I've already thrown out:
Otherkin: The generally accepted definition of Otherkin is someone who believe's on some level that they are non-human (not physically). This includes pretty much everyone including mythical beasts, fictionkin, elves, fae, and so on.
Therians: The definition of a Therian is pretty much the same except that most believe Therianthropy consists mostly of earthly beast animals and not fictionkin, elves, or other humanoid species. There appears to be some wiggle room for dragons and other mythical beasts since belief in their earthly existence is commonly debated among the communities. It mostly just depends on who you ask.
It's also important to note that there is an ongoing debate on whether Therians belong under the Otherkin term. Therians will argue that they are entirely separate, but many only see their differences as something to be labeled as a branch off of Otherkin. As you meander around the various websites and forums in the community, you can be your own judge. I personally make no distinction between anyone as I simply call someone what they are: Dragon, Elf, Wolf, etc..
Shifting is also something that is common among the communities and there are several types. Here are some of the most common:
Phantom shifting: This type of shifting is the most common and usually involves the individual experiencing phantom appendages such as a tail, wings, claws, or even entire bodies.
Mental Shifting: The individual experiences behaviors akin to those species that they identify as. Some examples of this might be chasing a phantom tail, chasing other animals, growling, dropping down on all fours to walk, and so on. Experiences vary as some can be mild and controllable while others have great issues with keeping their humanity at the forefront.
Dream Shifting: You don't have to be non-human to dream about yourself, but often times non-humans will dream that they are in their correct body.
Physical Shifting: The taboo topic of non-humans. There are some who make claims of physically shifting into their non-human forms. These claims cannot and have never been backed up with physical proof. We are humans on the outside and this is something we just have to deal with.
This is just brushing the surface but at least gets your feet wet. As I use other terminology in the course of my blog, I will do my best to define them in the context they're being used.
For further information, and more precise definitions of these terms and other terminology, please see the links section.