What is Therianthropy?
What even is it?
So then, what is Therianthropy? It is a state of being both human and animal. This can be in a few different ways such as mentally, spiritually and physically.
The word Therianthropy comes from two Greek words, Therios (wild animal/beast) and Anthropos (man) so it literally means Beast/Animal Man. Those who believe they are animal in some way are called Therianthropes or even Therians for short. Therians use the word therianthropy to describe their unique state of being.
Therians usually just have one animal but some have more but therianthropy is more than just a liking of the animal but an inner connection; something so strong that the Therian believes that some way or another they are the animal, be it in soul or mentally.
The animal which the Therian is, is called their Therio-type but some people used different words such as were-type. Some people who have more than one Therio-type are sometimes called Poly-weres. Poly-weres usually have two therio-types but in very rare cases they may have three.
The range of Therio-types has no limit although the most common animal is Wolves with Other Canines and Big Cats afterwards. Predatory, Carnivore animals are most common with Marine Animals and Bugs being least common. Prehistoric, Extinct animals are also possible such as Dinosaurs and Common animal ancestors. Mythical animals such as Dragons and Griffins are also there but are not considered Therians but instead OtherKin which you should go look up if want any more info on it.
Usually a Therian discovers their animal nature in their teens but discovery earlier or later is possible. The discovery can involve anything from simply discovery of the term and similar ones to the increase in shifts (which I will later explain). Some people are constantly discovering and finding more about their animal side.
For some finding their Therio-type is full of incorrect guesses but for others it can be very clear. When a Therian finally discovers their Therio-type and that there are others out there like themselves there is a sense of comfort. There is always more for a Therian to find out about themselves and the world around them.
Shifting
Shifting is an important part of most therians lives. Shifting is a change from the Human state of a therian to an animal state and can happen in many different ways. Shifting does not need to happen for a therian to be animal though.
Most therians have small qualities that stick out without shifting, such as barking, growling, hissing, roaring or anything that is similar to their therio-type. Aside from sounds there are also movements which can be anything like yawning like their therio-type, moving like it and standing like it. These are instinctive actions and usually the therian doesn't even notice that he/she is doing it. These are different from shifting because they are part of their normal daily routine and there is no great change from Human to Animal. There are also some Therians who don't shift at all.
Shifts are usually involutary when they first start as the Therian has no control over them but as the Therian gains more experience they may be able to cause shifts to happen at will.
The following are the shifts that I know of and some information I know about them:
Astral Shifting
This is where the Therian leaves his/her body and takes on another form on the 'Astral Plane'. The Astral Plane is another 'higher' level of conciousness (sort of like a dream/ghost world or another realm) and can often take a lot of work to reach so isn't therefore one of the more common types of shift.
Bi-location Shifting
This is similar to Astral Shifting and is where the Therian projects the changed Astral version of themselves across some distance to another place. The unique fact about this kind of shifting is that it takes place within the Physical Plane (The normal world) and can be seen by other people who can see Astral Forms.
Aura Shifting
Living things have what we call an Aura which is sort of a energy field that surrounds us and is made from our 'life energy'. This energy usually just surrounds us like our clothes do and moves as our body moves but sometimes a Therians 'Aura' can take the shape of their Therio-type. When this 'Aura Shift' happens, people around the affected Therian can usually sense that something is different and may fear or dread the shifter whilst he/she is shifted. Aura shifts can also occur alongside some other types of shift. Non-Therians also shift sometimes as their Aura may increase/decrease in strength when experiencing extreme sadness/fear/anger but their aura doesn't change shape/form.
Lucid Dream Shifting (D-Shift)
This doesn't happen whilst the Therian is asleep but is a kind of shift where the Therian experiences the real world slightly differently and may often feel as though they have transformed into a form of their Therio-type.
Mental Shifting (M-Shift)
This is possibly the most common form of shifting and is where the Human mindset changes to an Animal one. The Animal mindset would give the Therian more animalistic thinking, heighten instincts, give them less desire to talk human, change their posture, facial expressions and their emotions. There a different levels of this shift. A 'Light M-shift' would commonly involve the therian having some Animal mentality but still have Human awareness and may have difficulty perform some usual human tasks. A 'Deep M-Shift' would leave the Therian with little or no human mentality left. Mental shifts can last from a couple of minutes to up to several days.
Shadow Shifting
This shift is a sort of illusion that usually occurs in places of low lighting and is thought to be caused by the Therians aura. It is similar to 'Aura Shifting' but the Therian actually appears to be their Therio-type to everyone around her/him. The therians attitude, posture and even animal sounds can help to cause this effect. This shift is thought to be almost completely involuntary.
Phantom Shifting (Ph-Shift)
This is probably the most frustrating form of shift. Much like a wounded soldier who has lost a leg may feel as though it is there a Therian may also feel as though 'Phantom Limbs' or other body parts are there. A Therian may be able to feel fur, scales, a muzzle, wings, ears, tail or other body part which they don't actually have. This can sometimes be a problem, for example, Sitting on a tail would be painful and having a back against a wall whilst having wings would also be uncomfortable even if they're Phantom ones. There have been some cases where the Phantom Limbs can be seen in certain light and with practice it is apparently possible to sense certain energy and manipulate physical objects using the limbs.
Physical Shifting (P-Shift)
This is actual transformation from Human body to Animal body. There are great arguments about the possibility that this is possible but no proof has ever been given.
Sense Shifting (S-Shift)
This is where the Therian receives heightened abilities similar to those of their Therio-type. Usually the heightened abilities don't vary much in Predator land therio-types as they are all similar but Predator therio-types would be quite different from Prey or Water therio-types. Never the less each Therian would get slightly different abilities from their shift as every human and animal is unique. The most common heightened abilities from a shift would be strength, hearing, vision but more uncommon ones include added stamina and speed. The different abilities one would get from this shift can be divided into three categories; Physical (Strength), Aural (Senses) and Cognitive Abilities (Mental abilities such as strategy for hunting).
Shift Blocks + Sprees
There are times when Therians are almost in a constant shift (I call these 'Shift Sprees' but there are also sections of time where a therian doesn't shift at (I call these Shift Blocks). Shift Blocks are more common than Shift sprees. Shift Sprees usually only happen for a couple of days to up to a few weeks. Shift Block can last from a few days up to several months. A Shift Block can be as frustrating as a Phantom Shift (Ph-Shift) as shifts do not happen by themselves and also cannot be caused by the affected Therian.
Other related words
There are some other words which you should also know a little about if you want to try and understand about Therianthropy so that's why I am going to tell you about them:
Contherianthropy
This is usually defined as being in the state of both Animal and Human mindsets constantly meaning they can see the world from both human and animal points of view all the time. Because of the constant two views contherianthropes rarely, if ever shift. It is a very rare form of therianthropy.
Cladotherianthropy
This is another form of therianthropy which is just as rare as contherianthropy. Where a standard Therian may have a Wolf as their therio-type a Cladotherian would have a connection with the whole Canine (Dog) family. Or a Therian would have a connection with a Leopard but a Cladotherian would be connected with the whole Feline (Cat) family.
Lycanthropy
This is basically Therianthropy but refers to only Wolf therians. So instead of calling themselves a 'Wolf Therian' they may choose just to say a 'Lycan' instead. This used to be a term used frequently as it allowed their therio-type to be quickly understood within the Therian/Lycan community. Unfortunately due to the Underworld Film series, Wolf Therians are abandoning their second name (Lycans) as if Non-Therians hear it they immediately think of this film series and gives the Wolf Therian a bad impression.
Ailuranthropy
An uncommon term but is just a word for Cat/Feline Therians. I guess they would call themselves 'Ailurans'? It is rarely, if ever used.
Cyanthropy (Kynanthropy)
Just like Ailuranthropy except it is for Dog/Canine Therians. I don't think it is really ever used either.
Hippanthropy
Only different to Ailuranthropy and Cyanthropy as it is for Horse Therians not Canine or Feline ones. Very uncommon term and extremely rarely used.
Misanthropy
This is not another form of Therianthropy at all as it is very much frowned upon within the Therian community. It is the hate of Humans/Humanity/Mankind so some people call it 'self-loathing'. Even though it is greatly disliked by most of the Therian Community it is not that uncommon to find some Therianthropes that are also Misanthropes.
Otherkin
This is another group of people entirely even though they are commonly mistaken to be the same as Therianthropes and vice versa. Otherkin are similar to Therians but instead of being Animal they believe they are Mythical/Magical Creatures (such as dragons and griffins) stuck in a human body. Otherkin usually try to meddle with magic whilst Therians are more Earth based.
Furries
This is also another separate group of people. They have a strong liking for anthropomorphic animals (Humanized animals such as Bugs Bunny or Donald Duck). Most Furries have a Fursona which is an anthropomorphic animal character that they might believe to be another 'form' of themselves and they often us their Fursona in role-playing, art and even dress up as them. Whilst this may seem similar to Therians it is actually completely different because the Furry created their Fursona and can change it at will but a Therians animal is who they are and they didn't create or choose it. Although some parts of the Furry and Therian communities may seem similar they should NEVER be compared to each other as the same thing as they are both very different. This doesn't mean there can't be Furries that are also Therians or Therians that are also Furries because some people are both. In each community there is usually quite a strong dislike for the other but overall they tend to ignore each other so there is never any real fighting between them.
Therian Symbol
There is a symbol used by some Therians to show others like them who they are although it is not very well know but appears to be the recognised Therian symbol at the moment. The symbol is called the Theta-Delta and is made up of two Greek letters, Theta and Delta. Theta, being a T, is meant to stand for 'Therian' and Delta means change so is supposes to stand for a 'Shift' making it a good Therian Symbol. It basically looks like a Circle entwines with a Triangle which has a line in the centre but if you still can't imagine it then go look it up. The Theta-Delta symbol is simple because it is meant to be customisable so users can change it to make it personal and to suit their Therio-type. Unfortunately people who customise it often forget the line in the middle which, when removed, causes the symbol to be meaningless.
Stupid Myths and Legends
I realize that most people who have read up to here will still be quite confused, if so then I suggest you re-read the first section (called 'What even is it?') to remind you a bit then carry on reading here. Hopefully you have now gone back to the beginning, re read it and are now reading this. Unfortunately you might still be a bit confuzzled because your head will probably be filled with Myths and Stories about werewolves making it hard for you to understand the truth. Basically you need to know what myths and legends are true or not so that is why I am going to ask myself some questions that I would ask me about werewolf myths if I was you and then answer myself as though I was explaining it to you....did that make any sense? Perhaps I should just get on with the questions:
Are you insane?
Me? Personally, yes I am but Therians in general? No. They are just as sane and normal as you or I am...Well not as 'I am' anyway but I already said that. And maybe not as sane or normal as you either depending on who you are but most certainly as sane as a sane, normal person is.
What If I want to be a Therian?
Too bad, you can't be. You have to be born one.
What if you bite me?
You would feel pain and possibly get Tetanus poisoning if you haven't had the vaccine which may result in you dying. You won't change into a Therian as no-one I've bitten so far has. So in other words, don't get on my bad side ;) (If you didn't understand that, you won't change if we bite you)
So is it genetic and passed down through the family then?
I don't think so. I think that it is just a random thing or whatever but there can be multiple Therians in a family.
Are there hunters?
On the internet there are some people which look for Therians and then harass them and often bully them but as long as the Therian can find a group of other Therians and tell them then the Bully can easily be taken care of. In real life I have heard of some people who 'hunt' down Therians and meet them in person but only because they want to talk to them or find out more. As far as I know there are no people who hunt down therians and kill them....well apart from serial killers but they go after every one, not just us.
Do silver bullets harm you?
Yes, in fact they kill us most the time......just as they would kill any human and so do bombs, terrorists, poison, falling off a skyscraper and any other fatal incident that would kill humans.
What about the full moon?
No it doesn't cause us to have any special powers but a lot of Wolf Therians are emotionally affected by it and it sometimes causes an increase in shifts (Shift Sprees) the day before, during, and day after the full moon. This is not true for all wolf therians though but is for me.
Are you extra hairy?
No more than most teenage girls.
Is your body temperature higher than the average humans?
No and a vampires isn't lower either.
Do you kill humans?
I'm considering 'Assassin for Hire' as a career choice (if you are a really stupid person who might report me to the police and are reading this then I was joking by the way) but for most Therians; No
Do you like humans then?
Some, but not all, for example, I like my mum but not my evil geography teacher.
So do you physically change into an animal?
No.
War with the Vampires then?
No, that is not real either. Some Therians like Vampires, some just ignore them and some dislike them but we are not at war, or even fighting, against them.
So you're not extra hairy, the full moon doesn't turn you into a ferocious wolf that kills people, you aren't at war with vampires, silver doesn't automatically kill you, biting people doesn't turn them and Twilight is actually untrue? =-O
......Yes.....Twilight is not true and is just another film/book that has lead you to believe in a bunch of lies.....hmmm perhaps when I get the job as Assassin I'll kill all the lying werewolf book authors.....(again if your an idiot I was joking and am not going to become a Assassin to kill Stephanie Meyer or anyone else)
A bit about me.
I guess that if you ever met a Therian then you would want to ask her/him a few questions. Well then if you would then your in luck and if you wouldn't then your also in luck because I am going to answer some questions that I made up myself. Sounds a bit like the last section? Well this time the questions are not about myths but purely about my self :) Isn't that just great? Well remember that these are my own personal opinions and that other Therians might have different ideas/view or whatever. Anyways, on with the show!
Who are you?
I am Fire Mane, a teenage girl. I live in the countryside and have three ferrets, a springer spaniel, a miniature schnauzer puppy, three cats, a hamster and some fish. I go to a normal school. I am relatively smart and have a bunch of friends. I am a vegetarian and lover of nature and animals. I am also interested in the less-well known religions and beliefs of the world. I am also a bit, well a lot, misanthropic on some subjects but I wouldn't really call myself a total-human hater, just sometimes. My own beliefs are also very contradictory and often go completely against each other so I am sometimes quite hard to understand. Oh, and I am insane :P
What's your therio-type?
That would be a Wolf but I don't know exactly what type of wolf yet but one day I may discover it.
What kind of name is 'Fire Mane'?
It's obviously not my real name. Most therians find it useful to take on another name on the web as they may not want just any one knowing who they are. Choosing a name should take a lot of thinking and be personal to its owner and is best if its not very common as we don't need hundreds of therians all with the same name. For example, my name is Fire Mane as I am fascinated by fire and also have long ginger hair.
Do any of your friends know you're a Therian?
Quite a few of them do and none of them are really bothered by it. They think it's "cool" and whatever. I also have a Wiccan friend so 'Hi' to her :) Anyone else who doesn't know just thinks I am just weird and insane (oh so very insane) but that doesn't bother me.
Did you say you were vegetarian? Wolves are carnivores!!!
I believe that humans have evolved too far to put themselves on the natural food chain (which we would be top of). I believe it is completely
un-necessary for us to eat farmed meat (we don't need it for survival) as we have other food sources available. If, for example, sheep were not 'domesticated' but were free and wild like deer and we needed to hunt for our food then I would believe that to be totally acceptable to kill and eat them. Sometimes when I shift the wolf inside urges to eat meat but luckily the human part manages to resist. Also I do not think humans are 'made' to eat meat and I find a vegetarian diet is much more healthier. Check out this website for more on the 'healthy' side of things:
http://www.celestialhealing.net/physicalveg3.htm
Misanthropic?
Usually only when it comes down to certain matters such as the environment, nature, animals, yadda yadda yadda and all that hippie stuff.
Can shifting help you?
Shifting is necessary for Therians because it acts as a release for the animal but it can also be extremely helpful in the right situations. For example, when I Mental-shift (M-Shift) I get the mentality of a Wolf and when I Sense-shift (S-Shift) I get the senses of a wolf. Sometimes I M-shift and S-shift at the same time which can give me the thoughts of a wolf and the brain of a wolf. I occasionally do this during a Hockey match and it helps because I see the game sort of as a fight or a hunt and the ball either as prey or something to take from a rival pack. I also seem to better ability to predict movement and passes as well as being able to form strategies better and to co-operate better in a team (usually im rubbish with teamwork in human 'mode' :)), all these are abilities seen in a hunting wolf. I understand that a lot of people who will read about shifting will not believe that stuff like that really happens, reading back over it it even seems to me to be impossible, but it's true but that doesn't mean you have to accept it if you want ;)
What shifts have happened to you?
Good question :) I have only done a Lucid Dream Shift once in a forest near my house. I often have a Light Mental Shift and only once had a Medium one but they usually only last about 5 - 10 minutes and occassionally I have these shifts at school but they usually only last about 2 minutes. I Sense Shift as well and these are usually whilst playing sport at school where they last for about as long as the game and in the forest where they vary in length. The most common shift for me would probably be Phantom Shifting which usually happens at school. Normally it is in the form of a tail and this can sometimes affect the way I walk and sit down. I also often moan to my friends about how I wish I had a tail :). I also Phantom shift in the form of wolf ears and fur sometimes but not very often.
What causes your Shifts?
Usually they happen when I am playing sport or in the forest. The sport ones are probably triggered by happiness and excitement at playing a game I love so much and also by the want to do well (Emotional Triggers). The forest itself triggers shifts because it is the natural environment of Wolves. A cold night with a large moon and starry sky is also an 'Environment Trigger' which causes me to shift like in the forest.
Do you need to act 'Normal'?
At school it is usually the best idea for me to act like a 'normal' non-therian human teenage girl and try to fit in. Usually I try to stay close to my friends at school and with them I can be a little less 'normal' than the rest of the world expects me to be.
Would you rather be a Wolf than a Human?
Yes I would, just not in wolf hunting season.
When did you 'awaken' to it?
There was no specific day of week when I first realized I was part wolf but if I was to give a time it would be around the beginning of the year when I first realized I wasn't just a wacko and this was something different. From then on I just kept researching into it and discovered more :)
What are your likes?
I like going for walk (runs) in the many forests that surround my area, reading books, wolves, learning interesting things, pats on the head, laughing, the winter, animals, fellow Therians, Christmas time, Macaroni Cheese, Autumn, cups of tea, Nature, Broccoli, Anime, Manga, DeviantART, Drawing, researching about serial killers,learning which countries cannibalism is legal in and tons of other stuff which I can't be asked to list at the moment.
What are your dislikes?
Some things I dislike are, Cucumber, Animal cruelty, my evil geography teacher, cooking, cleaning, swimming, animal haters, pollution, trolls, cutting down trees, foreigners (I'm not racist), sometimes the human race, invaders of my personal space, cauliflower, new people, Shift Blocks, Clothes Shopping, Food Shopping, Summer, Double Rainbows, the fact that human meat is impossible to get legally and many other things.
What's with the website name?
Well you might think that 'therican' is just an incorrect spelling of therican but that's not so! In fact it is alot sneakier. Oh yes my good friends and hated enemies! A lot, lot clever and sneakier! Ninja-ish you could even say. It is, prepare yourselves, a...a.....Portmanteau! Well it is that to give it the correct term. Simply it is therian combined with lycan. 'Theri' for Therian and 'can' for lycan and also therian. See!? *Insert epic interrobang* It's awfully unnecessary and random but that's just me :D Hope you enjoyed the craziness.
The End
Now we have reached the end of this rather long web page but it is not actually the end! ...Well it is but all is not lost! I will be updating this site regularly as I think up more content. Well have fun and if you have any additional question that you would like to ask then please you the questions section to the right or find me in person if possible.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for bothering to read all of my web page as I know it is so ridiculously long and I should have split it up into several pages but it looks more cooler and epic this way. Also as a reward for reading this page and now feel free to scroll all the way to the top and click on the 'Game' Button or another page to look at. Thanks again.
Keep Howling,
Fire Mane ;)
