Subjects

 

Therianthropy

Therianthropy is, in a nutshell, a belief that one has a deep, spiritual association with an animal. Some might point out that this is similar to shamanism, but unlike other animal spirituality, therianthropy is a belief in ones self, not in an external force (such as animal spirit or totem). The key portion of the belief is that the beast is within, and a part of your own soul and spiritual make up. You are the animal, the animal is you. Although obviously the actual depth and bredth of how people relate to this in their own many unique ways is far more complicated than the simple definition I just gave, since every therian has their own experiences and way of relating to their internal animal, its an everchanging, ever evolving spiritual belief. Beside here are some further essays going more into depth regarding this spiritual belief.

Therianthropy has largely emerged out of the internet, and as such has a colorful and interesting link with Werewolves and werewolf mythology. Therianthropy is sometimes used interchangably with the word 'were', and some therians have identified themselves with the 'werebeast' moniker, however, therians are not at all like the beasts of legend. For more on this, please read the relevant essays.

Please note that all the essays here are personal observations and opinions. They are colored with my own experiences, and as such, should be taken with a measure of consideration as such.

If you have any suggestions or things you'd like to see added to or returned to the den pages, please feel free to drop a note in the forums , or email me your suggestions at shadow at zhypoh dot net.