Vampirism and Vampyrism
About Vampyres: Who they are.
Misunderstandings about what they do.
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Note about vampyres and vampires:
As stated in the vampire / vampyre menu, we use the
term "vampyres" to refer to a real phenomenon involving
real people. We use "vampire" to refer to imaginary mythical
creatures who mainly inhabit horror movies and other works of imaginative
fiction. This notation is used by some in the vampyre/vampire community, but its
use is
far from a consensus. In fact, some use the opposite definition; still others
use both terms to refer to both types of vampires/vampyres.
More about vampyres:
The word "vampyre" has a lengthy etymology. The original source was the
proto-Indo-European (PIE) word "to fly" which became, in succession, the Old Slavic
word "oper," the Old Polish word "vaper", the German word "vampir,"
the English "vampyre." From this older English term emerged the modern
English term "vampire."
1
As stated in the vampire / vampyre menu, we use the
term "vampyres" to refer to a real phenomenon involving
real people. We use "vampire" to refer to imaginary mythical
creatures who mainly inhabit horror movies and other works of imaginative
fiction. This notation is used by some in the vampyre/vampire community, but its
use is
far from a consensus. In fact, some use the opposite definition; still others
use both terms to refer to both types of vampires/vampyres.
Vampyrism is a diverse community. The following text does not necessarily
reflect the beliefs and practices of all vampyres.
Who and what are vampyres:
According to the Society of the Black Swan, there are two main types
of vampyres. Both draw life force (a.k.a. pranic, chi, ley, psychic or spiritual
energy) from others in order to sustain themselves. But they differ in the
method that they use to tap into this energy:
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Sanguinarian vampyres: "Sanguinarian" comes from the Latin word "sanguinarius"
which means "bloodthirsty." A sanguinarian or "sang"
vampyre feels a strong
craving to meet their energy needs by consuming blood. Normally this comes
from other co-operating humans or from animals.
They feel that their strength cannot be maintained at a high level in any other way.
2 If they are not able
to feed on blood periodically, they expect to develop a weakened immune system, have less
energy, and sicken. They may develop pain and depression. 3 Many vampyres have
one or more donors who often draw their own blood as a gift.
Most sang vampyres feel that a tablespoon or two of blood each week is plenty to
sustain them.
According to a Wikipedia essay: |
"The majority of sanguinarian vampires view their condition as being
part of their inner nature (either spiritually or physically) and thus,
often refrain from engaging in the dress, music or traditions common to
vampire lifestylers. Most do not view themselves as 'Gothic.'
Some look down on those who engage in vampire 'dress-up' as it promotes
a distorted view of what they believe to be true vampirism. Many
sanguinarians fear negative public reaction because of the image vampire
lifestylers propagate. 4
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Psi vampyres: They crave and are able to draw life force (a.k.a.
pranic, chi, ley, psychic or spiritual energy) from another person directly without consuming their blood.
1
They are sometimes called psi "psy or psionic vampires, soul suckers,
[or] energy
vampires." Some psi vampyres
are able to tap into a donor's energy "...by eye contact, touch, sexual
intercourse, intense conversation....dreams" and by drinking their
blood. They can also extract energy from nature -- from "...storms,
raging oceans, earthly vortices and intense sunlight" and even the
ionosphere. 5 |
Many sang vampyres are able to feed in the same manner as psi vampyres.
However, they are normally unable to acquire as much energy as they need in that
way.
Many see psi feeding as a method of slowing their decline, rather than as a
technique for maintaining their energy levels.
Many, perhaps most, vampyres do not engage in the dress, music or traditions
commonly associated with vampyrism. They regard their condition as being part of
their inner nature, either spiritually or physically).
Vampyres may experience "heightened
sensitivities; light sensitivity; [and/or] a largely nocturnal sleep cycle.
The heightened sensitivities are believed by many to include a number of
psychic abilities, such as empathy, astral projection, clairvoyance, and
energy manipulation. The sensitivity to light and the nocturnal body cycle
are not so limiting that a real vampire cannot be up and out during the day,
it is simply an effort for them to do so." 6
Within vampyrism are found followers of all of the major religions, as well as
secularists, freethinkers, and followers of alternative
spiritualities.
Most vampyres believe that they are born with a latent vampyre condition
which normally becomes active only after puberty. Rejecting the imaginative accounts
in novels, films, etc, they believe that nobody can become a vampyre unless they are born with the
condition.
Some misunderstandings about what vampyres do:
Crystal Angel comments: "You need not fear them anymore
than anyone else you may encounter in that 'dark, eerie' night club you enjoy so
much. True, they hold many secrets and mysteries behind their hypnotic eyes, but
what is also true is that they may in fact end up being your best friend."
7
Many misunderstandings by the public are based on a confusion between vampires and vampyres.
Some of the attributes of vampires are assumed to be also true of vampyres. In
reality:
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Sanguinarian vampyres do not sustain themselves solely on human blood; they also eat regular food. Some use animal blood, often from beef cattle. Pig
blood is usually avoided because it is more likely to contain parasites and other
nasty ingredients. All vampyres consume ordinary food and drink as their main
sustenance.
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Vampyres do not shape shift into werewolves, bats or
other animals. That is a myth.
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They are not immortal.
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They don't necessarily have any special powers.
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They can experience sunlight without any drastic side effects.
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They don't usually sleep in coffins.
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They are not frightened by Christian crosses.
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Garlic does not repulse them.
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They do cast reflections in mirrors.
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They have shadows.
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They can cross running water.
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They don't turn other people in to vampyres, except perhaps by persuasion.
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They do not suffer a high mortality rate due to attacks from vampire slayers. |
We suspect that the greatest danger posed by the study of vampyrism
may occur online. Vampyre webmasters seem to have a strong preference for very dark,
tiny, colored lettering on black backgrounds. If you spend a lot of time reading their
websites, you may suffer eyestrain.
References used:The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above
essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
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"Vampire," Wikipedia, at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/
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Ceinwyn, "Sanguinarian Vampires," Society of the Black Swan, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/
- Anyone, including vampyres, can experience a weakened immune system, loss of energy, pain, and
depression from many other causes. We recommend consulting a medical
professional to rule out any mundane causes.
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"Vampire lifestyle." Wikipedia, downloaded 2005-NOV-10, at: http://en.wikipedia.org/ (spelling corrected)
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"Types of Vampires," CovenCa.net, at:
http://www.covenca.net/
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Dominic Angelus, "Vampire lexicon of terminology: Real Vampire,"
Journalscape, at:
http://journalscape.com/
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Crystal Angel, "CovenCa," at:
http://www.covenca.net/
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Copyright © 2005 to 2011 by Ontario Consultants on Religious
Tolerance
Originally posted: 2005-SEP-25
Latest update: 2011-JAN-08
Author: B.A. Robinson
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