More old a.h.ww posts from 1994-'96
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ferineFrom: James Harrion III (ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu)
Subject: Re: just a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-13 13:28:10 PST
Jan Hilborn (jhilborn@moose.uvm.edu) wrote:
: Kenneth D Miller (kdmiller@ATHENA.MIT.EDU) wrote:
: : 1. Are human-form race and were-form species related?
: hmmm, well, i think: not. To my mind the wereform would be whatever
: species most closely matched the humanform's "self". Probably someone who
: had never heard of lions could not be a werelion but someone with were
: tendencies could find their wereself in any known (to them) species.
What if the wereself doesn't match any known extant species? Are
dire werewolves, sabre-toothed weretigers, et cetera possible?
: : 2. Another good "hmmmm..." question for you all is, should physical shape-
: : shifters be genetically compatible with normal people (including "spiritual
: : weres", which are humans with more developed psychic force)
: i think yes. I think of weres as humans with some difference (just as
: dogs are wolves with some differnce).
: : 3. Do you think that shapeshifters would be distinctly different from normal
: : people. I.e., if you compared a large number of shifters and humans, would
: : there be any detectable difference (larger, stronger, tougher, faster, more
: : aggressive?)
: maybe. (gee, i've voted one no, one yes, and now a maybe... what a
: consistant child i am). Maybe within a were type (wolves for exampple)
: there might be some detectable trend. But i'm skepticle... humans are
: such a variable species that any trend would only be that... there would
: always be werelike humans and non-werelike weres.
Then what would a werelike human behave like as opposed to a were or a
non-werelike were?
*gnaw*
JHIII
"You think I speak for the University of California? Yeah, right!"
From: Larry Hochman (newfound@idt.net)
Subject: Just a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1998/01/21
Hi, it's me again. I have been siting here, "surfing the net," and I
have come across at least a baker's dozen (13) different definitions of
a were-wolf. Now, I have my my own definition (since I am one) of what a
were-wolf is, but since I have found so many, I have decided to ask you
what your definitions of a were-wolf (or any other type of were) is.
Please let me know if I am completly out of line here.
Beowulf
******
From: Jan Hilborn (jhilborn@moose.uvm.edu)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-10-31 02:33:58 PST
: ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu (James Harrion III) writes:
:
: >BTW, I had a question for all of you weres. How do you know what kind of
: >were you are? I've had Dreamings where I was DEFINITELY something animal
: >since the body was long, fast, walked on all fours and loved going after
: >birds but I couldn't quite place the sensations and identify it as anything
: >specific. Most beautiful feeling I think I've ever had!
James,
Good point, and one frequently glossed over. In my dreamings I do now
*know* what i am. Long, fast, all fours, and love going after rabbits -
but that could still be a number of animals. For a long time, because my
totemic spirit is a wolf I believed that my were dreamings had to also be
a wolf. I mean, it certainly makes some sense.
But, after years of consideration I'm pretty certain this is not the
case. A totem is from outside the self and brings added strength, wisdom,
power, vision, various things depending on the totemic spirtit to the
self. Wereness on the other hand *is* part of the self and so it becomes
a hide 'n' seek with the self to try to match the dreamings, and self
knowledge, and knowledge of animals to find the werespirit (yes, Alex,
I'd like to buy a vowel for $50....).
After years of searching and learning I've come to accept the idea that
my wereself is probably a collie dog, maybe even a mutt of collie
extraction. As i said in my werecard I can think of few things less
glamourous but i'm trying to deal in truth not hipness (and at least i'm
not a golden retriever...)
Vladwolf
From: Peter John Cosgrove (ee94pjc@brunel.ac.uk)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-04 07:07:29 PST
Jan Hilborn (jhilborn@moose.uvm.edu) wrote:
: : ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu (James Harrion III) writes:
: :
: : >BTW, I had a question for all of you weres. How do you know what kind of
: : >were you are? I've had Dreamings where I was DEFINITELY something animal
: : >since the body was long, fast, walked on all fours and loved going after
: : >birds but I couldn't quite place the sensations and identify it as anything
: : >specific. Most beautiful feeling I think I've ever had!
: James,
: Good point, and one frequently glossed over. In my dreamings I do now
: *know* what i am. Long, fast, all fours, and love going after rabbits -
: but that could still be a number of animals. For a long time, because my
: totemic spirit is a wolf I believed that my were dreamings had to also be
: a wolf. I mean, it certainly makes some sense.
: But, after years of consideration I'm pretty certain this is not the
: case. A totem is from outside the self and brings added strength, wisdom,
: power, vision, various things depending on the totemic spirtit to the
: self. Wereness on the other hand *is* part of the self and so it becomes
: a hide 'n' seek with the self to try to match the dreamings, and self
: knowledge, and knowledge of animals to find the werespirit (yes, Alex,
: I'd like to buy a vowel for $50....).
: After years of searching and learning I've come to accept the idea that
: my wereself is probably a collie dog, maybe even a mutt of collie
: extraction. As i said in my werecard I can think of few things less
: glamourous but i'm trying to deal in truth not hipness (and at least i'm
: not a golden retriever...)
:
Hi James. I knew my wereself was a timber wolf from the very first dream.
I remember having an itch on my rump, and, not being able to reach it with
a hindpaw, I turned to scratch with my teeth. Therefore, I saw my werebody
(and what a body!). There was no doubt that I was a very large, very male
wolf.
Wolf.
"His green eyes blazing with an
animal passion, the werewolf stepped
into the swirling mist and was gone,
the echo of his deep growl reverberating
through the druid chamber."
----------------------------------------------
P,
Anti sig zone
From: michael william macklin (macklin@hubble.sheridanc.on.ca)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-01 04:39:39 PST
: >BTW, I had a question for all of you weres. How do you know what kind of
: >were you are? I've had Dreamings where I was DEFINITELY something animal
: >since the body was long, fast, walked on all fours and loved going after
: >birds but I couldn't quite place the sensations and identify it as anything
: >specific. Most beautiful feeling I think I've ever had!
:
I know that I am mostly Wolf. (I also have a question, at the end.)
Not only have I always felt a perpetual kinship with them, I
have noted a few parallels between myself and the Wolf.
As a child, many others have judged me pre-maturely ( by
appearance). I cannot blame them, it's a Human thing, and I'm not
(IHMO) rather attractive. Any friends that I had then were my best
friends, many of which I still have. I never wanted the life of an
anti-social, but nobody ever gave me the chance, nobody told me how to
"fit in". This problem is mostly behind me now, as the social
environment around me has matured, more people began to accept me for
what I was and not what I seemed to be. (Compare this to the human
attitude towards the wolf through history, we are now coming out of the
dark, and for the better of both.)
I used to play in a concert band, 1st French horn. I loved it.
Sometimes the music, resounding and echoing from 40 brass and woodwind
instruments, would send my mind reeling into another world. Every time
I hear an awesome french horn part (like in Dances With Wolves, and in the
ending to The Adv of Natty Gann), something within me makes all the hair
on my body to stand on end, and I feel as if I'm falling.........
I was busy with being a werewolf for even longer. To connect these two
ideas, on one of the annual band vacations (NYC), I went into the music
store underneath Lincoln Center, and there I found "Peter and the Wolf".
I hadn't payed much attention to this fable at all, and shocked as I was
to realize that ,being a tale as "told by an orchestra", the french horn
was the instrument of the Wolf! (and no other!). Thoughts about
coincidence ran through my mind, but I knew that there was more to this:
for the first time I really felt destined as a wolf, this event had
seemed to have confirmed it.
I've had some people come up to me and ask, "Are you a
werewolf?", and they always catch me when I least expect it. I don't
know why the hell they ask, (maybe they can see it) but sometimes I wish
I'd just say "Yes, what about it?".
I'm not sure whether or not anybody thinks it's possible to be a
sort of "were-dragon", but in some remote part of me there exists some
spirit (sometimes I think there are two) that solely identifies itself as
a dragon.
There are three wolf spirits within me:
Torrle --- Wolf Power of the WhiteLightning
Sajall --- Wanderer of the Trees (Torrle's half brother, pos.)
Lage ----- Starver of the Light (Torrle's half brother, neg.)
Here's a question of mine:
Do any of your totems or animal/were-animal spirits give
themselves names? Or am I the only one?
From: siobhan@ods.sol.net (siobhan@ods.sol.net)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-04 00:42:27 PST
Greetings!
My favorite book on Totems and animals in general is:
"Animal-Speak" by Ted Andrews
This one is really worth buying, folks.
Sio
--
Online Data Systems - Milwaukee, WI
(414) 761-5120 - 300/1200/2400
(414) 761-5133 - 9600/14400
(414) 939-4670 - SouthEastern WI
From: James Harrion III (ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-05 18:29:17 PST
siobhan@ods.sol.net wrote:
: Greetings!
: My favorite book on Totems and animals in general is:
: "Animal-Speak" by Ted Andrews
: This one is really worth buying, folks.
: Sio
Thanks!
JHIII
"You think I speak for the University of California? Yeah, right!"
******
From: Wind Shepherd (lynxman@usa1.com)
Subject: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/06
I thought this would be a nice thing to post...
JOINING WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT - By Wind Shepherd
Do you feel the passion of being on with your animal, but not
sure what kind of animal it is? Know your animal spirit, but feel the
connection is not what it could be? I cannot speak for anyone else,
but these methods have worked miracles for me. But a word of caution
before you go on. I have found these methods to be EXTREMELY
effective, which means if you feel uncomfortable with your animal now
or at anytime you practice this, discontinue IMMEDIATELY and find out
what is the problem before continueing, if you think it is best to
continue at all!!!
1 * Telepathic visualization
This is the first part, and the easiest. When you think about
your animal spirit, or the fact that you have an animal spirit, focus
on the feeling you have. Now, try to mentally speak with your animal.
Sometimes, if you have trouble trying to grab this concept,
try imagining you are on the phone and the animal is at the other end,
then speak to it.
Don't be afraid. Your animal spirit is a part of you, and is
just waiting for you to acknowledge and communicate with it. So what
do you say? What can you say to an animal that you don't know and yet
is a part of you? Ask them their name. Ask them what kind of animal
they are, if you don't know. Ask them how their doing. Ask anything!
Find out as much as you can absorb about your animal spirit. Don't
overdo it!
As time goes on you'll be having conversations with them like you
would anyone. Pretty kewl eh? When you feel comfortable with this
stage, it's time to go onto the next, which is...
2 * Physichal Visualization
Now, you'll need to look at a lot of pictures of your animal, go
to the zoo and see one, rent a movie on your animal, hear sound files,
do as much as you can! Know it's charachteristics, food behavior, etc.
Then when you feel ready, go onto the next step...
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Close your
eyes, and picture what your animal would look like. Do it as best as
you can, every possible detail, and then open your eyes. Picture your
animal somewhere in the room as best as you can. Even if it is just a
shadow, picture it. I reccomend talking to him mentally or even
physically and letting him respond. Give it lots of love and
affection any way you can, from calliing them cootchey coo to rubbing
their belly. It helps the bond form between you and your animal.
Now for the final step, when you feel ready.
3 * Transformation
Again, a nice quiet place, if you can, the animal's environment
will do great! Use your experience and feelings with your animal to
_become_ the animal, mentally. (I have no clue how to do it physichaly)
I'm not sure how to explain how to accomplish this, but if your animal
bond is strong enough now, it will guide you through it.
Well, keep up the previous exercises and eventually you will feel
a stronger bond with your animal, more in tune. And eventually, the
benifits of knowing your animal will show. Greater self esteem due to
knowing onesself. And a lot of the animal's traits and abilities wil
start showing up with you! So keep it up and remember, love your
animal! =)
=D meowr
Wind Shepherd
From: MegaDog (megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/06
In article <4clht2$hr4@damage.usa1.net>, Wind Shepherd (lynxman@usa1.com) writes:
>I thought this would be a nice thing to post...
>
>JOINING WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT - By Wind Shepherd
>
> Do you feel the passion of being on with your animal, but not
>sure what kind of animal it is? Know your animal spirit, but feel the
>connection is not what it could be? I cannot speak for anyone else,
>but these methods have worked miracles for me. But a word of caution
>before you go on. I have found these methods to be EXTREMELY
>effective, which means if you feel uncomfortable with your animal now
>or at anytime you practice this, discontinue IMMEDIATELY and find out
>what is the problem before continueing, if you think it is best to
>continue at all!!!
I would suggest another method: when you *suspect* you know the nature of
your Animal, seek one out, "in the flesh" so to speak.
Then do nothing except watch.
Let the animal make the first move.
Realisation is rather like an orgasm; almost impossible to describe to one
who's never felt it. When you feel it, you'll recognise it.
OK... so maybe nothing will happen.
That's life.
Maybe it's not time for you.
Maybe you got your animal wrong? Perhaps the animal you are watching is in
some way too 'humanized' [a frequent problem with those in zoos and/or
domestic pets].
But if everything works, you'll know it! I get this wonderful sense of
inner peace when in the presence of canines; a feeling of well-being and
tranquility. I know it's been established that people who live with
animals tend to be healthier and live longer; i for one cannot imagine
a world without dogs, well, i *can*, but it's not a world in which i
would want to continue living.
OK i accept my 'method' may be difficult for some of you (you may have
difficulty finding a living example of your animal within easy reach)
but all I can say is that it worked for me.
!Raised Tails! -:MegaDog:-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Does the Eagle know what is in the pit? Or wilt thou ask the Mole?
Can wisdom be found in a silver rod? Or Love in a golden bowl?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: MegaDog (megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/07
In article <4cmfht$ig6@wariat.wariat.org>, Jeffrey Reynolds (jeffr@mail.nacs.net) writes:
>Ye know, this is all good advice. And anyone that is interested in the
>methods mentioned, might want to check out the following book...
>
>Animal Speak. by Ted Andrews.
>
>ISBN 0-87542-028-1
I can also recommend "The Celtic Shaman - a handbook" by John Matthews
[Element Books, ISBN 1085230-245-3]. Note, however, that the Celtic
spirit animals may seem unfamiliar and strange to many, since they
include the Eel, the Salmon, the Boar and the Otter.
[MegaDog ponders just when we'll see the first were-pig here?]
!Raised Tails! -:MegaDog:-
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"All dogs, regardless of whether they belong to a breed or not, have a
moral quality and value which must be respected and protected from
harm by all honourable men and women. -Piero Scanziani.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jeffrey Reynolds (jeffr@mail.nacs.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/08
MegaDog (megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net) wrote:
*acks killing off the quote of himself*:
:
: I can also recommend "The Celtic Shaman - a handbook" by John Matthews
: [Element Books, ISBN 1085230-245-3]. Note, however, that the Celtic
: spirit animals may seem unfamiliar and strange to many, since they
: include the Eel, the Salmon, the Boar and the Otter.
: [MegaDog ponders just when we'll see the first were-pig here?]
Animal Speak does similar. I don't know about eels, but it mentions boars
and has a section for insects, reptiles, birds, and some sea animals as well.
So it might mention an eel... but it does have a strong native american
POV.
Just figured more info would be good...
--==>Black Hawk
--
Black Hawk | formerly, and still in part, Logan Luna's Silver Knight
<jeffr@nacs.net> | And no, I don't speak for NACS or its affiliates.
-<\ />-
---=================>>8888O8888<<=================---
-</ \>-
Only in silence the word,
only in dark the light,
only in dying life:
bright the hawk's flight
on the empty sky.
-- The Creation of Ea U.K. LeGuin
From: Crystal (cvf2@cornell.edu)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/08
In article <2570@dogstar.win-uk.net>, megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net (MegaDog)
wrote:
> Realisation is rather like an orgasm; almost impossible to describe to one
> who's never felt it. When you feel it, you'll recognise it.
Are you sure?
As for the orgasm, I had no idea what it was for about 10 years despite
the fact that I knew the dictionary definition for much of that time.
As for the wereism, I felt minx creeping out in little ways for
I-don't-even-know-how-long before I recognized her. Even now I'm not
positive what she is, though I'm beginning to have suspicions.
Crystal
From: Coyote Osborne (stygianv@shadow.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/11
In article <0f0_9601080733@trauma.xs4all.nl>, moonchld@trauma.xs4all.nl
(Mark Straver) wrote:
> Hai lynxman@usa1.com,
>
> You wrote to All:
>
> lc> I thought this would be a nice thing to post...
>
> lc> JOINING WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT - By Wind Shepherd
>
> [rrrip]
>
> Very nice idea, but (for me at least) i can't think of my animal spirit as
> being seperate from me, and it will be weird for me to scetch my animal spirit
> outside of my own body.
>
> Physical visualisation isn't a very strong point, again in my case, it would
> mean i'd have to distantiate myself from my animal spirit, which i don't like
> to do.
>
> So it could work for some weres, but definately not for all.
Here's a good point.Some people view their animal spirit as something
seperate from them. Others, like me, do not.
It;s like people with past life recollections. Some people speak of
themselves in past lives as if those were seperate people, and some always
speak of their former personas as "Me" or "I".
See, to me, it wouldn't be drawing an "animal spirit". I could draw
myself, but that's about it.
But that is not to say that your suggestions are not helpful to some. Just
not to everyone. The whole "were" thing, as I see it, is very personal to
each individual. The sharing of ideas is helpful, though there is no
straight "true" path.
Coyote
--
From Coyote Old One at Stygian Vortex Publications. See my short signature? Low bandwidth-less filling
From: Sarah Chamberlain (qualmi@ix.netcom.com)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/07
Dear Shep and friends,
I just wrote a smashing follow-up to this, but it was aborted due
to some error in the Netcom program. I'm trying to re-write it
before I forget all my trains of thought. Here I go again:
First off, kudos lynx bro! Great article, very similar to my
thinking.
Now, to comment on "1 * Telepathic visualization"...
I practice this as well, but have yet to hear the lynx spirit, Lynx
medicine, or what have you speak to me through the use of human speech.
The spiritual entity known as Walks-Between-Worlds communicates with me
instinctually, primitively, and emotionally. She sends "senses",
images, and feeling to me. The day I hear a human voice say "Yo Sarah,
how's it goin'?" coming from my visualization of a lynx is the day I'll
slap myself and call me Susan!
"2 * Physical visualization"...
This is a familiar technique to any Wiccan. I
also recommend reading about and looking at pictures of one's
particular phenotype directly before going to sleep (the images have an
easier time entering the subconscious that way).
"3 * Transformation"...
Well now, this opens up a whole can o' worms, eh? I fully agree
with the mental shift, I do it everyday as I'm sure many of us do.
However, by saying "if your animal bond is strong enough (now), it will
guide you through it" is a bit judgmental. I know my bond to my animal
totems is incredibly secure, yet they have never offered or promised to
help me physically shift shape. Then again, they know I needn't
physically shift to be happy or know who and what I am.
I think a spirit-shift bleeding over into "reality" is possible,
but I think it would be a one-way deal and change one into their
respective totem (not a half-form). Read Whitley Streiber's _The Wild_
for more on this. Why do I believe this? A hunch, a gut-feeling...
.
From a purely biological/scientific standpoint, a shapeshifting
human's an impossibility. Through gene manipulation in the womb a child
could theoretically be "shifted" to a primal state with "caveman"
features and mentality, as we all carry these recessive genes. However,
to genetically create a true shape-shifting person ala Hollywood ("The
Howling", etc.) is impossible at this time.
From a spiritual/magical standpoint? Heh... _Anything_ is possible,
so I'll just shut my flappin' Werelynx maw! >;-)
Your ever-lovin's pal,
Walks-Between-Worlds
(Walksie on IRC)
"Some things must be believed to be seen."
******
From: Sarah Chamberlain (qualmi@ix.netcom.com)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST!!!<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/08
Dear friends,
First off, a big tip o' the Werelynx hat to Tracker_wolf for undertaking
such an effort!
Now then... What struck me as highly fascinating, aside from how
much I had in common with others in the survey, was the fact that there
are so many Christians in AHWW. I've pondered as to how Christians
support their lycanthropy with the doctrines of their faith. I find
this wholly (no pun intended) interesting. I would love to learn more
on this.
As for the overwhelming percentage of Werewolves, that is quite
obvious to me: Werewolves are more prevalent in the media and stories.
Werewolves are easier to research, and more accessible to the
population in that sense. When has there been a Werebear TV series, or
a Werelynx comic book, or a NG called alt.horror.wereraven? Thus it's
easier to delve into Lycanthropy because the information is more
readily available and extensive.
Your ever-lovin' Werelynx who's still waiting for a Werelynx movie,
Walks-Between-Worlds
"Some things must be believed to be seen."
From: Edward Becerra (eabecerr@nyx.cs.du.edu)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/09
Well, I don't know about any werelynx movies, but there was a
nice episode of "Gargoyles" based on African mythology that featured a
pair of were-panthers.
(Hey, Rimblesah! did you do a guest shot? hehheh!)
Kickaha, the (watching too much Disney afternoon) Colorado coyote
From: Mark Phaedrus (phaedrus@coho.halcyon.com)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST!!!<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/10
In article <4fdph7$r95@reader2.ix.netcom.com>,
Sarah Chamberlain <qualmi@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>Dear friends,
>
> First off, a big tip o' the Werelynx hat to Tracker_wolf for undertaking
>such an effort!
Ditto...
> Now then... What struck me as highly fascinating, aside from how
>much I had in common with others in the survey, was the fact that there
>are so many Christians in AHWW. I've pondered as to how Christians
>support their lycanthropy with the doctrines of their faith. I find
>this wholly (no pun intended) interesting. I would love to learn more
>on this.
When last I checked the Bible, I didn't see "Thou shalt not dream about
being a wolf" on the list. :-)
Seriously, I'm not sure whether there's a God or not. But if there is
a God, and if that God is worth worshipping, then I don't believe He would
give people this kind of deep dreams/desires/abilities, and expect those
people to simply suppress or ignore them.
--
\o\ If you're interested in books/stories with transformation themes,\o\
\o\please try <url:http://www.halcyon.com/phaedrus/menu.html>, or \o\
/o/anonymous-ftp to ftp.halcyon.com in /local/phaedrus/translist. /o/
/o/ Comments and submissions to this list are always welcome. /o/
From: Brokken (gwichi@qntm.com)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST!!!<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/11
Walks-Between-Worlds writes:
>
>...
> Now then... What struck me as highly fascinating, aside from how
> much I had in common with others in the survey, was the fact that there
> are so many Christians in AHWW. I've pondered as to how Christians
> support their lycanthropy with the doctrines of their faith. I find
> this wholly (no pun intended) interesting. I would love to learn more
> on this.
Though I've never seen the survey in question, my perception is that a lot of
people in AHWW seem to gravitate towards whollistic religions - in other words
those that worship the earth and deities connected. Druidism and Wicca for
example. Once again, it is my humble opinion that some people would find
Eastern Philosophy intriguing since it too takes into account the underlying
connection between man/woman and one's surroundings. Some Eastern religions
impart divinity to all creations for god is in all things - therefore all
life is sacred.
Yet others consider humankind to be simply a part of of a cosmic-being. No
different in that respect to the simplest of lifeforms. Such a viewpoint
doesn't condone any action, for it simply is what it was meant to be. However
it does suggest course of action.
Personally, I was born and raised in a catholic school. Though it has its
merits, It's a far cry from suiting my needs... no religion could. I follow my
own philosophy, I make my own path, I follow my own tao. During the trip, I
hope to offend as few people and step on as few toes as I can.
I'd be very curious to see this survey though. Is it up on Tracker_wolf's page?
> As for the overwhelming percentage of Werewolves, that is quite
> obvious to me: Werewolves are more prevalent in the media and stories.
> Werewolves are easier to research, and more accessible to the
> population in that sense. When has there been a Werebear TV series, or
> a Werelynx comic book, or a NG called alt.horror.wereraven? Thus it's
> easier to delve into Lycanthropy because the information is more
> readily available and extensive.
I agree that in part, it maybe a cultural bias. True, most of the available
information on the subject involves wolves. My particular fascination stems
from a very strong attraction to dogs. When I was young, my best friend, and
spiritual brother - `Whiskey' was run over by a car before my very eyes. He
passed away in my arms. The world might as well have come to cataclismic
conclusion at that time. I would not have cared.
I knew then that I must keep his spirit alive by cherishing, everyday, the
times we had together. I can't tell you when I started to love all things
canine/lupine. Perhaps I always did. But then, I digress.
Japanese myth talks about seductive werefoxes. Mischivous ladies of the night.
Of extremely fair complexion yet exquisite beauty, a werefox is the Japanese
equivalent of a succubus - robbing the unsuspecting victim of his virility and
vitality; thus leaving him drained. A werefox covered itself in glamour, but
her true appearance could be revealed by holding up a mirror to the person in
question. However clever as they were/are this situation hardly ever presents
itself.
In India reports of weretiger women are reported. India, a country heavily
reliant on religion - namely Hinduism whose doctrines dictate all life is
sacred, would be the birth of the were-tiger myth. Women by day, following the
strict disciplines dictated by the 'Vedas', they would shed their inhibitions
by night and feast on the flesh of their neighbors. Like our werewolf stories,
sympathetic wounds inflicted on creature while in animal form would transfer
over to their human bodies.
African lore contains stories of were-lions and were-hyenas. But like the
earlier accounts, there was no intermediate form. The person afflicted changed
from one form to another completely.
South American indian tribes believe that they're descendants from Amazon
Dolphins. For a pregnant woman to look upon a dolphin while she carries could
mean that her offspring will be severely deformed or born as a dolphin.
And there's more. Certainly not as easy to find, but still there for those
interested. I've yet to find a good book that compiles all this knowledge
together. Perhaps one day, I might.
> Your ever-lovin' Werelynx who's still waiting for a Werelynx movie,
> Walks-Between-Worlds
Me too...
Subject: Re: just a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-13 13:28:10 PST
Jan Hilborn (jhilborn@moose.uvm.edu) wrote:
: Kenneth D Miller (kdmiller@ATHENA.MIT.EDU) wrote:
: : 1. Are human-form race and were-form species related?
: hmmm, well, i think: not. To my mind the wereform would be whatever
: species most closely matched the humanform's "self". Probably someone who
: had never heard of lions could not be a werelion but someone with were
: tendencies could find their wereself in any known (to them) species.
What if the wereself doesn't match any known extant species? Are
dire werewolves, sabre-toothed weretigers, et cetera possible?
: : 2. Another good "hmmmm..." question for you all is, should physical shape-
: : shifters be genetically compatible with normal people (including "spiritual
: : weres", which are humans with more developed psychic force)
: i think yes. I think of weres as humans with some difference (just as
: dogs are wolves with some differnce).
: : 3. Do you think that shapeshifters would be distinctly different from normal
: : people. I.e., if you compared a large number of shifters and humans, would
: : there be any detectable difference (larger, stronger, tougher, faster, more
: : aggressive?)
: maybe. (gee, i've voted one no, one yes, and now a maybe... what a
: consistant child i am). Maybe within a were type (wolves for exampple)
: there might be some detectable trend. But i'm skepticle... humans are
: such a variable species that any trend would only be that... there would
: always be werelike humans and non-werelike weres.
Then what would a werelike human behave like as opposed to a were or a
non-werelike were?
*gnaw*
JHIII
"You think I speak for the University of California? Yeah, right!"
From: Larry Hochman (newfound@idt.net)
Subject: Just a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1998/01/21
Hi, it's me again. I have been siting here, "surfing the net," and I
have come across at least a baker's dozen (13) different definitions of
a were-wolf. Now, I have my my own definition (since I am one) of what a
were-wolf is, but since I have found so many, I have decided to ask you
what your definitions of a were-wolf (or any other type of were) is.
Please let me know if I am completly out of line here.
Beowulf
From: Jan Hilborn (jhilborn@moose.uvm.edu)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-10-31 02:33:58 PST
: ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu (James Harrion III) writes:
:
: >BTW, I had a question for all of you weres. How do you know what kind of
: >were you are? I've had Dreamings where I was DEFINITELY something animal
: >since the body was long, fast, walked on all fours and loved going after
: >birds but I couldn't quite place the sensations and identify it as anything
: >specific. Most beautiful feeling I think I've ever had!
James,
Good point, and one frequently glossed over. In my dreamings I do now
*know* what i am. Long, fast, all fours, and love going after rabbits -
but that could still be a number of animals. For a long time, because my
totemic spirit is a wolf I believed that my were dreamings had to also be
a wolf. I mean, it certainly makes some sense.
But, after years of consideration I'm pretty certain this is not the
case. A totem is from outside the self and brings added strength, wisdom,
power, vision, various things depending on the totemic spirtit to the
self. Wereness on the other hand *is* part of the self and so it becomes
a hide 'n' seek with the self to try to match the dreamings, and self
knowledge, and knowledge of animals to find the werespirit (yes, Alex,
I'd like to buy a vowel for $50....).
After years of searching and learning I've come to accept the idea that
my wereself is probably a collie dog, maybe even a mutt of collie
extraction. As i said in my werecard I can think of few things less
glamourous but i'm trying to deal in truth not hipness (and at least i'm
not a golden retriever...)
Vladwolf
From: Peter John Cosgrove (ee94pjc@brunel.ac.uk)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-04 07:07:29 PST
Jan Hilborn (jhilborn@moose.uvm.edu) wrote:
: : ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu (James Harrion III) writes:
: :
: : >BTW, I had a question for all of you weres. How do you know what kind of
: : >were you are? I've had Dreamings where I was DEFINITELY something animal
: : >since the body was long, fast, walked on all fours and loved going after
: : >birds but I couldn't quite place the sensations and identify it as anything
: : >specific. Most beautiful feeling I think I've ever had!
: James,
: Good point, and one frequently glossed over. In my dreamings I do now
: *know* what i am. Long, fast, all fours, and love going after rabbits -
: but that could still be a number of animals. For a long time, because my
: totemic spirit is a wolf I believed that my were dreamings had to also be
: a wolf. I mean, it certainly makes some sense.
: But, after years of consideration I'm pretty certain this is not the
: case. A totem is from outside the self and brings added strength, wisdom,
: power, vision, various things depending on the totemic spirtit to the
: self. Wereness on the other hand *is* part of the self and so it becomes
: a hide 'n' seek with the self to try to match the dreamings, and self
: knowledge, and knowledge of animals to find the werespirit (yes, Alex,
: I'd like to buy a vowel for $50....).
: After years of searching and learning I've come to accept the idea that
: my wereself is probably a collie dog, maybe even a mutt of collie
: extraction. As i said in my werecard I can think of few things less
: glamourous but i'm trying to deal in truth not hipness (and at least i'm
: not a golden retriever...)
:
Hi James. I knew my wereself was a timber wolf from the very first dream.
I remember having an itch on my rump, and, not being able to reach it with
a hindpaw, I turned to scratch with my teeth. Therefore, I saw my werebody
(and what a body!). There was no doubt that I was a very large, very male
wolf.
Wolf.
"His green eyes blazing with an
animal passion, the werewolf stepped
into the swirling mist and was gone,
the echo of his deep growl reverberating
through the druid chamber."
----------------------------------------------
P,
Anti sig zone
From: michael william macklin (macklin@hubble.sheridanc.on.ca)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-01 04:39:39 PST
: >BTW, I had a question for all of you weres. How do you know what kind of
: >were you are? I've had Dreamings where I was DEFINITELY something animal
: >since the body was long, fast, walked on all fours and loved going after
: >birds but I couldn't quite place the sensations and identify it as anything
: >specific. Most beautiful feeling I think I've ever had!
:
I know that I am mostly Wolf. (I also have a question, at the end.)
Not only have I always felt a perpetual kinship with them, I
have noted a few parallels between myself and the Wolf.
As a child, many others have judged me pre-maturely ( by
appearance). I cannot blame them, it's a Human thing, and I'm not
(IHMO) rather attractive. Any friends that I had then were my best
friends, many of which I still have. I never wanted the life of an
anti-social, but nobody ever gave me the chance, nobody told me how to
"fit in". This problem is mostly behind me now, as the social
environment around me has matured, more people began to accept me for
what I was and not what I seemed to be. (Compare this to the human
attitude towards the wolf through history, we are now coming out of the
dark, and for the better of both.)
I used to play in a concert band, 1st French horn. I loved it.
Sometimes the music, resounding and echoing from 40 brass and woodwind
instruments, would send my mind reeling into another world. Every time
I hear an awesome french horn part (like in Dances With Wolves, and in the
ending to The Adv of Natty Gann), something within me makes all the hair
on my body to stand on end, and I feel as if I'm falling.........
I was busy with being a werewolf for even longer. To connect these two
ideas, on one of the annual band vacations (NYC), I went into the music
store underneath Lincoln Center, and there I found "Peter and the Wolf".
I hadn't payed much attention to this fable at all, and shocked as I was
to realize that ,being a tale as "told by an orchestra", the french horn
was the instrument of the Wolf! (and no other!). Thoughts about
coincidence ran through my mind, but I knew that there was more to this:
for the first time I really felt destined as a wolf, this event had
seemed to have confirmed it.
I've had some people come up to me and ask, "Are you a
werewolf?", and they always catch me when I least expect it. I don't
know why the hell they ask, (maybe they can see it) but sometimes I wish
I'd just say "Yes, what about it?".
I'm not sure whether or not anybody thinks it's possible to be a
sort of "were-dragon", but in some remote part of me there exists some
spirit (sometimes I think there are two) that solely identifies itself as
a dragon.
There are three wolf spirits within me:
Torrle --- Wolf Power of the WhiteLightning
Sajall --- Wanderer of the Trees (Torrle's half brother, pos.)
Lage ----- Starver of the Light (Torrle's half brother, neg.)
Here's a question of mine:
Do any of your totems or animal/were-animal spirits give
themselves names? Or am I the only one?
From: siobhan@ods.sol.net (siobhan@ods.sol.net)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-04 00:42:27 PST
Greetings!
My favorite book on Totems and animals in general is:
"Animal-Speak" by Ted Andrews
This one is really worth buying, folks.
Sio
--
Online Data Systems - Milwaukee, WI
(414) 761-5120 - 300/1200/2400
(414) 761-5133 - 9600/14400
(414) 939-4670 - SouthEastern WI
From: James Harrion III (ez049491@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu)
Subject: Re: Thanks and a question
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1994-11-05 18:29:17 PST
siobhan@ods.sol.net wrote:
: Greetings!
: My favorite book on Totems and animals in general is:
: "Animal-Speak" by Ted Andrews
: This one is really worth buying, folks.
: Sio
Thanks!
JHIII
"You think I speak for the University of California? Yeah, right!"
From: Wind Shepherd (lynxman@usa1.com)
Subject: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/06
I thought this would be a nice thing to post...
JOINING WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT - By Wind Shepherd
Do you feel the passion of being on with your animal, but not
sure what kind of animal it is? Know your animal spirit, but feel the
connection is not what it could be? I cannot speak for anyone else,
but these methods have worked miracles for me. But a word of caution
before you go on. I have found these methods to be EXTREMELY
effective, which means if you feel uncomfortable with your animal now
or at anytime you practice this, discontinue IMMEDIATELY and find out
what is the problem before continueing, if you think it is best to
continue at all!!!
1 * Telepathic visualization
This is the first part, and the easiest. When you think about
your animal spirit, or the fact that you have an animal spirit, focus
on the feeling you have. Now, try to mentally speak with your animal.
Sometimes, if you have trouble trying to grab this concept,
try imagining you are on the phone and the animal is at the other end,
then speak to it.
Don't be afraid. Your animal spirit is a part of you, and is
just waiting for you to acknowledge and communicate with it. So what
do you say? What can you say to an animal that you don't know and yet
is a part of you? Ask them their name. Ask them what kind of animal
they are, if you don't know. Ask them how their doing. Ask anything!
Find out as much as you can absorb about your animal spirit. Don't
overdo it!
As time goes on you'll be having conversations with them like you
would anyone. Pretty kewl eh? When you feel comfortable with this
stage, it's time to go onto the next, which is...
2 * Physichal Visualization
Now, you'll need to look at a lot of pictures of your animal, go
to the zoo and see one, rent a movie on your animal, hear sound files,
do as much as you can! Know it's charachteristics, food behavior, etc.
Then when you feel ready, go onto the next step...
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Close your
eyes, and picture what your animal would look like. Do it as best as
you can, every possible detail, and then open your eyes. Picture your
animal somewhere in the room as best as you can. Even if it is just a
shadow, picture it. I reccomend talking to him mentally or even
physically and letting him respond. Give it lots of love and
affection any way you can, from calliing them cootchey coo to rubbing
their belly. It helps the bond form between you and your animal.
Now for the final step, when you feel ready.
3 * Transformation
Again, a nice quiet place, if you can, the animal's environment
will do great! Use your experience and feelings with your animal to
_become_ the animal, mentally. (I have no clue how to do it physichaly)
I'm not sure how to explain how to accomplish this, but if your animal
bond is strong enough now, it will guide you through it.
Well, keep up the previous exercises and eventually you will feel
a stronger bond with your animal, more in tune. And eventually, the
benifits of knowing your animal will show. Greater self esteem due to
knowing onesself. And a lot of the animal's traits and abilities wil
start showing up with you! So keep it up and remember, love your
animal! =)
=D meowr
Wind Shepherd
From: MegaDog (megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/06
In article <4clht2$hr4@damage.usa1.net>, Wind Shepherd (lynxman@usa1.com) writes:
>I thought this would be a nice thing to post...
>
>JOINING WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT - By Wind Shepherd
>
> Do you feel the passion of being on with your animal, but not
>sure what kind of animal it is? Know your animal spirit, but feel the
>connection is not what it could be? I cannot speak for anyone else,
>but these methods have worked miracles for me. But a word of caution
>before you go on. I have found these methods to be EXTREMELY
>effective, which means if you feel uncomfortable with your animal now
>or at anytime you practice this, discontinue IMMEDIATELY and find out
>what is the problem before continueing, if you think it is best to
>continue at all!!!
I would suggest another method: when you *suspect* you know the nature of
your Animal, seek one out, "in the flesh" so to speak.
Then do nothing except watch.
Let the animal make the first move.
Realisation is rather like an orgasm; almost impossible to describe to one
who's never felt it. When you feel it, you'll recognise it.
OK... so maybe nothing will happen.
That's life.
Maybe it's not time for you.
Maybe you got your animal wrong? Perhaps the animal you are watching is in
some way too 'humanized' [a frequent problem with those in zoos and/or
domestic pets].
But if everything works, you'll know it! I get this wonderful sense of
inner peace when in the presence of canines; a feeling of well-being and
tranquility. I know it's been established that people who live with
animals tend to be healthier and live longer; i for one cannot imagine
a world without dogs, well, i *can*, but it's not a world in which i
would want to continue living.
OK i accept my 'method' may be difficult for some of you (you may have
difficulty finding a living example of your animal within easy reach)
but all I can say is that it worked for me.
!Raised Tails! -:MegaDog:-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Does the Eagle know what is in the pit? Or wilt thou ask the Mole?
Can wisdom be found in a silver rod? Or Love in a golden bowl?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: MegaDog (megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/07
In article <4cmfht$ig6@wariat.wariat.org>, Jeffrey Reynolds (jeffr@mail.nacs.net) writes:
>Ye know, this is all good advice. And anyone that is interested in the
>methods mentioned, might want to check out the following book...
>
>Animal Speak. by Ted Andrews.
>
>ISBN 0-87542-028-1
I can also recommend "The Celtic Shaman - a handbook" by John Matthews
[Element Books, ISBN 1085230-245-3]. Note, however, that the Celtic
spirit animals may seem unfamiliar and strange to many, since they
include the Eel, the Salmon, the Boar and the Otter.
[MegaDog ponders just when we'll see the first were-pig here?]
!Raised Tails! -:MegaDog:-
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"All dogs, regardless of whether they belong to a breed or not, have a
moral quality and value which must be respected and protected from
harm by all honourable men and women. -Piero Scanziani.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jeffrey Reynolds (jeffr@mail.nacs.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/08
MegaDog (megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net) wrote:
*acks killing off the quote of himself*:
:
: I can also recommend "The Celtic Shaman - a handbook" by John Matthews
: [Element Books, ISBN 1085230-245-3]. Note, however, that the Celtic
: spirit animals may seem unfamiliar and strange to many, since they
: include the Eel, the Salmon, the Boar and the Otter.
: [MegaDog ponders just when we'll see the first were-pig here?]
Animal Speak does similar. I don't know about eels, but it mentions boars
and has a section for insects, reptiles, birds, and some sea animals as well.
So it might mention an eel... but it does have a strong native american
POV.
Just figured more info would be good...
--==>Black Hawk
--
Black Hawk | formerly, and still in part, Logan Luna's Silver Knight
<jeffr@nacs.net> | And no, I don't speak for NACS or its affiliates.
-<\ />-
---=================>>8888O8888<<=================---
-</ \>-
Only in silence the word,
only in dark the light,
only in dying life:
bright the hawk's flight
on the empty sky.
-- The Creation of Ea U.K. LeGuin
From: Crystal (cvf2@cornell.edu)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/08
In article <2570@dogstar.win-uk.net>, megadog@dogstar.win-uk.net (MegaDog)
wrote:
> Realisation is rather like an orgasm; almost impossible to describe to one
> who's never felt it. When you feel it, you'll recognise it.
Are you sure?
As for the orgasm, I had no idea what it was for about 10 years despite
the fact that I knew the dictionary definition for much of that time.
As for the wereism, I felt minx creeping out in little ways for
I-don't-even-know-how-long before I recognized her. Even now I'm not
positive what she is, though I'm beginning to have suspicions.
Crystal
From: Coyote Osborne (stygianv@shadow.net)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/11
In article <0f0_9601080733@trauma.xs4all.nl>, moonchld@trauma.xs4all.nl
(Mark Straver) wrote:
> Hai lynxman@usa1.com,
>
> You wrote to All:
>
> lc> I thought this would be a nice thing to post...
>
> lc> JOINING WITH YOUR ANIMAL SPIRIT - By Wind Shepherd
>
> [rrrip]
>
> Very nice idea, but (for me at least) i can't think of my animal spirit as
> being seperate from me, and it will be weird for me to scetch my animal spirit
> outside of my own body.
>
> Physical visualisation isn't a very strong point, again in my case, it would
> mean i'd have to distantiate myself from my animal spirit, which i don't like
> to do.
>
> So it could work for some weres, but definately not for all.
Here's a good point.Some people view their animal spirit as something
seperate from them. Others, like me, do not.
It;s like people with past life recollections. Some people speak of
themselves in past lives as if those were seperate people, and some always
speak of their former personas as "Me" or "I".
See, to me, it wouldn't be drawing an "animal spirit". I could draw
myself, but that's about it.
But that is not to say that your suggestions are not helpful to some. Just
not to everyone. The whole "were" thing, as I see it, is very personal to
each individual. The sharing of ideas is helpful, though there is no
straight "true" path.
Coyote
--
From Coyote Old One at Stygian Vortex Publications. See my short signature? Low bandwidth-less filling
From: Sarah Chamberlain (qualmi@ix.netcom.com)
Subject: Re: Getting in touch with your animal spirit
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/01/07
Dear Shep and friends,
I just wrote a smashing follow-up to this, but it was aborted due
to some error in the Netcom program
before I forget all my trains of thought. Here I go again
First off, kudos lynx bro
thinking.
Now, to comment on "1 * Telepathic visualization"...
I practice this as well, but have yet to hear the lynx spirit, Lynx
medicine, or what have you speak to me through the use of human speech.
The spiritual entity known as Walks-Between-Worlds communicates with me
instinctually, primitively, and emotionally. She sends "senses",
images, and feeling to me. The day I hear a human voice say "Yo Sarah,
how's it goin'?" coming from my visualization of a lynx is the day I'll
slap myself and call me Susan
"2 * Physical visualization"...
This is a familiar technique to any Wiccan. I
also recommend reading about and looking at pictures of one's
particular phenotype directly before going to sleep (the images have an
easier time entering the subconscious that way).
"3 * Transformation"...
Well now, this opens up a whole can o' worms, eh
with the mental shift, I do it everyday as I'm sure many of us do.
However, by saying "if your animal bond is strong enough (now), it will
guide you through it" is a bit judgmental. I know my bond to my animal
totems is incredibly secure, yet they have never offered or promised to
help me physically shift shape. Then again, they know I needn't
physically shift to be happy or know who and what I am.
I think a spirit-shift bleeding over into "reality" is possible,
but I think it would be a one-way deal and change one into their
respective totem (not a half-form). Read Whitley Streiber's _The Wild_
for more on this. Why do I believe this? A hunch, a gut-feeling...
From a purely biological/scientific standpoint, a shapeshifting
human's an impossibility. Through gene manipulation in the womb a child
could theoretically be "shifted" to a primal state with "caveman"
features and mentality, as we all carry these recessive genes. However,
to genetically create a true shape-shifting person ala Hollywood ("The
Howling", etc.) is impossible at this time.
From a spiritual/magical standpoint? Heh... _Anything_ is possible,
so I'll just shut my flappin' Werelynx maw! >;-)
Your ever-lovin's pal,
Walks-Between-Worlds
(Walksie on IRC)
"Some things must be believed to be seen."
From: Sarah Chamberlain (qualmi@ix.netcom.com)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST!!!<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/08
Dear friends,
First off, a big tip o' the Werelynx hat to Tracker_wolf for undertaking
such an effort!
Now then... What struck me as highly fascinating, aside from how
much I had in common with others in the survey, was the fact that there
are so many Christians in AHWW. I've pondered as to how Christians
support their lycanthropy with the doctrines of their faith. I find
this wholly (no pun intended) interesting. I would love to learn more
on this.
As for the overwhelming percentage of Werewolves, that is quite
obvious to me: Werewolves are more prevalent in the media and stories.
Werewolves are easier to research, and more accessible to the
population in that sense. When has there been a Werebear TV series, or
a Werelynx comic book, or a NG called alt.horror.wereraven? Thus it's
easier to delve into Lycanthropy because the information is more
readily available and extensive.
Your ever-lovin' Werelynx who's still waiting for a Werelynx movie
Walks-Between-Worlds
"Some things must be believed to be seen."
From: Edward Becerra (eabecerr@nyx.cs.du.edu)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/09
Well, I don't know about any werelynx movies, but there was a
nice episode of "Gargoyles" based on African mythology that featured a
pair of were-panthers.
(Hey, Rimblesah! did you do a guest shot? hehheh!)
Kickaha, the (watching too much Disney afternoon) Colorado coyote
From: Mark Phaedrus (phaedrus@coho.halcyon.com)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST!!!<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/10
In article <4fdph7$r95@reader2.ix.netcom.com>,
Sarah Chamberlain <qualmi@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>Dear friends,
>
> First off, a big tip o' the Werelynx hat to Tracker_wolf for undertaking
>such an effort!
Ditto...
> Now then... What struck me as highly fascinating, aside from how
>much I had in common with others in the survey, was the fact that there
>are so many Christians in AHWW. I've pondered as to how Christians
>support their lycanthropy with the doctrines of their faith. I find
>this wholly (no pun intended) interesting. I would love to learn more
>on this.
When last I checked the Bible, I didn't see "Thou shalt not dream about
being a wolf" on the list. :-)
Seriously, I'm not sure whether there's a God or not. But if there is
a God, and if that God is worth worshipping, then I don't believe He would
give people this kind of deep dreams/desires/abilities, and expect those
people to simply suppress or ignore them.
--
\o\ If you're interested in books/stories with transformation themes,\o\
\o\please try <url:http://www.halcyon.com/phaedrus/menu.html>, or \o\
/o/anonymous-ftp to ftp.halcyon.com in /local/phaedrus/translist. /o/
/o/ Comments and submissions to this list are always welcome. /o/
From: Brokken (gwichi@qntm.com)
Subject: Re: >>>SURVEY RESULTS AT LAST!!!<<<
Newsgroups: alt.horror.werewolves
Date: 1996/02/11
Walks-Between-Worlds writes:
>
>...
> Now then... What struck me as highly fascinating, aside from how
> much I had in common with others in the survey, was the fact that there
> are so many Christians in AHWW. I've pondered as to how Christians
> support their lycanthropy with the doctrines of their faith. I find
> this wholly (no pun intended) interesting. I would love to learn more
> on this.
Though I've never seen the survey in question, my perception is that a lot of
people in AHWW seem to gravitate towards whollistic religions - in other words
those that worship the earth and deities connected. Druidism and Wicca for
example. Once again, it is my humble opinion that some people would find
Eastern Philosophy intriguing since it too takes into account the underlying
connection between man/woman and one's surroundings. Some Eastern religions
impart divinity to all creations for god is in all things - therefore all
life is sacred.
Yet others consider humankind to be simply a part of of a cosmic-being. No
different in that respect to the simplest of lifeforms. Such a viewpoint
doesn't condone any action, for it simply is what it was meant to be. However
it does suggest course of action.
Personally, I was born and raised in a catholic school. Though it has its
merits, It's a far cry from suiting my needs... no religion could. I follow my
own philosophy, I make my own path, I follow my own tao. During the trip, I
hope to offend as few people and step on as few toes as I can.
I'd be very curious to see this survey though. Is it up on Tracker_wolf's page?
> As for the overwhelming percentage of Werewolves, that is quite
> obvious to me: Werewolves are more prevalent in the media and stories.
> Werewolves are easier to research, and more accessible to the
> population in that sense. When has there been a Werebear TV series, or
> a Werelynx comic book, or a NG called alt.horror.wereraven? Thus it's
> easier to delve into Lycanthropy because the information is more
> readily available and extensive.
I agree that in part, it maybe a cultural bias. True, most of the available
information on the subject involves wolves. My particular fascination stems
from a very strong attraction to dogs. When I was young, my best friend, and
spiritual brother - `Whiskey' was run over by a car before my very eyes. He
passed away in my arms. The world might as well have come to cataclismic
conclusion at that time. I would not have cared.
I knew then that I must keep his spirit alive by cherishing, everyday, the
times we had together. I can't tell you when I started to love all things
canine/lupine. Perhaps I always did. But then, I digress.
Japanese myth talks about seductive werefoxes. Mischivous ladies of the night.
Of extremely fair complexion yet exquisite beauty, a werefox is the Japanese
equivalent of a succubus - robbing the unsuspecting victim of his virility and
vitality; thus leaving him drained. A werefox covered itself in glamour, but
her true appearance could be revealed by holding up a mirror to the person in
question. However clever as they were/are this situation hardly ever presents
itself.
In India reports of weretiger women are reported. India, a country heavily
reliant on religion - namely Hinduism whose doctrines dictate all life is
sacred, would be the birth of the were-tiger myth. Women by day, following the
strict disciplines dictated by the 'Vedas', they would shed their inhibitions
by night and feast on the flesh of their neighbors. Like our werewolf stories,
sympathetic wounds inflicted on creature while in animal form would transfer
over to their human bodies.
African lore contains stories of were-lions and were-hyenas. But like the
earlier accounts, there was no intermediate form. The person afflicted changed
from one form to another completely.
South American indian tribes believe that they're descendants from Amazon
Dolphins. For a pregnant woman to look upon a dolphin while she carries could
mean that her offspring will be severely deformed or born as a dolphin.
And there's more. Certainly not as easy to find, but still there for those
interested. I've yet to find a good book that compiles all this knowledge
together. Perhaps one day, I might.
> Your ever-lovin' Werelynx who's still waiting for a Werelynx movie
> Walks-Between-Worlds
Me too...