Last update images today Animal Identity: Understanding Otherkin Amp Therianthropy
Animal Identity: Understanding Otherkin & Therianthropy
Introduction:
Ever heard someone say they feel like they are an animal, not just that they like animals? This experience, though often misunderstood, is a genuine one for many. We'll delve into the terminology, explore the experiences, and address some common misconceptions surrounding this fascinating area of identity. This article is aimed at anyone curious about the topic, seeking understanding, or perhaps even exploring their own feelings.
What is it called when someone identifies as an animal? Defining Key Terms
The most common terms used when someone identifies as an animal are otherkin and therian. While often used interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions.
-
Therianthropy: This term specifically refers to individuals who identify as a non-human animal species on a non-physical level. Their identity might be spiritual, psychological, or some combination thereof. Importantly, therians know what animal they identify as.
- ALT Text: A wolf howling at the moon, representing therianthropy. Caption: Understanding Therianthropy: When your soul feels like an animal. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
-
Otherkin: This is a broader term encompassing individuals who identify as anything non-human. This could include mythical creatures like dragons, elves, or even inanimate objects or concepts. A therian is therefore a subset of otherkin.
- ALT Text: A person with subtle dragon-like features Photoshopped onto their face. Caption: Exploring Otherkin: Identifying beyond the human realm. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
What is it called when someone identifies as an animal? Unpacking the Experience
Identifying as an animal is a deeply personal and individual experience. There is no single "right" way to be a therian or otherkin. Some common aspects include:
- Mental Shifts: Experiencing shifts in mental state, mood, or behavior that align with their identified animal. This isn't always a conscious choice.
- ALT Text: Brain image transitioning into an animal silhouette. Caption: Mental Shifts: The changing landscapes of therian identity. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- Phantom Limbs/Senses: Sensing the presence of limbs or senses that they physically lack, corresponding to their identified animal. For example, a therian who identifies as a wolf might feel the presence of a tail.
- ALT Text: Hands reaching out as if to grasp an invisible wolf tail. Caption: Phantom Limbs and Senses: Experiencing the unreal reality of therianthropy. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- Instincts: Feeling strong instincts or urges related to their identified animal. A cat therian might have a strong urge to climb or chase things.
- ALT Text: A person crouching, mimicking the posture of a hunting cat. Caption: Primal Instincts: Understanding the animal urges within. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- Spiritual Connection: For some, the identity is rooted in spiritual beliefs, such as reincarnation or a deep connection to animal spirits.
- ALT Text: An image of a person meditating in a forest, surrounded by animal spirits. Caption: Spiritual Connections: Finding meaning and belonging in the animal world. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- Psychological Identification: For others, it's a deeply ingrained psychological feeling of being that animal, regardless of any spiritual component.
- ALT Text: A silhouetted person superimposed with the outline of an animal, symbolizing psychological identification. Caption: Psychological Identification: The feeling of truly being an animal. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
What is it called when someone identifies as an animal? Dispelling Myths and Addressing Misconceptions
It's crucial to understand what identifying as an animal isn't:
- It's not a delusion or mental illness: Therianthropy and otherkinity are not recognized mental disorders. It's an identity, not a break from reality.
- ALT Text: A brain with a red "X" over it, symbolizing the debunking of mental illness claims. Caption: Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking the mental illness myth. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- It's not zoophilia: Identifying as an animal has absolutely nothing to do with sexual attraction to animals. Zoophilia is a harmful and illegal act.
- ALT Text: A clear "NO" symbol superimposed on an image of a person interacting with an animal in a suggestive way. Caption: Not Zoophilia: Differentiating identity from sexual attraction. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- It's not a "trend": While awareness is increasing, identifying as an animal is not a new phenomenon, and it's not something people choose lightly.
- ALT Text: A tree with deep roots, symbolizing the long history of therianthropy. Caption: More Than a Trend: The enduring presence of therianthropy and otherkinity. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
- It doesn't mean someone literally believes they are a physical animal: They understand the difference between their human body and their internal sense of self.
- ALT Text: A person looking at their reflection, with the reflection showing an animal. Caption: Inner Self vs. Outer Reality: Understanding the distinction. "what is it called when someone identifies as an animal"
What is it called when someone identifies as an animal? Respect and Understanding
The most important thing is to approach the topic with respect and a willingness to learn. While you may not understand the experience, invalidating someone's identity is harmful. Treat others with the same kindness and understanding you would expect for yourself.
No Celebrities involve this topics
What is it called when someone identifies as an animal? Q&A
Q: What's the difference between therian and otherkin?
A: Therian refers specifically to those who identify as a non-human animal species, while otherkin is a broader term encompassing anyone who identifies as non-human, including mythical creatures, objects, or concepts.
Q: Is identifying as an animal a mental illness?
A: No, it is not considered a mental illness or delusion. It's an identity, not a break from reality.
Q: Does identifying as an animal mean someone wants to be an animal physically?
A: No, it means they have a deep-seated internal sense of being that animal on a non-physical level.
Q: Is it okay to ask someone what animal they identify as?
A: It's best to wait for someone to offer that information. If you are genuinely curious, ask respectfully and be prepared to listen without judgment.
Summary: Identifying as an animal is most commonly called therianthropy or otherkinity. It's a deeply personal experience involving a non-physical identification with an animal or other non-human entity, not a mental illness, and should be approached with respect and understanding. What is it called when someone identifies as an animal? Therianthropy or Otherkinity. Are they mentally ill? No. Is it okay to ask them what they identify as? Proceed with respect and wait for them to offer that information.
Keywords: Therian, Therianthropy, Otherkin, Animal Identity, Identifying as an Animal, Mental Shifts, Phantom Limbs, Spiritual Connection, Psychological Identification, Misconceptions, Animal People, Animal Self, What is it called when someone identifies as an animal