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| While some older occult and tribal cultures have similar rituals, the vampire lifestyle is largely a social creation within Western culture, seemingly drawing from the rich recent history of popular culture related to cult symbolism, and the stylings of old Victirian England. Thus the subculture is most apparent in North America and Europe, and to a lesser extent in certain parts of South America and Asia. | While some older occult and tribal cultures have similar rituals, the vampire lifestyle is largely a social creation within Western culture, seemingly drawing from the rich recent history of popular culture related to cult symbolism, and the stylings of old Victirian England. Thus the subculture is most apparent in North America and Europe, and to a lesser extent in certain parts of South America and Asia. | ||
| There have been some reports of crimes commited by deranged individuals who believed themselves to be vampires: for example, the "Kentucky Vampire Clan" were a vampire role-playing group in Kentucky whose activities spiralled into murder. (http://www.courttv.com/archive/verdicts/vampire.html |
There have been some reports of crimes commited by deranged individuals who believed themselves to be vampires: for example, the "Kentucky Vampire Clan" were a vampire role-playing group in Kentucky whose activities spiralled into murder.<sup></sup>Activity of this manner is variously encouraged<sup></sup> and discouraged.<sup></sup> | ||
| Contents ] | |||
| 1 Identifying characteristics | |||
| 2 Types and variations | |||
| 3 Thirst | |||
| 4 Creation of new vampires | |||
| 5 Food sources | |||
| 5.1 Sanguarian | |||
| 5.2 Psionic | |||
| 6 Criticism | |||
| 7 See also | |||
| 8 External links | |||
| ==Identifying characteristics== | ==Identifying characteristics== | ||
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| Not all vampires are said to have all of these characteristics, or even believe that some of them are possible. | Not all vampires are said to have all of these characteristics, or even believe that some of them are possible. | ||
| Most members of the sect do not have long or sharp fangs. Some say the reason for this is dilution via the prolonged interbreeding of vampires and humans. Others say the fangs are retracted when not in use. They do not usually claim that blood should be drawn through or using the teeth, or claim to have hollow teeth for this purpose. |
Most members of the sect do not have long or sharp fangs. Some say the reason for this is dilution via the prolonged interbreeding of vampires and humans. Others say the fangs are retracted when not in use. They do not usually claim that blood should be drawn through or using the teeth, or claim to have hollow teeth for this purpose. Some adherents even have permanent or temporary prosthodontic devices to complete the illusion of vampirism. | ||
| ==Types and variations== | ==Types and variations== | ||
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| ==Sanguarian== | ==Sanguarian== | ||
| These are the vampires that believe they require blood in its physical form. However, contrary to traditional mythology, they are discouraged from biting the victim with their teeth, and do not necessarily have fangs or hollow teeth with which to bite. Rather, they are encouraged to draw blood using either a needle or a sharp blade (like a razor). They will usually proceed to drink directly from the needle or apply their mouths to the cut.] (http://www.reapersofblood.org/howrsf.html |
These are the vampires that believe they require blood in its physical form. However, contrary to traditional mythology, they are discouraged from biting the victim with their teeth, and do not necessarily have fangs or hollow teeth with which to bite. Rather, they are encouraged to draw blood using either a needle or a sharp blade (like a razor). They will usually proceed to drink directly from the needle or apply their mouths to the cut.<sup></sup> | ||
| ==Psionic== | ==Psionic== | ||
| These vampires claim that they consume "life force"] (http://www.geocities.com/psivampire421/vampires.html |
These vampires claim that they consume "life force"<sup></sup> as opposed to physical blood. In this case, the feeding is fairly ritualistic, and uses meditation to "channel" or "will" the energy toward them. The need to do so can be so strong that they occasionally beleive they have been feeding in their sleep.<sup></sup> They believe that one can either draw the required energy from a crowd or from a specific person, and stipulate that the best way to do this is contact with the chakras.<sup></sup> | ||
| ==Criticism== | ==Criticism== | ||
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| News stories: | News stories: | ||
| * Small fringe jumps from hobby to cult |
* The Globe and Mail, Canada, Feb. 17, 2005 via | ||
| * Florida v. Rod Ferrell "The Vampire Cult Slaying Case" |
* , June 22, 2001 | ||
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| Sites claiming to be about or by "real" vampires: | Sites claiming to be about or by "real" vampires: | ||
| * SphynxCat's Real vampires Support Page |
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| Categories: Misplaced Pages cleanup | Otherkin | Subcultures | Vampires | |||
Revision as of 02:38, 18 June 2005
The vampire lifestyle (or vampyre lifestyle) is that of a subculture of people who claim that they are vampires and that this lifestyle is one to be celebrated. While some claim that the drinking of blood is not required, others who call themselves vampires advocate ritual blood consumption. The common trait that all members share is their love for (and occasionally obsession with) vampires, and the belief that they possess some or all of the identifying characteristics of a vampire.
There are many websites and organisations dedicated solely to people who believe themselves to be vampires, although few (if any) of their claims are verifiable outside this means. This belief is very broad and encompasses a large number of topics, including the characteristics of vampires, ethical issues and the creation of new vampires. Sources for information on any or all three often provide different and sometimes conflicting information. Some critics have charged that such groups are cults, allegedly using cult-like methods to draw new members in.
While some older occult and tribal cultures have similar rituals, the vampire lifestyle is largely a social creation within Western culture, seemingly drawing from the rich recent history of popular culture related to cult symbolism, and the stylings of old Victirian England. Thus the subculture is most apparent in North America and Europe, and to a lesser extent in certain parts of South America and Asia.
There have been some reports of crimes commited by deranged individuals who believed themselves to be vampires: for example, the "Kentucky Vampire Clan" were a vampire role-playing group in Kentucky whose activities spiralled into murder.Activity of this manner is variously encouraged and discouraged.
Identifying characteristics
Those who believe they are vampires also believe that the vampire is a subspecies of Homo sapiens; the traits ascribed to this subspecies are generally some subset of those of fictional vampires. For example, many members of these groups believe themselves to have some sort of sensory amplification or extrasensory perception, such as:
- Improved night-vision, to the point of being able to see without even moonlight.
- Stinging of the skin when exposed to sunlight.
- A sense for other vampires.
- Broader range of senses.
- Prescience. Some claim that they are able to instinctively predict the immediate future with 100% accuracy, and thus act very quickly by instinct.
- Perception of auras.
Not all vampires are said to have all of these characteristics, or even believe that some of them are possible.
Most members of the sect do not have long or sharp fangs. Some say the reason for this is dilution via the prolonged interbreeding of vampires and humans. Others say the fangs are retracted when not in use. They do not usually claim that blood should be drawn through or using the teeth, or claim to have hollow teeth for this purpose. Some adherents even have permanent or temporary prosthodontic devices to complete the illusion of vampirism.
Types and variations
Members of vampire sects claim to fall into two main classes: those who claim to drink blood, and those who do not. Sanguarian vampires model themselves the closest to traditional mythology (see vampire) in that they believe themselves to be dependent on blood for both the supernatural powers some of them believe they possess, and (for many) their sanity. They generally accept either animal or human blood for this purpose, provided it remains untreated. Conversely, others believe that animal blood contains demons and must be boiled prior to drinking. Other vampires claim to get no benefits at all from animal blood and for both metaphysical and health-related reasons don't even consider it as an alternative to human blood. Self-described psionic vampires claim to be able to feed either on blood or psionic energy, having to start off with blood.
Thirst
Some self-proclaimed vampires claim they are subject to an affliction called the thirst. This is a hunger for blood (or energy, depending on the type of vampire). This affliction has symptoms comprised of a combination of extreme desire for water, withdrawal-like symptoms, and a random and extreme psychosis and episodes of animal instinct referred to as the Beast.
The time between feeding and the onset of another thirst is supposedly inversely proportional to the quality of blood. That from oneself or from animals is said to be worst, trumped by humans, then wiccans or other mystics. The best, naturally, is believed to come from other vampires.
This belief comes from the related one that the reason vampires need blood is due to the spiritual energy contained therein. The normal person is said to be spiritually stagnant, and therefore has a lower amount of spiritual energies. This also extends to psionic feeding.
Creation of new vampires
Members of these groups have many different theories about how vampires are created. Most involve a biological link to someone in the community, such as having (purported) vampire parents. Note that, for this belief, being fed upon is not sufficient as a means of transmission. However, most have to do with blood, as might be expected.
Some claim that if a vampire intravenously administers a portion of their blood to a non-vampire without the aid of needles, the non-vampire will be considered a turn and also believed to be awakened. They will then supposedly inherit a portion of the parent or master vampire's power. Some claim that the use of hypodermic needles or any other technology nullifies the vampirism-carrying properties of the blood. However, for the turning of psyonic vampires, nothing more than an exchange of "life energy" is required.
Food sources
Some vampires claim that, in order to replenish their vampiric energy, they will sometimes feed on the blood of other humans, but some will also feed on other things such as themselves, animals, plants and the elements. Psionic vampires believe that they feed by meditating and willing the energy toward them, or occasionally by unconscious means. Most self-proclaimed vampires believe that they occupy a different and higher position in the food chain than humans do. Many also claim that they often become ill when eating conventional food for humans.
Sanguarian
These are the vampires that believe they require blood in its physical form. However, contrary to traditional mythology, they are discouraged from biting the victim with their teeth, and do not necessarily have fangs or hollow teeth with which to bite. Rather, they are encouraged to draw blood using either a needle or a sharp blade (like a razor). They will usually proceed to drink directly from the needle or apply their mouths to the cut.
Psionic
These vampires claim that they consume "life force" as opposed to physical blood. In this case, the feeding is fairly ritualistic, and uses meditation to "channel" or "will" the energy toward them. The need to do so can be so strong that they occasionally beleive they have been feeding in their sleep. They believe that one can either draw the required energy from a crowd or from a specific person, and stipulate that the best way to do this is contact with the chakras.
Criticism
The vampire lifestyle has been criticised on a number of grounds. Christians, Jews and Muslims tend to believe the activity is related to cannibalism, paganism and many other sins. There is concern in the general public for those who are found to be participating in the cult.
It has also been criticised for fueling the fantasies of some psychotic severely mentally ill people, some of whom have gone on to commit crimes, including murder.
See also
External links
News stories:
- Small fringe jumps from hobby to cult The Globe and Mail, Canada, Feb. 17, 2005 via religionnewsblog.com
- Florida v. Rod Ferrell "The Vampire Cult Slaying Case", June 22, 2001
- BBC News story: Teenager guilty of 'vampire' murder
- BBC News story: 'Vampire obsessed' man raped girl
- BBC News story: 'Vampire' murderer dies in jail
- BBC News story: Rapist drank his victim's blood
Sites claiming to be about or by "real" vampires: