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Vampire lifestyle

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The vampire (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 who call themselves vampires say the drinking of blood is not required, others advocate it. Common to all is an interest in (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 to people who believe themselves to be vampires, although few if any of their claims are verifiable. 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". The websites often provide different and 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, horror films, the fiction of Anne Rice and TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Another source of imagery appears to be role-playing games such as Vampire: The Masquerade. Thus the phenomenon 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 committed by deranged people who believed themselves to be vampires: for example, the "Kentucky Vampire Clan" was a vampire role-playing group in Kentucky whose activities spiralled into murder. Activity of this kind 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 "vampires" do not have long or sharp fangs. Some say the reason for this is dilution via the prolonged interbreeding of vampires and humans; others that 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 can be classed according to whether or not they claim to drink blood. "Sanguarian vampires" model themselves the closest to the vampires of traditional mythology in their claim to be dependent on blood for both the supernatural powers some of them believe they possess and (for many) their sanity. Most accept either animal or human blood for this purpose, provided it remains untreated, while others believe that animal blood contains demons and must be boiled prior to drinking. A third group of "vampires" claims to get no benefit at all from animal blood and for both metaphysical and health-related reasons does not even consider it as an alternative to human blood. "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, a hunger for blood (or energy, depending on the type of vampire). Its symptoms comprise 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 the spiritual energy it contains. 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 the creation of vampires. Most involve a biological link, such as having (purported) vampire parents. While being fed upon is not sufficient as a means of transmission, 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. Some adherents claim that, for the turning of "psionic 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 feed on the blood of other humans, or in some cases, other things, such as themselves (see cannibalism), animals, plants, and the elements. "Psionic vampires" believe that they feed by meditating and "willing" the energy toward them, or occasionally by unconscious means. Some "vampires" also claim that they occupy a different and higher position in the food chain than humans do, and that they become ill when eating conventional food for humans.

Sanguarian

"Sanguarian vampires" claim to 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

"Psionic 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 perceived need to do so can be so strong that they occasionally believe 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 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.

Finally, for one person to consume another's blood presents a serious hygiene risk to both parties, with a major risk of sepsis from human bites and the transmission of blood-borne diseases including HIV/AIDS.

See also

External links

News stories:

Sites claiming to be about or by "real" vampires:

Other viewpoints:

Categories: