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Therianthropy and Theology: Concepts Defined
10 years ago
General
First of all, and quite significantly, it should be noted that theology has no involvement in Therianthropy and vice versa. They are wholly separate concepts with vary few tangential interfaces. While theology has to do with the study of God and religous belief, and it remains possible for religion to be separate from belief in God, god, or gods, it also remains that Therianthropy is entirely different. The separation is unique and clear. The ideology of such can indeed be a part of, and has been a part, of many religions throughout the ages. Yet inclusion in religion does not mean unity of such. To be Therian does not mean one has to be religious; no more so than base spirituality would infer. Spirituality is separate from religion in many instances. It needs no deity or powers that be, no controlling forces beyond nature, and neither is it a worship of nature. It is in essence the acceptance of what is, which in of itself is the acceptance of nature. To accept the world around us does not require religion. Nor does accepting the world within. The world without and within can often be very reflective of one another, as well as striking in their simplicity.
Having separated the concepts, this brings me to my next point. I've read a lot about being 'Therian' through various online avenues and have even come across a slew of YouTube videos. I do not ... suggest anyone go searching for those. The current subculture of 'Therian' adherents is quite interesting at the very least. Their perception of what it is to be 'Therian' and the related societal penalties, judgements, exclusions, and even persecutions have piqued my interest. Do those who proclaim persecution for a chosen niche belief, one which they hold solely for the sense of uniqueness and ironic inclusion it provides them, truly suggest they are subjected to mistreatment? Perspective is a lesson that can only be taught by life and the inherently related wisdom in such. Youth is full of folly and should perhaps be given some leeway, but it does lend itself to idiocy at some point.
Issues I hold contention with:
* You do not choose to be Therian: So many of the modern crowd of 'Therians' I see would seem to have chosen to become Therian. I'll touch on that in a moment, 'becoming.' The problem here is that one does not simply choose to be Therian. You either are or you aren't. It's not like being a furry. You don't pick a species that you happen to like and tack it on as an alter ego. Therianthropy isn't about having an alter ego. It isn't about ego at all. It's about truth, who you are as an individual. There is no such thing as a Theriansona.
* You do not become Therian: Most Therians I've known for years will reflect that they have always known they were what they were. Of course, there are varying circumstances. You might not realize until later in life, but then upon looking back can see what was hidden from you in the past. Ignorance of what is does not negate it from being, however, this isn't something you can go out and seek to attain. Therianthropy is not an article of clothing, nor is it a fursuit.
* Not all furs are Therians: It is difficult to believe how many people hold the concept of their fanciful alter egos as being the same thing as having the spirit of that animal, or animals as the case may be. We'll get to the multi-animal thing here in a moment. Furs equate their fursonas with being connected with their animal of choice. They believe it is somehow a big part of them, yet in reality it is a choice. They embrace the special feelings it brings them and enjoy touching upon various aspects of their animal of choice. Yet you hardly see the more negative attributes being flocked to, nor do you notice more than superficial expression of any 'animal' instincts or behavior. You're acting out, pretending like you did when you were little. Don't think you're suddenly imbued with an animal spirit because you decide to walk on your tip toes and bat at shiny things with loosely clamped fists - intended to resemble paws.
* If you are truly Therian, you probably don't have multiple animal spirits, including mythological ones: It may come as a shock, but if you believe yourself to be inhabited by or hold connections with the animal spirits of a tiger, wolf, fox, raccoon, dragon, and unicorn ... you're probably not. Just because it's fun to keep adding new species to your internal rolodex of spirits does not make them a reality. To be honest, if you are Therian, the initial species you felt a connection with is probably more than worthy of being your singular spirit. If you have to add special traits to them because the animal itself isn't special enough for you, again you're likely playing pretend here. Wings and multi-colored fur creates a most likely scenario where you're wanting to feel even more special, so find traits in order to do so.
* Therian types: There are different concepts that fall into the realm of Therianthropy. While most would equate having an animal spirit with the ideology, it can also include or solely involve a connection such as having one or more animal spirit guides. Again, don't get carried away with trying to find too many spirit guides. At some point you're just pretending again. You aren't so special a person to have 15 different creatures, including those mythological again, guiding you through life. Be humbled by the idea that one animal spirit is willing to guide you. If that initial animal is not enough, begin to wonder what is real and what is fantasy. In all honest truth, having one spirit guide or internal spirit that which you see as your true self, either of these scenarios, is more than enough. If what you sense to be within is real, you won't seek nor need to seek other animals. They come to you, if they do indeed come at all. And if you are born from the spirit of an animal, you're likely not born from 15. Be content to have one spirit. There really is no shame in it. On the contrary, it's an honor and a privilege. In having an animal spirit or spirit guide you will see the world as most humans never do. While this can prove to be a difficult trait to bear, it is also a gift. At the same time as the world and people around you seem almost alien in their nature and thinking, you also gain perspective and understanding, perhaps even empathy, for the strange creatures you observe. This is something that being human of soul would not likely grant you.
* Being a fur does not make you Therian: It's time to come back to this point and deal with the fact that being a fur is a choice, a wistful romp into the realm of make believe that allows many to better deal with the harshness of the real world they exist in. This is not to diminish what being a fur is. It is only meant to finally and fully separate the concepts. Therianthropy is something you are. You do not choose to be Therian. Of course, the affinity a Therian has with their species may well lend them toward becoming a part of the community. There are far more participating furs online, and it's easier to find and join these groups. Being a fur because of your connection to the animal within or spirit guide helps one to express part of themselves they otherwise might not be able to. That's not to say Therians require this. It also does not suggest that they cannot gain insight into their animal/s without taking on a fursona. While it might be the natural progression for many Therians, for others it is repugnant. Why undermine the sanctity of the animal you hold in such high regard by humanizing it? This is in part a truth of the fandom, furs create characters that have very little in relation with the animal they purport to be. It's fun to have fur and a tail and cute, fuzzy ears, but to actually have the natural behavior and all that is involved in being that animal - best leave that to the weirdos who actually 'believe' themselves to be animals, no? The division between the furry and Therian communities is easy to make out. Though it may be ironic that there is any division, all things being considered. Some Therians are furs, and some furs are Therians, but not all of either are both. There's no need to castigate or disparage either group. Everyone has their place within these realms.
When it comes down to it, and finally, the point I intend to make here is that there is a deep distinction between the terms 'fur' and 'Therian.' Being a Therian doesn't mean you wear a collar, fake tail, and/or ears and act all silly like you think your species is supposed to. It doesn't mean posting inane YouTube videos decrying the persecution of your group. It isn't about pretend or feeling special. It isn't about an alter ego or escape. It simply is. When you are Therian, you simply are. Without pretenses or conceit, lacking hubris or pride, to be Therian is simply to 'be.'
Therians don't anthropomorphize their species. There's the final distinction for you. An animal is an animal, and they need be nothing more.
Having separated the concepts, this brings me to my next point. I've read a lot about being 'Therian' through various online avenues and have even come across a slew of YouTube videos. I do not ... suggest anyone go searching for those. The current subculture of 'Therian' adherents is quite interesting at the very least. Their perception of what it is to be 'Therian' and the related societal penalties, judgements, exclusions, and even persecutions have piqued my interest. Do those who proclaim persecution for a chosen niche belief, one which they hold solely for the sense of uniqueness and ironic inclusion it provides them, truly suggest they are subjected to mistreatment? Perspective is a lesson that can only be taught by life and the inherently related wisdom in such. Youth is full of folly and should perhaps be given some leeway, but it does lend itself to idiocy at some point.
Issues I hold contention with:
* You do not choose to be Therian: So many of the modern crowd of 'Therians' I see would seem to have chosen to become Therian. I'll touch on that in a moment, 'becoming.' The problem here is that one does not simply choose to be Therian. You either are or you aren't. It's not like being a furry. You don't pick a species that you happen to like and tack it on as an alter ego. Therianthropy isn't about having an alter ego. It isn't about ego at all. It's about truth, who you are as an individual. There is no such thing as a Theriansona.
* You do not become Therian: Most Therians I've known for years will reflect that they have always known they were what they were. Of course, there are varying circumstances. You might not realize until later in life, but then upon looking back can see what was hidden from you in the past. Ignorance of what is does not negate it from being, however, this isn't something you can go out and seek to attain. Therianthropy is not an article of clothing, nor is it a fursuit.
* Not all furs are Therians: It is difficult to believe how many people hold the concept of their fanciful alter egos as being the same thing as having the spirit of that animal, or animals as the case may be. We'll get to the multi-animal thing here in a moment. Furs equate their fursonas with being connected with their animal of choice. They believe it is somehow a big part of them, yet in reality it is a choice. They embrace the special feelings it brings them and enjoy touching upon various aspects of their animal of choice. Yet you hardly see the more negative attributes being flocked to, nor do you notice more than superficial expression of any 'animal' instincts or behavior. You're acting out, pretending like you did when you were little. Don't think you're suddenly imbued with an animal spirit because you decide to walk on your tip toes and bat at shiny things with loosely clamped fists - intended to resemble paws.
* If you are truly Therian, you probably don't have multiple animal spirits, including mythological ones: It may come as a shock, but if you believe yourself to be inhabited by or hold connections with the animal spirits of a tiger, wolf, fox, raccoon, dragon, and unicorn ... you're probably not. Just because it's fun to keep adding new species to your internal rolodex of spirits does not make them a reality. To be honest, if you are Therian, the initial species you felt a connection with is probably more than worthy of being your singular spirit. If you have to add special traits to them because the animal itself isn't special enough for you, again you're likely playing pretend here. Wings and multi-colored fur creates a most likely scenario where you're wanting to feel even more special, so find traits in order to do so.
* Therian types: There are different concepts that fall into the realm of Therianthropy. While most would equate having an animal spirit with the ideology, it can also include or solely involve a connection such as having one or more animal spirit guides. Again, don't get carried away with trying to find too many spirit guides. At some point you're just pretending again. You aren't so special a person to have 15 different creatures, including those mythological again, guiding you through life. Be humbled by the idea that one animal spirit is willing to guide you. If that initial animal is not enough, begin to wonder what is real and what is fantasy. In all honest truth, having one spirit guide or internal spirit that which you see as your true self, either of these scenarios, is more than enough. If what you sense to be within is real, you won't seek nor need to seek other animals. They come to you, if they do indeed come at all. And if you are born from the spirit of an animal, you're likely not born from 15. Be content to have one spirit. There really is no shame in it. On the contrary, it's an honor and a privilege. In having an animal spirit or spirit guide you will see the world as most humans never do. While this can prove to be a difficult trait to bear, it is also a gift. At the same time as the world and people around you seem almost alien in their nature and thinking, you also gain perspective and understanding, perhaps even empathy, for the strange creatures you observe. This is something that being human of soul would not likely grant you.
* Being a fur does not make you Therian: It's time to come back to this point and deal with the fact that being a fur is a choice, a wistful romp into the realm of make believe that allows many to better deal with the harshness of the real world they exist in. This is not to diminish what being a fur is. It is only meant to finally and fully separate the concepts. Therianthropy is something you are. You do not choose to be Therian. Of course, the affinity a Therian has with their species may well lend them toward becoming a part of the community. There are far more participating furs online, and it's easier to find and join these groups. Being a fur because of your connection to the animal within or spirit guide helps one to express part of themselves they otherwise might not be able to. That's not to say Therians require this. It also does not suggest that they cannot gain insight into their animal/s without taking on a fursona. While it might be the natural progression for many Therians, for others it is repugnant. Why undermine the sanctity of the animal you hold in such high regard by humanizing it? This is in part a truth of the fandom, furs create characters that have very little in relation with the animal they purport to be. It's fun to have fur and a tail and cute, fuzzy ears, but to actually have the natural behavior and all that is involved in being that animal - best leave that to the weirdos who actually 'believe' themselves to be animals, no? The division between the furry and Therian communities is easy to make out. Though it may be ironic that there is any division, all things being considered. Some Therians are furs, and some furs are Therians, but not all of either are both. There's no need to castigate or disparage either group. Everyone has their place within these realms.
When it comes down to it, and finally, the point I intend to make here is that there is a deep distinction between the terms 'fur' and 'Therian.' Being a Therian doesn't mean you wear a collar, fake tail, and/or ears and act all silly like you think your species is supposed to. It doesn't mean posting inane YouTube videos decrying the persecution of your group. It isn't about pretend or feeling special. It isn't about an alter ego or escape. It simply is. When you are Therian, you simply are. Without pretenses or conceit, lacking hubris or pride, to be Therian is simply to 'be.'
Therians don't anthropomorphize their species. There's the final distinction for you. An animal is an animal, and they need be nothing more.
