[Jafira]

Before I continue with this question, as well as the greater question of possible psychological alternatives to otherkinism in general, I must add an obvious disclaimer that I am just some kid with a computer, I am not a professional in mental health nor am I in anyway an authority on the matter, I don't know what the hell I am talking about or what I am doing, I will just be pointing out what seems like common sense explanations as best as I can determine, I am not an expert, this is all just personal opinion.

As I had stated in earlier writings, sometimes otherkin will be visited by what can best be described as sentient external or internal consciousness during the course of their awakenings. Not always, but it happens for some, and occurs either through personal effort to call such entities forth, or by random chance.

For the purpose of disclosure, In these writings I may write with a slight bias, as I was once such an individual and have had experience with these types of entities. (or mental states depending.) My head mates consisted of a green dragon called, Jafira, and a yellow dragon I called Veltra. I, perceiving myself to have been the reincarnation of a dragon known as Korageth, had simply assumed that Jafira and Veltra were the spirits of other dragons that I as Korageth had met in life. My own experience with these possible spirit guides is a complicated fluff story best saved for another time.

Often times, these supposed head mates or spiritual companions will communicate as separate sentient minds, personalities, or thought processes within, but separate from, the individuals own conscious thoughts. Overall these additional consciousness are similar in nature to what are often assumed to be imaginary friends, only these entities are often more useful tending to be self aware and portraying a more mature and useful demeanor. From my own experience they provide a powerful source of assistance, support and companionship to the individual experiencing the phenomena.

In regards to the possibility of spiritual guides or companions, the two most obvious alternatives to the spiritual explanation are both quite simple. I would assume that the primary school of thought regarding those of us otherkin who claim to have contact with spiritual companions is that we are in fact falling prey to delusion and simply do indeed have some form of imaginary friends that we have never grown out of.

It is easy to pass spiritual guides off as imaginary friends, as much like I stated above, they serve all the purposes and needs that imaginary friends would traditionally be known for, companionship, assistance, moral support, and so forth.

Another explanation may be the possibility of a dissociative identity, where someone may have created alternate sentient personalities which they can alternate between or communicate and associate with. Both the explanations of psychology, or the imaginary friend theory can potentially be associated with other aspects of otherkinism and the possibility of escapism, be it conscious or subconscious.

This has just been a brief look at the two most likely alternatives to the spiritual explanation, As stated earlier I am no expert on this, I am not a psychologist. I just used what seemed like common sense explanations, I am sure there are many more alternatives as well which I have missed, as well I likely have a butchered or skewed understanding of dissociation disorders, perhaps you should check into it to be sure I was not being ignorant in my writings.

Overall though, I am not here to debunk anything, I just wished to briefly give equal time and balance to both the alternatives as well as the spiritual explanation. We can not be honest with ourselves unless we have at least looked at, or considered both sides of an equation and then determined for ourselves what is right for us on a personal or individual level. All are entitled to their paths and beliefs. It is up to you, the individual, to consider both sides and choose what is right to your perceptions and beliefs, find your own truth.
_________________
Jafira ~ The Tycosian Dragon Visit The Forum