SECTION ONE

SPIRITUALITY OF DRACONITY / OTHERKIN

DISCLAIMER

I would like to quickly give a warning that I have a spiritual bias when it comes to identifying as otherkin. This bias is due to my own personal experiences prior to my discovery that otherkin existed online. As well as due to my first impressions and early observations within the dragonkin communities of the early to mid 2000's, wherein I had first learned that I was not alone in the journey of awakening to my internal identity and unique beliefs.

I am aware that over the years the general culture and meaning of the word otherkin has evolved and that identifying as otherkin has grown to encompass a much greater array of meanings and interpretations. Regardless, I hope that despite changes within the overall community that some of my writings herein may still be of use to some who may identify as Otherkin in their spirit, heart or mind.

This document has been designed to be a sort of beginners guide for otherkin. Although I am no expert, I chose to write this because I used to receive occasional questions from newly awakened otherkin who would look to me for advice. Eventually I decided that I would compile some of my answers into a brief compendium for the early awakened and attempt to share some of my opinions on select scenarios.

I am no expert on any of this, these are simply my personal opinions, my generalized advice.

I would advise checking the FAQ's below first, as I consider them more clear and professionally made then what I have written ahead.

Overall I hope the combined data of this guide can help others in their awakening process and aid growth along their spiritual paths.

What is otherkinism?:

Otherkinism is a somewhat obscure personal belief system in which a person perceives themselves to identify as or be otherwise connected spiritually or psychologically in one way or another with a nonhuman form, a good deal of in depth information and resources on otherkin can be found at the site: http://www.dreamhart.org or here at Otherkin.net . Furthermore a brief historical timeline of otherkin activity may be perused here: Otherkin Timeline .

For the purpose of these writings I may often write from the perspective of one who identifies as a dragon, as that is the context of many of my personal experiences and interactions. I may reference “draconity” a term used in reference to the belief or idea that one is dragonkin: Believing oneself to be connected spiritually with dragons in one form or another. Specific information on dragon otherkin can be found by reading Baxil's Draconity Faq , or by visiting the Dragon Resource Project. online.

From my own personal experiences over the past decade I can state that otherkinism is a personal and individualized belief system in which an individual believes or identifies with the perception that their soul, spirit or consciousness is something other than human. Alternative experiences as individuals may on a deep spiritual or emotional level feel spiritually or internally connected in some way to a non human being or entity.

Those such as I, who claim to be otherkin may tend to believe that their soul or spirit is trans-species in the same sense that some may believe that they were born into the wrong gender or time period. There are many interpretations of what it means to be otherkin and the idea is most often personal to the perceptions of the individual making the claim of being one. It is different and subjectively experiential for everybody.

One thing that I must clarify is that the claim of being another species is often perceived in a strictly spiritual sense. Somebody like myself who may claim to be a dragon is obviously not claiming to literally be a dragon in the physical sense, but rather, spiritual, emotional or whatever the self perceived case may be. Most otherkin (I hope...) are not going to run around trying to jump off the tops of buildings or other nonsensical things like that, they simply identify on a spiritual, emotional or strong personal level with (or as) the said creature of their affinity.

To some an otherkin identity may be in the sense that they simply identify emotionally with said form or have a strong spiritual connection to such. Others perceptions of otherkinism may be based on reincarnation beliefs or a belief that their formerly nonhuman spirit is having a physical experience in the their present form by some choice or cosmic mishap.

I personally perceive that I am an otherkin through act of spiritual reincarnation. I personally believe that I exist as a reincarnated dragon spirit from another planet and am now presently experiencing life in a human incarnation. In as such, I believe my spirit to be temporary and alien to this world.

Regardless of my self perception, I must reiterate that the reasoning or context of how or in what sense you or an individual may be otherkin is to be determined by their own introspection and personal understandings of themselves. Each of us must understand ourselves and discover our own beliefs. There are of course general guidelines mentioned above in the aforementioned FAQ's I and others have provided. But above all else otherkinism must be a personal journey and an individual experience.

I have always been different:

Based off my decade of experience speaking with a variety of otherkin as well as from my personal anecdotal views formulated from past experiences I can write that a commonality of self identified otherkin have prior to exploring their connections to their kintype or experiencing their awakening, have self reported to me that they had suspected in the past that they were in some ways different or unique from their peers.

For example , some may have a sense of being more in tune with nature, more prone to spiritual or metaphysical experiences, claim to have immense amounts of physical energy, have a fear or feeling that ones mental rationalization or cognitive process may tend to be different from others. Alongside various other likely kintype specific differences such as sensations of phantom anatomy or strong attractions or associations with forms similar to an un-awakened individuals kintype and so on. A common example I have encountered in the dragon kin community is the claim “Even before I awakened as dragonkin, I was always infatuated with dragons and reptiles for as long as I can remember . ”

Some otherkin, in rare cases may tend to awaken to the idea that they are non human spirits at a young age or are just somehow born knowing. From my personal experience most otherkin tend to awake in their mid to late teens or in their early twenties. These early awakened kin are often disadvantaged in that they have fewer resources to access and fewer allies to relate to, they may tend to be bullied or targeted in a negative fashion due to their younger age or inability to adequately explain in logical terms what they are experiencing. This social rejection and spiritual isolation has the potential to cause a younger kin to put up mental blocks to the idea or concept of connections to their kintype which may make potentially re-awakening or introspecting their connections to their kintype harder in the future.

In either case, for those who suspected for some time that they may have not originally been human or for those who, as discussed above may have been born knowing, or had “always known” but may be learning now for the first time that their beliefs have a name, that you are not alone and that others like you exist, I welcome you to the concept of otherkin.

I encourage you to keep an open mind and to always above all else, “Know Yourself” each on a spiritual, emotional and physical level. Strive carefully not to deceive yourself or to fall into falsehoods. Please be open to all possibilities, learn and study all angles and likelihoods, even those which may attempt to discredit your present perceptions. Please never hesitate to read up on the experiences of others and with every new opportunity please continually question your own personal truths. Grow, know yourself and never cease to improve! Take time to befriend others and to network, share your experiences and know that you are never alone, there are others like us in this world and we will always look out for each other.

I have always been normal but feel different now, what is happening?:

I have known over the years a good deal of newly awakened otherkin whom were shocked to discover these new found beliefs within themselves. The best that I can imagine is that the knowledge on a spiritual or subconscious level had possibly been repressed and that at some time an object or event, such as seeing a dragon film, statue, picture, or perhaps experiencing an extremely vivid dream may suddenly “trigger” or spark a sudden awakening in an individual whom until recently had no interest in spirituality or in the kintype in question.

It happens a lot it seems and often times the individuals who experience this triggered awakening, be it late in life, or still in their youth, can often find clues that the kintype awakening had influenced them in the past outside their immediate notice at the time. Still, like all other times I remind the reader, always when dealing with an awakening or spiritual path regarding otherkin to always question yourself and your perceptions. In all things please base your beliefs off personal truths backed up by whatever evidence you may have discovered through introspection. Remember, emotion s and feelings alone do not create truth.

Remember to be objective in your exploration. Do not lie to yourself, if you suddenly awaken and identify as a dragon, do not proclaim yourself something silly like for example “I am Arutama, the dragon prince of the underworld!” and then simply cease to explore or understand yourself and what lead to such claims. Instead, I encourage you rather to connect the dots, draw from clues found within dreams, visions, emotions, interpretations, possible memories and personal truths. Do not lie to yourself, rather learn your personal truth through introspection. If you learn and come to know in your heart, that you were a wild animal, a quadrupedal black dragon, who lived in a cave on a mountain and hunted at night, then admitting such is infinitesimally superior to believing the baseless lie that you walked upright and were some elite prince of dragons. Do not accept a falsehood simply because it seems more impressive or preferable.

Please, in all you do, be honest in your spiritual understandings and do not make your experiences up, it will only come back to bite you in the end. This goes for all otherkin, the newly awakened and those who have been active for years.

I have memories of being a dragon, or other non-human entity:

Very good, many kin often times have very limited evidence to base their beliefs on, brief memories are a rare and great gift to be awakened with. But remember always to question those supposed memories, what are their basis? Where did they come from? How much of them are true? How much may have been tainted by falsehood, media, social expectations and so on?

Be sure to write your possible memories down and to review and question them often, do not hesitate to create a timeline and to add changes freely if you discover or learn more. Please do not resist new understandings. As an anecdote, when I personally first awakened I originally believed that I could speak a verbal language in my prior dragon life, but that was a human centric assumption and upon closer meditation and introspection regarding my perceived memories I gradually noticed that I as a dragon had never spoke, rather I appeared simply to be an animal in my activities, similar to a large cat or a wolf in mannerism. Please note that your self understanding or internal perceptions may change as you learn more about yourself and as new memories or possibilities come to the surface or relization.

Please do not resist change for fear of criticism or for fear that you were wrong, personal honesty with yourself is quite possibly the most important thing when identifying as an otherkin, if you lie to yourself it will only come back to destroy you later. I humbly encourage you to take your time, to cherish your memories no matter how great or how few and to always strive to learn more with introspective purity, integrity and honesty in regards to your spiritual self perceptions.

I don't have memories of being a dragon or kin, but I “FEEL” like one:

I would recommend not jumping to immediate conclusions either in favor or against being otherkin. You may just like the kintype in question and think that they are awesome or impressive creatures. Perhaps you legitimately relate to the creature in question and are just uncertain as to your emotional longings, possible relationship or the general reasons as to why? Overall though I would strongly advise anyone who is exploring the idea of otherkin to take things very slowly and not to jump into any brash assumptions.

Please, take time out of your day to meditate and think deeply as to why you may feel like, or relate so closely to the kintype in question. Intimately examine and question if there are any external influences that may be influencing such a bond or interest, be thoroughly introspective, objective and honest.

But overall if you still feel a powerful affinity towards your kintype in question, then yes, please look into the spirituality and internal nature of your bond. I would encourage you to check out some otherkin communities and to test the waters, but remember, you either are, or you are not, I beseech you not to pretend just because it may feel good or be fun, there is a secular community of furries online who will gladly allow you to explore the fantastical or role of being another form in a fictional context, they will happily welcome you as you are. Otherkinism is a more personal struggle from both within oneself internally and from the unique tensions of the external world, proclaiming oneself to be otherkin is not mean to be a game or taken lightly, it can be, to put it frankly “a mess”

You will learn and grow immensely but adopting a journey of self discovery is a constant path of growth with many ups and downs, so be sure in your heart and mind that this is your spiritual truth, your calling and your path. Do not deceive yourself if your personal mytho's is just some silly roleplay reality that you wish to impose upon yourself. I cannot reiterate enough, please take the context of otherkin seriously and know all the introspective angles of your identity and beliefs, know yourself, know your own personal truths and perceptions, then go from there slowly and in a state of constant learning and growth.

I know I am a dragon, or whatever, but have no memories:

Relax, you are not alone, a lot of otherkin awaken to knowledge of their form, its possible gender, appearance or maybe a few other traits, but then often nothing more.. It ' s unfortunately common, thus the desire or liability for many to fall into assuming falsehoods or to make up memories that seem feasible but which may not necessarily be true.

First, for the most part, really, you might know your past form, maybe its sex, appearance, or possibly a few basic details, that in itself is amazing! You might know you existed as something else, take pride in that! Remember that the life or memories associated with that form have little to no bearing on this reality or world, that the life you experienced is long since gone, it has passed, but its legacy lives on in you now, live for today and take pride in the knowledge of what you once were!

I know that my advice may seem of little help to those who are struggling and I understand the frustration of wanting to know more but finding nothing. It is simply all that I can do to remind you to live for today and to take pride in that which you do know. Beyond that advice, if you truly wish to delve into possible memories, please try thinking back and examining your past for any vivid dreams or visions which may have had clues within them. There may also be some meditation techniques that might be available in certain otherkin communities if you search for them, please try those options.

Overall . memories may or may not come to you . T hey are a subjective and individualized phenomena, please do not dwell on the past needlessly, you are here now, an entity from another form world and life in a world unlike any other, take pride that you can experience creation in so many forms and ways, be strong, live, grow and enjoy life! The absence of memories does not disprove your kin beliefs so long as you know in your heart and soul the truth of what you were or are on the inside!

Spiritual names and personal identity in regards to otherkinsim:

If you happen to be otherkin, then in the process of awakening you may likely begin to learn about your perceived spiritual or prior form and likely tend to base an online or spiritual identity around it. As well you will likely seek a name to be associated with said identity.

How you choose to portray, or even if you choose to portray an otherkin identity for yourself should be your own personal decision. Simply understand that over the Internet, nothing is private, Ever, so please remember to be responsible and use whatever common sense you deem necessary so as not to bring negative attention to yourself or to others within the broader community.

As for how to learn your otherkin name, if such a thing exists? The process differs for everyone, it is individualistic, the name “Jafira” came to me while camping in the woods during my teenage years, it just whispered in my thoughts while I explored alone in the forest. Though Jafira is just an online name nowadays, the name Korageth was heard in a dream in which I experienced my death as a black dragon , and is now my primary dragon identity . The name Veltra came to me while a breeze brushed pass while I was enjoying the view atop a mountain , though is not used as much . For others , their names come to them in other ways, most everyone has their own unique story. Rest assured that a name will come to you in time.

Remember, that there is a possibility that you, in a prior life or form, had no name, or that it may simply be lost to your spirit and history. There is nothing preventing you from choosing or creating a name that has meaning to you. Just make something up that means something to you, then change it in the future should new self discoveries arise. Overall it is the personal meaning, context or general feeling that a name sparks within that matters. Find a name that relates with your kin identity on an emotional level, one that matters and brings strong emotion, the rest resolves itself in time!

Theory on commonalities of otherkin forms:

In the not too recent past I stumbled on a critical analysis of the topic of otherkin over on the skeptic site, "Rationalwiki" and I noted that the author's strongest critique in the end was that otherkin is best proven delusion due to the similar identified forms of those claiming to be kin. Specifically most claiming to be dragons, various mythological entities, vampires or fae in terms of otherkin and generally being wolves, cats or foxes in terms of therians.

The author made the point that if reincarnation where truly at play there would be a vast abundance of “fish'kin, bird'kin or insect'kin” alongside of any variety of “lesser” life forms far more abundant on this world and others, the lack thereof in the writer's view debunks the pseudo theology as pure delusion. I however would counter that the author of the critique fails to take into account the cognitive abilities or level of self-awareness of the lower life forms they list. A lot of the forms that otherkin and therians identify as potentially have a higher amount of cognition or self-awareness which would allow for more emotions or memories to potentially imprint to a soul for possible recollection in a later existence.

A fish would not be as instinctually self-aware or cognizant as a wolf, utahraptor, or hypothetical vampire, dragon or other off-world life form. I feel this argument is a viable rebuttal worthy to be touched upon or further explored while debating or discussing the merits of otherkin or therian beliefs. I however also reiterate as always that such beliefs are very individualistic and subjective, so please, know yourself, understand yourself and shape your spiritual or psychological defense in rational introspective ways most effective to your personal path or belief.

In all things be strong and honest and know always yourself and what you believe. Be prepared to defend yourself and be prepared to be honest that all we believe is simply perception and what works for us based on our emotions and experiences on this world we call Earth.

Controversial incarnations and belief, spirit is energy, infinite potentials:

Remember, otherkin by its very definition and existence is controversial. An individual may have more than one incarnation and one can likely awaken to forms or entities that are unknown to Earth. Because we live in a universe in which we as humans on a lonely rock are limited to our perceptions of our observable region of space. We cannot know what lies outside our sphere of observation. We are simply one star in one galaxy in one universe within an infinite expanse of possibilities. With that said, we cannot and should not eliminate the possibilities that there are concepts and forms out there that we simply do not and can not possibly know of or imagine.

In short, if you awaken to some crazy bizarre form that is unique or has never been heard of, but you have some sincere form of rational basis behind your faith in identifying as this entity in question and the entity is not purposefully made up deception, then I would not be too fearful or concerned about it. I also personally feel the same openness to the possibility of awakening to multiple incarnations or having existed in various different forms. We cannot know the nature of spirit or of the universe that we exist in. Humans are limited to only that which we know and can observe. We do not know much at all.

I personally believe that all things exist of a conscious energy and that this includes yours and my spirit. I personally believe that our spirits are part of an interconnected energy that exists all throughout physical reality. That the inter-connective nature of our spirits and this underlying energy permeating existence can result in infinite possibilities. I can easily believe when two former beings from another world or another time claim to have met and reunited in this or in other lives.

When it comes to the unknown nature of spirit and consciousness anything has the potential to be true, spirits can likely transgress time and space with ease. Our physical reality in my view is just an MMO and in each life we choose a new avatar and story. Our spirits are the players and sometimes our friends will follow us between games, forms and worlds, sometimes they won't, the possibilities are endless.

Simply take caution not to make reckless assumptions from these concepts of spiritual inter-connectivity and always remember to attempt to introspect or back up any beliefs, conclusions, or views with possible evidence and honest truth in whatever you may come to believe.

Web Links and Online Resources for Dragonkin:

Tomorrow Lands <-- (Resources and Information)

Draconity.org <-- (Message Board)

Dragons Valley <-- (Message Board)

Draconic.com <-- (Message Board)

DragonRealms.net <-- (Message Board)

Jafira's Lair- Otherkin Resource and Journal <-- (Resources and Information)

Dragons Nest (Russian) <-- A Russian Dragonkin Community

Yinglong.org (Chinese) <-- A Chinese Dragonkin Community

Draconity Resource Project <-- A site consisting of resources concerning Draconic Otherkin.

Web Links and Online Resources for General Otherkin:

Otherkin.net <-- (Resources and Information)

Dreamhart.org <-- (Resources and Information)

Otherkin Timeline <-- (Timeline of Otherkin Activity)

AlterHuman Archive <-- (Archive of Otherkin Articles)

Eristic Otherkin Links <-- (Resources and Information)

End Section I