So, you are ready to delve deeper in what we call, Therianthropy? So far we have only scratched the surface, only hinted at what it is. I have already- there are many ideas and beliefs on the whole thing. Most cross over and compromise at some point.

So, here we go.

Being part animal, in soul (although it is more than that) means that we, as therians, have animal energy with in us. What is this animal energy, what does it do? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What does it make me? How do I differ from someone who isn't a therian?

All good questions. Here I merely state my opinions- they may not match with yours, so please do not get offended. This animal energy, as I will call it, will be used to represent the whatness and whyness of Therianthropy. So, animal energy (or animal magick, or animal spirituality, or animal belief- what ever you wish to call it) is how we know we are part animal. It is what makes us able to experience our animal selves through shifting, it is what links us to our phenotype(s) and what makes us think as we do. It is our love, our passion, our fear and hope, our power- our way of BEING and way of LIFE. It is what has changed us, me, you and many others, in every culture and society. It is NOT what gave us a bad name, it is not what Hollywood based its workings on.

Animal energy is Therianthropy- and Therianthropy is what makes us part animal.

There are no advantages or disadvantages of being a WereCreature. It is neither a curse nor a blessing. But it is something that is always with us. From beginning to end, through thick and thin. It is not something you can forget or suppress. It's a balance; sometimes its makes our lives positive, sometimes negative.

This is what makes us. Because what therian are, we can see differently from a lot of people. We can understand (if we wish) nature and energy better. We have strong, primitive emotions, bound to our animal side- often we are empathic, aware of the feelings of others and places, often understanding animals better than most. We are faithful, we believe in what suits us, we defend out faith fiercely and with pride, what ever it may be. We are strong willed, our own masters, individuals in our own right. Talented, ambitious, curious.

We differ from those that aren't like us, simply because we are so strongly associates with an animal or more. Because we have a different understanding. Now, people may have totems, and shamans may be able to host an animal spirit, but this is different. Very different. The shaman and the totem holder work with outside forces. We, us, it's in our subconscious. It's IN US. Part of us in a way nothing else can be. It is more than love, deeper than understanding, more personal than spirituality, a subconscious path of knowledge and emotion.

The ancient tales of ShapeShifters may well have been true. It may well be a forgotten and lost art. When did we lose it? When we began to doubt it.

What is the purpose of animal energy, and why are some of us part of it? This is another undiscovered myth, with many answers. I like to think it's a reminder, of where, we, as humans, and therefore animals ourselves come from. A link back with the magic and legend of nature. Something to tell those who will listen. Something to take us back to our wild roots.

Confusion, doubt, fear. They all afflict the modern therian. Especially is s/he is just recently become aware that they are not alone, and that there are other out there. What is one to do? To calm the fear and quench the doubt? So many are, such linked to an animal side, and yet so few delve to the deeper side of their souls to discover their true selves. Seek comfort in you faith. What it ever it may see, or be, or become. There will be comfort for you, what ever you believe. Search. Seek the answers to your questions if you need to. Meditate, find your spiritual and mental feet. Balance your self. Open your inner eyes and be aware of what you are. Do not suppress it. Become of it, feel it. Let the very animal essence that makes you dance with you. In your dreams, your thoughts. Let it be free. A caged animal side is as cruel as caging a live flesh and blood animal. For the bars are not iron and rusty, but rejection and fear. How do you see your self, releasing your animal side? Do what pleases you. Dance, sing, roar, howl, run, dream.

Feel your hopes and follow them. Nothing is a waste. Make your mind up, and look forward. Be proud what you are. Don’t let others change you. Be what you are. Nothing comes easily, but the hardest struggle always brings the best reward. Don't become what others say you should, but be what you want. Hope is what has built societies. It looks weak, and yet it is the strongest branch on the tree.

As for fear. We all fear, and it is natural. Yet we should acknowledge that fear itself is the only thing to really fear. Doubting your self often brings more fear. Fear of rejection, fear of other peoples thoughts. You will come to learn that, to you, only your thoughts count- and if they are valid, strong, open points, they should not be changed, and no one should be able to prove you wrong. Do you really care what other people think about you? Does it matter what they do or say about you?

Simple answer. No. Do what you can for others, and receive gracefully, but stay as you are.

Never deny your dreams. However farfetched or simple. Follow them if you can. If you want to run, and feel the wind in your hair, then do it. Howls if that is what you feel. Sing, if that is what you can do. Become your own hope, be happy with what you are. A dream will always precedes the hope that makes do what we, in our selves, and builds our own belief.

A wolf many not hope to become all knowing and wise, for a wolf is happy as it is. A tiger may not dream that one day its name will be known through out all communities, but a tiger has other things to do.

You, may be part wolf, or part tiger, or part bird. But in reality, you are still human. And humans will dream, and hope, and fear. They will doubt, they will label and be cruel. Sometimes humans can be close minded. Just try do your best. Be grateful for what you are.

Therianthropy is something very deep, personal and unique. To each it is a slightly different thing. There are people out there who will do their best to understand you. They are like you, in some ways.

Therianthropy is our connection to the animal spirit and way.