Vampire lifestyle
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The vampire lifestyle (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 claim that the drinking of blood is not required, others who call themselves vampires advocate ritual blood consumption. Common to all is an interest in (and occasionally obsession with) vampires, and a 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 independently verifiable. Beliefs expressed by these groups encompass a large number of topics, including the characteristics of vampires, ethical issues and the creation of new vampires. Sources for information often provide different and sometimes 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 the styles of Victorian England. Additionally, much of the subculture appears to derive from games such as Vampire: The Masquerade and TV programmes such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The subculture 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 commited 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.[1] (http://www.courttv.com/archive/verdicts/vampire.html)Activity of this manner is variously encouraged[2] (http://www.reapersofblood.org/vm.html) and discouraged.[3] (http://www.vampiretemple.com/law.html)
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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 self-styled 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 say 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 even have permanent or temporary prosthodontic devices to complete the illusion of vampirism.
Types and variations
Self-styled vampires 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 self-styled 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.
Sanguarian
Self-styled 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 sharp blade (like a razor) or a needle with great caution. They will usually proceed to drink directly by applying their mouths to the cut. Safe bloodletting practices are highly encouraged within the community inlcuding prerequisite blood tests to ensure the health and safety of the donor. There is debate on the usefulness of animal blood, some feeling it is an adequate alternative if it is fresh enough, while others feel it is too "dead" to be of use. It is generally believed that only one or two tablespoons are required for a feeding.
Psionic
Self-styled "psionic" vampires vampires claim that they consume "life force"[4] (http://www.geocities.com/psivampire421/vampires.html) as opposed to physical blood. In this case, the feeding is fairly ritualistic, and uses meditation to "channel" or "will" the energy toward the vampire. The perceived need to do so can be so strong that they occasionally believe they have been feeding in their sleep.[5] (http://www.angelfire.com/home/darkrealms/psifeed.html) They believe that one can either draw the required energy from a crowd or from a specific person, and also stipulate that the best way to do this is contact with the chakras.[6] (http://www.geocities.com/houseofnekhbet/oldsite/chakras.htm)
The thirst
Some self-described vampires claim that they are afflicted with "the thirst," a hunger for blood (or energy, depending on the type of vampire). Its symptoms comprise a combination of extreme desire for blood (or water), withdrawal symptoms, and a random and extreme psychosis with episodes of animal instinct referred to as the Beast. These symptoms are said to be alleviated by consumption of a quantity of blood.[7] (http://www.reapersofblood.org/tt.html)
The time between feeding and the onset of another thirst is supposedly inversely proportional to the quality of blood. Blood from animals is often viewed as "dead" and lacking in the vital "pranic energy" needed by the vampire.
Some self-described vampires believe that those who are also energetically or mystically aware, such as practitioners of "magick", provide stronger levels of energy. Some individuals prefer the blood or energy of fellow vampires. Many view this as more "candy" then "meal", providing a short-term rush but without being filling in the medium term. Vampires do not target any particular group or subgroup for their feeding.
Creation of new vampires
Members of these groups have many different theories about the creation of vampires. Most involve a biological link to someone in the community, such as having (purported) vampire parents. While being fed upon is not generally considered a means of transmission, naturally most have some connection with blood.
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" who is automatically 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. However, for the turning of psionic vampires, nothing more than an exchange of "life energy" is required.
The vast majority of the community however, feel that vampirism is an inante part of their nature, either spiritually or biologically. Some believe that it is similar to otherkin in that they possess a vampire soul within a human body. As such, it is the common belief that vampirism is something one is born with and that it is utterly impossible to "make" someone vampiric.[8] (http://www.drinkdeeplyanddream.com/realvampire/turned.html)
Food sources
Some self-styled vampires claim that, in order to replenish their vampiric energy, they will sometimes feed on the blood of other humans, but some will also feed on other things such as themselves, animals, plants and the elements.[9] (http://users.net1plus.com/vyrdolak/livevamps.htm#bloodvamps) Psionic vampires believe that they feed by meditating and willing the energy toward them, or occasionally by unconscious means. Many self-proclaimed vampires believe that they occupy a different and higher position in the food chain than humans do. Many also claim that they often become ill when eating conventional food for humans, most often specific foods including dairy, though none abstain from eating entirely.
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 who are found to be participating in what is often perceived as a cult.
Additional criticism comes from both within the vampire community as well as from outside due to the proliferation of a large number of groups targeting young teenagers. These groups aggressively push the sale of trinkets, books, jewelry and other "official" vampire merchanside as a way of becoming an "official" vampire. This is seen by critics as blatant money-grubbing, and viewed with disdain for spreading false information as well as endangering children by encouraging them to live up to impossible fictional vampire standards.
It has also been criticised for fuelling 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 and Hepatitis.[10] (http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/SafeSex/Archive/TransmissionNon/Q8633.html)
See also
External links
News stories:
- Small fringe jumps from hobby to cult (http://www.religionnewsblog.com/10328) The Globe and Mail, Canada, Feb. 17, 2005 via religionnewsblog.com (http://www.religionnewsblog.com)
- Florida v. Rod Ferrell "The Vampire Cult Slaying Case" (http://www.courttv.com/archive/verdicts/vampire.html), June 22, 2001
- BBC News story: Teenager guilty of 'vampire' murder (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/2166683.stm)
- BBC News story: 'Vampire obsessed' man raped girl (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/4039973.stm)
- BBC News story: 'Vampire' murderer dies in jail (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4013507.stm)
- BBC News story: Rapist drank his victim's blood (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3840773.stm)
Sites claiming to be about or by "real" vampires:
- SphynxCat's Real vampires Support Page (http://sphynxcatvp.nocturna.org/)
- Drink Deeply and Dream: The Reality of the Modern-Day Vampire (http://www.drinkdeeplyanddream.com)
- Temple of the Vampire (http://www.vampiretemple.com/)
- Darkness Embraced Vampire and Occult Society (http://www.darkness-embraced.com/)
- Vampire Realm of Darkness (http://www.vampires.nu/)
- Another support site (http://www.drinkdeeplyanddream.com/)