Post by Arioch on Jun 5, 2004 10:13:44 GMT -5
In psychology (pathology), there exists the term of "lycanthropy" which refers to a state in certain individuals who undergo a complete change of personality, from a normal and rational mindset into a savage and irrational one. These individuals suffering from pathological lycanthropy often act like threatened wild animals, attacking any who approach with clawing and bites. The sufferer apparently has no control over this change in personality, and so it is both dangerous to himself/herself as well as those around him/her.
Therianthropy vs. Pathological Lycanthropy
Therianthropy is NOT the same thing as pathological lycanthropy. It is true that some therianthropes mentally shift unconsciously, but many can hold off these shifts until a more appropriate time comes; Some therianthropes can even control their mental shifts. Further, many therianthropes do not experience violent shifts at all. Many seem to experience a deep sense of inner peace and bliss during their mental shifts. Therianthropy is a blessing of pure ecstasy, not something that ruins these people's lives.
Finally, pathological lycanthropy is a disorder, something which is threatening to themselves and those around them. Therianthropy, on the other hand, generally poses little to no threat, except from mundane individuals who may wish to harm the therianthrope because of what they are. So now that you know about them please try to be kind.
As a footnote, note that some therianthropes refer to themselves as "lycanthropes". In this context, it is not referring to the psychological condition, but rather, to its root meaning derived from the Greek lykos ("wolf") and antropos ("man"). The term therianthrope itself has a similar derivation, with therios meaning "animal".
***from The Therianthropy Resource
Therianthropy vs. Pathological Lycanthropy
Therianthropy is NOT the same thing as pathological lycanthropy. It is true that some therianthropes mentally shift unconsciously, but many can hold off these shifts until a more appropriate time comes; Some therianthropes can even control their mental shifts. Further, many therianthropes do not experience violent shifts at all. Many seem to experience a deep sense of inner peace and bliss during their mental shifts. Therianthropy is a blessing of pure ecstasy, not something that ruins these people's lives.
Finally, pathological lycanthropy is a disorder, something which is threatening to themselves and those around them. Therianthropy, on the other hand, generally poses little to no threat, except from mundane individuals who may wish to harm the therianthrope because of what they are. So now that you know about them please try to be kind.
As a footnote, note that some therianthropes refer to themselves as "lycanthropes". In this context, it is not referring to the psychological condition, but rather, to its root meaning derived from the Greek lykos ("wolf") and antropos ("man"). The term therianthrope itself has a similar derivation, with therios meaning "animal".
***from The Therianthropy Resource