The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Myths of the vampire can be found in virtually every culture across the globe and in most cases the legends date back several thousand years. We are clearly not limited to the folklore of Eastern Europe or to the confines of Gothic literature.
From ancient Egypt to classical Rome, 19th century consumption cases to modern Vampyre Churches the over all diversity of the cultures involved has clearly lead to the debate of what exactly is a Vampire.
Even within our own ranks there is a great deal of division on the true nature of vampirism. Being that we are a vampiric website I think most of us have an understanding of what the basic text book description of vampirism is, so what I wish to know is as individuals what do you personally believe in.

Do you subscribe to a specific archetype of the vampire lore or do you see yourself as something all together unique??

As a child searching for answers to question not answered in my life I picked up on and related to the vampire after fearing them for so long due to nightmares and a rather funny stories on my profile somewhere. At puberty I was and still am plagued by a succubus and have the same sort of abilities, astral walking sexual energy and so forth. I teach occult practices and separate from this I teach qigong and meditation – those new agers are so squeamish to know im witch n incubus and doesn’t do my business well, so I keep that part separate from them. After all an uneducated mind is a very dangerous place to be. I find qigong I use and manipulate our energies and un block them for people, no im not into reiki and to be honest and not taking away from the one in a million natural energy worker.. you cant buy a ticket and expect to do qigong energy palm instantly, try time and practice with a teacher for several years. Lol
So yes I find my meditation gives great focus and qigong works my energy well to fulfill my vampire needs and a healthy dose of witchcraft very unique.

For me I recognize this as a condition of the Astral Soul, a break in our aura that leaks of energy therefore us having the urge and craving to take the energy from another source to replenish our own. Some of us do have various abilities that some mundanes may have consisting of either, empathy, telekinesis, powerful psionic abilities, and seductive manipulating abilities to cause a change in another individuals mind. However on the origin of where we came from it is still a mystery and no one probably knows truly how this all started out we may have theories and ideas but this can not exactly be assumed of said origin.

I believe anything is possible most certainly history can back up the fact that vampirism has existed, and most certainly does. I myself am not a vampire but rather one that is extremely empathetic towards just about any group and am like a sponge just waiting to learn more about these unique groups. With that said i myself am studying wiccan and am open to just about anything as long as i have physical proof and a reasoning on why.

For me it was also the empathetic ideals I had about Vamps in general. They're always very much the outsiders int the world of occultism, but they also carry a huge amount romanticism with them as well

As I mentioned in the forum topic "A Matter of Faith," belief, by very definition, is not arrived at through logic, reason and the facts. Were such at the foundation of belief, it would be called, instead, knowledge... or very close to it (in the case of widely duplicated and, thus, accepted theories).

Given this, I find little value in exploring Vampire "beliefs." After all... I can make up as many such beliefs as can the next person. So what's the point?

However, if one seeks the real origins of the "Vampire" based on actual history... now there's an endeavor worthy of one's time and energy.

Unfortunately, most would-be "vampirologists" make the common mistake of accepting without question our modern Western definition of the term (largely invented by fiction writers) and, ridiculously, jumping directly to looking for examples of that modern fictional term in ancient history. Of course, as there are no fang-wielding, blood-drinking, Undead found in other cultures (not even in Eastern Europe, believe it or not) even anciently, the best they can do is find ghoulies and bugaboos with only one or other of those characteristics. And as soon as they do, they parade the beastie around as an example of an ancient example of a "vampire."

Really, now!

Seems a no-brainer that if one is serious about discovering the truth behind the term "vampire," one must first start with the origins of the word, itself.

Like... duh!

Only if you can find when and where the term "vampire" first appeared and then study its actual definition in its language of origin can you possibly learn its original meaning and what prompted the creation of the new word in the first place. Only then will you come to truly know what that word really means.

And when you then research the term "Vampire," you will likewise discover that the first usage of the word in its original form occurred in 1047 CE... almost a millennium before the first mention in fiction of the vampire as a "bloodsucker"... and referred to an Eastern Orthodox CHRISTIAN PRIEST. Only then will you begin to understand just how FAR we have strayed from this term's original and actual meaning.

Say... what?! The word "Vampire" originally was coined to refer to a Christian Priest?! Yep! Hardly a "Satanic" Undead corpse who fears crucifixes or anything Christian while running around biting necks. This proves right there just how far removed, just how off course, we are from what the word "Vampire" really means.

Now, knowing this... your search for what the term truly means can finally begin. Assuming, of course, that such is of any interest to you.


- Upir'

Well researched Upirlikhyj the original meaning truly are far from todays understandings. I wonder where that one slipped.. I know to call music bad or sick means good.. lol and in the future who knows a web page saying the same.
Just as romanianboy said he is learning wicca… do you know it’s only 60 years old and has nothing to do with the past?
I teach the craft and older stuff and belive mw wicca is as new age as it gets only poor… makes me wonder where things break down…

Exactly, lavisbre. I am quite impressed that you have grasped this key point, as so few do.

Definitions change over time... some more slowly than others, yes. But they do change. The deeper or more esoteric the term, the more easily and quickly it changes. Same also for the more controversial the term.

As a small example, take a simple term such as the word for a female dog ... yes, the "B" word. There is nothing at all insulting about this term as it was originally coined and as still used commonly today among dog breeders and even in dog shows worldwide. To call a female dog a "bitch" carries absolutely no negative connotations at all but is to correctly use the term in its original and still-active meaning and context. Yet, this word's definition is today almost exclusively used as a highly offensive pejorative against females, a great insult.

So also where the term "Vampire" is concerned. While originally a term identifying a noble and gifted male bloodline whose equality on all levels with females identified them as highly unique and honorable, yet due jealousy and hatred soon caused this term to be twisted into a derisive insult marking the target of such a demonic being who sought out females to do them harm rather than great good. And from there... the lies over the ages grew far worse.

Great points, all, lavisbre.

Well said Upirlikhyj, I have to say the vampire world as we know is changing fast.
From sketchy sub groups or cults linked by mail and mags. Have now hit the big time of media freedom and reach around the world. From the crypt a withered hand and dark soulless fiend has reached out to all, this increase in the spectrum of light and dark in crimson splashes as cults fall and other groups grow. It has attracted attention of those who wish to help, share, learn, corrupt, or destroy in the name of there religion. And im personally happy to see it evolve out of the dogma of what one think it should be and we see a spectrum of energy to blood to expressions and culture hand in hand with thos who wish to understand, learn from or put a steak in the who affair. Lol

Upir I do believe that popular media can be destructive in many ways, although there are people who misues the Vampire term. There's a woman in jail on murder charges who is claiming to be a Vampire. This is further proof that people need to be responsible.

The only thing that comes to mind about this subject is this....

If one believes in fallen angels and God, then one may even assume that "vampires" or even how the word "Upir" exists, has a tie to churches. If one believes themselves to be condemned to this world, such a person would probably practice a lot of self punishment or the belief that one should always apologize for their "Sins" and possibly even explain why there is so much against the ways of humanity that we must be punished for something because the churches were designed for such things.

Perhaps those types of beginnings led the path or the way to how people view what "Sin" is today. Or perhaps even the stories of why fallen angels or vampires are even seen as the "damned."

It's something that comes to mind. Don't quote me entirely as that being truth for all beings have different viewpoints but it is something for one to think about.

Indeed LegionofGabriel, if im understanding what your saying and im not quoting you .lol
The churches have had a major influence on belief and culture, that’s a given.
The church also had use of media such a books or the press, and yes it did set about telling the culture of the time and explained there concept of sin and evil. And depending on your stance on vampire you can fit this outline or not. lol

Heavily researched or not...Vampire or Not....To Be or Not To Be...what "ever" the questions...I will concur on the point that culture, religion and truly..the usage of our words, vocabulary and language have evolved as we have over the centuries.

Case in point...can anyone pick up a King James Version....read it...understand a statement of verse within it and then pick up a work of Shakespeare and do the same?...or would you have to study it in comparison to other, "newer" translations using more modern language that makes better sense? Could you then just pick up a copy of Beowulf and understand it in its original prose?

However, the author of this thread asks specifically regarding personal beliefs which transverses the borders of each individual's theory of life existence in the here and now. As is obvious, definitions and interpretations regarding the vampire and related terminologies evolve into more modernized lingo...in respect to that and those who study these areas of interest, whether out of a sub-cultural or historically correct basis...my own conclusion and evolving theory is thus:

Seeking that which we Desire, hungering and thirsting after the longing of our inner natures, what do we indeed embrace? The Spirit of our inner consciousness, that which evolves as we grow, spiritually, physically, sexually...can one be developed while the other suffers and lies languidly to the side, starving for a semblance of attention? What do I believe?

I believe we are all body, spirit and soul combined and each area of our existence lends desire to be pursued and developed fully in every area in order to assimilate and connect with the higher consciousness of the god within...that which makes us eternal in our continuation from one existence to the next.

That being said, it is without a doubt an infallible conclusion that religious zealots of diabolical insistence to defer from one area of development as opposed to another...such as creating a world within which women are led to believe they cannot experience a vaginal orgasm more than once within the framework of one sexual encounter much less the various other realms of physical, mental and emotional euphoria experienced in such energetic manifestations....or as in Upir's studies, the pursuit of elimination of such sexual equality among men in comparison to their female counterparts...or perhaps the diet being selective solely based upon what is considered "clean" and "un-clean?" ...whether to consume blood or not...energy, prana, ..or shall we serve up knowledge and sup upon it and pray tell find wisdom?

Or I can put this in simpler terms...

Knowledge is Knowing that a Tomato is a Fruit...

Wisdom is Knowing that you don't put a Tomato in a Fruit Salad....

I don't know about any of you, but I do enjoy the occasional nut in the mix...hmm..haha..maybe that's just me..:P

There have been several origin threads in the main forums lately and people have been very forth coming about their views and beliefs in those threads. You often see threads where people share their Wiccan, and other practices and beliefs as well.
I was simply interested in having a candid conversation about what people believe and possibly what they actually practice in the way of vampirism in there every day lives (for those that are Vampiric).

Over the years I have seen many people on VR lend themselves to the idea that they are Vampiric and people are usually also very quick to post their knowledge and opinions on the subject. Which is why I am actually shocked at how fast this thread was D.O.A.!!

After 130 views only 7 people have posted.I thank everyone that did comment but this whole thread has me seriously questioning if Vampire Rave still has any "Real Vampires" left on it??

...there are Many here who identify as Vampire, myself included, but quite a lot of people do not like to broadcast that fact openly in a public forum especially one where there is some dispute over a definitive definition and do not like to leave themselves open to criticism

FateUnseen,

I unfortunately have to disagree. People all the time "broadcast" the fact that they are Vampiric and a whole host of other things in the main forums.
I'm not asking anyone to prove their connection to their beliefs, or even justify those beliefs. In addition if anyone really feared the opinions of others on this website then they would not be here to begin with.

Is it really that much of a stretch for a vampire to ask another vampire on a vampire website what type of vampirism they believe in and what led them down that ideological path??

The old Victorian era vampire traits have always fascinated me though I don't think I'm prescribed to any particular belief concerning popular vampires in myth/history though I always thought Nero from roman history would have made a great one
My beliefs and or practices would have to be a collection of many things.

And, the first vampire are thought to be women.

MM2,

I know of a few Vampiric orders that have woman as the leaders of their socities, But only a hand full actually place woman at the top of those orders because their ideology says that the female gender is the rightful leaders of the vampiric community.

Why should gender even be a questionable prerequisite for leadership in the vampiric community, or any for that matter? Is there any reference whatsoever to Wisdom being a man? or am I mistaken that Wisdom is referred to in the feminine? Balance in Leadership is achieved by embracing both energies and electing those who present the integrity and nobility of their chosen office...irregardless of what community we speak of.

Physical assignment of gender is a misnomer as the basis of spiritual conscious advancement. Those that do not recognize the importance of that balance, undermine the foundation of any organization.

Silver,

You know me personally and thus better than most people so you should know that wasn't what I meant. Either way I'm sorry if my words offended you.

What I meant was that in many folklores and myths, especially those prior to the classical age have females in a large majority of deity like roles. As a result many societies, odors, and cults still revere women in a holly way.
Whether it be Sekhmet or Athena, Isis or the Virgin Marry it has more to do with the deity a society follow then some sort of gender prefrence.
Certain ideologies are ingrained deep within cultures and the idea of the women as givers of life or givers of either love of war are not uncommon. You'll never see the goddess of love as a man and no one thinks of that as being sexist. It is simple the way we view the world because of these long held views pasted on threw the ages. The mind set of individuals based on history and how that history effects their beliefs is the root of what this thread is about.

I was not offended in any way Severus, but throwing the question out there as gender has and still does play a role in the heirarchy of leaders within all communities regardless of faith or purpose. It is simply a question I have asked of people in general that consider their religion devoutly, insisting upon the division of the sexes within their culture based upon their beliefs. As we are discussing belief systems and the topic of gender-based roles was brought up, I am simply curious to know what the other side of the vampiric community has to say about why males should be the only ones elected to roles or offices of leadership while others claim the feminine side as having the "right." Nothing more, nothing less...I find your thread a great opportunity for discussion of these things...that is, if there are others here on VR willing to put forth a sampling of their singular ideologies?

i believe in vampires kindof
i believe in fairies,unicorns adn mermaids but they are heavenly creatures
vampires adn trolls and such are hellish creatures
but ido know there are ppl who mimick these creatures by dressing up as suck, sucking blood, filing their teeth or wearing fake fangs
i call myself the earth fairie because of my power (and closeness) over earth but i am not exactly a fairie...

I have always empathied with vampires as an attitude. As to whether their existence is real can be argued anywhere in any context.