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When your out in a different city or just out searching for others, what do you look for?

I myself consider the ankh to be a good signal that the other is possiably like minded.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

Actually, I think the ankh is way too popular a symbol. People all over wear it just because they see it as a cool symbol most people are wearing it- it's most popular in all goth shops/stores... doesn't mean they think like you or even know what the ankh means :(

I don't look for anything. In my 30s I have come to realize looking at what people wear to find like-minds isn't going to get you very far. I find like-minds by striking up conversation.

And to add to that- most people never guess what my head is filled with by looking at me. I am older than your average VR member~ I dress very mainstream because the clothes are easier to find and it's not a big deal for me to be 'stylish'. I dress for occassions when I need to.

Im the same im always in a suit, mind you im planning on getting a rather large tattoo done on my back
It will be totally evil .... i just got to work out what i want on there

True that it is very common, and many don't know its meaning, but I don't see that many gothics wearing it.

I mostly just want something thats going to give a hint to what I am while I blend in. Its easier to go with the flow of water then to try and redirect it these days.

I'm still considering purchaseing a Ankh.

People adorn themselves in all manner of symbols and view points, their ignorance drapes around them like the expensive clothes they buy to "fit" into a archetype of what it means to be of one society.

I dress in black, blue, red, what ever i feel like for the day, from pajama pants to overalls, to black slacks and a button down shirt and a black velvet jacket, with my black leather gloves.....it doesn't matter what we wear, how we wear it. It matters the energy we have, the personality, the substances beneath the wrapping. If you walk into a room, you should by glance and feel know who is what. Even if they are draped in the most common rags to prietiest silks.

Personally I find people of the same by either talking to them or sometimes you can feel their energy. Symbols are over used these days.

I go by my heart, It usually leads me in the right direction...

Hmm, generaly I just get a clutter fuck of signals when I walk into a room/building. Once in a while someone will stick out above the rest. Guess I'll just need to fine tune my divining rod.

Yes, Ive spent all my life that I can remember singleing out people that I could relate to, sadely it was verry few...

I find that i must agree with you totally stories..no one would ever find people of like minds by looking at what they wear..for crying out loud..i wear a ton of pink and yet i feel and act like many who call themselves goth or what have you! It is the true art of conversation that will result in friendship between likeminded people.

Thats like Madonna wearing 15 crosses back in the 1980's...yeah she is Catholic...but she wore them as a fashion statement...or teens wearing a pentagram and saying...oh look at me...Im a satanist.Just because you wear something to fit in...doesn't make you that.Be yourself...wear what you like...not what you think will make you fit in more.

It's never exactly what you'd call "safe" to judge (because that's in essence what you'd be doing) people by what they're wearing, how they're wearing it, how they look, etc. That's not only very superficial, but it's also dangerously close to steretyping. Isn't that one of the things that we loathe...to be "labeled"?

Ok, ok...I give. I had to play devil's advocate. It's a hobby of mine.

There's no sure-fire way of knowing a person's interests and desires without talking to them. If I get a certain "feel" for a person, then I strike up a conversation and move on from there. You'd be amazed what you could learn by *gasp* talking to people. ;o)

hmm i dont look for sybols some times the people whereing a pentacle will catch my eyes but i know still they might be people that want attention so at this piont inmy life it take a good conversation to see who is who and what is what

There are an abudance of symbols out there, and there is no right or wrong one, if you chose to wear one, whether by pendant or tattoo.. find one that calls to you and be yourself.. who cares what other people think.. after all you are who you are.

Do not be fooled by the symbols people wear on themselves these days.

If you're looking for like-minded people, just talking to them and being around them would be a good start.

I have given up on looking for those like minded people, particularly by picking up on what they wear..... lol many a time I broached a conversation with someone who looked like they would understand or be interested only for them to give me a slightly frightened look and scurry away..... truth is, it's like the old saying goes you cant judge a book by its cover to look at me you would never know the path I choose to lead.

I've seen small tattoos along the lines of the symbols made popular by the 'Blade' movies, but usually, these are uniquely represented to the individual, much like Chaos Magick sigils.

But they are somehow recognisable- mostly appearing on the upper arm, calf, or breast/sternum. A few I've seen on the back or neck as well.

They never appear obvious, but always, they are significant. Standing out when looked at.

i can't trust in symbols to get close to people... sometimes they are just part of a fashion... i prefer to know people a little and see if they think the same... of course it doesn't mean that i start a conversation talking about my likes... lol...

i have found at least where i live is to look for the ones who seek the most attention and avoid them those seeking the least amount of attention are the ones ya want

The Ankh was, for the ancient Egyptians, the symbol (the actual Hieroglyphic sign) of life but it is an enduring icon that remains with us even today as a Christian cross. It is one of the most potent symbols represented in Egyptian art, often forming a part of decorative motifs.
The ankh seems at least to be an evolved form of, or associated with the Egyptian glyph for magical protection, sa. However, what the sign itself represents is often disputed. For example, Sir Alan Gardiner thought that it showed a sandal strap with the loop at the top forming the strap, but if so, the symbolism is obscure and so his theory has found little real favor early on. However, this interpretation seems to have received some acceptance among modern writers. It would seem that the ancient Egyptians called that part of the sandal 'nkh (exact pronunciation unknown). Because this word was composed of the same consonants as the word "life", the sign to represent that particular part of the sandal, was also used to write the word "life".

I usually get a sence of tohers like me when i get close enough to them. i also have an ankh Tatt on my shoulder.

I think the only way you could find like minded peope is to start up a conversation with a person who maybe dresses like you or something like that, other than that i can not think of anything...

Symbols are honestly the last thing I look for in a person, unless I already know that he/she is true to the goth culture. Symbols such as the ankh or the pentagram have become way too mainstream, it is impossible to tell whether the person wearing it is doing it for a true reason or for fashion.

It's always better just to speak to the person you are interested in getting to know better. :)

I have never been able to find someone like minded as my self just by looking at symbols on people or there clothing. I were jeans sweets and t-shirts.... I can walk into a room and eventully pinpoint the person who's energy surcomes to me. Most of the time there like minded as myself. Other then that If I am drawn to a person then I talk to them I listen to my instincts so to say. And usually there right if you can feel energy that helps out to I can't do it on demand but I can do it when needed. I hope that helps

I don't really look but if I did all the symbols already in use or exsistance are all overused because most people think they are cool. You don't have to like or be interested in what it stands for to think its 'pretty'.

You'd have to make up and entirely new thing and even then you can't stop other people from wearing it.

hmm looking for a symbol or a physical sign could very well lead you astray
i tend to be a loner myself
but if i am searching for someone like minded i use my intuition and my mind
it's much more reliable than looking for an outside indication of what someone is about
like someone above mentioned the outside can hide what is inside

I haven't seen many Goth's wearing the Ankh. But i do knwo it is the symbol of life. And i agree with Stories i do think it would be popular for an Egyptologist to wear rather than a Goth.
I don't really go for Symbols when looking for like minded people i'll talk to anyone but i must admit i do talk more to people who look like they have the same interests like me cuz i'll know i'll have more in common with them. Like when i had my taster Day at college 2 weeks ago i went up to a girl that was wearing a Trivium top and could talk to her just like that. But i also spoke to a girl wearing pretty plain clothes, it took me a while but i got to know her. So i don't really look for symbols, yeh some might catch my eye but that doesn't mean that there a certain type of person.
It's what's inside that counts anyway and you won't know a person unless you get to know them. xx

What will get my interest peaked, is not the appearance of one’s attire, but what they may purchase at shops I visit, like bookstores. That can also be a good introduction to start a conversation. It sets a common interest from start. I normally only visit certain sections in such shops. I have meet many with my views, in such locations that have grown into friendships.

As a psychic vampire, I can usually find a "like-minded" person in a crowd.
Otherwise, I strike up a conversation.

Thanks for everyones input, there seams to be a trend when it comes to the help you offer.

Don't look for symbols.
Just talk to them.

Well, as a loner, my social skills aren't as good as they could be, but I'll make an attempt to talk to the next person that seams interesting. Though not many goths ride super bikes..Heh.

They even have Ankhs made just for vampires. There pretty neat looking.

In most cases,you can "feel" when someone thinks like you...they don't always have to dress or wear certain things to stand out.

Be observant, watching how someone interacts with a room is a pretty good indication. Some people are good at the "obfuscate" thing, others might be feeding off of the room; or casing the joint for a private feeding. People of like minds tend to hang out with each other so chances are once you have spotted one they can connect you with others.

I don't know any vamps from here that prominantly display any kind of insignia, that specifically indicates vampyness.

Life would be alot easier if people wore signs like > I am a .....but not so interesting.

Finding like minded folk is an adventure in itself.

How about something dental?

Something akin to a hip hop "grill", I am just not sure quite what it should be!

I believe those that live a Vampiric lifestyle wouldnt go around advertising it .. There are Covens or House Societies in all your major cities. Its not the yellow pages. I would try looking for topics and places of intrest other than the type of clothing a person wheres. Many of those that where them dont even know its meaning. Just a thought

well yes the ankh is a too common symbol around here, however the vampiric ankh is a fairly good tell tail, but not 100%. I dont personally use my visual sences when it comes to finding others like myself, normally it is a feeling, then i get to know them and see if my feeling are correct. Usually they are, sometimes they are only interested in vamps and not one themselves

i think ankh is the favourite of everyone here .

I agree that fangs might be a clue :)

I like the sign way before I got into Vampire groups because it was a symbol of life and immortality. I wear one and I have a tattoo of one on my upper arm. I think it would make it a good symbol, maybe have someone design a very artistic style?

I think the ankh is too well known by everyone to mean much. -but what do I know.

I think the ankh is too overly used a symbol. I honestly don't look for symbols such as that to find a like minded person. I have two rune tattoos on my wrists and very few people understand it but when I do come across a person who makes a comment on them it's rare and I strike up a conversation with them.

i think it is the same perpose and sign as the cross
christians were them as protection and to show to everyone else what they believe and possibly hold dear to them

I just don't think you can use visuals like this to decide people are 'vampires'.

So what I'm seeing here is a wholelot of responses about the ankh as a symbol, which means that it really is a pretty recognisable one in reagards to vampires cause everyone mentions it. I also see lots of people hating the conformity of agreeing upon the use of a comon symbol. Very goth in that regard...if it's popular it can't be cool and I can't be part of it. *chuckle* This plethora of responses may have actually proven the point inthe ankh's favor.

No, I just think it proves that since you can find the ankh anywhere and all over- its not a good judge as an 'international vampire sign'.

How about a scarab beetle

I don't go around advertising what I am, but I usually find like minds either while I am out or I get messages from them over the net...It just depends on how you use your energy that others find you or you find them.

i often associate the ankh with my lifestyle rarely am i seen not wearing one. it is the symbol used by the Helsinki Vampires. and many people associate it with vampires anyway so hell, why not?

Many vampyres wear a symbol that makes them feel more like a vampire, and that shows that a person is part of the scene or belongs to a given Coven. The Sanguine Ankh is the symbol (sigil) of the Sanguinarium.
Designed by master metal smith D’Drennen, it allows members to identify each other worldwide. It was derived from the ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life and refers to the priest of the Egyptian god Horus’ use of the bladed ankhs for bloodletting rites.
There are also distinctive Vampyre greetings in the Gotham Sanguinarium, this involves joining of hands, a kiss on each hand, followed by a mutual kiss on each cheek.

I'm wondering why you choose the ankh? Being very much into the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses in my religion I have a tattoo of the Eye of Horus (or Ra, depending on what time period you go by).

As for looking for symbols - many of my Sisters & Brothers I find wearing the pentacle but mostly I feel their energy. Many wannabe's will purchase symbols that are meaningless to them just to fit in.

Trust me morgth i really lack in the social department, but it never hurts to approach someone & just strike up a conversation with them. You never know what will happen or who youll end up talking to unless you take that chance. Ive found a lot of people that are considered "thugs" or any other stereotype to be the coolest & like minded people in the world.

Quite honestly - if you want a "true Vampire symbol" look it up in the Necronomicon! The ancient Summarian symbol for Vampires is probably the oldest around still known.

For people lacking in social skills, act as if that person is not really there and that you are talking to a brick wall.

Once the person replies and starts talking, you continue on.

hmm...vampires by a symbol.....thinks of nazis what they did to queers, jews, and gypsies....um, no thanks.

Its not what someone wears or doesnt wear ....its whats inside..you would have to get to know the person and then decide

i only way in person i was able to find people like me was i went to job coprs and found bpundles, but when i go out looking i dont look for soemthing they wear but more like there actions and how they movie

it's not like vampires have a sign like the gays and lesbians do lol i think you just have to go with your instinct,surely you need to be in the subculture places to find one as it is rare to just see your average day joe and say hey are you a vampire.

As for physical, I would have to say long hair, an ankh somewhere on their body, usually wearing black clothes. Mentally, I would have to say, our auras are diffrent than humans. We can tell when there are others of us around, because our auras are more active, and buzzing around us all the time.

I agree with BloodX, it`s not easy to find one and it`s not something about clothes or wearing an ankh, many people do that, beside how can u devide a gothic from a vampire if u just look at the outfit, no no you have to learn to know the person to find it out

I love symbol, there a language of there own, and own many ankh jewlery including these beautiful siver ankh earings. I would think that in the cases ive seen the ankh egyptian word for eternal life is awell known symbol for goth and vampiric sub cultures.

the places you go, the things you wear, the actions you take... these are all the things we use to judge ourselves by.

International Vampire are much bigger then they are here, so i would dare make the upset if i was you.

I think it is a matter of personal intuitions. The "symbols" which were used years ago have become trendy in modern day culture. I don't think that there is any common sign relating to a vampire these days.

pandorabox: clarification? Do you understand this conversation? This is about what people might wear in public to identify themselves.

I think ankh is the best sign, I would like to purchase it, but ironically as it is in the town where I live people never have heard about ankhs, even in goth shops... can you believe that? :DD

sadly that except the place where I live all over the world ankh is a kinda...popular item

I tend to not have to look for anything in particular but more so a feeling I get inside me. I do tend to find myself looking at those who dress in blabk, wear a pentagram/pentacle or have an anhl or celtic cross on their attire?person. I myself have an anhk a pentagram and the goddess symbol tattooed on my body

I would say that the ankh would be the best sign. However, i feel that it would have to be a very special ankh form indeed. Maybe gothic and red in colour. Or some kind of ankh that would not only represent life but also the blood of life.

Something like this perhaps.......



or this............

Whether adapated for a specific group, an Ankh is an Ankh, retaining the same basic formulation of life/death/rebirth.

Stories has a great point! You'd never think I was into anything like VR if you saw me...

hell i have the # of letters in the word vampire burned in to my left forearm (7) thats what most vamps around here did

What I look for?

I go to bars in new cities and strike up conversations. That usually leads to some pretty interesting situations and people.

I usually always find what I am looking for just by asking, keeping my eyes and ears open and being perceptive to the energy that I am getting from people wherever I wind up. What someone is wearing makes absolutely no difference - who knows? They may have just come from a job interview!

I have read and been told that modern living vampires are able to tune into each other and feel the presence of each other in addition to being able to see or feel the complete absence or black aura. Therefore, if you feel that you need a vampire sign or secret handshake, you may wish to re-evaluate whether or not you are truly awakened or 'still dreaming'.

The desire for a vampire language, handshake, symbol or sign seems more in line with fantasy and the glyphs of Blade movies or starting a club than trying to recognize someone of the same metaphysical nature. For even if you did manage to get all the people you know locally to recognize such a sign, the likelihood of the worlds population of modern living vampires all coming to know that same sign (including the newly awakened one's) without the rest of the mundane world catching on (thereby including plenty of fakers or wannabe's) is well...nil.

Felix: Hit. Nail. Head. YES!

Felix, personally I am all for the signal flags. You know, the kind they have on aircraft carriers and airfields.

Thanks for putting that forth Felix, it seems now everyone is against a symbol and uses their feelings.

Mina brought up a good point, you talk to people- watch and listen. Not many people shut up enough to really observe their surroundings. Perhaps it isn't that they "feel" each other, but they observe their surroundings as most predators do.

Oh and Jenova- I'll buy you neon you can carry with you if you'd prefer... it's heavier but oh so much more funny ;)

It is the prey that does not pay attention...

I ware an anhk and a rose on my left sholder that I personalised.I drew it and had it placed there In like 1988 god i am old. And the anhk allso means your soul.
some refer it to eturnal life some say vampires ware it to signifi etural life.When i got mine at the time it was not a trend I lived in utah total religious state and to see a cross on my sholder made me stand out.

I agree that the ankh is too popular a symbol ... its overused and has lost a lot of its meaning, in my opinion.

how i tell if someone is like minded is kind of like having gaydar. its something u feel. when i make eye contact with people, i feel them. i just know. sometimes im right. sometimes i never find out. but its just a feeling i get.

ROFLMAO FelixFelix you said it all with the flags well said well said.

i find it far more better to get to know the individuals in the subculture as there are what i call many wannabes that claim one thing at night but in the day they are totally something different trying to please their fellow man.
signs are good for religions but for cultures they are misconceived most of the time.

thats very true. the biggest problem with any sub culture or even culture is the way we perceive them and change them. it is hard to tell the wannabes from the true vamps. but once you get to talking, u figure it out really quickly.

I don't really look for anything in particular. I usually put out my psychic feelers and see if I can sense anything. That's usually a little more accurate for me than guessing if someone does or doesn't believe the same things I do by means of looking at what they are wearing.

Pagan coven is easy...go to the local witchmart (occult shop) and introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. Vampre coven is far more difficult. Finding vamps is alot more difficult as we tend to be more secretive and distrustful, alsmost especially of each other.

Good question. I travel around alot, and it takes one who is out in the community, in areas of retail for example that can cater to the subculture. All i have found is idiots. When my roommates, whom I met online introduced me to friends it was when I met with a couple of werewolves, and shamans. But I have yet to meet any vamps, this time in the New Orleans, and Baton Rouge area in Lousiana.

I seem to think it relates to degrees of separation. They know by means of knowing people. You just have to hope they arnt stupid.

A blood vial around the neck is a sure bet.

My home town has no other vampires, got a handful of goth wannabe things... Eha, But I been traveling out of town, visiting other larger cities, feeling my way around, but I'm not finding anyone, maybe my bike is to much of a turn off, and the locals see me as just another punk. Then again it is the summer months and the colleges are semi-empty, making the cities lack people.

I will continue to search till I find some one out there.. Though even on here I haven't found anyone from my state.

I just go by my heart and the feelings i get from certain ppl..And the way i was with Master, i knew Who and What He is..The heart tells me, sometimes it is wrong but..Not all times

I have learned that you never search for those of like mind
or even fuzzy ones for they always know where YOU are.

Despite my loathing of people, and virtually everything that walks or crawls on this earth that calls itself man. I dare say being able to tell them apart is quite unique. Yes people tend to know, but its the means by which you draw them out for conversation.

i dont feel it's the symbol that makes one be able to tell a vampire apart from the rest as much as it is the feeling you get when associating with such individuals..havent you ever noticed the energy you feel when talking with a non vampire compared to talking witha vampire?

Oh, and BTW; what the hell makes any of you think any off us really want to be found?

I mean, if you can't sense me, why the hell would I want you to know what I am?

("")

I don't go looking for signs on people. I can tell by talking to a person if they are like minded or if it is safe for me to come out of the broom closet. I do have a bit of symbolic jewelry and a tattoo of the 3 phases of the moon { )O( } but, I wear them because they mean something spiritual to me, not necessarily as a beacon to other people.

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