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Reading through recent threads here in the main forum I note post by people claiming to be lycan.

My simply question is, what adaptation, or amended definition is used?

What text ( if any) is available to research the subject.

Well,Underworld is one resource.It was posted recently that this movie is actually a true account .;)

I feel an open inventation for those who identify as lycan will bridge the gap
informing those who are not privy to such concepts.

They might..until they are asked for any evidence that is.Then,as always,they will bail.They all do,claiming that its all top secret etc...Which we all know is bs because if it were that secret,no one would ever claim to be one..not even here.
It would be nice if just once if those claiming to be these magical beings would stick around to prove their case.It would end soooo many arguments once and for all.

Dab, I feel so left out...you never ask about us zombies! LOL

I agree, the second you ask for proof, I think they think you mean "POOF" and they all disappear.

I believe they are glamorizing "Underworld" a little too much. It was a good movie (indeed) but, far from great. At least, not so great that I'm going to lose my rational mind and claim to be a...lycan...

No here I don't emphasize proof, I just want a summary of their accepted amendment to the existing definition of Lycan. Then if they are willing, or able, a source that enforced their personal conclusion to identify themselves as such.

Isnt that all anyone here has ever asked for? A little evidence to substanceate claims?

I'm sure it'll be just another can of worms. Any amendments to the definition of lycan will probably be personal and thus not shared on an "all-inclusive" basis.

Which is why I take it back a notch.

I would suspect that as a person approaches others with like ideals, that there is an assessment, as well as a indoctrination, my question is what is that indoctrination based on. What assures those already "in", of those arriving at the conclusion.

Of course they wont..and all who would oppose,will be called a poser.
Actually,there was one description not long agao..I cant remeber who,but she described it as a feeling as opposed to an actual,physical thing.I happen to find her version quite logical and probable.

Exactly, and that is my quest here.

Those with moderate reasonable applications that suit their purpose are reluctant to express the any matters.

Yet those individuals don't parade around spouting "I am a Lycan.. But I can't tell you why.. Nanana."

Such individuals capitalize on the restrain of those with
conceptual amendments of Lycans.

Guys, guys... you are all so very skeptical, requiring evidence instead of just letting your imaginations build castles in the sky and then chastizing anyone else who not only doesn't see them or believe in them but who also dare to refuse to live in them with you!

As for a Lycan Bible or other written records of same, the answer why no such exist ought to be plainly evident to you all: All such records would have required the use of a writing implement.

And as you all ought to know... wolves don't have opposable thumbs! ;)


- Upir'

I had hoped this would present an oppertunity for those who wish to distinguish themselves from all the Poseurs, and Wanna Be's. So silence here, is far more telling then all the claims sprinkled throughout other threads that cater to empty boast, boast that are in no way different from any r kid walking out of a Kung Fu movie imagining themselves to be a Kung Fu master.

NamaahFelenora

I understand your reasoning.

Sadly those who have substance indirectly enable the
delusional, through their elective silence.

So I would suspect that the amendment of such collectives would involve more of a fraternity based on aspects of Lycan Lore, rather then Perpetuated stereotypes, and extraordinary attributes.

Personally I have encountered a few individuals here who are privy to such "Fraternities" based on aspects of Tradition found in Lore, and other sources relating to vampires, Fraternities that do not condone, or enable individuals who claim to be extraordinary, or above human.

I am going to give them all the benefit of the doubt seeing how you just started the topic today. lol Maybe they haven't seen the thread yet? Here's hoping we get some really juicy convo in here :O)

Cheers!

I just want one of the "Lycans" to explain where the term Lycan comes from because it doesn't say in "Underworld" which was the first source to use the term.

Please no one help the "Lycans" with this.

I was brought up and raised a "Lycan" the term comes from a mental condition Lycanthropy, where one is or believes to be possessed by an animal spirit.
The women of my tribe believe that only females posses this trait because women and not men go through monthly cycles like the moon. Waxing /Wanning/Full/New.
Each stage of the moon is a stage of Shifting for a female Lycan.
We do not turn into wolves , but are believed to have certain characteristics of this animals spirit when shifting. Our sense of smell is heightened , lust is uncontrollable, and we become very aggressive.

Please feel free to take a look at my journal entry under Lycanthropy. I explain more in detail the Shifting phases.

I have never seen the move Underworld I rarely watch television. But I assure you I am not supernatural in any way.
Nidawi Wolfwing

I'm impressed that someone actually knows the origin of the word

I have always seen that as Fetish, or Totem Medicine, It is the first time I saw it related to lycanthropy . Thank you for pointing out that there is no supernatural attributes regarding your use of the term.

Then!!! And Oprah just finished her show. Do you picture these people, portraying themselves to the whole world as Lycan or werewolf. There is also a mental illness called lycanthropy in which a patient believes he or she is, or has transformed into, an animal and behaves accordingly. This is sometimes referred to as clinical lycanthropy to distinguish it from its use in legend. Oh yes, Many humans go to the movie or read something in the Web, and then, YES, they Believe it.

Now, I am by now means a "Lycan" nor do I claim to be, the attributes of animal spirit I get, I am native well half but still, but I don't understand people that claim to phase into a wolf-like beast - I would hope one of them post I would be ever so interested!

It may just be an Fraternity type thing, and there could well be an adoption of totem beliefs, yet Lcyan has a better appeal to would be initiates.

"Each stage of the moon is a stage of Shifting for a female Lycan.
We do not turn into wolves , but are believed to have certain characteristics of this animals spirit when shifting. Our sense of smell is heightened , lust is uncontrollable, and we become very aggressive."


Accordingly, these phases of heightened olfactory senses, lust and aggression during the moon phases of a woman's cycle are considered normal fluctuations of the hormonal balance. To assured, I used to turn into a total animal every month..usually the week before my cycle..I believe they refer to it as PMS..."poor man syndrome"...'cause I sure as hell won't leave him alone..;)

Lycanthropy is defined as a mental disorder where one believes they are a werewolf. If one actually delves into the historical lore, you will find that the werewolf form is the preferred animal shift of the vampire. Both creatures share similiar traits: both are vulnerable to silver, both are considered to return from the dead and both are considered personifications of carnal lusts and the embodiment of animalistic drives that otherwise lie dormant in the beating hearts of civilized men. Women, however, were considered to not be in control of these lusts and thereby prosecuted by the church as "witches."

Causes of becoming a werewolf include: by curse (those dang roaming gypsies..;), enchantment (those witches..;), sleeping in the light of a full moon, eating wolf meat (must be starving there..;), drinking where wolves have drunken or putting on a wolfskin and being injured by a known werewolf.

Signs that you are perhaps a werewolf: the hairy brows that meet in the middle (thank the Divine for disposable razors..:), the variegated eyes (unusual coloration otherwise known as heterochromia), the long canine teeth (also a trait shared with vampires), and a generally vulpine appearance (fox-like, appearance of being quite cunning-*wink for Upir..:P )

The fear of werewolves reached its height in France during the 16th century during the witch trials. 1000's of people were put to death for either association. The actual impression of taking on the spirit of the wolf (or any other animal spirit totem) dates back to the famous Germanic and Scandinavian beserkers called Ulfhednar, who prepared themselves for battle in magicl ways to recieve the spirit within them.

Medievil Scandanavians believed that by wearing a wolfskin was the means by which one became a werewolf. Most famously though, the Picts of Alba (now Scotland) went into battle completely naked as to activate the woad-tattoos of their clan totems upon their bodies. Fearlessly throwing themselves into battle against their enemies unprotected by armour made a distinct impression upon battling foes.

The wolf is the devourer of light, thus as Lady Wolfring asserts, women were primarily considered lycans and witches and thus both accusations were cause to be put to death. Men symbolize light and thus it is the woman's insatiable lusts that devour them and convert them to wicked obsessions of the carnal flesh.

Vampiric lore, as Upir as related well, denotes that they were primarily men, also accused of insatiable lusts for the carnal flesh of women. Considering the historical implications of that lore, it is not hard to come to the conclusion that both vampire and lycan are representations of the male and female aspects of unhindered sexual appetites denounced and persectuted by Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions throughout the centuries as noted previously in France.

If there is such a thing as Lycan Amendments, it is most likely protective of the development of expanded awareness through sensual/sexual spirituality that dominated ancient cultures prior to Westernization. The loss of the sacred and intimate encounters, implicated in the Divine Agape feasts described in biblical texts, is perhaps the cause of the downfall of man and the seperation of the sexes. Persecution only leads to suppression and suppression leads to a demoralized and craven society. Any other questions to that, just refer to the Victorian age.

Fables such as Beast of Bray road could play into this account. tho werewolf's or lycan whatever you want to call it is scare yet in fables. so not many texts are around, but give it time something will come to light of this trend or culture movement.

If you could turn into a wolf-like beast would you have any use for the internet?
And if you did, wouldnt it just be to see who has the most goods, and not to surf around the 'dark underground networks' looking for threads that are looking for them?
Personally i'd just ransack all day long as a wolf, when authorities show up i'd be like "Oh that bugger ran off"
and how the hell are they going to say "nu uh you're the wolf"
seriously, i'd be able to reach my every need without 'modern' civilization, and i'd probably not associate myself with people anyway, who would be my evolutionary inferiors.
*Shrug*
just sayin

Not everyone identifies with the word "Lycan." It became popular after the Underworld movies. Many use "were" but it can be applied to wolves, bears, cats ect. I am not Otherkin and not a specialist in all of this but I do know they had werewolf frenzies just like they did vampire and it is correct that mostly men were killed for that. The hallmark was cannibalism but you are not talking about the historical version. Read Sabine Bering-Gould's book for all of that.

Nowadays most say Therianthrope although there are segregated groups of a kind and disagreements on terms just like with the vampire community. One of the people I consider an expert on this topic is the author, Lupa but she doesn't identify with werewolf exactly. She identifies with having the soul of a wolf. She is a wolf in human form. She has written a few books on the topic. I have only seen a few use the word lycan actually but this is an interesting article Lupa wrote because some believe all the words mean the same thing.

She is not just a person online to me because she wrote for awhile for the GraveYard Press which I co-founded. She is very knowledgeable.

Title: I Am Not a Werewolf

I am not a werewolf. I am a therianthrope, an animal person, someone who identifies as a wolf. But I'm not a werewolf.

What is the distinction? After all, plenty of therians also like using were (insert animal here) as a descriptor for themselves. And most therianthropes experience shapeshifts, albeit nonphysical ones, which makes a connection to lycanthropic lore and legend.

However, the idea of a werewolf is a person who turns into a wolf - sometimes. Particularly in popular culture, the change is involuntary, triggered by the light of the full moon. It is something that is out of the control of the hapless werewolf, who must succumb to the raging beast inside. Even in calmer stories, the person is still only a wolf part of the time.

One point that is made frequently about therianthropy is that a therian is the animal all the time, whether spiritually, psychologically, etc. Obviously, this isn't on a physical level. But when a therian shifts, they are not becoming anything they were not already. The animal was always there; the shift is in the balance of perception and behavior between what is categorized as "human" and what is labelled "animal". When the shift is done, the therian doesn't just put away the animal in a box somewhere; it''s not a persona to be donned and removed at will.

A lot of therians concentrate on the lycanthropic and other shapeshifter lore, and yet often miss the experience of simply being the animal. Some think they have to go feral at the full moon, and have the most aggressive shifts, and bloodlust, and have the urge to go and hunt down a deer or whatever, in order to be considered legitimate.

And yet, that often blocks us from understanding what it is to be the animal. If you're so busy trying to be a werewolf, then where does being just a wolf come in?

For me, at least, therianthropy isn't about how often I shift, or how intense the shifting is. It's not about whether I physically resemble a wolf, or if I crave venison, though my body is lean-muscled and I walk digitigrade, and I do love the taste of deer meat. It's about being a wolf, and recognizing that I am a wolf, and integrating that into my life at all times. It's more important, to me, to read books about wolves and wolf behavior, than it is to read books about werewolves, though those have their place, too. The archetype of the werewolf doesn't really resonate with me, particularly since I began accepting my therianthropy and, consequently, experienced far fewer shifts. I am not a person who turns into a wolf. I am a person who is also a wolf.

I am a wolf in human flesh. When I think of myself, yes, I do think of the body I have, and the human identity. But I also think of myself as wolf, so much that sometimes I expect to look down at my hands and see white paws ending in short, stubby claws worn down by miles of walking. I accept that I have a very particular way of viewing the world that combines human socialization and lupine instinct. There are things that I identify as being a product of being a wolf - certain social behaviors, preference for rural areas, reliance on instincts. But these alone do not make me a wolf; they are only possible symptoms. And the more I accept them as they are, the more easily they weave into the rest of who I am.

I've never really determined whether my therianthropy is just psychological conditioning, a neurobiological quirk, an internalization of a totemic bond, a past/alternate life; in a way, I accept all of these as truth at once. In the end it doesn't matter to me. Inside, I am a wolf - but I am not a werewolf.

http://otherkin.net/articles//notAWerewolf.html

I have an article on Lycanthropy here that I wrote. There is another that precedes it more on the wolf but it goes into some of the lore as well. In some countries Lycanthropy does not refer to the wolf even though technically it means that. It could be anything such as a cow, hyena, bear or other animal depending on location.

http://www.freewebs.com/mmcbainbridge/wolfroadpartii.htm

To me it is just a more colorful word some are choosing to use. They could mean any of these two things or something new but it usually for most people is being applied to those that believe they are "were."

Thank you Molli.

Can I offer my input? I claim to be lycan, but please let me explain.

I do not burst into hair all over nor do the bones in my body break and reform into a wolf. I do believe and have experienced a "shift" however it is a mental state or a 'ascended state' of being. I become more animalistic, regress socially, and develop a bloodlust. Now, I practice vampirism, but I am lycan. messed up right? LOL I enjoy nature and this is where I like to spend the majority of my time. Again, there is much falsehood behind the transformation, but if you can bust into fur please show me evidence that is cold and tangible. Cold hard facts!

Would you personally consider video documenting what you refer to as "shifts"?

Nothing physical happens to document. Its mental and esoteric.

Are the shifts related to Moon cycles?

In some cases yes, that part can be true. I tend to feel more energetic and thus the shift occurs around the full moon. If you ever study lunar effects on our lives you'll see that everyone has different moods or shifts at diffferent times of the lunar calendar.

Does it make sense to say it is a spiritual thing? A path i choose to walk?

More noted in Woman, as mentioned above, there have been behavior studies into the subject, and nothing substantiates the statement that "The freak is on with full moons".

Though a full moon is brighter, and people tend to stay out later, past there settling time, and people up pat bed time are restless, irritable, and accident prone.

But that is a matter for a different thread.



Thank you for your articulate, and concise post.

Anytime, I love discussing the topic. I just don't know how exactly to answer all of your questions.

I agree with LordStorme completely. When we "Shift" It is a mental transformation. The physical part of it ...at least for me is, I become physically stronger, you don’t feel pain, its like your adrenaline level is astronomical. During the shift temperature is very high.

Mentally it is lust and aggression...that is all that is on the mind. Also like LordStorme said ...I am unable to be around anyone socially once I have fully shifted , it is unsafe, when lust and aggression is all that is on the brain at that time. Its kind of like a hunger you can not quench, and for me it is very frustrating hence making the aggression that more uncontrollable. So it is best to deal with this alone or with fellow lycans. I can only be around certain lycans because they understand the aggression and lust and sometimes they can help control it or revert it.

And like I stated in an above post, we do not shift into an animal, we a possessed with there spirit, there essence.

Nidawi

I agree on the possession but its deeper than that, we are the animal spirit, kind of like our soul animal almost i think. i don't know much on that subject though.

As more details are available I tend to suspect there would have to be psyiological indications that would verify these shifts.

A fixed video would be valuable as well.

Storme

Is there any particular written material that you have found informative, about what you experience?

Have you considered other reasons for what you experience?

Didn't bother reading EVERY post here but...

Lycan...like emo is short for another word.

Lycanthropy is a mental disorder...a chemical imbalance in the brain...making the person believe they are and can turn into a werewolf.


NO ONE can change,shift,turn into something else,werewolf or any other animal,creature.There is no scientific proof that this has happened.

You may choose to believe you are a "Lycan" but until you actually change form in front of me...you are just human.

Yes it is stated in the above post by me and Storme that we do not turn into a creature.
And we also posted that it is a mental state. But there are some physical changes as well. Refer to above post.
Or feel free to read my journal Lycanthropy

Since we are examining things, please pick my brain. I've already put myself out here for your pleasure so why the heck not. Go ahead. puts on the psych ward pajamas and waits for the doctors....

So then it would be an affliction?

However you accept that affliction as a spiritual gift of sorts?

I am currently looking into when, and if early psychiatry ever diagnosed cases of Lycanathrophy (sp)

and what replaced the diagnosis.

Again I ask Storme, is there any wrtten material that helped you conclude your suspicion.

Mollidews being a fine example of of a substantial
article.

as this thread is not so much focused on testimony, but sources.

Was their a group that you encountered?

Storme posted

"Since we are examining things, please pick my brain. I've already put myself out here for your pleasure so why the heck not. Go ahead. puts on the psych ward pajamas and waits for the doctors...."

Wolf Wing Agreed..

However as I mention the thread was not seeking testimony, but sources.

I presented an opportunity for Storme to direct his entries back to the topic.

Well, the Otherkin.net site is a good source, and then there is a coven on here that has good information in it. I mostly talked to others and made the determination on my own. As far as sources go, I'd have to ask if they wanted me releasing their identitty here. I'm afraid I can't give you much on this. As far as videos go dabbler, there are many many available on youtube about cases of lycanthropy. I'll try to find one or two and post them if i think they are credible.

That is ok, I have seen a few good ones on Clinical cases. Thanks for coming around on the discussion.

Thank you for mentioning the Other Kin, as I was going to actually ask if you shared any ideology with them.

It is good to see a few distinction in the spectrum.

Personally totem magic is most appealing.

I've not done much with Otherkin, I've mostly stuck with the ideology of the lycan and to be honest, I want to learn more about totem magick. It sounds more up my alley.

Thank you

Thanks DW That rocks,

A few excerpts from the article caught my eye.

Excerpt 1 From above link
"After reviewing ancient and modern literature, it is felt that the differential diagnosis for lycanthropy should include consideration of all of the following possibilities: 1) schizophrenia, 2) organic brain syndrome with psychosis, 3) psychotic depressive reaction, 4) hysterical neurosis of the dissociative type, 5) manic-depressive psychosis, and 6) psychomotor epilepsy. The last item is mentioned because of the reports that individuals suffering from lycanthropy have been described as being "prone to epilepsy" and suffering from intercurrent amnestic episodes."

Excerpt 2

Lycanthropy is a rare phenomenon, but it does exist. It should be regarded as a symptom complex and not a diagnostic entity. Furthermore, although it may generally be an expression of an underlying schizophrenic condition, at least five other differential diagnostic entities must be considered

That makes sense, I was diagnosed as Schitso effective disorder. So this is starting to make some sense afterall.

An article I liked...

http://www.churchofsatan.org/werewolf.html

A much more enticing interpretation, and far more
swank, then Scizo, I can see the appeal to those so afflicted to use the less modern scizo, it seems lycan has less stigma, but leaves one to answer a battery of inquiries.

There it is mental, spiritual, and a little philosophical.
In the Church of Satan

I also note a few examples in reading relating more the metaphoric use in lore.

I don't claim to be nor have extensive knowledge of lycan of any type or any form. However I used to do security transportation, I did notice a pattern that when it came close to a full moon, we transported a great deal more people then the new moon. Now I will tell you that most of the people we transported were either convicts or mental patients. I transported a lot who claimed to be either immortal, vampire, or lycan/shapeshifter. They believed it a great deal, to the point of being viscous, mean and very aggressive. Makes me wonder just a bit.

You make a good point.

As seems to be indicated by most of the above, that called "Lycanthropy" is, indeed, a "mental disorder" most characterized by the willingness of the subject to ... basically ... choose to delude him/herself into believing that at certain times, when triggered by the stereotypical moon phases as reported in popular fiction, a "shift" occurs mentally/psychologically that makes the subject more... animal-like. He/she then naturally follows this self-imposed delusion by acting accordingly.

The same can be said of those likewise deluding themselves into believing they are "Vampires" and... thus... acting according to that entity's storied characteristics.

Just because someone "mentally" believes they have "shifted" to being "mentally" more like an animal or more like "Dracula"... does not make them werewolves or vampires any more than me putting on an expensive suit, combing my hair in an elaborately poofy combover and affecting a perpetually petulant pout makes me Donald Trump.

Sorry... but someone had to say it. ;)


- Upir'

Here it is that time again to explore the world of our outlaw wolves. Previously I had recounted the life adventures and defeat of Lobo, King of Currcumpaw and the Custer Wolf. For this entry I thought an overview of the wolf throughout history, as both villain and kindred spirit to some would be interesting. As with human outlaws even the wolf had and still has its faithful supporters.

Wolf legends of the native peoples of North America show that the wolf was revered because of its devotion to its family and its pack. A devotion, which compares very closely to the relationship between a Native American and his tribe. Because native peoples, like wolves, defended territory and hunted and killed to survive. They admired the wolf’s prowess and ability in doing so.

The Sioux name for wolf is shunk manitu tanka, meaning “animal that looks like a dog but is a powerful spirit.” A number of Native American tribes had medicine men that donned wolf skins in order to duplicate the powers of the wolf.

The two tribes that identified most strongly with the wolf were the Pawnee and the Cheyenne. The Pawnee identified so closely with the wolf that their hand signal for wolf was the same as the hand signal for Pawnee. Other tribes referred to them as the Wolf People.

Cheyenne medicine men rubbed wolf fur on arrows to bring them good fortune in hunting. Cherokee Indians would not kill a wolf. They believed that the brothers of the slain wolf would avenge its death and the weapon used for killing the wolf would not work again unless it underwent exorcism by a medicine man.

The Mandan wore wolf tails on their moccasins as a badge of success in battle. Assiniboine Indians wore white wolf skin caps into battle for luck. Hidatsa women experiencing difficult childbirths rubbed their stomachs with wolf skin.

Some tribes believed that killing a wolf would cause the big game to disappear. This view was completely opposite to that of some modern hunters.

A number of tribes thought that the wolf howls after eating in order to invite scavengers such as birds and rodents to come and eat. Many tribes believed that wolf howls were the cries of lost spirits trying to return to Earth. The Cree believed that heavenly wolves visited the earth when the northern lights shone in winter.

However on the complete other side of the coin, during the Middle Ages, it was widely believed that a horse that stepped in a wolf print would be crippled. Many people refused to eat wolf meat, believing that it was poisonous. Others believed that the breath of a wolf could cook meat. Naturalists of the day believed that wolves sharpened their teeth before going out on a hunt. Dead wolves were buried at village entrances to keep other wolves out. Farmers who continue to shoot predators and hang them on fence posts to repel other predators echo this belief today.

Stories of actual man-eating wolves were not uncommon. These tales have been very common in Europe. A story has been passed down of the wolves of Gevaudan. Between 1764 and 1767, two large wolves were blamed for the killing of a number of villagers near Gevaudan in central France. The wolves were abnormally large with unusually colored coats. One had a large, bright white throat patch and the other was reddish in hue, neither of which are color traits of true wolves. Father Francois Fabre, the parish priest of Gevaudan, recorded their history in 1901. He attributed 64 killings, mostly of children, to the two wolves. One of the wolves was finally killed in 1765. It weighed over 130 pounds. The other, killed the next year, weighed 109 pounds. A few years ago, the Wildlife Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources investigated the killings. It was concluded that the Gevaudan animals were probably not wolves, but “dog-wolf crosses with hybrid vigor.” At the time, huge mastiffs were commonly kept as guard dogs. It is likely that hybrids of these strong and vicious beasts were responsible for many of the killings attributed to wolves. Skull measurements of the two animals confirmed that they were more dog than wolf.

So as you can see, some believe, such as our Native Americans, the wolf to be a sacred, spiritual, being whose soul is intertwined with ours. Others believe or have believed the wolf is a vicious bloodthirsty killer that must be destroyed whenever and wherever possible.

However, I believe, the “true” wolf exists somewhere in between these two extreme views. Although a fearsome hunter the wolf is timid and shy. The wolf is neither a holy messenger of the spirit world nor is he the creation of Satan for evil. The wolf is simply a top-level predator…he is simply a wolf.

I am human 100% but I am connected to the wolf,the four legged kind.I am 1/4 Apache and the wolf is my spirit guide.My name on here,minus Dark has been a nick name since I was small...for the love of wolves.I do find werewolves,the wolfman,etc. more fascinating than vampires and other creatures of the night.

I have studied the many stories and history of lycanthropy over the years.Mainly to understand why so many people truly believe they are a werewolf or connected to the aspects of it.

DW brought to attention that the lunar phases often has to do with making crazy people crazier, i was wondering if there was any scientific backing to that?
As a crazy person myself, i've always felt weirder after a rain.

Well there is no science fact that it is true...but it is an old wives tale...urban legned type thing.I'm sure it has been studied at different times in history.

Full Moon Madness: The Search for a Relationship between the Mind and Lunar Cycles
Caroline Dyar
Friday the 13th is about to roll around. Already a day packed with bogus superstitions, to make this one even worse, it falls on the day of the full moon. Last night my friend wrote me to warn me of the coming emotional madness, ìIt seems like everyone, from the ladies at the bank, to my Mom, to the gate clerks at Glenmore, has been on a critical streak. Anyway, watch out for random comments out of nowhere that seem really mean.... It's just the high degree of tension. My cats have been behaving so strangely this week, seems that the moon has been effecting them as well. Her statement, packed with all the classic stereotypes of the way things change during a full moon, from the human behavioral patterns going awry, right down to a mention of cat fever, must have some logical basis behind it. After all, haven't we all been warned a million times in novels, movies, even on the news, that people act a little funny when the moon is full?
The superstitions about the moon's affect on the animal and human world have existed for centuries. Everyone knows it's not safe to go out on a bright moonlit night (despite the good lighting) for fear of werewolves, or, even worse! an angry waitress or grumpy salesclerk who takes all the emotional energy pent up inside out on whoever first crosses his or her path. These lunar myths are often unconsciously reinforced by people with influence, or fed into by the mass media. When a strange event occurs during the full moon, it is remembered as an event linked to the presence of the full moon and twisted into data that supports the idea of full moon madness instead of being seen as an unrelated event. (2)

Just as the words lunatic and lunacy point to the moon because they are derived from the moon's Latin root, luna, the full moon is always accused of incidents that occur during its phase. (4) Studies have been conducted about the correlation between acts of lunacy (and suicidal attempts) and the phase of the moon, but little connection was found between the two. (2) (3) Fortunately, these studies disproved newspaper reports from 1984 which had heightened people's superstitious nature by mentioning the scientific speculation about the moon's negative influence. (5) Some of the theories on the moon's power almost seem based on factual information; for example, an unscientific work by Arnold L. Lieber entitled How the Moon Affects You introduces the author's "biological tides theory" which explains that the lunar cycles which cause tides in the ocean also cause them in the human body, since the human body is almost 80% water. (1)(8)

One site features are article entitled, "Science says a full moon has no effect on human behavior -- but those on society's frontlines beg to differ." (5) This article explains how scientists have studied the way lunar cycles increase or decrease birth rates, but determined that the gravitational force due to the full moon does not shift greatly when it is a smaller slice of moon, and the small gravity shift that does exist most likely lacks "any effect on the physiology of human beings." (5) A well known study conducted by the late George Abell, an astronomer, investigated the last 10,000 natural (without C-sections) births in LA hospitals and found no correlation between the phase of the Moon and the number of births. (6)

All the tests which stemmed from the faulty assumption that there is increased "abnormality" during the full moon seem to prove there is no correlation. So does this mean that the moon truly does not affect the body and mind? Perhaps instead one should look at the way in which the moon, like it's counterpart, the sun, affects plant life. In 1967, the maximum spring plant growth was found to occur directly after the new moon as well as after the full moon. Another study conducted in 1972 set out to look at the fluctuations in temperatures and growth of seven plant species, but found that there was no correlation between them, instead discovering that a "lunar rhythm" caused bursts in the growth rate of the stem. (7)

Unfortunately, the relationship between plants and the moon is not as interesting as the relationship between humans and the moon. Not unless you're a botanist. But why the association between craziness and the moon? There is not a bit of scientific proof out there that supports peopleís assumptions about this age-old correlation. It is an ancient science that has not been replaced with the newer theories. Although the hypotheses have been disproved, the relationships between the full moon and its stereotypical effects on the Earth remain in place. Since no new hypotheses have been formed to take the old assumptionsí place, people continue to believe in the arcane. Perhaps it would only be fair if the moon had control over something on Earth. After all, the sun is so vital we would all die without it. The moon, however, holds no sway in the scientific prospective of the world, but in peopleís minds, it functions as such a key figure that it would be foolish to say the full moon completely and utterly lacks control over events. Instead of directly studying the moonís influence on the world, the power of common belief should be investigated so that no one forgets that when people feel the same way about something, they creat a large enough mental influence that they can sometimes will the event they imagine into a reality. That may sound way out there, but it is completely possible. I was taught from my birth that if I only believe in myself, I can do anything. Why wouldnít the same be true of a whole group of people believing in universal stereotypes? I know I felt a little spooked when I read my friendís email, immediately thinking that I better be careful in case Iím around when someone loses his or her temper, or I lose my own by accident. You never can tell what will happen when you're just as worried about things going wrong as everyone else is. Instead, a person should just remember to keep on the sunny side of the moon and make sure you enjoy a long, moonlit walk, just as safe as any other night of the lunar phase.



WWW Sources
1)CSICOP - The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
2)Skepticís Dictionary: full moon and lunar effects

3)Medical/Full Moon Fun

4)Scientists shed light on full moon myths

5)New Standard

6)FAQ, sci.astro newsgroup, interesting collection of short essays

7)AOL Hometown

8)Boston Globe Health Sense

I personally have work 20 years as a grave yard employee, at a very busy gas station my personal observation is that the power of suggestion is so high that it nears group hysteria, so in that aspect there is a case for the potential for increased irrational behavior.

Add to that the extra light, and the lose of time perspective, even if the concept of the moon cycles actually swaying mental conditions were concluded to be unfounded, it would be worth mentioning the other factors.

People are nuttier in general during a full moon...just ask any cop..;) ...but again here's the link for this excerpted article on the science being studied behind the influence of the moon on the human body.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/how-the-moon-rules-your-life-433071.html

While scientists have been trying to prove for some time that the Moon does exert an effect, what has not been established is why. Scientists have until now examined the theory that the Moon triggers changes through its gravitational pull. But the latest research points to an effect on people's hormones. "The lunar cycle has an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation and birth rate. Other events associated with human behaviour, such as traffic accidents, crimes, and suicides, appeared to be influenced by the lunar cycle,'' said Dr Michael Zimecki of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

"Although the exact mechanism of the Moon's influence on humans and animals awaits further exploration, knowledge of this kind of biorhythm may be helpful in police surveillance and medical practice,'' he said.

The researchers also found links between the lunar cycle and the likelihood of people being admitted to hospital with heart or bladder problems and with diarrhoea. The menstrual cycle, fertility, spontaneous abortions and thyroid disease were also affected. Just how the Moon could have an effect needs further research. Dr Zimecki suggests that it may be the effect of the Moon's gravity on immune systems, hormones and steroids.

He said: "At this stage of investigation, the exact mechanism of the lunar effect on the immune response is hard to explain. The prime candidates to exert regulatory function on the immune response are melatonin and steroids, whose levels are affected by the Moon cycle.

"It is suggested that melatonin and endogenous steroids [which are naturally occurring in humans] may mediate the described cyclic alterations of physiological processes. Electromagnetic radiation and/or the gravitational pull of the Moon may trigger the release of hormones.''

As for temporal lobe epilepsy being a possible cause of lycanthropy?...:P Being temporal lobe epileptic...I'm certainly more senstive to a lot of things than most people and I can certainly be "more active" during the full moon..but hey...who isn't?

I'm not more a werewolf being temporal lobe epileptic than being demon possessed because I'm temporal lobe epileptic...again..I cite the facts of history. The number one accusation against women during the witch hunts at their height during the 16th century was being name either a "witch" (having insatiable lusts for carnal flesh) and thus also akin or the same notion as being accused of being a "werewolf"...(again..most accused of such were women...usually for the same reason..there goes that insatiable lust again..damn the full moon for making us want it so bad before having a menstrual cycle..;)

As for adopting the spirit of an animal as your guide, that is not only a common and understandable aspect of spirituality but has been practiced for eons in accessing the blessing for the hunt, the health of the village, etc. and was and still is in many countries, carried out by the local shamans or "witch-doctors." Shamans, once thought only to be men by anthropologists, are now coming to light as being of both genders...not only male and female, but taking on the polarity opposite of their physical genders...taking in many spirits and transversing the spiritual worlds on behalf of the people.

As for my animal totem? I've many, but my primary one has always been the red-tailed hawk..since the day I met one face to face as a child while walking in the woods behind my home. Even then, being temporal lobe epileptic, I still don't believe myself to turn into one at the full moon much less aquire a titular title as a lycan because I'm female with an insatiable lust for carnal flesh..:P Accordingly to the lore I've studied..I may as well be a vampire in that light..;)

I agree that a person cannot Phase/change physically into a wolf, yet in ones mind they can believe themselves to be anything. To me like anything if you believe in it, and live it then you are whatever you think.

I once had a shaman friend for over 3 years and he taught me a great deal about many topics and this one seems pretty fitting to add a possible answer here, and yes i know i've written in your journal too LordStorme lol

As a person who works with the spiritual and energy work, they take a lot of journies into self discoveries, working with other people etc and so...according to the shaman, and his words, is that the "werewolf" or "lycanthropes" etc, simply means "shapeshifter".

Now this of course is saying spiritually, not physically.

Everyone has an animal spirit or totem that best represents themselves. This goes back to even Ancient Egyptian times, perhaps prior to that for all i know.

There are quite a lot that feel drawn to the wolf spirit for many reasons.

It seems that most Native cultures or those whom are more Earthly rooted in their beliefs, to animals and nature, absorb and are more open to what is spiritually and naturally around us.

We are connected to all living things, therefore for a human to share a bond with other creatures shouldn't be too foreign.

Animals have a way of connecting to us , as we are to them.

The shaman did share a dream of his with me long ago, saying that, he flew as a bird and could feel the wind, and then next he would be falling and landing onto the ground, changing into the rock....

The spirit is shared with all things on Earth and Universally.

Perhaps all one needs to do is see how one relates to such an animal and will find their answers there. :)

Kyriele, great question! And I think the answer if pretty obvious, which might have been your point: unlike such fanciful creatures as vampires, werewolves, etc., leprechauns aren't "kewl." Either that or they don't fear that someone is "...after me lucky charms!"

I remember decades ago when "Jaws" came out, I had a weird friend (hey... I was in high school then) who was a social misfit and who greatly identified with the shark and, given that the shark preyed on Humans, for quite a while thereafter he wanted us to call him "Jaws" and he'd hop down the halls of the school telling us that he WAS a shark in Human form and, thus, was walking as a shark would on land, by hopping along on its tail. Thankfully this form of self delusion was relatlively shortlived.

Point is... people who seek their own identity outside that of the society that rejects them will usualy seek an identity that is both "kewl" and one that "preys" or otherwise harasses that same society and members thereof representative of the social group that has rejected them. This well explains all the "vampires," "werewolves"/"lycans," etc., found here.

Standard psychological stuff seen daily here on VR.


- Upir'

Upir,

A common denominator found in such individuals is the resemblance in their claim, to that of character development in Role Playing games. Not only are they Lycan/Vampire but they are Titled, and endowed with inhuman attributes.

Well... I think anyone calling themselves a Lycan or Vampires does so specifically due to those fictionalized beings' non-Human attributes that best exemplify their desire to be viewed as different... but also superior and more powerful. As for the title... well... that is usually only an added affectation to distinguish themselves when amongst others similarly identifying themselves.

In other words, in regular society it is sufficient to call themselves a "vampire" or "lycan" given that to "mere mortals" such a moniker makes them feel sufficiently superior. However, in a community such as VR where so many already identify as such, a Title permits them to seem as far above the "dark" community about them as they had when calling themselves only a "vampire" in regular society. Thus, "Vampire" outside the community becomes "LordVampire", etc., within it.


- Upir'

The one thing that gets me curious is how those who identify as Lycan, or vamp screen others? Since most who do so are so timid about being forthcoming with their own adopted belief.

i think the thing that is interesting is that people will believe in vampires and many on this site deal with the occult and doubt, of all things, someone claiming to be lycan.

Lycanthropy is used, as was explained, to describe the mental condition. many also associate the word with the name of a king named Lycaon that tried to, in one story, offer Zeus a body of a dead messenger to eat (although there are a few different versions of the story that explain why Zeus was so angered by this) to prove that he was who he said he was. Zeus then turned him and his court into wolves.

to me, Lycans or Weres are similar to Vampires in certain ways. from being around said "Lycans", it's more taking on the traits of wolf. the people i have met on that side of the fence tend to see being a lycan as being human but feeling that animal instinct and embracing it instead of holding back. it's not a wolf, but it's not exactly human. the speed and the strength is there that is common with most of the vampire society as well. the thirst seems to come with hunger for meat as well (or is common from observation)...most lycans don't even believe that physical shifting is possible. it is, as was discussed, a spiritual thing and also a personality thing. just like any other type of otherkin. some lycans look like typical john q. public. others like to be outdoors and are more noticed. just like vampires. some look normal and others go all out in how they dress or act.

i think, as a personal opinion, that there's a lot of misunderstanding due to hollywood, due to fans of pop culture wanting to be more than they are in their everyday lives, due to lack of information put out there. but also on the side of skeptics, there are a lot of people that think it sounds crazy, and especially within otherkin and vampire communities. it's like they don't see that it's not too far from what they are, just a little different. when you get down to it, it's no crazier sounding that someone being a sanguine or psy.

there's a lot of crazy fan types that overdo the stereotypes on both ends of the spectrum that are not what they claim. these people also tend to give a bad representation of the actual communities they say they are from.

as far as physical shifting, i haven't seen it. just stories as with everything. the bible actually talks of st. christopher being a were and also, the older versions of the bible had pictures and stories of jesus preaching to "dog soldiers". in almost every society, if not every society, there have been stories of werewolves. do i believe in physical shifting types? i can't say that i would rule it out. i think it's more realistic to be honest than some of the stuff we can do with technology these days. there's so many things that are unexplainable and a lot we don't even know about.

i can say this though...there's always going to be skeptics and on this subject especially, there will be a lack of information. i think it's important to keep an open mind and read things and not attack it right off like some tend to do. reasonably speaking from the middle ground, if you're claiming to be a vampire and talking about how you don't believe lycans can shift, my response would be to show me your retractable fangs. there's a certain level of common sense you have to have which sounds like it contradicts itself. that's the thing with keeping an open mind, you have to keep common sense as well. common sense says i can't shoot a magic missile from my hand randomly at will in real life. however, someone feeling that thirst for energy or acting out animal instinct is more reasonable.

One last tryst posts, "keep an open mind and read things and "

Please I already said this, so by all means present some literature.