Desty's answers! ^^
-Where did you learn about Therianthropy?
Actually, right here, on WereCats anonymous. ^^
-Are you a therian? If yes, what is (are) your theriotype(s)?
Yes. I know that I am a leopard therian, and I may be a spider therian as well. I know that spiders are my totem animals, but I am not sure if they are a second theriotype for me. Guess I'll just have to wait and see! ^^
-What lead you to the conclusion that you are a therian?
Since I was a child I have always felt very close to animals, and always wanted to pretend I was one. Lately I have been feeling a very, very close affinity to feline animals and spiders, and when I stumbled upon WereCats anonymous and read the "What is therianthropy?" thread, I was like, OMG, this is... me! :-D I browsed around a bit more and found that therianthropy was not just confined to this forum. It also sounded like something many cultures had believed in, such as Native American and Inuit cultures.
-Why does therianthropy feel “right”?
Because I keep feeling like I have a long, thin tail protruding from my butt. XD Seriously, though, I just... FEEL it. I believe the Creator meant for us to have this bond with animals. In fact I think all creatures have a second species--I'm sure anyone who has ever kept a pet will say that their cat or dog is so very human, and ever see a cat who acts like a dog? XD Am I a human? Yes, I am, and proud to be so. I love humanity. However, I believe the Creator gave me a very very strong connection with leopards, and that the Creator gave me an "inner beast". Sometimes this inner beastie comes out. ^^
-What is your connection to your therioside?
I often just NEED to growl, so to speak (I don't actually DO it, don't worry... in public at least!
), or I can feel playful like a feline, or experience other "animal" emotions. Sometimes I have phantom limbs as well... like I said, sometimes I feel a tail. I also have this fondness for being patted on my head. XD Like I'm somebody's pet panther or something. I dunno. A great deal of my personality matches that of a black leopard as well. There's leopard spilling out all over.
-Why are you your therioside and not something else? (Did you see them in visions or through meditation?)
Maybe this is shallow but I just really, really feel like I have a leopard side. I am kinda inconclusive on the spider thing, though. XD I have heard about those who have a theriotype for a SUPPOSEDLY mythological animal, and thus I kinda wish I was a unicorn as well, as I am very passionate about unicorns. However, I don't think I am, and that's okay. As the Creator wills, so may it be. ^^ It's all just a matter of instinct for me.
-Have you questioned your thoughts at all? Have you just given yourself answers to make therianthropy feel “right”?
I don't want to be crazy... I mean I REALLY don't want to be crazy... and I don't want people to misunderstand me and think I'm nuts... or judge me... or make fun of me... but I know in my heart that I am a therian. ^^
-Have you ever shifted? If so, what sort of shifts? Were they deep, were they triggered? How often?
My "shifts" mostly consist of my leopard-like personality coming out, and phantom limbs growing. When I get angry I feel like snarling at someone, when I'm happy I want to jump around on four legs and swish my tail, when I'm sad I want to curl up somewhere and hide my head under aforementioned tail. I just... feel very animal when my emotions run deep. I also "go panther" when I need to settle my mind. I associate black leopards with serenity, and so when I take on a leopard's mindset, I feel very calm and it is easier to think things through. I do not believe in physical shifts, however.
To any outsiders reading this: PLEASE do not worry, I am NOT CRAZY, nor is anybody else here! ^^ "Phantom limbs" are, I believe, a common feeling, even if it's just an arm that isn't there, and a lot of people have an animal side. I am still very much a human and glad to be so. But everyone has an inner beast, and it is for spiritual reasons that I choose to address that part of myself.