TYPES OF THERIAN SHIFTS

In this article, we discusses Therian shifts, explaining what they are, how they are experienced, and the different types. Thorne defines a shift as a change in the state of being, where Therians or Otherkin feel more aligned with their animal or kin type rather than their human selves.

Comparison with Transgender Identity

Thorne compares Therian identity to being transgender, emphasizing that although they are different, both involve a mismatch between internal identity and external form. Just as a transgender person identifies with a gender different from their biological sex, a Therian identifies as an animal despite having a human body. This comparison highlights that both identities are integral to the person and not separate entities.

Misconception about Shifting

Shifting doesn’t mean becoming a different person. Therians remain themselves but feel more animalistic. This includes heightened instincts, behaviors, and feelings that align with their theriotype. Control over one’s body remains intact, and it is important to seek help if one feels otherwise.

Types of Shifts

1. Mental Shifts: These involve changes in thought processes, where a person starts thinking and feeling like their animal type, such as a dog wanting to play or tug a toy.
2. Phantom Shifts: Similar to phantom limb pain, Therians may feel non-existent animal body parts, like a tail or hooves, which can vary in vividness.
3. Sensory Shifts: These shifts affect how one perceives sensory input, prioritizing senses like smell or vibration over sight or hearing, in line with their animal type.
4. Perception Shifts: This newer term describes changes in perception and expectations, like seeing oneself as an animal in a mirror or questioning human practices like buying food instead of hunting.
5. Dream Shifts: In these shifts, Therians experience being their animal type in dreams, either in form or behavior.
6. Spiritual Shifts: These include:
   • Aura Shifts: The person feels their aura or soul takes the form of their animal type.
   • Astral Shifts: In meditation or the astral plane, one feels they become their animal type.
   • Bi-location Shifts: Feeling as if existing in two places simultaneously, including the habitat of their animal type.
7. Cameo Shifts: Shifts into an animal type that isn’t their usual Therian type, experiencing behaviors or thoughts of a different animal temporarily.

Physical Shifting

Thorne debunks the myth of physical shifting, stating it is scientifically and physically impossible. Belief in physical shifting is linked to clinical lycanthropy, a serious mental illness.

Contherianthropy & Suntherianthropy

• Contherians: Always in a semi-shifted state, experiencing a consistent blend of human and animal traits.
• Suntherians: Also in a constant semi-shifted state but with varying degrees of animalistic traits daily. Thorne corrects a misconception, explaining that suntherians slide between different animalistic reactions rather than between human and animal states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article provides an insightful overview of Therian shifting, explaining its nature, types, and misconceptions. Shifting involves a change from a human state to an animal state, aligning with one’s theriotype. Key types of shifts include mental, phantom, dream, astral, aura, sensory, and cameo shifting. shifting does not create separate identities but intensifies the connection to one’s theriotype, offering a deeper understanding of Therian experiences.