Vampire Terminology

------------
Vampire Terminology

Autovampirism:
The drinking of one's own blood.

Awakening:
The physical and mental changes that occur when someone awakens to their latent 
vampire nature. The awakening typically occurs during or shortly after the onset 
of puberty, but in some individuals may take years to manifest. Those undergoing 
the awakening, undergo various mental and physical changes. These changes often 
include an increased sensitivity to light and particularly to sunlight, a 
growing affinity for night and darkness, having one's circadian rhythm become 
inverted and switching from a nocturnal to a diurnal sleeping schedule, and 
experiencing the first symptoms of the thirst. Many experience acute feelings of 
isolation and alienation during this process, as their changing nature distances 
them increasingly from their "normal" family and friends. Many seek out 
organizations or groups to help understand their desires and newfound feelings. 
(See also "turning".)

Beacon:
A particular feeling or energy signature generated by vampires in general, but 
latent or potential vampires in particular. The beacon seems to exist to attract 
other vampires to the potential vampire so that they may instigate the awakening 
process. (See also "vampdar".)

the Beast:
The primal, instinctive, animalistic, bestial nature of a frustrated or 
desperate vampire, where he or she gets really evil-minded and aggressive and 
wants to just go berserk, rip people and things apart for the pure "fun" of it, 
and feed violently. It's destructive and cold, and if you don't control it, then 
you will be under its control. This is different from just "vamping out" but 
that is when it's most likely to manifest.

The Black Veil:
Also known as the "Thirteen Rules of Community". Composed by Michelle Belanger, 
Father Todd Sebastian and COVICA, this is a set of 13 common-sense guidelines 
for the Sanguinarium as well as the vampire community. It deals with such things 
as responsibility, etiquette, feeding practices, the lifestyle, discretion, etc. 
The Black Veil has undergone several major revisions since its first incarnation 
in 1997 in attempts to be made more applicable and palatable to the real vampire 
community and not just the Sanguinarium; in 2003, it was revised once again and 
cut down to just seven tenets.

Blood-Bars:
Rumored underground vampire havens, which have a members-only and very secretive 
policy. They are only open to properly initiated (usually through a coven) 
members of the community, if then. It is said they serve stored blood and/or 
have willing donors who provide blood over a bar.

Certainly if they exist they are only a part a of a local population's Cabal.

Blood Bond:
1.) A strong, sometimes undesired, bond or attraction which can develop in a 
donor towards the vampire he or she is feeding; this bond can be a mutual thing 
between both the vampire and his or her donor, but often is felt only by the 
donor.

2.) A rite, ritual or ceremony marking a commitment to a coven or an individual. 
It is also a term to reflect a vampiric marriage.
Blood Doll:
Someone who gives blood in hopes of looking cool and/or who may have erotic 
desires fufilled by being fed on.
Blood-Drinker:
Anyone who drinks blood, regardless of motivation.
Blood-Fetishist:
Someone who is erotically attracted to the sight, taste or smell of blood; he or 
she generally has no physical need to consume it, and will usually be happy with 
small amounts. Blood-fetishism is often accompanied by other sexual fetishes, 
including sadism and masochism, and the blood is usually taken during sexual or 
fetish play, as in a bondage or domination situation.
Blood Junkie:
A derogatory term for someone who experiences the physical need to consume 
blood; a sanguinarian (see also "the Thirst", "sanguinarian" ). Particularly 
refers to one who has no control over his/her thirst and goes around feeding 
indiscriminately.
Blood Vamp:
A short form of "blood vampire", or sanguinarian.
Bloodletting:
The physical act of cutting or piercing the flesh in order to extract blood. 
This is commonly used for feeding as well as in bloodplay and fetishism. (See 
also "bloodplay". )
Bloodplay:
Similar to bloodletting, bloodplay is the act of using blood in sexual or fetish 
situations. Bloodplay can also refer to the integration of blood and 
bloodletting in ritual. (See also "bloodletting" .)
Bloodsharing partner:
A more appealing term for a donor. Some donors dislike being called "donors", as 
they feel it somehow belittles them or their role in their vampires' lives.
Cabal:
The far-underground "shadow" community of sanguinearians in a particular 
geographic location. Few even believe they exist and Cabals include the 
Bloodbars and other unknown things. Cabals are very selective as to who even 
knows who is a member.
Chi:
The Chinese term for life-energy. It is also often referred to as pranic energy 
or life force. Chi is the bio-electrical energy which runs our bodies on a 
subtle level. Energy vampires and many psi-vamps believe that they can 
manipulate chi and feed upon it to sate their hungers. It is believed by some 
that, to a certain extent, blood vampires also feed upon chi, for a great deal 
of this subtle energy is believed to be concentrated into the blood. (Also, 
"psychic energy", "prana", "pranic energy", "psi", etc.)
Clinical vampirism:
A psychological condition, such as Renfield's Syndrome, in which the afflicted 
person experiences a psychological urge to drink blood. This urge is often 
satisfied with their own blood, and sufferers of clinical vampirism typically 
bear slashes from razors and knives up and down their arms from where they have 
drawn blood from themselves. Particularly sociopathic forms of clinical 
vampirism drive sufferers to attack and sometimes (although rarely) even kill 
other people in order to drink their blood.

A related condition is known as SMS, or Self-Mutilation Syndrome. This newly 
named pathology is becoming alarmingly common in American youths. Sufferers of 
SMS, often known as "cutters", feel the need to cut into their flesh and watch 
themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood drawn out this way, 
although this is not standard for the disease. Most sufferers of SMS are 
redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or emotional pain onto 
their bodies. (See "Self-Mutilation Syndrome", and "Renfield’s Syndrome".)
Court:
A monthly social event which is much like a "town meeting" for members of the 
vampiric community in a specific geographic area. Court is usually held once a 
month at a local tea or coffee house, lounge or haven, and only vampires and 
those within the community are welcome. This is an opportunity to socialize with 
others in the community. News and announcements are made, poetry is read, new 
members, elders, etc., are introduced. Here vampires are generally free to 
escape mundane society. The host of the court is usually a locally respected 
Elder who secures a date, time, venue, and promotes the event.

Combo:
A vampire who is capable of feeding on blood as well as psi energy. It seems to 
me that most real vampires are capable of feeding from both, or using blood and 
psi interchangeably. Ex., "I am a psi/sang combo." (Also, "Hybrid".)
Coming Out (of the Coffin):
He-he...couldn' t resist. This means the same thing that it means for Gays 
(except they come out of the closet...). Involves being open or frank with 
people about being a vampire, drinking blood, feeding upon energy, etc. Those 
who have come out in this way do not hide their lifestyle at all, not even in 
their daily lives. Many people in the vampiric community choose to be "in the 
coffin" and are not public about their lifestyle outside of the community or 
scene.

Coven:
Groups of individual vampires or vampyre lifestylers, usually but not always 
located within a certain geographic area, who have banded together under a 
specific theme, set of ideals, traditions, common Sigil, havens, membership 
requirements, hierarchy and/or rites. Covens range in size from as few as three 
members to as many as hundreds. The organization and purpose of each Coven 
varies from fraternal (House Sahjaza); religious (Church of the Vampire -- not 
to be confused with the Vampire Church); or familial (Clan of Lilith). Some 
titles given to leaders of Covens include Elder, High Priest, Patriarch, 
Matriarch, or Coven Master. There are no requirements for forming a Coven other 
than a group of people getting together, choosing a sigil, name and theme.
COVICA:
The now apparently defunct Council of Elders drawn from many different 
traditions whose purpose is to help network the community, standardize language 
and terminology, and encourage cooperation, if not outright unification between 
the diverse aspects of the Sanguinarium and vampire communities. COVICA stands 
for Council Of Vampyric International Community Affairs.

Cutters:
(See Cutting and Self-Mutilation Syndrome.)
Cutting:
There can be many reasons for someone to cut themselves and a lot of them are 
neither related to vampirism or 'attention seeking' as most people believe. For 
people with physical pain or problems with depression, cutting can be a powerful 
coping mechanism and there is no shame in it. You can find a lot of useful 
information on cutting at the following website. (See also Self-Mutilation 
Syndrome)

Donor:
Someone who gives or shares their blood or life-energy, without obligation. Many 
donors prefer to offer themselves to just one vampire, but some donors will 
offer of themselves to entire covens, provided their offerings are appreciated 
and not abused. (See also "source", "supplier".)

Elder:
A prominent member of the vampiric community who is honored and respected for 
his or her experience, knowledge, willingness to help others, accomplishments 
and devotion. Elders are often those individuals who have helped establish a 
community, organize groups, or help network the community.

Elorath / Scrolls of Elorath:
From House Eclipse: "According to the OSV, this is the great vampiric essence 
and the vampiric astral spirits, called by the Temple of the Vampire the Undead 
Gods. This is one of the inner teachings of OSV. Some say this term evolved from 
the word "el-or-ath", which is the Atlantian term for a vampiric spirit. 
However, this is--" untrue! In actuality, the word originated back in the days 
of the original Coven, then operated by Raphael Osiris, and the "Sanguinarium" 
was still "the Sanguinary", and is an acronym for "Eternal Lord Our Regent Aaron 
Todd Hoyt". Seriously.

Embrace:
A hug. Since turning or awakening someone does not involve any sort of hug, 
where the vampire wraps his arms around a person, drawing him or her close so he 
can bite them on the neck to feed or turn them into a vampire (a la Dracula or 
Christopher Lee), I am not going to define it as such, -- regardless of the 
misusage of the word by others. Embrace does not mean turning, but it is an 
incredibly romantic word for an event which, in a lot of people's minds, is 
extremely pseudosexual and erotic. (See "turned" and "awakened".) .

Emotional vampire:
(See "psychic vampire", sense 2, and especially "psychological vampirism".)
Energy signature:
The pattern of energy, vibes, or the feeling that is unique to each individual; 
a person's psi 'fingerprint' identifiable in real life or astrally and 
oftentimes left behind long after a person has gone. Vampires supposedly have a 
particular kind of energy signature, and those who can pick up on this can 
identify them as vampires. An energy sig is different from a presence, though 
you can feel the presence of someone's energy, too. (See also "beacon".)

Energy vampire:
An individual who has a need to feed upon the lifeforce of others. Most energy 
vampires feed upon chi or pranic energy and avoid drinking blood. Some 
intermingle energy vampirism with blood-drinking. Also referred to as 
psi-vampires, most energy vampires exhibit the same characteristics that 
distinguish other real vampires, including light sensitivity, a nocturnal 
lifestyle, and periods of the Hunger or Thirst. (See also "chi", "hunger", 
"psychic vampire", "real vampire", "thirst".)
Excommunicated:

Cast out of a coven or the vampiric community as a whole. (See also "Invisibles" 
, "Sin nomine".)

Family:
A term used by many people to describe their coven or their close circle of 
vampires and friends. Also, a general term for all members of the vampiric 
community.

Fashion vampyre:
This is not a type of actual vampire. Someone who does not have the vampiric 
condition, and who just dresses the part. The fashion vamps are only into the 
aesthetics (fangs, contacts, fashion) and not the philosophy or spirituality of 
the lifestyle -- think "fashion victim". (See also "wannabe" and "poser".)

Feeders:
Another term for sanguinarians which distinguishes them by their need to feed 
upon blood.

Feeding:
The act of consuming blood (or, in the case of psi or energy vampires, pranic 
energy) from someone (or an animal). (See also the "Hunger", the "Thirst", and 
the "Need".)

Feeding circle:
A group of donors, usually from three to seven, who feed a specific vampire or 
coven of vampires.

Grazing:
This is a type of lifestyle which is looked down upon by the rest of the 
vampiric community in which a vampire randomly and without discretion feeds upon 
unscreened donors or sources typically picked up in nightclubs and Goth bars.

Haematodipsia:
A strong form of haematophilia.
Haematomania:
A strong psychological craving for blood.
Haematophilia:
An erotic attraction to the taste, sight (or smell) of blood.
Haemosexuality:
(See "blood fetishist".)
Haven:
A Vampyre nightclub or other gathering place. Considered hallowed ground, the 
haven serves as the social hub of a given community, providing a place where all 
the community can gather and socialize. Often, special functions arranged by the 
vampiric community in an area are held at the local haven.
House / household:
A group of vampires united under a common theme, set of traditions, philosophy / 
beliefs, sigil and hierarchy/ structure. The purpose of a House or household can 
range from the merely fraternal, to the spiritual. The number of members in a 
house or household can be as few as three or number into the hundreds, although 
I generally think of "household" as having a smaller number and "House" as being 
the larger counterpart, perhaps consisting of a number of households.
Any group of several or more vampires can get together and form a household or 
House; there is not a requirement to be "approved" by some official council or 
board; becoming recognized and accepted by the rest of the community, however, 
is a matter of time, publicity, reputation of the members, their conduct, etc. 
Some of the more widely known, established Houses are House Kheperu, House 
Eclipse, House Sahjaza, House Quinotaur, House Nekhbet; there are many others, 
as well.

"Human":
A term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. At 
best, this term is misleading because it implies that vampires are not human. 
(See "mundane".)
the Hunger:
The desire to feed, also identified as the Thirst or the Need. The Hunger is 
both a psychological and physical sensation. Physically, it manifests as an 
intense hunger or thirst -- but is not satisfied by food or drink. 
Psychologically, a vampire in the throes of the Hunger feels agitated and 
empowered at the same time. Pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, and sometimes 
even body temperature, increase in anticipation of the act of feeding. (See also 
"feeding", the "Thirst", the "Need".)
Hunter:
Someone that hunts, stalks, threatens, or does harm (whether it be physical, 
psychic, psychological, or emotional) to someone because he or she is a vampire, 
or because the hunter believes them to be so; or which gathers information to 
report those who are vampires. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Blade fans are not 
included in this category; it applies to seriously unbalanced individuals who 
really are on some sort of holy hate crusade and intend to follow through with 
violence or action. (See also "slayer".)
Hunting:
Actively going out and seeking donors or sources in havens or in public. (Some 
even go to the mall!) This means bringing them home to feed or to eventually 
screen them. At one point, this was considered safe, but with the advent of HIV 
and AIDS, hunting indiscriminately is considered irresponsible and extremely 
dangerous; there still must be a period of screening time. Vampires who feed 
irresponsibly are looked down upon; and are sometimes "excommunicated" by their 
elders for this offense.
Hybrid:
A vampire who is capable of feeding on blood as well as psi energy. It seems to 
me that most real vampires are capable of feeding from both, or using blood and 
psi interchangeably, so is the term "hybrid" really necessary, or accurate? (See 
"Combo".)
Immortal:
Term occasionally used to refer to or describe vampires. Though technically, it 
means incapable of death or dying, it is used much more loosely in reference to 
vampires, implying that they are not subject to aging, are impervious to disease 
and injury, etc., and that they are above and superior to "humans" or "mortals". 
God is immortal; vampires are not. Further, it has not been incontrovertibly 
proven to me that vampires do indeed experience a capability of an extended 
lifespan. Check with me in about 20 to 30 years, and I should be able to tell 
you something more definite about that...
Incubus:
The plural is incubi. A male sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". 
Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a 
person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit 
which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his or her energy 
and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.
Invisibles:
Those members of the community who, having been ostracized and stripped of their 
name, are treated as if they no longer existed. Invisibles have committed some 
great crime in the eyes of the community, and for this they are no longer 
allowed to associate themselves with the rest of vampire culture. (See also 
"excommunicated" , and "sin nomine".)
Latent vampire:
Someone who is already naturally a vampire, but whose vampiric tendencies have 
not yet manifested. Apparently, some latent vampires may need to be "turned" or 
"awakened", while others may have their tendencies "activated" by indeterminate 
causes. Latent vampires sometimes seem to stand out to other, already 
established vampires through a phenomenon known as the "Beacon". (See also 
"awakening", "beacon", "turned".)
Leech:
1.) A small, bloodsucking worm;
2.) An incredibly rude and derogatory (well, at least disrespectful. ..) term to 
call someone who is a vampire.
Lilith:
History's first recorded feminist, she was the first wife of Adam, and created 
as an equal. When she declined to submit to Adam as his subordinate, he went 
whining to God, and God cast her out of the Garden of Eden, then created Eve, 
allegedly from Adam's rib, and therefore supposedly subordinate to him; 
apparently she was, as he didn't whine for a third wife (but since this is not 
about Eve, I won't elaborate). Lilith was later demonized by patriarchal 
societies who felt threatened by female equality; still later, she was deified 
by others. Not a bad job for a lady, eh?
It is theorized by some that, though entirely as human as Adam, since Lilith had 
her own complete set of genes and DNA, she is the progenitrix [female 
progenitor] of a separate strain of humans, which is nonetheless capable of 
intermingling with the more common Adam/Eve strain. It is theorized by some that 
this strain is where vampires come from. If this is so, then it could explain 
why vampirism seems to run stronger in some family lines, yet appear 
spontaneously or only sporadically in others.
the Long Night:
The name for the festival celebrated on the Winter Solstice. Occurring in 
mid-December, this night is the longest night of the year, and many households 
and covens gather together to celebrate this. It is a festival of community 
where everyone relaxes and socializes. It is also the traditional night to 
recognize new members of the community or a coven or to perform rites of 
passage.
Mentor:
A guide and teacher to a new or inexperienced vampire; the one who helped him or 
her through the awakening. (See also "sire".)
"Mortal":
A term used for the purposes of distinguishing those who are not vampires. This 
term is, at best, misleading because it implies that vampires are "immortal". 
(See "mundane".)
Mundane:
A term used to distinguish those who are not vampires from those who are. This 
is, I feel, more accurate that "mortal" or "human", and serves to distinguish 
those who are merely living normal, mundane lives and unencumbered with the life 
of a vampire. It is not a disparaging term.
the Need:
The need to feed. When experiencing the Hunger, one is said "to be in Need." 
Very strong feelings of the Hunger are referred to as "deep Need". (See also 
"feeding", the "hunger", the "thirst".)
Neovampyre / Neovampire:
A person who is not a natural vampire, but who is a student of vampyric/vampiric 
skills, philosophies and/or magicks; i.e., a person who (for lack of a better 
word) "converted" to vampyrism.
"of the Blood":
A term sometimes used to refer to someone as being a vampire.
Otherkin:
Someone who identifies with something other than his or her human side, such as 
a particular animal, mythological or fantastical being. He or she takes on the 
astral form of the animal or being when they are in the astral plane. Often, 
otherkin have physical attributes, mannerisms or thought-patterns identified 
with their particular being, such as fae having an elfin appearance, or wolfkin 
having a pack mentality. Types of otherkin include therians (were-beings) , fae 
or faeries, dragons, elves, angelics, and so forth. Some consider vampires to be 
otherkin, while others do not.
Parasite:
A completely insulting and derogatory term to refer to or call a psi-vamp or 
emotional vampire, implying that they are thieves and have no honor.
Porphyria:
An acute medical condition which has been postulated by some scholars to have 
inspired the vampire myths of the past. Sufferers of porphyria have pale, flaky 
skin and are very sensitive to sunlight. Their gums often recede excessively, 
giving their teeth an elongated and possibly fang-like appearance. Porphyria is 
caused by a deficiency in the enzyme which helps produce heme, a constituent of 
the blood which helps carry oxygen through the body. Dr. David Dolphin was the 
first to suggest that porphyria was the inspiration for at least some of the 
Mediaeval vampire myths, contending that some of the sufferers may have been 
driven to drinking blood in order to relieve their symptoms. As a result, the 
condition has come to be known in modern times as "the Vampire Disease". This 
appellation is very misleading, however, as porphyria only superficially 
resembles the vampirism of folklore and there is no supporting evidence to Dr. 
Dolphin's assertion that porphyria sufferers have bee
 n driven to drinking blood by their disease.
Poser:
Someone pretending or claiming to be a vampire who is not, with the intent of 
deceiving others, by making false claims as to their powers, abilities, 
lifespan, etc.
Pranic energy / Prana:
(Also "psychic energy". See "chi" and "psi".)
Primus:
A vampire, almost always an elder, who founded or is the leader of a large 
family or coven of vampires.
Psi:
A general term for the life-energy which is found within and throughout all 
living things. Also called prana, chi, pranic energy, psychic energy, etc. The 
life-force that surrounds and is contained in living things. This is the 
life-force that energy and psychic vampires feed upon. This energy is also 
contained in the blood and is believed by some to be an integral part of the 
transfer which occurs between a donor and a sanguinarian. (See also "chi" and 
"pranic energy".)
Psychic attack:
Any type of unwelcome paranormal or ethereal intrusion intended to cause harm or 
disruption to the recipient. Psychic vampire attacks are considered a form of 
psychic attack, especially when forced upon an unwilling victim. (See also 
"psychic vampire attack".)
Psychic energy:
(See "chi" and "psi".)
Psychic vampire, Psi vampire (psi-vamp, for short):
1.) Someone who "drains" life-energy (prana, chi, life-force, whatever) rather 
than blood from others. Psi-vampires may or may not consume blood as a means of 
extracting pranic energy.
Though the two terms refer to the same being, they do so with different meanings 
in mind. Some insist on calling psychic vampires "psi-vampires" , and insist 
that "psychic vampire" is incorrect, and then proceed to "prove it" by splitting 
etymological hairs. I disagree. There is a distinction which needs to be made 
between the two terms. "Psychic vampires" are called such because they feed 
psychically, as opposed to physically. However, it could be argued that psi is 
the auric or life-energy where as "psychic" is actually now thought to be shared 
thoughtwaves from a collective consciousness. So "psi-vampire" refers to what 
they feed upon, whereas "psychic vampire" refers to how they feed. Not 
infrequently, psi-vamps may also experience the Thirst in varying degrees of 
intensity, and in fact, there are many similarities in condition between the 
psi-vamps and the sanguinarians, with the main difference being, so far as I can 
see, the psi-vamps' need to drain pranic energy, and 
 ability to do so.
2.) A psychic vampire, in psychiatric terms, is someone who drains emotional 
energy without giving anything back, and can make the other person very tired, 
depressed, emotionally unbalanced, or worse, if too much is drained; an 
emotional vampire. Katharine Ramsland discusses this in depth in her book, 
Piercing the Darkness, (Harper Prism, 1998), pp. 190-196, referred to as "covert 
vampire". (See also "psychological vampirism".)
Psychic vampire attack:
An uninvited and unwelcome draining of one's vital energy, or chi or pranic 
energy. A psychic vampire attack occurs when a psi-vampire targets someone and 
feeds or attempts to feed. This can be done from casual contact, from across a 
room, or even through dreams. These attacks are not always just for draining; 
they can also be an attack on the mind itself, causing the target to hear, see, 
and feel things. Attacks of this nature can range from mild to very severe, 
sometimes leaving the victim despondent or even physically sick from being 
drained so. It's debated whether one can become a psychic vampire from repeated 
severe psi-vampire attacks. In general, though, this seems only to produce a 
condition known as sympathetic vampirism. (See also "sympathetic vampirism".)
Psychological vampirism:
These individuals often have a histrionic or narcissistic personality disorder 
and they are constantly drawing attention to themselves. They usually create 
dramatic situations and then demand emotional support from those around them. 
These individuals are emotional vampires. There is nothing metaphysical or 
spiritual in their condition, it is a simple psychological disorder. Yet it 
leaves the victims of these clingy, whiny people emotionally and mentally 
drained after dealing with them. These individuals are not to be confused with 
psychic, psi or energy vampires. (See also "psychic vampire", sense 2.)
Puppy:
A somewhat derogatory term for one who has developed an undue fascination, 
obsession or bond with a vampire and follows him or her around, trying to gain 
the vampire's attention or approval, and fawning over him or her, in a manner 
not unlike a puppy dog follows his or her master around. (See also "blood 
bond".)
Real vampire / Real vamp:
Someone who has a condition which includes but is not limited to a physical 
thirst or driving need for blood (which is non-erotic in nature; and in more 
significant quantity than is generally required or desired by other 
blood-drinkers, such as blood fetishists) or psi energy; increased physical 
and/or psychic sensitivities; sensitivity to light or sunlight and a nocturnal 
circadian rhythm; amplification and/or alteration of emotional states and 
feelings, etc.; and perhaps the (unsubstantiated* ) potential for an 
indefinitely extended lifespan (which is not to be confused with "immortality" 
), although many vampires do maintain a youthful twenty-something look well into 
their thirties or even forties. It does NOT include the abilities to change 
shape, fly, command others' wills, heal instantaneously, accomplish superhuman 
feats of strength or speed, etc.
*Some vampires believe the condition does include the potential for an 
indefinitely long lifespan, but this belief has not been incontrovertibly 
proven, to the best of my knowledge.
Rogue:
1.) A vampire or blood-drinker' s former donor or source who parts company on 
hostile terms and causes trouble;
2.) A vampire who can't handle things and becomes violent and/or irresponsible, 
posing a danger and threat to both him or herself and others.
Renfield's Syndrome:
"Some attention has been given to a condition named 'Renfield's Syndrome' in 
psychological literature, based on the fly-eating character Renfield in Bram 
Stoker's Dracula. Renfield's Syndrome is described as having four stages: a 
trauma or 'critical incident' in childhood in which the patient discovers that 
the taste and sight of blood is 'exciting' or attractive; 'autovampirism' , the 
drinking of one's own blood (autohemophagia) ; 'zoophagia', or the consumption 
of blood from animals; and finally 'true vampirism', in which the patient must 
have human blood, and may resort to stealing blood from medical facilities, or 
serial murder." -- Vyrdolak. (Apologies to Vyrdolak, whose site is the only site 
I could find with any information regarding this.) So far as I know, this is not 
an officially recognized mental disorder.
Roleplayer:
1.) Someone who engages in role playing games (RPGs).
2.) This is often used as a derogatory term for those who play Vampire: The 
Masquerade or similar vampire RPGs and/or who pretend to be a vampire in their 
free time when they are not. RPGers are also associated with posers and other 
fakes who dress the part and pretend to be something they are not. (See also 
"poser" and "wannabe".)
Sangomancy:
A form of vampyrecrafte, or vampiric magick, which specifically involves the use 
of blood in the rituals. (See "vampyrecrafte" .)
Sanguinarian:
Someone who has a physical thirst, need, craving for blood (which is non-erotic 
in nature) in more significant quantity than is generally required or desired by 
other blood-drinkers. Sanguinarians (a word from the Latin root "sanguinarius" , 
meaning "bloodthirsty" ) apparently do not get the benefits from pranic energy, 
or else they are unable to feed psychically like psi and energy vampires, for 
whom blood and pranic energy are apparently interchangeable.
the Sanguinarium:
The network of like-minded organizations, events, businesses, websites, 
individuals, havens (nightclubs) and resources for the greater vampire and 
vampyre lifestylers communities. Inspired by the "vampire connection" of vampire 
bars, nightclubs and safehouses founded in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, the 
Sanguinarium serves to bring this vision to life as a real "Vampyre Connection". 
Many real vampires frown upon the Sanguinarium because of the non-vampiric 
lifestylers it attracts and the artificial pomp and aristocratic hierarchy it 
endorses.
Note: The Sanguinarium is not to be confused with Sanguinarius Organization for 
Real Vampires, which is the author's effort to help real vampires, blood 
drinkers, and vampiric people.
Sanguine / sanguin / sang vamp(ire):
These are shortened forms of the term "sanguinarian" . (See "sanguinarian" .)
Sanguinese:
All the language: jargon, slang, doublespeak, plays on words, etc. used by 
vampires to be able to converse with on another, either privately or in public.
Sanguivore:
A term that I am seeing more frequently, used to define sanguinarians, but which 
I feel is inaccurate, as sanguinearians do consume more than just blood. I would 
strongly recommend using the term to refer to those who consume only blood, and 
nothing else, as their main source of sustenance. I have not encountered any 
tangible proof that such individuals do exist, and I feel that this is highly 
unlikely.
the Scene, or Vampyre Scene:
The "scene" is a general term for the social aspects of the vampire subculture 
including nightclubs, havens, events, businesses, societies, and even the online 
part of the subculture. Many vampires and vampyre lifestylers are a part of the 
vampiric community, but do not go out and socialize. Most of the current scene 
revolves around the Sanguinarium.
Seeker:
Someone who is seeking after vampires, or knowledge of vampires, usually 
desiring to become one him/herself. Unlike a wannabe, the seeker has a more 
thoughtful approach to vampirism and is willing to learn all he or she can about 
the condition before jumping head-first into it.
Self-Mutilation Syndrome (SMS):
A psychological condition which has apparently begun to grow among American 
youth. Sufferers of SMS, also known as cutters, feel the need to cut into their 
flesh and watch themselves bleed. Some sufferers of SMS also drink the blood 
drawn out this way, although this is not standard for the disorder. Most 
sufferers of SMS are redirecting feelings of anger, frustration, inadequacy, or 
emotional pain onto their bodies. Some eventually get involved in body art and 
blood fetishism. (See also "clinical vampirism", "Renfield's Syndrome".)
Sexual vampirism:
A form of psi-vampirism where feeding is done primarily from sexual energy, or 
energy generated during sexual activity, with or without the exchange of blood. 
The feeding can be done intentionally or unconsciously / unintentionally. A 
common term for female vampires who feed exclusively through sex is "Succubus", 
a word which originally denoted a Mediaeval demon which was believed to visit 
the dreams of men and tempt them into sexual misconduct; the male version of the 
word, although not as widespread, is "Incubus". (See also "incubus", 
"succubus".)
Sigil:
The identifying symbol of a house, haven, coven, or individual. The sigil often 
has ritual or symbolic significance for the individual or members of the 
household. For example, the Sanguine Ankh represents members of the 
Sanguinarium.
Sin nomine:
Latin for "without name". A vampire who has been stripped of his or her name and 
recognition within the community for having committed some great crime in the 
eyes of the community. (See also "excommunicated" and "Invisibles" .)
Sire:
A term from Vampire: The Masquerade roleplaying system that has crept into 
general usage meaning the one who turned (or awakened) someone who is a vampire. 
(See "mentor".)
Slayer:
A loud-mouthed dumbass that makes public and obnoxious claims of killing people 
who are (or who the slayer thinks are) vampires. Just like hit-men for the 
mafia, those who may be real vampire hunters or slayers are NOT going to 
publicly announce what they do, as that's a surefire way to the Big House, or 
the Happy Hotel. At any rate, they'll get investigated. If they are posers, then 
they will continue to remain free and flap their lips a lot; if they are real, 
then the Law will deal with them accordingly.
Whatever the case may be, Sanguinarius urges you to report these individuals to 
the proper authorities. Maybe being investigated will put a reality check in 
their miserable lives and cause them to tone down their racist shitspeak. (See 
also, "hunter".)
Whether they are harming or killing people, or desecrating graves and corpses, 
or conducting illegal interstate commerce (ex., a site on the net, offering 
vampire hunting or slaying services in exchange for money or goods) -- even if 
they have had no takers!, -- they are doing or offering to do illegal things, 
and should be reported. I believe conducting illegal interstate commerce is a 
felony--?
It's one thing to be a fan of Buffy, or Blade, or Jack Crow, or whoever, and 
it's one thing to have a ROLEPLAYING persona of a vampire hunter, but if that's 
the case, then those who do need to put some sort of indication that this is the 
case!
Solitary:
A vampire who chooses not to be involved with a coven or House, and has little 
if any interest in interacting within the community.
Source:
Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term that I prefer 
to use; I feel that it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a 
donation...
Strigoi Vii:
A term meaning "living vampires" in Romanian folklore, it is used by some to 
refer to the condition and philosophy of being a vampire. The movers and shakers 
of the Sanguinarium have appropriated the term for their use in describing their 
more spiritually oriented path, the Ordo Strigoii Vii.
Succubus:
The plural is succubi. A female sexual vampire. See "sexual vampirism". 
Historically, the term was used to describe a reason for the sexual dreams a 
person sometimes experiences, and were thought to be caused by a demonic spirit 
which took the form of a female in order to drain a person of his or her energy 
and lead the defenseless person into sexual sin while they slept.
Supplier:
Someone from whom a vampire will get blood. This is a neutral term; I feel that 
it's more accurate than "donor", as the blood's not always a donation...
Sympathetic vampirism:
A condition which sometimes occurs in individuals who have been fed from too 
frequently. This most often occurs in the donors or sources of energy vampires 
but can manifest itself among the sources used by sanguinarians as well. In 
general, the victim's resources become so depleted that they have to resort to 
vampirism themselves in order to replenish them. In addition to a need to feed, 
the sufferer of sympathetic vampirism may manifest symptoms commonly associated 
with real vampirism, such as heightened sensitivities and sensitivity to 
sunlight. Often, this condition causes some real vampires to mistakenly assume 
that their donors, -- or the donors thinking that they, themselves, -- have 
somehow been turned or awakened. But the condition is hardly permanent. This 
condition may last for a few weeks, although sometimes it can be drawn out for 
months or years. The best course of action is for the vampire or vampires who 
feed from the person to stop completely. Without the cons
 tant depletion of resources, the person's system should gradually correct 
itself over time.
Tease-the-Vamp:
A cruel "game" that non-vampires, or even other vampires, sometimes play where 
they tease or taunt a blood vamp with either thoughts of blood, or actual blood, 
which they have no intentions of giving to the vampire being teased. While it 
might be amusing to watch the vamp's reactions, this "game" causes misery for 
the poor vampire, and can result in his or her vamping out or worse, if it's not 
stopped.
the Thirst:
The craving, need, desire, urge to drink blood, experienced as an intense 
thirst-sensation and withdrawal-like symptoms. To say the least. This manifests 
not unlike an addiction, and is very difficult and annoying to have to deal 
with. (See also "the Hunger, "the Need", "Feeding".)
The Thirteen Rules of Community:
(See "The Black Veil".)
to Turn:
To make someone into a vampire. This is most likely a misunderstanding or 
misconception of the awakening process. (See also "awakening", "latent 
vampire".)
Turned:
Another term for becoming a vampire. Some groups believe that ordinary people 
can be turned into vampires, but this is most likely a misinterpretation of the 
awakening process. The method for this turning varies from group to group, but 
generally involves a rite of blood or energy exchange between the vampire and 
the person to be turned. If someone appears to have been turned, he or she was 
most likely a latent vampire to begin with. (See also "awakening", "latent 
vampire".)
Twoofing:
An alternate, less blatant, and less cheesy-sounding, term created as an 
alternative for the phrase "vamping out". (See "vamping out".)
Vampire:
A much-disputed term with many meanings, depending upon whom you're talking to. 
See also the definitions of "sanguinarian" , "blood-drinker" , "blood 
fetishist", "psychic vampire", "Vampyre Lifestyler", and "Vampiric Community". 
Here, it is used to encompass all of the above-listed groups into a general 
category. Also, here, it is not used to define any of those as some sort of 
supernatural or superhuman beings or someone who has returned from the dead 
(excluding being revived by medical procedures), and so forth. Anyone who makes 
those sorts of claims is lying.
Vampdar (a.k.a. Vampire radar):
A humorous play on the word "radar" and inspired by the gays' term, "gaydar", 
this term is used mostly by vampires who are experienced in meeting other 
vampires (live and in person) to describe the particular feeling they get. It's 
not something that can really be described well to others, but if you've 
experienced it, you'll know. (See also "beacon".)
Vampire aesthetic:
The art and style associated with the vampire. This includes figures with long, 
slender limbs and pale or bone-white skin, androgynous beauty, Victorian or 
Mediaeval styles and themes, trappings of lace and velvet, funerary décor, and 
overall dark and melancholy themes. Scenes of crypts, abandoned castles, and 
shadowy landscapes abound in artwork that appeals to the vampire aesthetic. The 
work of Gothic artist Joe Vargo of Monolith Graphics, which can be found on the 
Web at monolithgraphics. com, is an excellent example of this.
Vampire bait:
A poser or wannabe who is just screaming for a vampire to come after them. (What 
they get may be an entirely different situation than what they hope for or 
expect...)
Vamping out:
Experiencing an acute flare-up of the thirst. This also involves a change in the 
person's manner, breathing, pulse rate, thought patterns, etc., as their body 
gears up to go out and attempt to satisfy the thirst. This is a real thing, not 
a fantasy thing, and I won't let anyone else who does not really have this as a 
real occurrence claim it; to do so makes a mockery of those of us who really do 
have to deal with it! (If they don't have it and they claim it, then I wish it 
on them; let them have it!).
Vampiric community:
The community of people who identify with or have been identified with the label 
"vampire". This includes blood-drinkers, psi and energy vampires, and Vampyre 
lifestylers. The community also includes donors and sometimes the friends of 
vampires. (See "vampire".)
Vampyre lifestyler / Vampyre (spelled with a "y"):
Someone who incorporates fictional vampire imagery and trappings into his or her 
personal life, often cultivating a "Vampyric" physical appearance, including but 
not limited to a very pale complexion, a wardrobe made up predominantly of dark 
clothing, a style of dress which is modeled on Victorian or Renaissance 
fashions, black or blood-red lipstick, sunglasses, fangs, FX contacts, and a 
generally melancholy or lugubrious air. Lifestylers often form alternative 
extended families and social structures modeled on the "covens" or "clans" of 
vampire fiction and role-playing games. Many also utilize lingo and terminology 
taken from vampire fiction and RPGs. Some are real vampires in the sense of 
craving blood, while others are blood fetishists, and still others are just 
drawn to the "Vampyre aesthetic". This is an outgrowth of, but distinct from, 
the Gothic subculture.
There are some people, however, who use the term "vampyre" merely as an 
alternative spelling of "vampire", not necessarily indicating the vampyre 
lifestyle.
Vampyrecrafte:
In general, this is the magick practiced by vampires or vampyre lifestylers. 
Many of them are pagan and follow the old ways, and the ways of magick are an 
integral part of their beliefs. Most vampires or vampyre lifestylers practice 
numerous techniques associated with energy manipulation. Many also practice some 
form of magick, most oftenly ritual magick or chaos magick. Vampyrecrafte refers 
to magickal techniques specifically designed by vampires and vampyre lifestylers 
to take advantage of their unique abilities. Vampyrecrafte often has a dark 
flavor to it, although in general it is more of a balance between dark and light 
techniques.
Wannabe:
A slang term, a contraction of the words "wants to be". Derogatory term for 
someone who wants to become a vampire, usually with unrealistic expectations of 
what it would be like. Most wannabes have a very romanticized vision of 
vampirism, and they seem to think it would improve their lives somehow or make 
them more interesting. Many are attracted by a false vision of a vampire's 
powers. They usually fail to look at the practical side of becoming a vampire, 
such as necessary changes in lifestyle, finding sources to feed from, and trying 
to hold a job while balancing one's vampiric nature with daily life.
(Author Unknown)

PART FOUR: Vampires and the Age of Ignorance

Throughout history the legend of the vampire has been used to "explain" other 
natural phenomena that primitive people who lacked scientific knowledge could 
not otherwise explain. Possibly the most astonishing belief which people 
associated vampires with was the Black Death during the Middle Ages in Europe.

The Black Death, as we now know, was actually Bubonic plague spread by fleas and 
rats. The plague (which came from the East, not unlike the vampire) may have 
killed as much as a third of the population of Europe in the 1300s. Some people 
of the day, however, associated the multitude of deaths with vampires. Somehow 
they believed that the deaths were the workings of these monsters; perhaps the 
vampires spread plague, they may have thought. In some cases people believed a 
deceased relative returned as a vampire and killed a victim (who actually died 
of the plague). Alternately, it was believed a dead enemy could return and kill 
someone turning the victim into a vampire as well. Many graves were dug up and 
the bodies of suspected vampires mutilated to "kill" the vampire.

Idiotic methods were used to "locate" the graves of vampires. For example, a 
virgin was placed naked on a horse, and the horse was paraded through a 
graveyard. If the horse (which was apparently more intelligent than the people) 
decided not to walk over a certain burial site, this was assumed to be the grave 
of a vampire. The body was immediately exhumed and mutilated to "kill" the 
vampire and, yes, thereby stop the plague which was devastating the region.

Some of the most foolish vampire beliefs involved the methods used for killing 
vampires or stopping the spread of vampirism. It is important to remember, 
however, that while these beliefs seem absurd today, in an age when ignorance 
ruled unchecked, desperate people became susceptible to the power of 
superstitions.

Corpses were sometimes buried face-down. If the corpse became a vampire it would 
actually dig deeper into the ground in an attempt to escape the grave, if it was 
facing the wrong direction -- or so it was thought. Wooden stakes were sometimes 
planted in the ground above the grave, so if the body rose it would stab itself 
on the stake -- hopefully through the heart.

Corpses were sometimes wrapped in a carpet or cloth to make it more difficult 
for them to rise from the dead. Alternately, the legs or arms were tied up with 
rope.

Large rocks were often placed over the grave to prevent the corpse's return. 
(Could this possibly be the origin of the modern tombstone?) And it is 
significant to note that some people consider the vampire to be a type of ghost 
which lives after death, transcending the grave. What better way to keep the 
ghost in the grave than seal it in stone?

The natural process of bodily decomposition after death sometimes convinced 
people that corpses were actually transforming into vampires: the hair and nails 
continued to grow, indicating continued life; the corpse bloated from naturally 
occurring gasses in the body, meaning it fed on the living; blood sometimes 
appeared near the mouth as a natural result of bodily decay, indicating the 
drinking of blood; the generally grotesque appearance of the corpse complete 
with pale skin, indicating a vampiric need for blood.

Ignorant people followed superstitions to thwart assault from vampires, too. Two 
of the most commonly known substances used to scare away vampires were the herbs 
"wolfsbane" and, of course, garlic.. It is theorized that people during the 
Middle Ages believed that the horrible smell of the dead was related to the 
cause of death, especially during the Black Death, and that the deaths were 
somehow related to vampires. It is not unlikely that herbs would be used to 
counteract the smell of death, considering the potent aroma of garlic. Also, 
throughout the ages garlic had been used as a medicinal herb even by the ancient 
Romans. Ironically enough, modern science also believes garlic can help people 
become healthier, in some cases.

graphic People developed curious beliefs relating to vampires. Some believed if 
a black cat or dog jumped over a corpse, the deceased could turn into a vampire. 
In Bukovinian lore a stake of ash wood should be driven through the chest of 
those who died by suicide; suicide being a presumed cause for vampirism. In 
several cultures, including old England, people who committed suicide were 
buried at a crossroads (a sign of the cross made by roads) to prevent the corpse 
from becoming a vampire.

Various people had their various methods for destroying vampires as well. In 
some Slavic nations a spike made of ash wood, if driven through the chest, was 
believed to kill a vampire -- this is everyone's favorite method, a stake 
through the heart. In different lands, however, the wood used sometimes needed 
to be from a certain tree. For example, oak wood did the job in Silesia, while 
hawthorn wood was required in Serbia.

Additionally, the heads of corpses suspected of being vampires were sometimes 
chopped off. Sometimes corpses were thrown into pools of water or burned.

These beliefs were based on the general ignorance of the population, but the 
greater tragedy of the vampire legend was that the actual ascendance of the 
belief of the vampire myth may have been helped through the deeds (and misdeeds) 
of organized religion.

The Church in Europe during the Middle Ages came to recognize the existence of 
vampires and changed it from a pagan folk myth into a creature of the Devil. The 
vampire, though clearly a thing of evil and a pagan myth, had its believability 
reinforced by preexisting Christian doctrines such as life after death, the 
resurrection of the body, and "transubstantiation." This was a concept based on 
the Last Supper and the dogma of Pope Innocent the III in 1215 A.D., that the 
"bread and wine" and its equivalent during Christian Communion literally 
transubstantiated into the actual body and blood of Christ. People who adhered 
to this belief, and who consumed the blood of Christ, would have little 
difficulty in believing the corrupted corollary to this -- the drinking of blood 
by evil demons, namely, vampires.

The Church during the Middle Ages gave credence to the belief in vampires, 
concluded that it alone had the power to stop vampirism, and then reinforced 
this position two centuries later in 1489 with its landmark book, Malleus 
Maleficarum. This work was actually designed to deal with the persecution of 
witches, but it could be applied to evil vampires as well. Unfortunately many 
innocent people fell victim to this document, and were tortured and executed for 
no good reason whatsoever. This book, known as The Hammer Against Witches in 
English, was used to help identify and persecute people who were supposedly in 
league with the Devil.

Two centuries after this, evidence that the Church still clung to a belief in 
vampires was found in the writing of the noted theologian Leo Allatius. As a 
Church scholar he studied the vrykolakas, the Greeks' concept of the vampire. In 
his 1645 work called On the Current Opinions of Certain Greeks, he concluded 
that vampires were often the result of excommunication. Proof of their vampirism 
is that the body does not decay, indicating that it cannot leave this earthly 
plane. A swollen body was also evidence of possible vampirism. As some bodies 
might not decay rapidly due to the type of chemicals in the soil or the cold air 
temperature, and since bodily swelling was the result of naturally produced 
gasses in a corpse, many a dead man was wrongly presumed to be a vampire. Oddly 
enough, incorruptibility --the failure of the dead body to decay -- was also a 
sign of holiness, even evidence of saintliness. The difference was that a 
vampire did not totally decay but did become grote
 sque in form with discoloration and bloating, while a holy body remained almost 
perfectly intact as if still alive. Also, vampires smelled bad during the lack 
of decay, whereas sanctified bodies did not. (Remember, you needed garlic to 
overcome the smell of the vampire's corrupting but non-decomposed, undead body.)

Furthermore, it was a common belief of early Greek Christians that a priest or 
bishop upon excommunicating an evil-doer could also prevent the sinner's body 
from decomposing, hence the soul would not be free to go to heaven and was left 
to dwell on earth until it received a pardon for its sins. In the western Church 
this belief was apparently also held. There was the case of the Archbishop of 
Bremen in the 10th century, St. Libentius. He was said to have excommunicated 
some pirates; the body of one of them was allegedly discovered many years later 
still undecomposed. It apparently required a pardon of its sins by a bishop 
before its body would dissolve to ashes -- so it was believed. The clergy thus 
had the power to make or break possible vampires through excommunication and 
absolution.

Leo Allatius may have been one of the first scholars to declare officially that 
vampires were under the power of the Devil and that they prowled at night.

Proof of the Church's power over vampires (and hence the power of the crucifix 
or holy cross to scare off vampires -- although more modern vampires appear to 
be less susceptible to this) dates all the way back, at least, to Medieval 
England. A writer named William of Newburgh discussed the case of a man who died 
in the 12th century A.D. Supposedly he rose from the dead to torment his wife. 
After causing much consternation with the local villagers and clergy, the bishop 
of the region pardoned the corpse in writing for all his past sins. The grave 
was opened and the actual written pardon was placed over the body of the 
"vampire." The people were surprised -- or maybe not -- to see the body was 
still in good condition without signs of decay, sure proof of vampirism. But 
fortunately for everyone, once the pardon was placed in the grave, the vampire 
visited no more. Note that this method of dispelling the vampire with an 
official Church document was remarkably more civil and legal
 istic than the ordinary way peasants would dispense with a vampire found in the 
grave -- by burning the corpse, ripping out its heart, chopping off its head, or 
giving it the old wooden stake through the heart.

In the early 1700s the Sorbonne university in Paris formally opposed the all too 
common practice in popular culture of mutilating corpses to prevent the dead 
from becoming vampires. The Sorbonne (which the renowned writer Voltaire had 
once been shocked to discover actually debated the legitimacy of the 
mythological vampire) finally took the apparently radical position at that time 
that the mutilation of corpses suspected of vampirism was a practice based on 
irrational superstitions.

The belief in vampires, however, did not go without intelligent criticism. Dom 
Augustine Calmet, a French Benedictine monk, actually wrote a book in 1746 which 
dared to question the existence of vampires, called A Treatise on Apparitions, 
Spirits and Vampires a.k.a. The Phantom World. Calmet challenged the rampant 
vampire superstitions of the day and required proof before acceptance of a 
belief. He especially doubted that vampires could perform superhuman tasks, such 
as rising from the dead. He also analyzed and critiqued the supposed vampire 
epidemics throughout Europe, questioning their basis in reality.

Eventually the centuries of ignorance and superstition gave way to the Age of 
Reason and Enlightenment and the rise of the scientific method. Eventually 
medical science was able to prove that plagues, such as the Black Death, were 
not spread by evil, metaphysical vampires but had a very physical, although 
microscopic, biological basis.

Human Living Vampires --(HLV's)

General Information
These are individuals who, while they firmly assert that they are essentially 
human beings,
and to all external appearances are exactly that, nevertheless have pronounced 
vampiric characteristics.
That is to say, Human Living Vampires feel that they have a need,
compulsion, or involuntary tendency to "feed" upon some substance
or some kind of energy produced by other living things, primarily other people.
HLV's fall into two main classes: those who experience blood-lust or 
blood-craving,
and "psychic vampires" or "psi-vampires".
There is considerable debate among these individuals as to whether they do or do 
not share
"secondary symptoms" (such as sensitivity to sunlight) in common (See Secondary 
Symptoms, below).
Blood-craving HLV's tend to regard their need for blood as a
liability, sometimes an extremely severe one.
Psychic vampire HLV's usually have a somewhat more positive attitude toward 
their perceived energy-draining ability,
but often complain about the negative effects of these tendencies on their lives 
as a whole,
especially when the energy-draining is uncontrolled.
Within these two larger categories, there are several subdivisions among 
self-defined HLV's.
There are also a number of different "theories" proposed by HLV's to explain
their own origin, or the cause(s) of their conditions.
No HLV claims to be immortal, invincible, or possessed of
supernatural abilities (other than the extent to which psychic
abilities such as clairvoyance or astral projection might be called 
"supernatural").
Although some report enhanced strength, stamina, resistance to disease,
and so forth, in no case do these traits exceed the limits of human norms.
Human Living Vampires are human beings who are born, grow up, age,
and fully expect to die at the end of a conventional lifespan.
They are prone to any illness or injury that afflicts human beings.
They can and do have children.
They have normal nutritional requirements
(although some HLV's report unusual food cravings, allergies or aversions)
and in all other ways are bound by natural law.
Most are anxious to insist that being an HLV brings no glamour or special 
privileges,
but simply makes the everyday existence of relationships, jobs, and home life 
that much more challenging.
Many HLV's have difficulty understanding why a normal human would ask to be
"turned" into what they are and react to such requests with a certain amount of 
antagonism.
HLV's are strongly tied into human culture and society,
although many of them will express feelings of alienation.
In some cases, this may have as much to do with other factors
(high intelligence, sexual orientation, non-mainstream religious beliefs,
affinity with other counter-cultures such as the Goths, and so on)
as with the self-defined vampirism.
Many HLV's cling to bits and pieces of the 20th Century Vampire Myth,
at the same time that they urgently attempt to debunk this Myth in their 
writings.
In particular, "viral" explanations for their origins are quite popular,
along with "scientific" rationales in general.
However, for the most part, HLV's are far less concerned with explaining
themselves on any grounds, than they are with coping with the specific needs
and abilities that they identify as impacting upon their lives.
This is their primary focus, and the motivation for their forming networks
and support groups and "coming out" in public as HLV's.
All explanatory "theories" are considered to be tentative, even relative to the 
individual,
and many explicit statements to this effect are made by various HLV's on their 
websites.

Blood Vampires
I am using the term "blood vampires" here to refer to those
self-defined HLV's whose main vampiric tendency is a compulsion, or need,
to consume blood for reasons that are not primarily related to eroticism or 
emotional satisfaction.
Amy Krieytaz has coined the term "sanguinarians" for such HLV's.
Blood vampires do not experience any psychic vampire
tendencies of which they are consciously aware and tend to be rather bewildered
by the reported experiences of self-defined psychic vampires.
Blood vampires feel a physical craving to consume blood, and most do so on a 
regular basis.
Most desire human blood, and many blood vampires have
arranged for "donors" to supply them with fresh blood.
Some blood vampires describe a life-long fascination with blood and 
blood-drinking,
while others experienced an abrupt awakening of blood-craving
which they may or may not be able to trace to a certain event.
The amount of blood consumed, and the frequency of consumption, varies highly 
among blood vampires,
but few consume more than tiny amounts at a time, usually obtained through 
slight cuts or punctures
made by lancets or razor blades on willing human "donors".
Often, the "donors" themselves undertake the making of all cuts or wounds.
Many blood vampires insist that "donors" undergo
testing for blood-borne diseases, including HIV and hepatitis.
Some blood vampires consume animal blood, but this is unpopular
and usually considered an inferior substitute for human blood.
Because of the obvious difficulties in finding trustworthy or consistent 
"donors",
or other sources of fresh blood, many blood vampires are highly concerned
with the problem of "blood famine" or blood deprivation.
Online discussions for HLV's often address the issue of blood deprivation
and ways of alleviating symptoms.
These discussions sometimes result in more frustration than assistance,
however, when blood vampires are urged to "psi-feed" as a substitute for 
drinking blood
and find this suggestion impossible or incomprehensible.
More material substitutes for blood that are reported include
"blood" drained from raw meat, rare meat itself,
milk and dairy products, and even chocolate.
Blood-drinking HLV's believe strongly that their need to consume human blood
is not merely psychosomatic, but none of them has been able to
present any workable theory as to just why they require blood.
This remains an open area of inquiry.
Blood vampires are divided into two primary categories,
by intensity of their need for regular blood consumption.

Severe or "bloodlusting" blood vampires experience the
most critical and physical blood cravings.
They report a need for larger amounts of blood than most blood vampires or 
psi-blood
feeders consume at one time, and require it more often.
They also report the strongest feelings of physical "withdrawal"
when prevented from consuming blood,
sometimes so extreme as to resemble narcotics withdrawal.
Some severe blood vampires believe that
blood consumption may in itself be addictive, with higher amounts
consumed resulting in an irreversible higher degree of need.
Some severe blood vampires talk about the strength of their inner
compulsion to obtain blood by any means possible,
and the difficulty of keeping such antisocial impulses in check.
The phrase "The Beast" has been used to describe this almost overwhelming
"shadow self" that threatens to take over when a severe blood vampire
is suffering from blood deprivation, or when he or she has a source and that 
source is threatened.
While I have not yet heard any of these blood vampires describe giving into "The 
Beast",
they seem to agree that it requires their constant vigilance to keep under 
control.
Moderate or "blood-craving" blood vampires are satisfied with smaller amounts of 
blood from "donors"
and do not experience the same intensity of withdrawal symptoms,
or inner compulsion as severe blood vampires.
They may be satisfied for far longer periods of time with various substitutes,
and their need for blood may be more intertwined
with complex emotional and sexual feelings.
However, they are not merely blood fetishists,
because they do report a physical need to drink blood.

Psychic Vampires or Psi-vampires
This is a multi-layered and somewhat conflicting category.
The most succinct way I can describe human living psychic vampires
is the following: psychic vampires are living people who feel a
pronounced need to enhance their natural state of being by
drawing, absorbing, "draining" or "feeding on" some kind of "energy".
Most psychic vampires claim that the kind of energy they
require is life force, or "pranic energy", that is to say, a specific
type of energy produced by living things and the biosphere as a whole.
While this is the most common "energy" craved by psychic
vampires, other types of "energy" that are identified, and
differentiated from "pranic energy", include sexual energy, psychic
energy, emotional energy, magickal energy, negative energy,
astral energy, and atmospheric energy (for example,
thunderstorms), and there are others mentioned, as well.
These "energies" are given conflicting and overlapping definitions,
however, and the explanations of what "energy" is, exactly, and
how the psychic vampire uses it tend to vary from one individual to another.
Most psychic vampires "feed" primarily from other human
beings, but a great many report being able to "feed" from
non-human living things and from other sources.
In some cases, this is an emergency substitute, but some psychic vampires
attempt to "wean themselves" away from human sources altogether for different 
reasons.
Some psychic vampires hold (and this is simply their opinion) that it is more 
"evolved"
or advanced to progress beyond feeding on humans.
Some psychic vampires report an ability to absorb "energy" from
material sources, including fresh vegetables, rare meat and blood.
Although many psychic vampires have an interest in blood-drinking,
they do not seem to crave or lust for it as do blood vampires.
It remains an open question whether psychic vampires
who have an interest in blood, but who do not actually drink it,
may not be reacting to the power of suggestion,
and feel interested in blood because they self-identify as vampires
and on some deep level associate vampires with blood.
But this is a question that psychic vampires themselves will need to puzzle out.
(See Psi-Blood Feeders for a discussion of psychic vampires who crave blood.)
Like blood vampires, psychic vampires feel that they must "feed"
on the energy they require on a regular basis, and many report
physical feelings of discomfort if they are denied access to a source.
Symptoms of "energy deprivation" include extreme fatigue, depression, mood 
swings,
immune system suppression with an increase in illnesses,
uncontrollable "draining" of non-targeted sources, negative reactions from
others close to the psychic vampire, insomnia and anxiety.
Psychic vampires often discuss methods of finding energy sources
and "feeding" reliably and harmlessly, and these methods vary to a high degree.
I could not give a fair representative sampling, but some examples
include psychic vampires who "feed" during sex, those who "feed"
on large crowds, those who draw energy from the natural world
and visit parks or wilderness when "hungry", and those who "feed"
by finding people in highly energized states and either calming or further 
provoking them.
Unlike blood vampirism, psychic vampirism may be diagnosed
either subjectively by the vampire or objectively by observers.
Symptoms that one is a psychic vampire oneself include mood
swings, dizziness, alternations between high energy and fatigue,
headaches, a distinct feeling that one is pulling or drawing energy
or emotions from other people, and similar feelings.
But more and more people are being "diagnosed" as psychic vampires by other
self-defined psychic vampires, on the grounds of numerous criteria.
These include observed effects of the suspected psychic vampire on others
(fatigue or depression in the presence of the psychic vampire,
a sensation of phantom "tendrils" or attachments,
a sensation that something is being pulled or drawn out of the body or aura)
and direct psychic perception of the aura or energy field of the suspected 
psychic vampire.
Psychic vampires are developing a completely independent subculture of their own
and have their own acknowledged leaders and their own vocabulary.
They are also developing a consensual agreement on what being a psychic vampire 
feels like,
both to the psychic vampire and to others around him or her,
especially psychically sensitive others.
Some psychic vampires identify what they call an "energy signature"
that allows them to interpret whether another person is a psychic vampire,
as well as what specific type they are and how they function.
Such signatures are often read and interpreted during direct
contact over such media as online chat or the telephone.
Training methods adopted from modern magical traditions,
standard psychic development disciplines, meditative paths such as
Taoism and other sources are being introduced to help psychic vampires learn
to control their "feeding" and learn to "manipulate energy".
There are an increasing number of websites aimed specifically at psychic 
vampires and their concerns.
Psychic vampires proper fall into two main categories:

Conscious
Conscious Psychic vampires are fully aware of what they are and have
identified as psychic vampires at least on some level.
While they may not be able to completely control their "draining" tendencies,
they do try, and seek methods of learning how to do so more effectively.
When they have achieved at least some feeling of mastery,
they often offer to teach and support other nascent
psychic vampires by sharing what they have learned.
They tend to have strong and volatile personalities.

Unconscious
Unconcious Psychic vampires do not understand what they are,
and tend to wander through life in a state of blissful ignorance or denial.
They may or may not be aware of the effect they have on others,
although they can see the results.
Unconscious psychic vampires may stumble across a vampire website
or other forum and experience a shattering moment of truth when it all clicks 
together.
They may also be "diagnosed" by conscious psychic vampires and
urged to face what they are and learn to control their tendencies.
Of all vampires, unconscious psychic vampires tend to be most
noticeable to ordinary people, who see them as clingy,
attention-seeking, demanding, inconstant individuals.
In some cases, these assessments are not supported by actual behavior,
but are a materialist's rationalizations of the psychic perception of
the vampire's energy draining, for which the average person has no context..
Either way, unconscious psychic vampires do tend to
have rocky and difficult relationships, home lives and personal
interactions until they come to some kind of understanding of what they are.

Silver

Silver acts as an inhibitor for us psi-vampires. Lots of people wonder why a 
psi-vampire would want to wear something that inhibits their abilities. Here are 
the reasons why.

When a psi-vampire first awakens they have little control over their abilities 
(if they even realize what they are yet) and their bodies need energy and they 
do not know how to get it so their bodies instinctively start draining those 
around them, this is why their friends and family become suddenly tired all the 
time and or depressed.

It is always suggested to a young vampire that they wear silver that is touching 
their skin until they learn how to feed consciously on their own. This protects 
those around them.

Also the older vampires or elders and hi elders that have too much energy on 
full moons and new moons will wear silver so that their presence will not be too 
hard on sensitives or other psi-vampires that happen to be near or talking to 
them (even over the net). This is the reason I occasionally wear it myself.

For some psi-vampires that have nils or awakened humans as lovers and are afraid 
of accidentally draining them during sex will wear silver to protect them. Most 
do not even tell their lovers why they wear the silver, it is one little 
sacrifice that we make for them that they have no knowledge of.

For women who cant wear silver openly you can do as I did and put some in your 
bra.

Copper

Copper is used to amplify our abilities. Here are the reasons why one of us 
would wear this.

If we are using our abilities to try to heal others or give energy to a friend 
who is sick we would want to wear the copper, normally in a bracelet that we 
used to help focus our energy or amplify our power levels like a magnifying 
glass amplifies your eyesight.

Another reason we would wear copper is that if we feel threatened by another of 
psi-vampire we will wear the copper to increase our powers as much as possible 
for self-defense.

Copper is also used for protection especially if it is in the form of an ankh.

Sometimes where we have a nonvampiric lover we will have them wear copper while 
we wear silver when we are having sex.

Amethyst

Amethyst is used to make a safe haven for us and also it is used for protection.

If you think you are being attacked by a psi-vampire and you want to keep them 
out of your home simply get an amethyst stone (tumbled stone is the best) and 
put this in your dwelling. A psi-vampire can not phase, dream walk, nor enter in 
astral form into any dwelling with an amethyst in it unless they have been 
invited in more than once.

We can not physically enter such a dwelling (except with great difficulty and it 
feels like we are suddenly blind because we are cut off from our senses) without 
an invitation as well. The myth about invitations and vampires probably started 
here but I'm not sure on this point.

If you want to be safe from any form of aura draining or magical attack wear 
amethyst in your jewelry. If you are a male and don't feel comfortable wearing 
jewelry you can always carry a tumbled amethyst stone in your pocket.

There are 3 tools for getting around the physical discomfort of sunlight

For all the psi-vampires and sanguinarian vampires that get physically sick from 
sunlight, these three tools will help you considerably. The general symptoms are 
nausea, migraines, cramps, dizziness, sluggishness, body temperature drops, and 
some even pass out.

V8, especially the V8 splash drinks will greatly reduce all of the symptoms 
caused by daylight. V8 works because of the vitamin A in the carrot juice which 
your body needs. If you become vitamin A deficient you will become sunlight 
sensitive and for some reason sunlight seems to deplete our bodies store of 
vitamin A. I personally only drink the strawberry-kiwi or the tropical twist 
flavors.

I can not eat grapes or have anything with nutrasweet because my body has a hard 
time breaking down the complex sugars in them and I always wind up with a 
headache.

GATORADE will stop the migraines you get from the sunlight. The reason we get 
migraines when we do go out and about during the day is because the sunlight 
throws off our bodies electrolytes and the Gatorade fixes this problem.

HOT CHOCOLATE will get rid of the cramps and migraine if it has gotten to the 
point where your muscles have cramped up from the pain. Hot chocolate works 
because the chocolate makes your body produce endorphins which are pain killers 
and because it is a hot liquid it gets your muscles to relax.

The only other natural thing I know that makes your body produce endorphins is 
sex.

This site is sponsored by Graveyard Publishing © 2008-2012 All Rights Reserved

This Material is for educational purposes only
------------

To view this discussion, go to:
http://pathsofpaganunderworld.com/group/vampyretemple/forum/topic/show?id=3359215%3ATopic%3A439676&xg_source=msg