Elinox Wrote:How'd you figure out you identify as a stag red deer?
It was a rather long process actually. I first discovered the term "Therianthropy" or "Therian" back in early 03' or 04' through Werelist. At the time I was unsure about it, but I have experienced some things that could be attributed to Therianism, which piqued my interest in the subject. I've always had an interest in animals since I started walking, talking, and reading. <!-- s

--><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s

--> I know it's not a pre-cursor at all, just putting it out there.
I left myself undeclared for a long time, looking through my traits and identifying them as either 'animalistic' or 'human' (this was a three year or more span).
Through my process, I looked at the whole of the animal kingdom. Sure, it woulda been "cool" if I where a predator, but I didn't have those base feelings when I looked at myself. I felt more "prey". Some of the shifts I've experienced pointed me more in that direction as well.
My base attitudes and perceptions led me to look through herbivores first (naturally). So I looked though that part of the animal kingdom, narrowing the field one small step at a time. After about 2 more years of study and self-reflection I landed on "Deer".
Alright... There are
thousands of species of deer.
One by one, I narrowed it further, starting with deer that are 'natural' to upstate NY (whitetail). Nope... wasn't quite right, it was close though. Just didn't "ring true". Then I looked at more and more species. Elk? No... Moose? No.... Antelope (that would have also been awesome)? No... I kept going looking through habits, interaction, mating, eating, social interactions. I didn't leave any proverbial stone unturned. I also figgured since I wasn't taking part in a race to see who I am, I could take my sweet time with it. I didn't want to feel rushed into making a choice too soon. Didn't want to box myself in. I'm also pretty skeptical about it , so I feel I have a level head when it comes to the choice I made.
One day a few years ago, I was puttering around online looking through some pictures on Deviantart. There was this amazing picture of a red stag standing over his harem. A lightbulb flashed on in my minds eye. I
had to know more about that magnificent looking animal... So, I did more research... and some more... and it felt like a part of me was joyful, like I found 'it'. The supreme "Aha!" moment. From that moment on, I've considered myself a stag.
I know, I know... it's weird that I'm a female who identifies as a male theriotype, but who am I to question what I've experienced? It felt right, like I finally found what I'd been looking for all those years. I also know more about deer than anyone who doesn't hunt should... lol
I also sorta practice my own form of shamanism, so I also have totems. So, I know the difference between a totem and a theriotype (just in case you where going to ask XD).