Hello everyone!

Got directed here by Seraphyna. Thought I'd join and introduce myself (I'll be a lurker for awhile till I get the gist of this forum).

Name: Damh [pronounced:"Dahv"] Irish Gaelic for "Stag".
Traits: Stag ( european/scottish red stag, not whitetail, or mule deer, elk, ect.)
Totems: Hawk and Fox
Age: 27
Hobbies: Art (doing it and looking at it), Movies, Music, Reading, Writing (sometimes), Tattooing (it IS a hobby, not my job)
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
Religion:Animal Spiritualist (Yes there is such a thing. It's close to Shamanism, but it's not. Kind of a term I came up with for what I practice)
Reason for coming: To make some friends and learn from others.

More about me:

Stumbled onto Therianthropy (the definition/explanation anyhow)a number of years ago. I've always felt that a part of me was an animal. I didn't have the definition nor did I have the knowledge to know what it was I was dealing with. Didn't even know what particular animal I was until I actually sat down and did some work and self reflection and study. This was a rather long process for me taking at least three years until some of my personality/aspects/knowledge of self came to the fore and pointed me in the correct direction.

I've experienced many different forms of shifting through meditation and dream working. I'm a very spiritual person, I'm also naturally curious. So, I looked into some of the things I experienced and found others like me. Quite exciting. I'm looking forward to meeting others and talking about my beliefs (not to worry, not trying to convert anyone, just sharing information).

Why would a female relate to a Stag? Well in my own personal beliefs it has to do with balance. The feminine aspect has to have a counterpoint that happens to be male. This is not true for all Therians, this is just something that is true to me and my phenotype as well as spirituality. At least that is my belief.

Welcome! Enjoy the stay! I know another deer therian over on Werelist, he's not a whitetail either to my knowledge.

Yo and Welcome

Thank you both for the welcome <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

*waves* 'lo!

How'd you figure out you identify as a stag red deer?

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).

Since I brought you here I'll come out of hiding to say:

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

and to recommend you refer to stag as your theriotype as opposed to a phenotype. Phenotype has gone rather out of fashion as, scientifically, it refers to the outer appearance of something...and as we know therians aren't the animal they identify with lol. A change in terminology will get fewer people pouncing on you in the long run.

It's been awhile since I spoken in a forum, my lingo is circa 03' -04'.

The correction is dually noted and I will edit myself in the future as to not get pounced upon...
Isn't it enough I'm already prey?!?! The threat of pouncings *grumbles*.... lol j/k

Damh Wrote: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).

How do you work with totems? And what totems have you worked with so far? (I've worked with totems as well and consider myself an animist.)

Also, it seems like you've really done your homework, so good for you!

Damh Wrote:Isn't it enough I'm already prey?!?! The threat of pouncings *grumbles*.... lol j/k

Mmmm venison *drool*. Errr....I didn't type that *shifty eyes*.