Post by AKASHA THE DARK ANGEL OF DEATH on Oct 9, 2006 13:22:34 GMT -5
by: Inanna Arthen
"Real Vampires"-how can this be anything but a contradiction in terms? We
all know about vampires. Stock characters of fiction, guaranteed box-office
draws, the media vampire has been familiar to us since childhood. Generally
speaking, our blood-suckers appear with a tongue planted firmly in one
toothy cheek-from Bela Lugosi hamming it up in the 1950's, to last summer's
teenage "vamp" movies, to Count Chocula breakfast cereal, the media seldom
treat the vampire as truly fearsome. The stereotyped vampire traits are
familiar to any child: vampires have big fangs, sleep in coffins, are
instantly incinerated by sunlight, and are best dispatched by a stake
through the heart. But the most important "fact" that we all know of course
is that there are no such things.
Of course, in terms of the mythical, literary and cinematic conventions, we
are correct: there are no "legions of the undead" stalking the unwary. We
have explained the folklore with politics, misunderstood diseases, and
hysteria, the literary and cinematic images with psychology, history, and
sociology. We of the 20th century are confident that vampires could not
really exist. But then, most of us are never forced to think otherwise. For
a number of people, the concept of vampires becomes a critical and often
lifelong concern. To live with, love, or befriend a real vampire is to
encounter a set of problems which may demand expanding the boundaries of
one's accepted reality. To come to terms with being a real vampire oneself
is to face a lifetime's karmic challenge.
Some people reading this article already know this. The rest are probably
thinking, "Real Vampires, give me a break! Sure, there are some pretty weird
people out there, but all they need is a good therapist." Yes, there are
people who take on all the trappings of a gothic novel: dressing in black,
claiming or pretending to be "vampires" in the supernatural sense, wearing
capes, sleeping in boxes, even getting their teeth capped. There are more
frightening people who seek to torture or kill animals or human beings in
order to gain power, emotional release or sexual thrill, and who sometimes
call themselves (or are called) "vampires". But most of these individuals
are troubled people who have been attracted by the cultural myths about the
vampire: supernatural powers (because they feel powerless), overwhelming
sexuality (because most of them have sexual issues and no true
relationships), immortality (because they fear aging and death). Individuals
like these are the most recent "explanation" for humanity's persistent
belief in vampires. But beyond and behind all the folklore, the
psychological theories, the role playing, even the traditional spiritual
assumptions, lies the real truth about vampires.
The field of vampirology is complex and mysterious. There are many aspects
to the vampire phenomenon, and they would require several books to fully
explore. One aspect of vampirism which frequently troubles magickal,
spiritual and other small groups, the most common form of vampire, is found
among living people who share with us the benefits and disadvantages of
physical existence on this plane, yet are not quite human. These people
appear on the surface to be somewhat eccentric members of society, yet their
outward idiosyncrasies only hint at how different they are from those around
them.
Each of us incarnates for a lifetime with a certain way of relating to the
physical world through the vehicle of our physical body. A vampire is a
person born with an extraordinary capacity to absorb, channel, transform,
and manipulate "pranic energy" or life force. She also has a critical energy
imbalance which reels wildly from deficit to overload and back again. This
capacity for handling energy is a gift, but the constant imbalance of her
own system is the cause of the negative behavior patterns and
characteristics which may be notable about a vampiric person.
Real vampires do not necessarily drink blood-in fact, most of them do not.
Blood-drinking and vampirism have been confused to the extent that for the
average person, a vampire is defined as something that drinks blood (such as
a "vampire bat"). But when we look beyond casual assumptions to the details
of common beliefs, we find something quite different. Throughout both
folklore and literature, there is an understanding that vampires require
energy or life force. Many old folktales accept that vampires suck blood,
yet never describe this actually happening. The victims slowly decline and
waste away, and the survivors assume that some evil fiend is draining them
of blood. They know that the Bible says, "the blood is the life", and anyone
who was losing their life force must be losing blood. Yet, in many instances
the vampire's "attack" does not even involve physical contact. In others, it
is clearly sexual energy which is exchanged.1
Fresh blood is the highest known source of pranic energy (life force).2
Human beings have practiced blood-drinking for many reasons throughout
history, but drinking blood alone does not indicate that a person is a
vampire. Only real vampires can directly absorb the pranic energy in fresh
blood, and for this reason some real vampires are attracted to blood and
find different means of obtaining it.3 However, it is a rare vampire who
cannot absorb energy in much more subtle ways. This is the mechanism that
causes real vampires to inflict harm on others and themselves if they fail
to recognize what is happening and do conscious work on transforming their
inner natures. Vampires are no more likely to be either malicious or
spiritually aware than the general population, but without awareness, they
can spend their lives making themselves and others unhappy, and will
continue to incarnate in this pattern until they take action to change it.
There are a number of external symptoms of vampirism, but it is important to
realize that some of them are found in ordinary human behavior. Real
vampires are identifiable partly because they have a majority of the
symptoms, not just one or two. But more significantly, real vampires are
distinguished by a certain quality to the energy. While anyone reading a
description of the symptoms and behavior patterns might find a few that
apply to people he knows, or even to himself, real vampires have a way of
standing out vividly to everyone who interacts with them. There are few
people who do not know at least one vampire.
Physically, vampires are usually "night people"" on a biochemical level.
They have inverted circadian rhythms, with body cycles such as temperature
peaks, menstrual onset, and the production of sleep hormones in the brain
occurring at the opposite time of day from most people. They have difficulty
adjusting to daytime schedules and frequently work nights. They tend to be
photosensitive, avoiding sunlight, sunburning easily, and having excellent
night vision. Their vitality ranges widely, and they can be vigorous and
active one day, depressed and languorous the next.
They frequently have digestive trouble. Even those with cast-iron stomachs
have many issues with food that are rooted in their constant hunger for
energy. Contrary to the image of the vampire as thin, many real vampires are
troubled by obesity because of a hunger that makes them food addicts, and a
system that is sluggish in processing physical food. They are also sometimes
troubled by other substance addictions for the same reasons, but since their
systems are tuned to pranic energy more than to processing physical
substance, they may not be as sensitive to drugs and alcohol as an ordinary
person would be.
Emotionally and physically, vampires are unpredictable, moody, temperamental
and overwhelming. The major distinguishing characteristic of real vampires
as opposed to ordinary people who share those qualities is the vampire's
intensity. Vampires are extremely intense people. They are frequently given
nicknames such as "the black hole." When others talk about them (usually to
complain about them), vampires are often described by such terms as "needy,"
"attention-seeking," "grandstanding," "manipulative," "exhausting,"
"draining," "monopolizes the conversation," "jealous," "huge ego," and so
on. A vampire's emotions are deep, fervent, and powerful, and she usually
displays great psychic ability and has uncontrolled magickal and psychic
experiences. Vampires are also empaths, and while they remain unconscious of
their natures, they are frequently "psychic sponges" who simply absorb
vibrations from everywhere, with the expected emotional instability
resulting.
A "hungry" vampire -- one whose energy level is imbalanced to the deficit
side -- becomes an involuntary psychic vortex, drawing all pranic energy in
the area towards her. When the energy does not flow in fast enough -- and it
is typical of vampires that the energy never flows fast enough for them --
she will begin manifesting behavior patterns to increase the amount of
conscious attention she gets from others. For this reason, some vampires
develop a pattern of being aggressively confrontational, or of constantly
antagonizing people with whom they have relationships. Nearly all vampires,
whatever ploys they use, have a talent for attracting (or distracting) the
attention of everyone present.
Once a vampire overloads on energy, she reverses her behavior patterns. She
may become morose, silent, withdrawn and introverted. Some vampires become
maniacally cheerful when they are satiated, but even their good moods seem
to annoy others, and it is more typical for vampires to be infamous as wet
blankets. "Hungry" and "overload" phases can occur within a few minutes or
last for days at a time. Vampires are commonly loners, in part because they
feel so different from those around them, but also because they have a need
to control the degree of contact they have with sources of energy.
Real vampires are not the demonic fiends of Christianized folklore, but as
long as they refuse to accept their inner nature, their bad reputation is
not undeserved. Unconscious vampires have a tendency to reach adulthood with
less than the average level of social skill and general finesse, and tend to
be selfish and self-centered. The demands of their own energy systems are so
distracting to them that it is difficult for them to pay attention to the
needs of others. Their relationships tend to be disasters. Different
vampires develop different patterns according to what works best for them in
their life situation, but several patterns are common. The "femme fatale" or
"lady-killer" vampire forms a continuous series of sexual connections with
one partner at a time, dropping each unfortunate lover as they become too
exhausted (or defensive) to support the vampire's energy needs. Other
vampires form a long-term relationship with a single person: either another
vampire whose energy cycle complements their own, or a person who derives
satisfaction from being a psychic servant or martyr. A common pattern,
especially in young adults, is to continuously join social, religious,
political and magickal groups and either blow them apart or end up being
thrown out. Vampires may go through roommates, housing situations, magickal
groups, jobs and lovers like so much Kleenex.
Many people find that they feel "creepy" or "weird" around a vampire. This
is usually due to the effects of one's own life force being drawn towards
the vampire's vortex. Most people feel uncomfortable and distracted when
their energy is pulled away from themselves. In addition to this, a common
result of such an energy drain is for the aura to pull in tightly towards
the body, and this causes a prickling sensation on the skin -- the
"creepy-crawlies."
It is no more common for vampires to be psychopaths or killers than it is
for any random person on the street. However, a prolonged, or very involved,
relationship with a vampire can put a severe strain on the emotional and
psychic energy systems of an ordinary person. Folklore suggests that victims
of a vampire become vampires themselves. In reality, people who have been
seriously "drained" -- that is, have had their own energy pulled off balance
into a deficit -- also become psychic vortices which pull life force away
from other living things. However, they are never as powerful as a true
vampire, and unlike vampires, quickly recover and stabilize. True vampires
are born the way they are -- no one can be "turned into a vampire." However,
years of energy depletion can lead to health problems ranging from
depression and malaise to a suppressed immune system and susceptibility to
serious illnesses. Most people will break off the relationship before it
gets that far.
Many vampires are attracted to magickal paths. In a magickal working group,
their ability to wreak havoc is increased because of the psychic openness
and trust that exist there. But there can be a benefit, as well. Some
vampires become aware of their true natures and choose to undertake serious
work to transform themselves. As soon as they begin doing so, they become
more acceptable working partners and companions. Once in control of their
capacity for handling energy, they become extraordinary magicians and
healers. Their ability to hold the attention of others gives them the
potential to be fine leaders and teachers. Ultimately, the purpose of
vampires is not to plague the universe but to facilitate its healing.
Vampirism is the dark, or unfocused, side of a certain kind of psychic
talent, one which has been developing for many lifetimes. It is destructive
only when a vampire either refuses to face the truth about herself and work
with her abilities, or when she chooses to play out a sinister role because
of the illusion of power it gives her.
Because of this, many of the vampire characteristics described above are far
less evident in the most powerful vampires, the ones who have done
considerable work on their inner selves. Many of these are poised, pleasant,
competent individuals, with great personal power. They have come to terms
with who and what they are, and no longer exhibit the negative qualities
associated with "psychic vampirism." 4 Unfortunately, unconscious vampires
are far more common than evolved ones, and it is these troubled souls who
more usually appear in magickal groups.
There is no "generic advice" to give those who believe they may be dealing
with a real vampire. Those who are so inclined might try to help a friend or
fellow group member explore their inner nature and come to terms with their
destructive behaviors. Those who feel victimized can choose to end the
relationship. Each case is different, and can only be judged by the
individuals concerned. But it is important for anyone involved in magickal
or psychic work to understand that vampires are a real phenomenon, and that,
like all perils, they should not be greeted with fear or anger. Nothing is
evil by nature -- only by choice. Terror of discovery (followed by ridicule
or rejection) inhibits the self-development of many real vampires. When they
reach out for friendship, they are often reaching out for help.
A person who believes she may be a real vampire herself has a long and
difficult process ahead of her. The most important step on her path is
complete self-awareness: of her relationships, patterns, energy levels, and
all other personal qualities. The most challenging work may often be
summarized in the simplest of terms. Knowledge, awareness, and control are
the lessons real vampires must learn in order to harness their abilities. If
real vampires are not the immortals of fiction, they can at least be
confident of one thing: for better or worse, they will keep the qualities
they develop for many lives to come.
(The author welcomes inquiries from readers with a personal interest in the
subject of vampirism. She is available at vyrdolak@net1plus.com. Readers
wishing for more information about vampire lore in general are referred to
the Bibliography.)
NOTES
For a thorough examination of traditional vampire folklore, see the works of
Montague Summers and Anthony Masters.
Other high sources of pranic energy include semen, fresh fruits and
vegetables, and the breath of living animals. Meat -- filled with chemicals,
long dead, refrigerated, frozen and "aged" (partially decomposed) as it is
-- contains almost none. Many real vampires, aside from drinking blood, are
vegetarians.
For a somewhat flawed but interesting look at blood-drinking and vampirism,
see Stephen Kaplan. Leonard Wolf explores this subject from a more
philosophical and personal viewpoint.
This is not to suggest that even evolved vampires are always comfortable to
be around. They remain unpredictable, intense, emotional, and altogether
overwhelming personalities. Most are remarkable sexually, and all still draw
energy, although they can generally control this to some extent.
Furthermore, this article is not intended to mislead -- real vampires, even
evolved ones, do sometimes drink blood in order to obtain their energy.
Those who understand the many ways that life "gives way" to nurture more
life will see this as no more unnatural than eating live vegetables or
animals for food.
PARTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stephen Kaplan,Vampires Are (ETC Publications, 1984)
Anthony Masters, The Natural History of the Vampire (Berkley Publishing
Corp., 1972)
Raymond T. McNally and Radu Florescu, In Search of Dracula (New York Graphic
Society, 1972)
Montague Summers, The Vampire, His Kith and Kin (University Books, 1960)
Montague Summers, The Vampire in Europe (The Aquarian Press Limited, 1980)
James B. Twitchell, The Living Dead: A Study of the Vampire in Romantic
Literature (Duke University Press, 1981)
Leonard Wolf, A Dream of Dracula (Popular Library, 1972)
"Real Vampires"-how can this be anything but a contradiction in terms? We
all know about vampires. Stock characters of fiction, guaranteed box-office
draws, the media vampire has been familiar to us since childhood. Generally
speaking, our blood-suckers appear with a tongue planted firmly in one
toothy cheek-from Bela Lugosi hamming it up in the 1950's, to last summer's
teenage "vamp" movies, to Count Chocula breakfast cereal, the media seldom
treat the vampire as truly fearsome. The stereotyped vampire traits are
familiar to any child: vampires have big fangs, sleep in coffins, are
instantly incinerated by sunlight, and are best dispatched by a stake
through the heart. But the most important "fact" that we all know of course
is that there are no such things.
Of course, in terms of the mythical, literary and cinematic conventions, we
are correct: there are no "legions of the undead" stalking the unwary. We
have explained the folklore with politics, misunderstood diseases, and
hysteria, the literary and cinematic images with psychology, history, and
sociology. We of the 20th century are confident that vampires could not
really exist. But then, most of us are never forced to think otherwise. For
a number of people, the concept of vampires becomes a critical and often
lifelong concern. To live with, love, or befriend a real vampire is to
encounter a set of problems which may demand expanding the boundaries of
one's accepted reality. To come to terms with being a real vampire oneself
is to face a lifetime's karmic challenge.
Some people reading this article already know this. The rest are probably
thinking, "Real Vampires, give me a break! Sure, there are some pretty weird
people out there, but all they need is a good therapist." Yes, there are
people who take on all the trappings of a gothic novel: dressing in black,
claiming or pretending to be "vampires" in the supernatural sense, wearing
capes, sleeping in boxes, even getting their teeth capped. There are more
frightening people who seek to torture or kill animals or human beings in
order to gain power, emotional release or sexual thrill, and who sometimes
call themselves (or are called) "vampires". But most of these individuals
are troubled people who have been attracted by the cultural myths about the
vampire: supernatural powers (because they feel powerless), overwhelming
sexuality (because most of them have sexual issues and no true
relationships), immortality (because they fear aging and death). Individuals
like these are the most recent "explanation" for humanity's persistent
belief in vampires. But beyond and behind all the folklore, the
psychological theories, the role playing, even the traditional spiritual
assumptions, lies the real truth about vampires.
The field of vampirology is complex and mysterious. There are many aspects
to the vampire phenomenon, and they would require several books to fully
explore. One aspect of vampirism which frequently troubles magickal,
spiritual and other small groups, the most common form of vampire, is found
among living people who share with us the benefits and disadvantages of
physical existence on this plane, yet are not quite human. These people
appear on the surface to be somewhat eccentric members of society, yet their
outward idiosyncrasies only hint at how different they are from those around
them.
Each of us incarnates for a lifetime with a certain way of relating to the
physical world through the vehicle of our physical body. A vampire is a
person born with an extraordinary capacity to absorb, channel, transform,
and manipulate "pranic energy" or life force. She also has a critical energy
imbalance which reels wildly from deficit to overload and back again. This
capacity for handling energy is a gift, but the constant imbalance of her
own system is the cause of the negative behavior patterns and
characteristics which may be notable about a vampiric person.
Real vampires do not necessarily drink blood-in fact, most of them do not.
Blood-drinking and vampirism have been confused to the extent that for the
average person, a vampire is defined as something that drinks blood (such as
a "vampire bat"). But when we look beyond casual assumptions to the details
of common beliefs, we find something quite different. Throughout both
folklore and literature, there is an understanding that vampires require
energy or life force. Many old folktales accept that vampires suck blood,
yet never describe this actually happening. The victims slowly decline and
waste away, and the survivors assume that some evil fiend is draining them
of blood. They know that the Bible says, "the blood is the life", and anyone
who was losing their life force must be losing blood. Yet, in many instances
the vampire's "attack" does not even involve physical contact. In others, it
is clearly sexual energy which is exchanged.1
Fresh blood is the highest known source of pranic energy (life force).2
Human beings have practiced blood-drinking for many reasons throughout
history, but drinking blood alone does not indicate that a person is a
vampire. Only real vampires can directly absorb the pranic energy in fresh
blood, and for this reason some real vampires are attracted to blood and
find different means of obtaining it.3 However, it is a rare vampire who
cannot absorb energy in much more subtle ways. This is the mechanism that
causes real vampires to inflict harm on others and themselves if they fail
to recognize what is happening and do conscious work on transforming their
inner natures. Vampires are no more likely to be either malicious or
spiritually aware than the general population, but without awareness, they
can spend their lives making themselves and others unhappy, and will
continue to incarnate in this pattern until they take action to change it.
There are a number of external symptoms of vampirism, but it is important to
realize that some of them are found in ordinary human behavior. Real
vampires are identifiable partly because they have a majority of the
symptoms, not just one or two. But more significantly, real vampires are
distinguished by a certain quality to the energy. While anyone reading a
description of the symptoms and behavior patterns might find a few that
apply to people he knows, or even to himself, real vampires have a way of
standing out vividly to everyone who interacts with them. There are few
people who do not know at least one vampire.
Physically, vampires are usually "night people"" on a biochemical level.
They have inverted circadian rhythms, with body cycles such as temperature
peaks, menstrual onset, and the production of sleep hormones in the brain
occurring at the opposite time of day from most people. They have difficulty
adjusting to daytime schedules and frequently work nights. They tend to be
photosensitive, avoiding sunlight, sunburning easily, and having excellent
night vision. Their vitality ranges widely, and they can be vigorous and
active one day, depressed and languorous the next.
They frequently have digestive trouble. Even those with cast-iron stomachs
have many issues with food that are rooted in their constant hunger for
energy. Contrary to the image of the vampire as thin, many real vampires are
troubled by obesity because of a hunger that makes them food addicts, and a
system that is sluggish in processing physical food. They are also sometimes
troubled by other substance addictions for the same reasons, but since their
systems are tuned to pranic energy more than to processing physical
substance, they may not be as sensitive to drugs and alcohol as an ordinary
person would be.
Emotionally and physically, vampires are unpredictable, moody, temperamental
and overwhelming. The major distinguishing characteristic of real vampires
as opposed to ordinary people who share those qualities is the vampire's
intensity. Vampires are extremely intense people. They are frequently given
nicknames such as "the black hole." When others talk about them (usually to
complain about them), vampires are often described by such terms as "needy,"
"attention-seeking," "grandstanding," "manipulative," "exhausting,"
"draining," "monopolizes the conversation," "jealous," "huge ego," and so
on. A vampire's emotions are deep, fervent, and powerful, and she usually
displays great psychic ability and has uncontrolled magickal and psychic
experiences. Vampires are also empaths, and while they remain unconscious of
their natures, they are frequently "psychic sponges" who simply absorb
vibrations from everywhere, with the expected emotional instability
resulting.
A "hungry" vampire -- one whose energy level is imbalanced to the deficit
side -- becomes an involuntary psychic vortex, drawing all pranic energy in
the area towards her. When the energy does not flow in fast enough -- and it
is typical of vampires that the energy never flows fast enough for them --
she will begin manifesting behavior patterns to increase the amount of
conscious attention she gets from others. For this reason, some vampires
develop a pattern of being aggressively confrontational, or of constantly
antagonizing people with whom they have relationships. Nearly all vampires,
whatever ploys they use, have a talent for attracting (or distracting) the
attention of everyone present.
Once a vampire overloads on energy, she reverses her behavior patterns. She
may become morose, silent, withdrawn and introverted. Some vampires become
maniacally cheerful when they are satiated, but even their good moods seem
to annoy others, and it is more typical for vampires to be infamous as wet
blankets. "Hungry" and "overload" phases can occur within a few minutes or
last for days at a time. Vampires are commonly loners, in part because they
feel so different from those around them, but also because they have a need
to control the degree of contact they have with sources of energy.
Real vampires are not the demonic fiends of Christianized folklore, but as
long as they refuse to accept their inner nature, their bad reputation is
not undeserved. Unconscious vampires have a tendency to reach adulthood with
less than the average level of social skill and general finesse, and tend to
be selfish and self-centered. The demands of their own energy systems are so
distracting to them that it is difficult for them to pay attention to the
needs of others. Their relationships tend to be disasters. Different
vampires develop different patterns according to what works best for them in
their life situation, but several patterns are common. The "femme fatale" or
"lady-killer" vampire forms a continuous series of sexual connections with
one partner at a time, dropping each unfortunate lover as they become too
exhausted (or defensive) to support the vampire's energy needs. Other
vampires form a long-term relationship with a single person: either another
vampire whose energy cycle complements their own, or a person who derives
satisfaction from being a psychic servant or martyr. A common pattern,
especially in young adults, is to continuously join social, religious,
political and magickal groups and either blow them apart or end up being
thrown out. Vampires may go through roommates, housing situations, magickal
groups, jobs and lovers like so much Kleenex.
Many people find that they feel "creepy" or "weird" around a vampire. This
is usually due to the effects of one's own life force being drawn towards
the vampire's vortex. Most people feel uncomfortable and distracted when
their energy is pulled away from themselves. In addition to this, a common
result of such an energy drain is for the aura to pull in tightly towards
the body, and this causes a prickling sensation on the skin -- the
"creepy-crawlies."
It is no more common for vampires to be psychopaths or killers than it is
for any random person on the street. However, a prolonged, or very involved,
relationship with a vampire can put a severe strain on the emotional and
psychic energy systems of an ordinary person. Folklore suggests that victims
of a vampire become vampires themselves. In reality, people who have been
seriously "drained" -- that is, have had their own energy pulled off balance
into a deficit -- also become psychic vortices which pull life force away
from other living things. However, they are never as powerful as a true
vampire, and unlike vampires, quickly recover and stabilize. True vampires
are born the way they are -- no one can be "turned into a vampire." However,
years of energy depletion can lead to health problems ranging from
depression and malaise to a suppressed immune system and susceptibility to
serious illnesses. Most people will break off the relationship before it
gets that far.
Many vampires are attracted to magickal paths. In a magickal working group,
their ability to wreak havoc is increased because of the psychic openness
and trust that exist there. But there can be a benefit, as well. Some
vampires become aware of their true natures and choose to undertake serious
work to transform themselves. As soon as they begin doing so, they become
more acceptable working partners and companions. Once in control of their
capacity for handling energy, they become extraordinary magicians and
healers. Their ability to hold the attention of others gives them the
potential to be fine leaders and teachers. Ultimately, the purpose of
vampires is not to plague the universe but to facilitate its healing.
Vampirism is the dark, or unfocused, side of a certain kind of psychic
talent, one which has been developing for many lifetimes. It is destructive
only when a vampire either refuses to face the truth about herself and work
with her abilities, or when she chooses to play out a sinister role because
of the illusion of power it gives her.
Because of this, many of the vampire characteristics described above are far
less evident in the most powerful vampires, the ones who have done
considerable work on their inner selves. Many of these are poised, pleasant,
competent individuals, with great personal power. They have come to terms
with who and what they are, and no longer exhibit the negative qualities
associated with "psychic vampirism." 4 Unfortunately, unconscious vampires
are far more common than evolved ones, and it is these troubled souls who
more usually appear in magickal groups.
There is no "generic advice" to give those who believe they may be dealing
with a real vampire. Those who are so inclined might try to help a friend or
fellow group member explore their inner nature and come to terms with their
destructive behaviors. Those who feel victimized can choose to end the
relationship. Each case is different, and can only be judged by the
individuals concerned. But it is important for anyone involved in magickal
or psychic work to understand that vampires are a real phenomenon, and that,
like all perils, they should not be greeted with fear or anger. Nothing is
evil by nature -- only by choice. Terror of discovery (followed by ridicule
or rejection) inhibits the self-development of many real vampires. When they
reach out for friendship, they are often reaching out for help.
A person who believes she may be a real vampire herself has a long and
difficult process ahead of her. The most important step on her path is
complete self-awareness: of her relationships, patterns, energy levels, and
all other personal qualities. The most challenging work may often be
summarized in the simplest of terms. Knowledge, awareness, and control are
the lessons real vampires must learn in order to harness their abilities. If
real vampires are not the immortals of fiction, they can at least be
confident of one thing: for better or worse, they will keep the qualities
they develop for many lives to come.
(The author welcomes inquiries from readers with a personal interest in the
subject of vampirism. She is available at vyrdolak@net1plus.com. Readers
wishing for more information about vampire lore in general are referred to
the Bibliography.)
NOTES
For a thorough examination of traditional vampire folklore, see the works of
Montague Summers and Anthony Masters.
Other high sources of pranic energy include semen, fresh fruits and
vegetables, and the breath of living animals. Meat -- filled with chemicals,
long dead, refrigerated, frozen and "aged" (partially decomposed) as it is
-- contains almost none. Many real vampires, aside from drinking blood, are
vegetarians.
For a somewhat flawed but interesting look at blood-drinking and vampirism,
see Stephen Kaplan. Leonard Wolf explores this subject from a more
philosophical and personal viewpoint.
This is not to suggest that even evolved vampires are always comfortable to
be around. They remain unpredictable, intense, emotional, and altogether
overwhelming personalities. Most are remarkable sexually, and all still draw
energy, although they can generally control this to some extent.
Furthermore, this article is not intended to mislead -- real vampires, even
evolved ones, do sometimes drink blood in order to obtain their energy.
Those who understand the many ways that life "gives way" to nurture more
life will see this as no more unnatural than eating live vegetables or
animals for food.
PARTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stephen Kaplan,Vampires Are (ETC Publications, 1984)
Anthony Masters, The Natural History of the Vampire (Berkley Publishing
Corp., 1972)
Raymond T. McNally and Radu Florescu, In Search of Dracula (New York Graphic
Society, 1972)
Montague Summers, The Vampire, His Kith and Kin (University Books, 1960)
Montague Summers, The Vampire in Europe (The Aquarian Press Limited, 1980)
James B. Twitchell, The Living Dead: A Study of the Vampire in Romantic
Literature (Duke University Press, 1981)
Leonard Wolf, A Dream of Dracula (Popular Library, 1972)