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Sounds paradoxical, doesn't' it?
Vampyrism is a state of being. There is no known cure. There is no treatment
(and why should there be, since we are not sick). but, the fact remains we are
not, yet, a majority or even a mainstream minority. Like Pagans and Gays we
are only beginning to come into our own... But like the above minority groups,
we are still forced, in many places, to take care that our "differences"
are not used against us to relieve of our rights, our security and our children.
Those of us who have been awakened for a long time learn to set ourselves up
in a lifestyle that allows us to, more or less, be ourselves. I am often asked
how we manage to live a "Normal" life. So I am going to try and draw
a map to help those who wish a more comfortable vampyric lifestyle; to get from
where they are now to where they want to be. Let's start off by stating up front:
IF you are under the age of majority where you live, you have a long road ahead
of you. My advice? Get through school, get yourself a job, and get out on your
own as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, get used to feeding on a lot of rare steaks and learn to Psi
feed, to help stave off hunger. Meditation helps a LOT.
For those of us old enough to manage for ourselves there ARE ways to rearrange
our lives more comfortable to suit our unique natures.
Its a fact, that if you are just starting our on your own, its much simpler
to arrange your life to suit your needs, right from the onset, than to try and
fix your messy life later, if you've been living in the coffin, lying to mates,
friends and family for a prolonged period of time. We all know people stuck
in relationships because they are afraid their other halves will take the children
if it comes out that they drink blood.
The RIGHT relationship can make ALL the difference in the world. It can be
difficult to find the right way to come out to a friend or lover, but its far
easier than trying to explain in one year or TWENTY that you've ALWAYS been
a vampyre. Its much much simpler to be honest and upfront from the get-go. OK,
yea, I"ll admit, you might lose a love or two or 50, before you find someone
willing to accept our way of life. You might even lose someone you REALLY care
about. Its still better than losing EVERYTHING later, and really really worth
it when you find the right person who actually fits in your life. Why settle
for 2nd best, when you are worth so much more?
Location can be everything. Do you live in an area where paganism and or vampyrism
is treated like demon possession or a psychotic illness? Move. Do it now. Find
an area that is more culturally diverse, and therefore more tolerant. Its not
against the law to be a vampyre. It is simply against many peoples moral judgments.
Finding and area that is more accepting can be as simple as researching areas
with large pagan or Buddhist populations.
Once you find the area, its a fairly simple matter to apply for jobs. Any job
at first, you'll have time to hand out resumes to better places, once you are
established. Its really good to find an area or state or province where you
can purchase blood, and has a butcher shop within walking distance. It can save
you a world of inconvenience later.
Networking is the next step. Once you have the right place, and an income of
SOME kind, its time to make the RIGHT kind of friends. Everyone needs companionship.
Life is very lonely without it. Networking is the answer to setting yourself
up with friends who will accept you for who and what you are. If you've done
your homework, and you're living in the "right" area, there are some
positive and promising places you can meet others of our/your kind.
Some places to meet accepting friends are:
Your local Occult Shop
Its a GREAT place to meet others like YOU. Pagans are some of the most accepting
people around, and LOTS of vamps and therians are magick users. Some occult
shops will even help you meet others of like mind, if you just strike up a
conversation with the owner, and honestly explain your situation.
Gothic clothing stores, and Goth Clubs
Goths are already 1/2 way to acceptance of who and what we are,
and often make great donors. Watch for people coming and going with Sanguine
ankhs, and other telling tattoos. I was shocked to meet a fellow with a HUGE
freaking sanguine ankh on his hand, in plain view, at a company Christmas
party! We struck up a conversation and I found out he was vampyre, just like
ME. IF I can meet one of us at a party imagine what you can do if you hang
out in places we actually frequent, and you be just a little brave.
Craft stores, herb stores, butcher shops, Tattoo
parlors, candle stores
ALL good places to network. The point is: It can be difficult to be a vampyre
all alone. But, its fun to be part of a vampyre group of friends or maybe
even a coven. Why go it alone?
Its not ALL bad being a vamp. In fact, its a good way of life, once you are
set up in your own lifestyle. Don't give up. It CAN be done. We have quite a
large vampyre community here, where I live. You can have one too. Its really
just a matter of proper planning and execution. Trust me. Its way worth it in
the long run.
Carpe Noctum
Lady CG
Copyright 2004
This article is presented as part of an ongoing effort to present other views outside of, as well as within, the online vampire community. Those of us who consider ourselves vampiric don't always look at things from the same viewpoint due to our life experiences. As such, the views and opinions contained in this article are entirely those of the author(s), and may not necessarily be shared by SphynxCatVP. The webmaster is not under obligation to update or otherwise keep current the contents of this article. Most importantly, only you can decide for yourself whether this article or any of the author(s) other views are useful or applicable to you - you are responsible for using your own reasoning and judgement, so judge wisely.
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