|
The purpose of this writing is to discuss the vampyric condition and its relation
to spirituality. It would seem self evident that vampyrism is a condition of
the spirit/soul/Qi or whatever you wish to call it. Some would suggest a physical
reason for vampyrism and there are documented medical conditions that would
suggest vampyric behavior, but those patients are clearly not vampyres. That
debate, however, is for another time. Regarding spirituality, it would seem
that there is a fair amount of pressure in the community at large to drive those
who are vampyres to embrace the left hand path regardless of the individual’s
personal belief systems. The right hand path is not necessarily looked down
upon, but is generally felt to be the weaker of the paths in relation to vampyrism.
Most houses and the community at large seem to embrace some form of spiritual
practice in relation to vampyrism. The vampyric condition does lend itself well
to the practice of the occult and/or magic. Vampyres are predisposed to energy
manipulation by virtue of their need to draw upon external energy sources to
supplement their supply. Much of magical practice relies on the manipulation
of energy in combination with will and focus. Thus, it is clear why vampyres
have a natural inclination toward occult practice. However, does that mean that
a vampyre must choose the left hand path? Does that mean a vampyre must choose
a path at all?
My personal feeling is that a path is not required at all. Vampyrism is merely
a condition, primarily of the spirit. The essence of the vampyre is contained
in the mind and soul. It is the touch of the Dragon upon the mindscape of the
individual. It is the requirement of supplemental energy to maintain the quality
of life, by whatever means the vampyre can manifest it (Qigong, Sanguine methods,
drawing upon the elements, drawing from nature, magical means, communion, etc.).
Where in the vampyric condition does it suggests that any path is required?
A vampyre can be very powerful without ever choosing a side.
This brings to the fore, why so much pressure to be left hand path? I feel
that this is fallout because of the darker nature of the vampyre. The vampyre
is highly tuned to their primal nature. This is the instinctual nature of the
human long suppressed since humanity walked into the age of reason. The vampyre
feels this nature within them and this nature has dark urgings. However, with
practice, this can be tamed and brought into balance with our every day lives
(twilight). The darkness of the vampyre often predisposes those who embrace
it to follow the left hand path. The vampyre itself attracts primarily those
who would instinctually follow the left hand path. Thus, it would be expected
that the vampyre community be predominantly populated by left hand path followers.
Though this may be the case, it should not be assumed that those who choose
no path or those who choose to follow a right hand path are weaker somehow or
in the wrong. These paths hold vampyres just as strong and just as legitimate
as the left hand path.
Why can a vampyre not follow a Christian path? Why not A Jewish or Islamic
one? Is there a reason that this vampyre could not contribute to the community?
Is there some fatal flaw in this vampyre? Is there some reason that this situation
would be impossible or that the vampyre’s choice of path would somehow
limit their skills or abilities?
To force or pressure vampyres who do not choose the common path is akin to
discrimination. It should not be tolerated. The vampyre community is not large
enough, strong enough, or united enough to sustain this type of energy, which
will only serve as a cancer in the community.
Each house has its given right to put forth its prospectus in which its beliefs
and philosophies are put forth. If it is clear that members are expected to
follow a particular belief system (LHP, RHP, other) then it behooves the prospective
member to weigh clearly what this means. However, many houses do not suggest
that a particular path is required, yet pressure a left hand path. This follows
for individual vampyre community members as well.
It is not my intention to suggest that the left hand path is wrong, or those
who follow this path are somehow wrong. What I am suggesting is that all vampyres
be given the right to choose their own way and not be looked at any differently
because of that choice. We all must live in the community together and the community
can only be stronger if we live in peace.
This article is © 2003 ShadowMind. Please do not redistribute or reproduce
without the expressed permission of the author.
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.
| 
