Sanguinary ~ (sang'gwner"E), -adj.

1. full of or characterized by bloodshed; bloody: a sanguinary struggle.
2. Ready or eager to shed blood; bloodthirsty.
3. Composed of or marked with blood

Sanguine ~ (sang'gwin), -adj.

1. cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations.
2. Reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion.
3. (In old physiology) having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful, etc.
4. bloody; sanguinary.
5. Blood-red; red

Sanguinivorus ~ (sang-'gwu-niv'ur-us) -adj.

1. feeding on blood, as a bat or insect.

I call myself a sanguinarian Vampire. Sanguinary refers to blood, and it's qualities. Sanguinivorous is defined by Webster's as " eating or subsisting on blood", which I practice on a regular basis. I have always loved the taste of blood, ever since I can remember. The older I get, the more meaning and depth the act holds for me.

As a child, it was a sweet taste, and rare. You cant walk to the corner market and buy a pint.I did not practice self mutilation, or premeditated bloodletting until much later. Whenever blood was spilled, however, I was right there. Other Vampires have told me of being teased, or ridiculed, in their youth. I was not. If someone was bleeding, it seemed a perfectly natural and compassionate act for me to lick or drink the blood as I tended to them. If they were repulsed by it, they never told me.

I must admit that as I grew older, I became an opportunist, and would tend to a bleeding person only to get closer to the blood. Sometimes I wonder if the essence of vampirism stems from how hard it can be to quench that simple craving. Every blood lover I've ever met is obsessed with the hunt, the ritual, and the act of acquiring that life sustaining fluid that surrounds us. There are many who go to great and dangerous lengths, sociopathical and sadomasochistic or even illegal extremes.. I wouldn't want to meet any sociopath in a dark alleyway, whether they drink my blood or just spill it.

There are also blood drinkers who bind blood to sex, and to their mind, at least, the two go hand in hand. Needless to say, they are interesting, being just as talented in their hunting skills as other vampire are!! \par \par Then there is the psychic Vampire. Psychic phenomena is more natural than supernatural. it's just so damned subjective, you can't discuss it openly without sounding crazy. Haven't you ever been driving along, and " known" another car was going to cut you off? Before the other car or driver makes a move , you've already slowed enough to avoid them. Maybe you only trust your instincts for little things like that, but they can tell you much more.

Both the Psychic Vampire and the Sanguinarian draw " Pranic Energy" or life force. Sanguinarian like me must physically consume it through the blood. Psychic Vampires are able to draw this energy in its pure form. The ability to absorb, and transform this energy to our own use is a singularly Vampiric trait. Psychic Vampire may on occasion drink blood, and sanguinarians may also draw Pranic energy without always using blood as a catalyst.

Drinking blood does not make a person a Vampire. Vampire have a innate basic life force energy imbalance. A curse, and a blessing at the same time. We are gifted with the ability to manipulate this energy in every living creature. We experience a deeper, more personal world than others do. We can, if trained, promote healing and connect with others on such a deep level as to touch the root of their distress and show it to them. On the other hand, the roller coaster of our own reeling pranic energy makes for a hard life. We become a veritable psychic vortex at our lows, and peaking a solar sunburst of essential energy. Perhaps because of this. We have a tendency to search out spiritual purpose. An interest in all religions, schools of magic, and cultural belief systems is common. Interestingly, we rarely are firmly set on one school of thought, or group. Most Vampire I know have studied several spiritual teachings, and come away with their own unique mixture of them. We look to folklore, History, and religious writings such as the bible , coming away with our own conclusions.

Here's where I begin offending people, so please don't forget that these are just my opinions. A widely held belief is that Cain was the first Vampire. The story of Cain is in Genesis 4. I don't see anything there that relates to anything Vampiric. Cain does not drink blood, just make blood sacrifices of animals. He Murdered his brother, spilling his blood on the earth , and God punished him, casting him from God's light. The story of Cain doesn't strike me as the roots of Vampirism. If you read it for yourself, I think you'll agree.

Vampire folklore and the story of Jesus have a few similarities that lead me to believe he makes a better candidate for the first Vampire..How many times have you heard " washed in the blood of Jesus" ? He brings Lazarus back from the dead, which is similar to the old tale about becoming a vampire. According to the tale, the vampire drains the human until they are dead, then brings them back to life by bleeding into their mouth. Jesus offers eternal life, and so does the vampire in folklore. In catholic mass, the last supper is remembered. " Take this, it is my blood, and drink of it" Is spoken by Jesus to his disciples Now, blood drinking is something I can relate to !!

~ Bloodletting ~

Bloodletting is an art. To the experienced Bloodist, it is an intricate dance which brings intense emotions to their peak, for both the bleeder and the Vampire. A very personal ritual of survival instinct, vulnerability, intrusion, trust, and satiety. The flood of energy flowing between the two is tidal. It can be a highly erotic, and sensual experience.

I should also make it clear that it can be a deadly mistake. Diseases, including AIDS and hepatitis can be passed easily through bloodplay. You can cause permanent damage to each other such as scarring and collapsed veins. A myriad of diseases, viruses, and infections can result. The slightest mishandling with a needle can allow air into the vein, causing death. Certain people have medical conditions which they may not be aware of, that make bloodplay dangerous, even deadly. Active as I am, I have not experimented with all methods of bloodletting. The possible consequences are to high a price for me to pay. No amount of precautions make bloodletting safe, and I have been foolish many times.

Many blood drinkers are involved in the BDSM scene. One reason is that submissive are likely to submit to bloodletting without complaint. The games also lend themselves to experimentation and extremes. The players are all seeking adventure and to test their personal limitations. While there are people who have a blood fetish, this does not necessarily make them a vampire. The main difference is that a vampire will draw pranic energy and blood as a necessity, and the fetishist is simply fulfilling a fantasy. You can see why this is a good atmosphere for the vampire in any case.

The Implements range from simple pin prick pins, like lancet's , to elaborate intravenous set ups. Almost anything sharp enough to cut is used , Razor blades, knives, needles, teeth, nails, scalpels, saws, barbed wire, and even glass. I know Kindred who have had permanent fang's implanted. Many have their canine teeth filed sharp, or file their nails. The amount of blood taken varies from a drop or two to deadly extremes.

Some practice self mutilation as a temporary way to still the craving for blood. This only really makes sense if you are a blood fetishist. Drinking one's own blood does not afford a new source of pranic energy. The blood, as tasty as it may be, is really only part of "the hunger". Drinking one's own blood is ineffectual and more like recycling than actual feeding.

Animal blood is another alternative. Of course, for anyone with a sense of ethics there are humane issues. On occasion, I have heard of vampires feeding on stray's or pets, which I find detestable. Animal cruelty is, by no means, a common kindred practice. Livestock animals such as cows are not as readily accessible, as most live in city's. Most livestock animals have very thick hides, which makes it easier to draw small amounts of blood without causing undue pain.

The practice of drinking blood from packaged meat is common, but will not afford the same result. You cannot draw living energy from dead meat. There are also bacteria and microscopic organisms in blood from these sources, which can cause serious health hazards.

Why would anyone want to bleed? There are a lot of reasons, the most common I have found is the need for connection and release. Many people who have great responsibility and are always the decision maker find a great release in the act. Consider the amount of trust it takes to allow someone complete control of your body. These powerful people are momentarily relieved of all control during bloodplay, which serves to balance them to a degree. The repetitive donor or "Swan" finds a deeper connection with their body, and with the bloodist who does not violate their trust. There are those with fantasy's they wish to live out, wanting to be seen as an object of desire, wanting to be really needed. There are thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. Whatever the reason, a smart vampire will supply what these people are looking for, and keep them coming back.

A willing donor is sometimes called a " Black Swan". I've also heard them called donors, pets, blood dolls, my love's , dearest, and other terms of endearment. They have usually made a fairly informed decision to allow the vampire to feed from them. A long term arrangement often results between swan and vampire. With such vulnerability and acceptance, an all inclusive trust grows between the two. It can be a very lovely relationship.

A "white swan" is one term often used for the unknowing donor, usually to the psychic vampire. Most commonly these people find they always find themselves " drained" after being in the company of certain other people {who happen to be psychic vampires} and avoid them after awhile.

I'm sure you can see that there are ethical problems. Most vampire are not comfortable with the practice of using unsuspecting white swans for more than the slightest draw of energy. It is also frowned upon to draw from children, the physically ill or pregnant women. Mentally disturbed people are a common "pranic spring" because they are usually overwhelmed by their own off center energies. The vampire can slightly manipulate their energies while feeding, and promote a measure of healing clarity at the same time. In this way we can benefit humanity. I wish I could say that all vampire took such care and effort.

Blood play between vampire is more in depth as it is more of a mutual exchange of blood and energy than a one way street. It is done in ritual, to seal agreements , during sex, to share or gain power, to deepen emotional ties, and simply to feed. My personal experiences with blood play have surprised me in their depth. Those I have shared blood with in this manner are forever a part of me. We form a kind of family, even though we are not governed by each other We feel no responsibility to each other's well being. We remain in close contact, even after long periods of time pass, and are very active in each other's personal lives.

Bloodletting is a very intimate and soul touching experience for me. Whether I am sharing my blood, or drawing blood from someone the act has definite emotional and spiritual consequences. With each session, what is shared changes both parties. I have enjoyed the trust and spirit of many people. These are not always sexual relationships, but sensuality is always present. One black swan was with me for over ten years, a very long time. We changed the nature of our relationship when she became pregnant, but she is never far from my heart.

Please be aware, not only are their serious health hazards, but you can possibly upset your donor's ( or swan's) emotional balance. Whatever method you use, and no matter how much care you put into planning the experience, there are some people that will react with very strong sensory or emotional awakenings. They may relive some trauma, or even a primal fear. Reaching extremes in emotional reaction brings the pranic energy and pulse to quicken, and is therefore very desirable. However, any caring vampire will keep in mind that what some consider adventure, other's simply cannot handle.

~Vespertine

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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