Simply liking or loving an animal does not make one a Therianthrope. The terms animal-hearted or other-hearted are used to describe people with a strong liking or connection to an animal, yet who do not identify as non-human.
Having an animal totem or spirit guide does not make one a Therian. Therianthropy is not Shamanism.
Therianthropy is not a structured spiritual or religious belief, a cult, or an ideology that anyone can join. Therianthropy does not have any central dogma or tenets, nor any recognized authority.
Therianthropy is not a choice, therefore it is not a fad, trend, a style, or a role-playing game, in which a person creates a fictional character. The species of the therioside is also not chosen.
Therianthropy is not all fun and games. While it is not a mental illness, and most Therians have normal lives, some do have negative experiences such as species dysphoria.
Therianthropy does not imply a sexual fixation with a non-human animal; that is unrelated.
Therians can not and do not physically change shape. That is not possible. Therianthropy does not give anyone special abilities, powers, or extra physical strength.
It should be noted that some of the concepts developing separately on Tumblr and social media are very different from those found in the community that has developed on more structured forums. At the same time, keep in mind that no one can be an expert as Therianthropy is personal and subjective.
YOU ARE READING
Intro to Modern Therianthropy as a Personal Identity
Non-FictionThis book begins to examine the identity phenomenon and ontological phenomeon known as Modern Therianthropy and dispels a few common misconceptions about the people known as Therianthropes.
