Definition

Therianthropy and Otherkinity are very similar, and they both fall under the general term of "alterhumanity," which means:

"A person who identifies as non-human on a non-physical level, be it spiritually, psychologically, or both."

The difference between the two is that Therians identify as non-human animals (which can include animalistic fictional creatures or dragons, among other things) and Otherkin is more general and encompasses more (such as elves).

It's all about identity and having non-human experiences. You identify AS something other than human (not simply WITH it). It's commonly known to be spiritual, as plenty of Therians and Otherkin believe they are something non-human that was reincarnated as a human, or that they simply have the soul of something non-human. For others, they believe their own Otherkinity or Therianthropy is caused by psychological means, or perhaps is a coping mechanism due to trauma earlier in their lives. The key is that it is not a choice. Anything that is, falls under the purview of "copinglink," which a valid experience, but this site is not geared for copinglink-heavy discussion. Don't be afraid to discuss it though if it's part of your experience!

Shifting

Shifting is something many Therians and Otherkin do to connect with the Therian/kin side of themselves. You do not have to shift to be a Therian or Otherkin, in fact, there are many who don't.

Shifting happens either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Voluntary

A voluntary shift is one that a Therian or Otherkin triggers intentionally. Many Therians and Otherkin who have recently awoken and have never consciously had shifts before will trigger shifts to confirm their conclusion, usually either with a mental shift or a phantom shift.

Involuntary

An involuntary shift is one that a Therian or Otherkin didn't intentionally trigger. These can happen because of high emotions, certain things that make one feel shifty, or feeling threatened (like being alone in a stressful situation).

Types of Shifts

Mental Shift (M) - you mentally "become" your kintype/Theriotype

Phantom Shift (Ph) - you feel phantom limbs or phantom sensations of nonexisting body parts related to your kintype/Theriotype

Sensory Shift (S) - you feel your senses become heightened (note, they aren't actually more heightened; you're probably just focusing on them more)

Astral Shift (A) - you shift your body in the astral realm (I'm no astral expert, so whatever people actually experience when they astral shift is purely up for speculation)

Dream Shift (D) - you shift your body in a dream

There's also physical shifting, which is what it sounds like, physical shapeshifting, and it is entirely false. If anyone tries to get you to believe otherwise, plug your ears and go "lalala" because they're misled. Science and biology alone are reason enough you should know it's false. But you'd be surprised at how many gullible, desperate people try to shapeshift.

This page will be updated over time.