Deep breath...

[goldenhand]

I wasn't sure whether to put this in the on or off topic bit. I've settled for the 'off', though it need'nt be.

Something that I don't often talk about to the world at large, is that I am otherkin. For those who have not come across the term before, it basically means a person who believes that their soul or essential being, is not human.

Many otherkin are totally genuine people, who quietly live their lives knowing of their 'otherness', and talking about it intelligently with like minded people. Sadly, we also get a lot of wannabees ("I was a pink unicorn with wings in my former life") and also some people who are, while not otherkin, find that it does give their lives or spiritual path, some additional meaning.

It takes a fair bit of courage to bring this up on a "normal" forum like this!

My question to you all is about historical and mythological otherkin in the Brythonic traditions. At the moment, I am drawn to stories of intermarriage between the fae folk and humans, and of tales about their children. The Physicians of Myddfai whom we discussed a while back would be Otherkin, being the children of a fairy mother and human father.

I was wanting to explore how such children were treated, both mythically and in 'real life'. It seems to have been something that was accepted back in times of old - yet in modern times, it often attracts nothing but ridicule

I will leave it there, and see what you all come back with - I am interested to know what you all, as I guess, non 'kin, will think of all this.

Blessings,

Angharad

[Blackbird]

OK. First of all, I applaud your courage.

I must admit that my own experience of Otherkin has been limited to silly kids claiming to be elves/dragons/aliens and then getting all mardy when you dare to ask them the slightest question about it.

I'd not thought of the Physicians of Myddfai as being fairy-related people, but you are right. The example that sprung straight into my mind were changelings, who are certainly never seen as a good thing.

[branynos]

I admit upfront I have trouble with otherkin. I don't think ones soul "belongs" to any one species so while I may (or may not) have been various non-human entities in previous lives in this life I'm just as much *me* as I ever was.

I don't see why reincarnation has to be limited to Earth species either so an otherkin could have a very strong memory of a previous non-human life which would affect how comfortable they might feel in a human body but the soul itself isn't of another species.
I appreciate that may be splitting hairs a bit as the person who's in that position would probably feel the same sense of a mismatch but the idea that souls or essences are determined by the physical form of one incarnation doesn't ring true for me.

It's usually the quiet ones I believe are dealing with something I can't quite grasp though the noisy ones are looking for attention, isn't anime a current source for otherkin souls at the wannabee end of the spectrum? How exactly they can expect to be taken seriously when claiming to have the soul of a cartoon character is beyond me. That's not to knock your belief just to agree that the wanabees make it almost impossible to have a sensible discussion.


The children of Myddfai wouldn't be otherkin, as I understand the term, as their physical incarnation would be part human part fae rther than a soul of one species in the body of another. They wouldn't neccesarily have any feeling that their was a mismatch between soul and body

[Midori]

To be honest, I'm totally confused by 'Otherkin'. I know some folk who say that they feel as if they are permanently in a shape 'other' than that one we see them in, but I don't 'get it' myself, except when 'shapeshifting'. (Terry Pratchett calls it Borrowing).

Shapeshifting, for me anyway, occurs mainly when I'm watching a creature and I 'think' my way into it's body. In this state I can feel it's movements and get an idea how it goes about things, but I don't gain advantage of it's other senses, like enhanced hearing or smell.

As I say, I'm confused!!

BB Midori

[morgaine]

Greetings,

I am new here and have not yet introduced myself... but I suppose this is as good a means as any... I am Founding Elder Dreamer of Avalon Druid Order and I look forward to sharing wisdoms with all here.

As regards "Otherkin"... In our tradition we do not make distinctions between "humankind" and "Otherkin." We are all kindred. My own bloodlines combine Coblynau, Breton Faery and human lineages; however, this fact has little changed my life except as regards personal work or healing of ancestral issues. I have never felt moved to identify myself as "Otherkin," nor is there need to do so on the path I walk...

This seems to be a source of distress for you in some way that lies beyond my immediate experience or understanding... As (in this life) I have only ever walked the path I am presently on, I would like to understand your perspective on this better, as well as learning how this topic is viewed amongst those of other traditions.

I look forward to your thoughts and comments...

Bendithion Afallon,
Morgaine

[siaron]

Goldenhand,

I, for one, have no problem with your declaration. I have good friends and acquaintances that are clearly not 'from here'. I have seen people in coffee shops and on the street and am very clear that they are not of this world. I applaud your courage. In a similar vein, if I told you who all my family tree includes (well documented), well suffice to say that a lot of people would recommend me to a rubber room in an institution. But I know that it is right and true-I just don't talk about it much.

I'm glad to know you are here with us!

Pob Bendith,

Siaron