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Vampire Guide 401:
"Psy-vamps"
Some basic information on energy, manipulation, and consequences therein.
(Please Read My Disclaimer
for this Essay!) A word on "Psychic Vampirism"
Ok, I have avoided this topic for quite awhile now, but
it seems that I am forced into actually providing some definitions and
information on this as people have asked and really seek to know and understand. "Psy-vamps" (as is the popular term
nowadays, an older term is "soul-sucker") refers to
an individual who literally steals the life energy of another person for
their own benefit. Or, more simply, is a person who gets a "high" or a
"rush" from others. Let me state one thing very clearly here from the start:
While people like to use the catchy term "psy-vamp," a person who can do
this is not necessarily, an actual vampire. Why? Because ANYONE can
do this. Allow me to explain what I mean.
Energy-the driving force of the
universe...
Everyone in the world has energy. We are made of it. And,
it is a defining characteristic of life. We don't really tend to think
about things like this in modern life, but we still refer to it in simple
comments like, "I'm out of energy" or, "I'm full of energy." When we don't
get enough rest, or are stressed, we comment on how drained we feel; how
depleted or weakened. The reverse is also true. Most people simply don't
really think about what they are saying. It's become common parlance and
we take these sayings for granted. But, they underline a universal truth: we
are beings of energy and that it is a powerful and driving force.
Now, a "psy-vamp" (Have I mentioned I hate this term...?
It is too vague and used in too many different ways) is any person who - for
whatever reason - is not content with the amount of energy they naturally
produce. This could be a deficiency from birth, a result of stress or
health concerns, or even just a greedy need to be more powerful than the
norm. At this point, we can divide these kinds of people into two distinct
groups: those who do this unconsciously and those who do this on purpose.
More about the two types...
Those who do this unaware are generally people who are
born with an inability to sustain themselves. They get very sickly and
depressed easily and seemingly without reason; they become lethargic and
fatigued when they are isolated for long periods of time; they will have
the sheer need to be around people at a regular basis and will feel
better after and not know why. In addition, their friends may say that
the person is very draining to be around; that they seem to suck the life
from the room; that they have erratic mood swings or unstable tempers;
they are extreme and hard to be around. This kind of person is a danger
to themselves and others for the simple reason that they do not know
what they do. At some point in time in their lives, they may come to
notice these traits about themselves and possibly accept what they are
and do. This can be a horrible thing for a person to deal with as they
can feel like thieves or that they are evil or cursed because of it. And,
with their already unstable nature, they can end up becoming very vicious
and really hurt people in panic or fear. Now, the better side of this is
if they can come to understand and accept this fact, they can learn to
control and regulate this need. (Like a person realizing they have an eating
disorder, they can learn how not to abuse themselves and others) Many people
like this can learn to very lightly take from large groups of people, thereby
limiting the dangers to the unknowing donors. They can sometimes also learn
how to take from nature rather than people; to harness the limitless bounty
of the universe.
Now, those that do this intentionally - and without the
need to - are a scary lot. Most often it begins with the person "toying around"
with magicks or old beliefs and deciding that they want to be more powerful.
Eventually, they learn the simple truth that not only is everyone made
up of energy, but that it can be manipulated. It starts off as a high;
a rush; akin to a drug, it feels good and gives the person a temporary
boost. But, just like any other drug, it is addictive. It starts off as
this huge surge in power and gets to a point where the person needs more
and more of it to gain any effect. Continued abuse of this results in the
person no longer receiving a rush, but rather, needing it to feel normal.
Their natural energy becomes useless and they can not get past the need
to drain from others. This can go two ways; either the person
takes the very hard road to weaning themselves off this continued abuse
(which is very hard as there is no 12 step program to follow or support
group to lean on, and often times, the person gets so desperate that they
begin to steal from everyone, all the time, like a starving man eating
until he is sick and bloated) or, they can become ruthless and uncaring
in their need and continue to not only steal from others, but hurt them
and irrevocably weaken them. This can actually spawn another such "psy-vamp"-a
violent and endless catch 22...
How do they do it...? What
can I do to stop it?
Well, to steal someone's strength and energy can be accomplished
in any number of ways, it depends on the person - their strength; their
need; their knowledge.
The most common way are through physical touch. This can
be hugs, kisses, handshakes, or, very commonly, through sexual contact.
Many "psy-vamps" (knowing or not) will feed off the surge of energy expelled
during sexual contact - it is very abundant and very potent and very easily
gathered.
The best way to avoid becoming an unwilling donor to
this kind of feeding, is to limit your contact with strangers. Handshakes
should be brief and direct and other erroneous contact should be avoided.
Now, if you are the partner of a "psy-vamp" and you suspect that you are
being used in a more intimate manner, your best bet is probably to be direct
and simply ask. Chances are, if it the person really cares about you (and
isn't just using you) you should be able to work it out.
Another common (but rarely known) way is through in-depth
conversation. More specifically, when you open up to someone and share
personal details, antidotes, and stories with the "psy-vamp." They will
seem to "hang" on every word; prodding you for more information, more revelation,
more details. It is through this exchange that they take more than your
words.
The best way to avoid this form is to be the quite one
when you first meet someone. Let them do the majority of talking. If they
won't or keep nagging you, then you may well have avoided a run-in. Chances
are, if the person was going to do this, when you fail to be baited, they
will leave. (And good riddance to anyone who would bait you into stealing
your energy!) If they aren't up to anything and talk about themselves,
you can always take a turn next time.
Other ways include being able to tap into a person's dreams,
by forcing eye contact, by sheer force of will, and even by violent theft.
There are many ways a person can harm another.
These various ways are harder to prevent against, mainly
because they success is their subtlety. For example, to avoid being robbed
in sleep, one must "ground" themselves prior to drifting off. To avoid
being taken in a public place (like a mall or theater) one must learn to
focus and "harden" their aura so that it is not tapped. When speaking
with someone, look them directly in the eyes, but do not allow them to
take hold of you. Sometimes, the best defense is a strong offense. Make
a stand and be aware of it. Chances are, they'll look for easier pickings.
Vampires (the 'blood' kind) and "psy-vamps"...any
connection?
Now, I know I started this rant out with the very definitive
words,
"...a person that does this is not necessarily, an actual
vampire" This does not, however, mean that an actual vampire
can not also possess this skill. Remember my other words...? (Everyone
can do this) So, since vampires tend to have heightened mental abilities
to start with, they are further prone to unconsciously do this. When they have
not fed, or are Hungry, it has been my observation that they tend to start
drawing off others. This is probably a self-preservation instinct, because
everyone I have discussed this with has never noticed such traits in themselves
until pointed out.
Additionally, there are those (who as I mentioned earlier) are born with
a need for energy in the same way there is a need for blood. Look to my
Psi vs. Sang article for more
comparative information.
Seeking help, wishing for change,
or needing more information...
This is, by far, not a complete guide or list to all
that it means to manipulate living energy forces. This is an attempt to
enlighten and inform those who do not understand what this is all about.
Should you find yourself a match to what I have said, don't despair. Know
that once you acknowledge it, you can control it. Those with this need
can
learn to draw strength from other sources. Start learning about meditation
or yoga, and how you can use it to take control of your body. Make a conscious
effort to dominate it - you don't have to let it dominate you. Those who may see this in
others should be very gentle
about broaching the subject. Start by making note of their "ups" and "downs"
to see if you find a correlation to say, hanging out with friends and time
spent alone. One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to anyone
is make sure it's not a medical condition first. Many signs
can be very easily confused with things like chemical imbalances, or depression.
Things
like this should be handled by a qualified physician. Find out
first. It's worth it.
I have seen all kinds of information on the web about
this kind of thing, but offhand, I can't think of any places of note to
further direct you to. I'll add some as I find some later. Take everything
with a grain of salt, ok? I know this is real for me, but you don't. Just
be careful. It never hurts to learn what you can find, but make your own
conclusions. It's your life and only you can determine what's right.
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