Who are Otherkin?
Otherkin are simply humans who, in a past life, were once a mythological creature like elves or fay or dragon, etc. EDIT: Otherkin could also be people who think they are mythological creatures stuck in a human body.
Is there proof?
Not that I am aware of. Although there are some great resources out there that is mentioned down below.
What is an awakening?
This is the period of one's life where we find out about who we are. Some find out that they are elves, some dragons, some wolves, and some vampires. Although, vampires are in their own category. They even have their own thread right here in the Lifestyle Discussions!
This period of the life usually starts in the mid teens, although it can start really at any time. This process takes years to a lifetime. We don't suddenly just realize that we are different in some way all of a sudden. It is much like a vampires awakening.
What are Phantom Parts?
Phantom parts, are simply, what they sound like. For instance, I feel fangs sometimes. This is because they are phantom parts related to my kin self.
What are Phantom Shifts?
Phantom Shifts are when the otherkin goes into an alter state that is their past lives. This has to do with how strongly you remember being something that was not human. There are two types of shifts: M-Shifts (mental shifts) and P-Shifts (physical shifts).
Who we are not
We are not Furries, or roleplayers as a whole. Some may be active in those communities but I would imagine for the most part we are not Furries and/or roleplayers.
Resources
A Field Guide to Otherkin by Lupa
Unfortunately, I do not have any more good resources.
Discussion
What is your belief in regards to otherkin?
Are you one?
Anything that you feel is relavant to the discussion would be helpful.
My story
I first awakened in the middle of High School to that of an elf. My friends online at the time were right there with me. It was them who brought my elf side, named Milendil, out. I would have never guessed I was an dark elf if it had not been for them. Both are on Gaia: Areleklo and Sengem. To this day I am still finding more and more about myself so I am constantly in a state of the Awakening.
I have never really gone into phantom shifts. All that has happened to me is knowledge of what I once was.
Vampires
Vampires are not meant to be confused with Otherkin. They have their own thing going on.
If you want to learn more about vampires/vampyres: Vampire Lifestyle and Support Thread
I felt this would be the best place for an otherkin topic for it is a lifestyle. Albeit not a very likely lifestyle, but a lifestyle nonetheless.Much like vampires, we have to hide in the Shadows and pretend to be mundane and normal. If this is in the wrong place, mods, feel free to move it.
