(no subject)

[bluebeard]

As a person who studies chaos theory, chaos magick theory, and other such topics, yes, of course I understand what a paradigm is; I understand that belief creates reality, that "reality" is a false world, there is no Truth, such and so on.

That doesn't mean that otherkin, otakukin, and their ilk aren't fucking funny.

I have no problem with that.

Comments

[davebooth.livejournal.com]

Interesting side-topic... To what extent do you think the "otherkin" phenomenon is a combination of over-romantic thinking with a poorly understood ability in shamanic-type shapeshifting? A shape-shift on a purely spiritual level, that is.

I can see how somebody without the training or awareness to recognise that abililty or one without the discipline to control it could be confused that way, particularly if their "other" is what would be their "easiest" alternate spiritual shape by virtue of affinity, personality etc.

[dom-ino.livejournal.com]

eh, I don't know that it is.. I don't personally believe people have such abilities innately; from my POV, they're spiritual/meditative skills, and as such must be cultivated.

I think it's more like they've exoticised themselves, and probably need to get out in the world.

[davebooth.livejournal.com]

I'd tend to agree with you, but there is also the devils-advocate viewpoint...

Specifically, if its something that must be cultivated, there has to be at least an innate possibility of the skill or no amount of training and cultivation would allow the ability to develop. Given that initial standpoint, it might be possible that in the process of exoticising themselves they have unwittingly begun to stimulate that faculty.

Then again, they may just be a bunch of wacky frootloops.

[dom-ino.livejournal.com]

I'm not so sure of that; sure, there's an innate possibility, but the possibility is that any human can do any mental exercise; shape-shifting is a paradigm shift, which occurs only in one's belief set. The only1 thing someone needs for that to be possible is to be told it is, and for them to believe it.