Vampire Misinformation

I was reading this newly posted article on a blog from someone using the nickname Hawkmoor [Link: http://hawkmoor.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/where-are-all-the-vampyres-tracing-a-cultural-development/ ] and thinking to myself that this is one of the reasons why the so-called online vampire community (OVC) is still not taken seriously by the vast majority of the occult community. Don't get me wrong, the article has some research behind it and it is well written. If it weren't for several typical red flags it would have even passed as an ok article.
The article defines what is a vampire by quoting what the Atlanta Vampire Alliance uses as their own definition for a vampire in their webpage, which is at the very best a terrible definition that is just misleading.

Their definition starts with:
"A vampire is a human who is awakened and bears a commonality with other like kind by having an energy deficiency that requires them to seek an outside source of energy or prana in order to maintain a healthy homeostasis."

So a vampire is anyone who is awakened? Awakened to what? Did you know there is a whole world out of your little vampire-movie bubble? A human can be spiritually awakened to a variety of things, from a religion or belief to a personal achievement and enlightenment. Dr. Mikao Usui, founder of the Japanese Reiki system, said he was awakened in Mount Kurama where he learned the secrets of Reiki and energy manipulation. So according to this definition that makes Usui a vampire. I'm sure he would be screaming in his grave, as would many other awakened individuals. But the worse comes next, when defining a vampire as an individual with an energy deficiency has been the most widespread misconception around vampirism found on the internet for more than a decade. Just because a vampire has the ability, or the need, to drain energy, that doesn't imply they have an energy deficiency. Actually, in reality most vampires have far more energy in their system than most humans. Not only their energy is more intense, as it flows at higher rates. They drain to empower themselves, and to activate and enhance latent metaphysical abilities, not to feed as humans feed from food. Some vampires may get ill if they don't drain, that is true, but that happens because they have exhausted their own reserves due to magickal working, be it active or passive. Not because they have deficiencies in their energy system. Their system is actually quite more efficient in terms of energy and well adapted than the human system is. So continuing to define vampires as creatures with energy deficiencies is not only outdated, as just directly misinformed. In terms of metaphysics on real vampires, that definition is just silly, and no real occultist would take it seriously.

Following that poor start, the definition falls into another typical pitfall of the OVC role-players. Quote:

"Modern or real vampires primarily fall into two primary categories classified by their feeding method; psychic or psi vampires and sanguinarian (blood) vampires."

So real vampires must be modern vampires? How about ancient and classic vampires? Oh yes, I forgot, they think vampires started in New York's night clubs in the nineties. My bad. Now back to reality... vampires are not and can not be classified by their feeding methods. As eloquently explained in the article on real vampirism published by the Aset Ka [Link: http://www.asetka.org/vampirism.shtml ], the method of feeding relates with personal preference, doesn't define the vampire. A vampire can drain blood and energy, not just one thing or another, making you a psychic vampire or a sanguinarian. That's just too many hours around computer games I'm afraid. And let me quote the author Luis Marques on this subject:

"In any serious study of vampirism, the subject of feeding is always a relevant field, being also a prevalent misunderstanding in the nature of the vampire. There is a tendency among the less aware to describe the existence of several types of vampires according to their feeding techniques. Labeled under a myriad of names, the most widespread concepts are the psychic vampire, that feeds of vital force or prana; the sanguinarian, that feeds of fresh blood; and more recently the hybrid, a new age concept to describe vampires that feed from energy and blood. Reality is, when it comes to actual vampires, there is no such thing, as described by those three types.
A real vampire is both, a powerful psychic and a potential blood drinker; being able to drain vital energy by diverse means, like physical contact, the blood of humans, sexual interaction or simply by stealth metaphysical abilities, among many others. The preferred methods of feeding are connected with the energy metabolism of the vampire and also rely in matters of personal taste and choice. What a real vampire truly craves at his core is Ka, the Essence of Life, whether released by an intense sexual orgasm, from the blood dripping off a donor's vein or simply by the touch of the flesh."

Makes it quite clear versus the misinformed babble some of the OVC spreads as vampirism.

Another clear indicator when it comes to the lack of seriousness and credibility of the article is when it mentions Todd Sebastian, the Sanguinarium and the Black Veil as part of the history and evolution of the vampire culture. This fails to acknowledge the whole reality and culture of real vampires, and mixes role-playing with real vampirism, which is the typical, but commonly abused, mistake done by the OVC people.
I won't even comment on the fact that the article fails to acknowledge the importance of the Aset Ka and the Asetian culture in vampire history, where even if someone states they don't accept Asetian history in pre-dynastic Egypt due to lack of direct written evidence, they still can't just deny the importance and central relevance of the Aset Ka Order in modern vampirism and the occult community. Not only they represent the largest and most widespread vampire order in the current century, liking them or hating them, as their published literary work The Asetian Bible is a groundbreaking reference in the occult, vampirism, energy work and definition of advanced metaphysics in a way it was never approached in history and revealed in a very concise and wise way. Clearly, that is connected with a problem the stagnated part of the OVC (as in American new-age vampires) has to admit their lack of information and access when it concerns the occult, especially when their belief systems are shaken by solid references presented by older well established groups. Those personal irks get even stronger when the groups under scrutiny don't accept their constant invitations to the online meetings and pseudo-politics debates, as it happened with several serious occult orders, not only vampire or Asetian ones.

Like I said, it's a pity that new articles still arise with this preoccupying lack of information. Why taking the time to write so extensively and not even make the effort to do your homework? Proper research doesn't hurt, and it is well worthy to write an article with both historical and literary value instead of just another piece of online text we read, shake our heads at and move over.

Worthy of note, I have nothing against the author, nor do I even know him/her. It's just another nickname online, not even a real name from what I can tell. My message is an alert mostly against the misinformation we can find online when it comes to vampirism, not against any particular author or text. The mentioned text only served as an example because I stumbled upon it, in a time that I thought we were well over those confusions of the past.

Please, and this goes to all the community, when you're writing about vampirism or just the occult in general, make some effort to do the proper research, use of reliable sources and produce something that can actually be of some value to newcomers who are truly interested in the subject, and not the gaming side of it by spreading further nonsense that has no validity in metaphysical terms. *sigh*

Sorry about the ramble, and may you all have a great week.

Yours truly,
'Natalia'

http://www.asetka.org/vampirism.shtml

A big thing about this is that the majority of the world does not even know that Asetians exist. It's best that way.

Daniel09 wrote:http://www.asetka.org/vampirism.shtml

That is a very good article, Daniel, and I have referred it in my own text. Actually, I always refer people to that article everytime I get contacted for vampire information and those recurring misconceptions are brought into conversation.

I agree, that it is best for the world at large not to know about the Asetians. They aren't ready and most information would just be far too perplexing and complex for most people to understand and learn. The occult world is a whole different story. When the subject is vampire history, their culture, spiritual traditions or metaphysical practices, I always have a firm belief that accuracy, even if not including sensitive information, instead of misinformation, is the way to go. The occult studies, along with its metaphysical and spiritual branches, represent a science and scholarly field of knowledge. As such, it deserves due respect and not blending with fiction, role-playing and ego dramas. I am sure you agree.

'Natalia'

That was quite a long post. I congratulate you for taking your time to write on what is, to me, a lost cause. Of course I agree with you, anyone that is serious about vampirism would, but there will always be sources of misinformation. Some do it by ignorance, others do it by accident and some rare few even do it on purpose. All that matters is that reliable sources do exist for those who want serious information and are willing to dig deep enough to find them. I agree that the definition of a vampire presented is very poor and ignorant of the true vampiric condition, but most humans will always remain ignorant over the reality of true vampires and keep dreaming about their world and mysteries. Everyone is free to dream, it just doesn't mean they will ever be able to peek into it...

Anyways, thank you for taking valuable time to write such an extensive and well reasoned article. It is never too much when it comes to point out such issues to the ones who may be less aware. Your time was not wasted, just don't hold any high hopes that there will ever be a definitive solution to misinformation and ignorance. That's the usual state of mind in most people.

Bravo, Natalia. That was an excellent post.

Let me just add my little grain of salt:

There has always been and will always be misinformation, fantasy, fluffiness, silliness and role playing regarding vampirism. What in the middle ages was legend and folklore became a romantic myth in Victorian times, and was then the object of a revival by the gothic culture. Now, thanks to the Internet and the easier communication venues, some have tried to scientifically explain its existence, with arguments that, as we have seen, border on sheer ridicule and most of the times are nothing but clumsy validations of their own fantasies.

However frustrating it might be to read these articles, it is still a good thing that they exist. The reality behind vampirism - a reality of which some of us have seen only but a fleeting glimpse - is hidden behind very thick veils and very well-preserved from most people. Very much as what Victor said in his last post. Thus, the existence of these new-ageish and useless clubs such as the VPO, House of Kheperu, AVA, etc., acts as a perfect wall to hide and, in a way, protect the truth.

I tend to think that perhaps there is a hidden intention behind all this, and perhaps it is not such a coincidence that the Aset Ka has made its appearance in the midst of the whole vampire craze.

Natalia:

One thing about this, I dont understand....

If the Asetka would like to be silent, Why are you then getting aggravated/irritated on their behalf ?

I am of that belief, that some people need the "fiction", to cope in society, Cause to them its not fiction, it is very much real...

So Who am I to take it away from them ?

Isn't people still aloud to dream or have their own preconception of things ?

I do understand why you get irritated, since it would be nice to not read true all kinds of bullshit...(pardon, the expression) * ( for some ) ....,
Others mite see it from an psychological point of view, and would think it was interesting.

Vampires means something different to many, I have come to see...

I have a good Friend from Romania, and she told me that vampire legends is something that she has grown up whit, and its not at all how we see them....

But who am I to call her wrong.... and who is she to call me Right ?

Sincerely Divine 277

Thank you for your words Jonathan and Syrianeh. You are also both correct. I can see your reasoning, Syrianeh, and that is also an interesting subject, on how and why the Aset Ka allowed for some of their recent moves to reach public eye. We all know it would never be this way if they did not intend it to happen exactly in this fashion. They are beings of formidable precision.

Divine, I am not aggravated, I just don't like seeing people mislead or misconceptions to be spread as truth under a subject that I hold dearly. I believe my point of view was well understood by most of the users.

I don't have hopes to change anything, but like Jonathan pointed out, it is never too much when it comes to bring awareness over these issues, since they may help some innocent minds seeking serious answers. But irritated? It takes a lot more than ignorance to irritate me. There is a part of me that smiles every time I see these articles and definitions showing up, because like Syrianeh and Victor wisely referred, all these new-age groups, articles and opinions serve the Aset Ka, the Red Order of Seth and other true vampire orders by helping them remain safe in their mysterious silence. All I did was to point out something that can help someone else to find the answers they seek. Nothing else...

'Nathalia'

Natalia wrote:Thank you for your words Jonathan and Syrianeh. You are also both correct. I can see your reasoning, Syrianeh, and that is also an interesting subject, on how and why the Aset Ka allowed for some of their recent moves to reach public eye. We all know it would never be this way if they did not intend it to happen exactly in this fashion. They are beings of formidable precision.

Divine, I am not aggravated, I just don't like seeing people mislead or misconceptions to be spread as truth under a subject that I hold dearly. I believe my point of view was well understood by most of the users.

I don't have hopes to change anything, but like Jonathan pointed out, it is never too much when it comes to bring awareness over these issues, since they may help some innocent minds seeking serious answers. But irritated? It takes a lot more than ignorance to irritate me. There is a part of me that smiles every time I see these articles and definitions showing up, because like Syrianeh and Victor wisely referred, all these new-age groups, articles and opinions serve the Aset Ka, the Red Order of Seth and other true vampire orders by helping them remain safe in their mysterious silence. All I did was to point out something that can help someone else to find the answers they seek. Nothing else...

'Nathalia'

Thank you, then I value your thought and actions.
Thank you for you swift answer.

Nice post, Natalia. Thanks for your time.

People are manipulated, whether by television or radio or even the internet, I think now is a matter of fame of ignorance and money. I believe that if we seek the truth within us we know exactly where to find it, because this will not be a matter of knowledge but of wisdom.

Thanks for taking the time to write that out, that was a good read.

Ya know, that reminded me to be thankful that we don't have all that crazy, dramatic BS here about what a vampire is, etc, etc, etc. I see it on other forums.

Personally, I don't give a damn what folks believe about vampirism. However, I am always glad to share what I can with those whom sincerely seek information on Asetianism, and most of us here are this way.

This was a relevant post, Natalia. I wish we would read you more often. It is in tune with most of what I have been saying about the Vampire Community for a long time.

Back in 2009 I posted (link) in this forum a thread that discusses the real, but often forgotten, Vampire Community, and how true vampire knowledge is seen as a reliable and serious branch of the occult by the scholars of spirituality in opposition to the fluffy superficial side of vampirism driven by fiction, and worse, Vampire The Masquerade. The occult community at large laughs at things like the Black Veil, Strigoi Vii and House Kheperu. All admittedly based out of roleplaying games by their own creators. The occult, and vampirism as an integral part of it, never was and never will be connected with gaming, pub parties and the likes. Entirely different worlds that will never mix. But to some, that is all they have, so they embrace it as if it is all there is. If you give an outdated piece of food to a poor person in the street begging for money to eat, it might be trash to you, but it will mean the world to them. Same happens with the Vampire Community, particularly in the case of its online counterpart. Much of it is trash to the wise, but to those that have nothing else, it is all they can see.

Thank you Divine, Stalker, N. Augusta and Victor for the support as well.

Victor wrote:If you give an outdated piece of food to a poor person in the street begging for money to eat, it might be trash to you, but it will mean the world to them. Same happens with the Vampire Community, particularly in the case of its online counterpart. Much of it is trash to the wise, but to those that have nothing else, it is all they can see.

Touché. I really liked this example. I think I will quote you often on it.

'Natalia'

Some say that the easiest and best place to hide is in plain sight..........


Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden

Natalia wrote:Thank you Divine, Stalker, N. Augusta and Victor for the support as well.

Victor wrote:If you give an outdated piece of food to a poor person in the street begging for money to eat, it might be trash to you, but it will mean the world to them. Same happens with the Vampire Community, particularly in the case of its online counterpart. Much of it is trash to the wise, but to those that have nothing else, it is all they can see.

Touché. I really liked this example. I think I will quote you often on it.

'Natalia'

Me too! You are so right.

Natalia wrote:Thank you Divine, Stalker, N. Augusta and Victor for the support as well.

Victor wrote:If you give an outdated piece of food to a poor person in the street begging for money to eat, it might be trash to you, but it will mean the world to them. Same happens with the Vampire Community, particularly in the case of its online counterpart. Much of it is trash to the wise, but to those that have nothing else, it is all they can see.

Touché. I really liked this example. I think I will quote you often on it.

'Natalia'

Thank you. My pleasure.

Goodness me, Natalia i'm so happy you've clarified things out.

To be totally honest before registering on the forum, everytime i entered an online vampires community, i read the same things everywhere. Like: Vampires are really vampires, if they have energies sufficiencies, and need an external source to nourrish them. There's three official categories: The sanguinarian ones, the psychic ones and the sexual ones. And some people add some other categories like the elemental vampires, people that take energies via the air, the water, the earth... Sanguinarian are considered as the manipulative ones, the pychic ones as the more dangerous, cause 40 per cent of them ( or 60 i don't rememeber) would take energies inconsciously, so make the person they get nourrished from very bad without realizing it. and the sexual ones are considered as succubi or incubi.

I've been told i was a sexual one, and i needed to accept it cause i was made like this and than sooner or later i will have to accept it. And if i refused to accept it, the signes would be violent. So i was a bit scared and decided to be more careful. Am i a Vampire? I don't know i never felt as such, and never claimed i was one either, i'm here to find that out, but i doubt i am one to be fair.

Also i have read this story such as vampires are like the snakes on the medical emblem. The first one belongs to the earth and the second one to the sky. The one that belongs to the sky needs to take energy on the earth so people from earth to remain stable, so in a way from a certain sanguinarian ( sort of) point of view the vampires are like this snake from above it needs to take people's vital energies to remain stable.

I first been taught about vampires this way: People needing external energies, have no vital energies either because they were born like this, either because a spirit or other would have stolen their energies. I also heard they were not capable to get out during the day. And i don't even mention the fake vampires videos on youtube. Some folks claiming they are vampires and saying they sometimes literally crave for foof because something is missing in their system. I can give some links if you want me to. So from now on i really care of when i take my informations cause people have fed me ( and loads of us) with bullshit.

I type very fast it's ridiculous, and the result is, i made loads of typos. I wanted to add something else, but lost my chain of thoughts.

I quite agree with this! There is so much misinformation out there! I have come across a lot of confused people. It is hard not to laugh some times.

umm i Just have one question from some one who knows what they are talking about how does one become a vampire??

Excellent post.

Enlightening. Thank you for the share.