bearwithmeshifting

[bearwithmeshifting]

Good shit! Love people compiling information together, and you did so well in a way that isn't dependent on a social media account staying up. I saved this on the internet archive, just in case the wix site itself fails in the future. The screenshots are a fun and tactile way to engage with the overview, and help give an unnarrated look into the periods pictured. Love the citations, those things are fun to trawl through, and help give your words more substance. The modern day is weirdly less documented, but it makes sense why. I don't even know how to begin citing discord servers, let alone making sure that the information contained in the citations doesn't give out too much. I get it's a history article, but archiving the current situation may be helpful to those in the future. Also: How have I NOT come across Shifter's Eden sooner? This site is awesome! Good shit Harloqui, consider me on call for any articles you wish to make.

Late Christmas Present: The Shifter Timeline!

Hey, how was your holidays? Hopefully it's been good. I've been away from here for a while, and that's because I've been working on a Shifter's Timeline!

It covers the online history of the shifter community, from the past to around 2018. I would have gone further but the events from this decade will take a few more months of work at best. Citations should be properly formatted and up-to-date, but Wix started giving me trouble so I apologize if anything looks wonky. If you have sources feel free to add them on by the way, I always appreciate more info!

Have you ever wondered where AWTOK came from? Who Blaze was? Where all the different shifter groups coalesced? Why everything died out? You'll find the answers in here.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Just curious, are you going to expand the timeline past 2018? I've been around since 2019-2020 (like right on that line between the two) and may be able to offer more info to help.

Also, there's plenty of other websites (Such as Werewolf Codex, or other small websites that were guides - oh and not to mention early 2000s websites that also hosted more information and the groups that circulated. I only have what can be found on internet archive, but still!) and screenshots I can offer to help! I'm currently traveling right now, but if you need any information I'll see what I have to offer and expand on what you already have.

Its an amazing post, and I hope it can become even more detailed in the future! Thank you for such a contribution for newer weres and shifters alike to learn more about how this community has been built.

-Much admiration, Rioliega the werecougar ♡

Yep! I just stopped at 2018 for now, anything further will need a lot more documentation. I haven't heard of those sources, so if you could send me anything you have, that would be appreciated! Thank you so much!

[bearwithmeshifting]

I see there's new people in the tags? 👀

I'm kinda concerned about the amount of shifters trickling in and your safety, so I hope y'all don't mind if I offer up some information and tips for newbies looking to safely navigating the community:

Avoid people who start talking about doomsday conspiracies. They never come true, and tends to create unnecessary drama and anxiety. Also be wary of people who talk about hunters a lot - those who talk about them aren't typically dangerous but it can still lead to a lot of unnecessary paranoia and drama, so you might want to avoid those conversations if you're not in a good headspace for them.

Never pay for any claimed tricks or secrets to shifting. Never give any of your personal info (as in, photos of yourself, your address, etc.) to someone offering to turn you. Never meet up with someone who claims to be able to turn you. Most (if not all) of the people offering "the secrets to p-shift" freely like this have nefarious intentions, and you don't want to get caught up in their plans.

Don't feel pressured to do things that make you feel worse, or impair you. Nobody should be forcing you to shift, cut off connections or friends, hurt yourself or do anything that you don't feel comfortable doing. If they are, cut them off or tell someone who can help.

If you're the pack-faring type, remember that packs should be democratic and fair to all its members. A pack should not be a dictatorship, or a place where some members gang up on others. An alpha or beta should not be power-hungry and controlling. Packs are more like found family, a group of friends, or an online forum, not an abusive cult.

Keep up with your health and life. Don't neglect it because you're a shifter, make sure you're healthy (or as healthy as you can be.) Shifting sucks when you're sick, so make sure you're taking care of yourself! But don't overdo it (don't take too much vitamins or drink too much water, for example) - even too much of a good thing can be dangerous! And don't do anything that seems too dangerous for your body. Even as a shifter (and even when shifted) your body still has limits.

Also, don't forget to take care of your mundane duties either. You may be a shifter, but you're also living in a human society, and unfortunately you can't survive in one without living like a human. (I know younger shifters tend to get a little overzealous and forget about their everyday lives for a bit, so this is moreso geared towards them than the experienced ones.) Stay in school, learn well, pick up a new hobby or two, enjoy what human society has to offer.

(Also take this, it will help you on your journey)

I'm pretty sure most of you know this already, but since I don't know who knows, I thought it wouldn't hurt to have a refresher. Stay safe out there!

[bearwithmeshifting]

After giving it more thought, and after talking to some of the people I've been neglecting contact with for a while, would it happen to be that "Starus" have run a shifter convention of some kind? If that has no meaning, then I'm likely wrong.

did you ever know someone by the name of "the puppet", "sahde", "lanny"?

what about some named starus?

Don't think so, those names don't ring bells at least.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Hey, I’m not a p-shifter but I’m a therian and I have some questions about p-shifting that I’m curious about since I’m not too familiar with this.

How exactly does p-shifting work, if you’re able to explain it?

Does it hurt while in the process of shifting?

How are some people able to shift physically while most can’t?

Do you have to be born with the ability to shift physically or can you learn to develop it? If so, how?

Thank you if you decide to answer these :)

Hey, sorry for the responses being unsatisfying, but I've yet to come across conclusive answers to most of these questions. Firstly, no one I know is able to deliver proof on how physical shifting occurs. We have guesses, but none have evidence. Some say its a genetic expression of dna that allows for it, but there is some abnormal results from this. Some say magic, but magic is largely unproven and difficult to replicate (assuming it exists in some degree), so has issue being scientifically demonstrated. It hurts a lot to shift, but most kinda just don't care. Like sure it's unpleasant, but it kind of just becomes background noise for me as I start to disassociate from it. Probably some hormones get involved, might explain why a good amount of shifters seem to enjoy the act of shifting despite the pain. Some people just seem to shift while others can't. It's difficult to say why, some say it's hereditary, others say its acquired. The hereditary crowd has the issue of most shifters that communicate online tend to be the only ones in their family who can shift. If its acquired, it's likely hard to acquire, or at least has specific requirements. I don't tend to put stock in any explanation past it being fun to speculate. If there's a consistent way to become a shifter, or to discover if you are one, I have not come across it. I have a pet theory that maybe the consistency of magical beings having the power to shapeshift between human(ish) and animal might have to do with it being an esoteric skill, but I don't put much stock into it. I severely doubt you could find someone who knows for certain how to do so, and if they claim to be able to, don't listen to them unless they tell you without asking anything from you. Even then, prepare for disappointment. I wish you a good day, I hope your curiosity has been sated appropriately.

[bearwithmeshifting]

do you have proof of being a p-shifter? fur, pics, anything

not hating btw just curious!!

- an intrigued coyote

You're fine for asking, don't worry. And the answer is nope! I don't keep evidence of me being a shifter, it's very low on my list of priorities. It's inconvenient to get the proof, and then it could get complicated if the proof gets out to the wrong people. There's more than likely a reason why this stuff isn't public knowledge, so I'm not going to be the one to break the news. I also don't really doubt myself enough for it to be worth holding onto for myself. I talk to people who've seen me shift, so I guess that's proof enough for me? But that's not really something I can hand out to others beyond a "trust me bro." Wish you well.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Hello! Fellow wolf p-shifter here.

Do you know of any ways to achieve a full shift? Is it involuntary? Is it not possible to shift on purpose? Are we able to control ourselves when shifted?

Thanks!

It's fully possible to voluntarily shift, but it's kinda like voluntarily eating in my experience. Sure, I could eat a whole cake, but do I want to? Is it overfilling and will it be unpleasant? Probably. A buddy of mine can shift basically whenever, albeit with a day between or so. For me and basically everyone I've talked to, you're in perfect control of yourself, if a bit washed in hormones or something. You might engage in behaviors typical of your animal, but you probably won't maul a person unless you're really hungry and aggressive.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Also question if you don’t mind!

Is it true that there’s an age range for p-shifting? Can you p-shift within your adult years if you’ve never done it in your teenage years?

Is it true that magic can awaken your animal side?

Me and others have observed that it appears that most shifters have their first shift in their teenage years. I've yet to encounter a claim otherwise. I see no reason that someone could be a very late bloomer, but that event is outside what I've encountered. It's possible that magic can "awaken your animal side". Outside of P-shifting, I've heard of people entering M shifts and animalistic mindstates, so that could work to "awaken your animal side". I've encountered some p-shifters online who claim to have used magic to shapeshift, as opposed to an innate trait. Maybe it's an innate thing and it worked to trigger their shift, but I think it could be possible, if extremely difficult. Chances are, if you have to ask the question, you probably lack the expertise to pull it off anytime soon though. I doubt my piecemeal understanding of the subject would be of any use to get you to that point.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Hello! Fellow wolf p-shifter here.

Is it true that you fur & hair color match when in both forms? Or is this a myth?

Also, do you know anything about energy blockages that can block the animal side from the human side at all? Is this a thing that happens?

It matches nearly one to one with myself, despite bears not having green eyes, but in some others they have their fur change color from their general hair color. It depends I guess, but on what I cannot say. I've heard of energy blockages in concept. Might be a thing, never met anyone in person who experienced one for certain. I've heard of it online, but its a really easy way to solidify a fakeclaim, so I don't give it credence one way or another. (As an aside, I don't go out of my way to declare that shifters are fake, I have no way to prove it, but I think that "energy blockages" could be a very easy lie to fit in with shifters.) I think it could be a self perpetuating negativity, saying they can't which means they don't, or force it too hard. I don't have a way to detect it myself, so I kind of just resort to things that are more materially observable, like psychology. I claim no expertise on this subject.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Hi! I'm not a p-ahifter, I'm an alterhuman, but I read the post about Claire, about mermaids. She had some links there that were related to the p-s topic, but the page was probably deleted. So I want to ask: how to actually become a p-shifter? Or how to do shape shifting (literally physical, complete change of human form or parts). They say it takes months, years, not immediately, but how do you get into it?

Honestly? I kinda bumbled my way into shapeshifting, it's to the point where I consider it an innate quality of some people to do it. I can't point to a way for someone to become a shapeshifter or to nonmedically augment their body. It has a large amount of folklore and mythology that depicts it as a spell or curse, being something that is acquired. I think it might be difficult to replicate, but I have heard of some pshifters who have used magic of some sort to become animals. If you're dead set on this, and don't mind probably wasting your time, I'd suggest looking into magic. If you're not already well aware of magic, it might do well to become acquainted with it, but let it be known that the occult is a confusing mess to navigate. I don't think Claire had a method listed on how she did it besides listening to subliminals, which would go into a general Law of Attraction new age belief. I don't personally subscribe to that, but it may be worth looking into if you take Claire as an example.

[bearwithmeshifting]

did you ever know someone by the name of "the puppet", "sahde", "lanny"?

what about some named starus?

Don't think so, those names don't ring bells at least.

[bearwithmeshifting]

do you know how to contact the people involved with penexus weyr? im trying to get in contact

Probably? I remember being in contact with someone who was with them at least. It's been a while, and I'm not sure if I can introduce an anon to them as an outsider.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Heyo again ! I'm back with another question.

Have you heard of disabilities affecting ones ability to shift and/or their animal form(s) ? -Shadow ☘️

Not really. The closest I've heard of is that some people are still able to shift even with dental fillings.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Hello ! Thank you so much for the answer on my first ask as yes i was asking for tips if i am a shifter (also i had checked out the account Mohicove/Miroymon suggested previous to the ask, i wanted to rule out being an endel before even considering the fact of being a shifter).

And i have a few more questions relating to shifters if you don't mind answering. 1: is it possible to be a shifter of multiple animals? And 2: at what age range does one have their first full shift? -☘️

You’re welcome, hope that helped figure things out.

Onto the questions, firstly, it seems to be possible for shifters to have multiple animals. A likely shifter I interact with (or interacted with, haven’t been online for a while) claims to be able to shift into multiple forms. It’s generally seen as not being impossible, at least within most shifter circles I’ve been in. On a somewhat related note, I’ve even heard of shifters who turn into unusual forms, such as wolves with wings or even dragons (though the dragon shifter has yet to full shift last I heard). Personally, if there is a hereditary element to shifting, I wouldn’t be surprised if “polymorphic” shifters are simply inheriting multiple forms somehow.

In regards to the “age range” for first full shift, it depends. A lot of shifters online that I’ve met have had only a partial shift, at least as of yet. Those who have only partially shifted tend to be younger than 19, never met one older whose only had a partial shift. I’ve heard of shifters as young as 13 experiencing a partial shift, though that’s a bit of an anomaly. Full shifts are claimed to happen generally around 17-19. It’s pretty consistent in that range, I’ve personally not heard of exceptions to my reckoning. It’s likely possible to do so outside that range, and I’m almost sure I’ve heard of someone full shifting around 16, but I can’t say with certainty that’s the case.

[bearwithmeshifting]

Victoria Winnie(Kaler).

Probably 23-26 here. The colors came from my memories of her and her attributes. Stumpy legs but a lean upper half..

I couldn't get her nose down properly so it looks off but I know it's similar in shape. She's younger here though- so her reference when she's in her 30's is very off,,

[bearwithmeshifting]

P-Shifting Methods - Advice

So if you are someone pursuing a way to make p-shifting happen, we’d like to provide some cautions and a few things to look out for, along with some suggestions.

There are people out there who, sadly, are lying about their intentions for you, and may mean you or others harm. So in the interest of avoiding these people, please watch out for these signs:

-If someone claims to have a ‘secret’ p-shifting method that they will share with you for some kind of price - this could be money, sexual favors, or anything, really - they don’t know anything. They’re trying to scam you, and they aren’t worth your time. On the note of a secret, if they act like they’re doing you a massive favor by sharing it with you and say they’ll need a favor from you later, put any kind of pressure on you, make you promise not to tell anyone that you know them/say ‘this is our little secret’ (this is a grooming tactic), or otherwise act very strongly about it, get away.

-If someone tells you to p-shift by harming yourself, others or animals, they’re not worth listening to. Under no circumstances should you intentionally hurt yourself or others. And killing yourself certainly isn’t going to make you p-shift.

-Similar to the above, if someone tells you you need blood of any kind to accomplish p-shifting, don’t bother. You can catch all kinds of diseases, not to mention the harm you could be doing to humans or animals doing that. The only circumstance in which you should be drinking or using blood is if you’re a sanguine vampire (that is, your health requires that you consume or come into contact with blood), and even then, only in safe, educated situations.

-Likewise, methods such as fasting, self-mutilation, animal sacrifice and the like aren’t going to do you any good.

-If anyone says you have to have some kind of close bond with them, or you must have some kind of contract or seal with them, they are of the unsavory type. Such as someone saying that to become a p-shifter you must sleep with one first; the ulterior motive there is pretty obvious.

-On that note, anyone who has any ulterior motive, at all. Actually, if they’re doing anything aside from making simple suggestions or recommendations, they’re probably trouble. If they’re trying to force or pressure you into something in any manner, they’re likely not being truthful. If they are simply sharing their experiences, and respect that you might not want to try their methods, or that it might not work for you, then that’s alright.

-Anyone who says you have to be ‘turned’ should be avoided quickly. If you are unaware, most p-shifting communities ban people who claim to be able to ‘turn’ others. It is not an acceptable claim, and seems to just about exclusively come from sexual predators.

-Speaking of, anyone who wants you to meet up with them in person, or asks for any of your personal information for the sake of ‘showing’ you how to do it. If they actually could show you, there’s no reason they couldn’t take a video or photo on their phone and send it to you. That said, if someone is simply discussing the idea, don’t pressure them into sharing a video or photo, especially if they aren’t using their claims to gain control over someone. They are likely just minding their own business, and many p-shifters that we have encountered are intensely private about themselves - as is their right. Please respect that. Now if you see them lording their claims over others or manipulating people with it, then by all means, feel free to step in and insist on seeing them doing it; if they’re going to use it to gain some kind of power, they have to be able to prove their honesty.

-Also, generally avoid people who claim to be hunters or slayers. Don’t rise to a challenge or duel or anything like that. Don’t agree to meet them no matter what they say (even if they claim they need your help with a ‘troublesome’ p-shifter). Report and move on. Never, ever give out your personal information. We don’t want to be narrow-minded about an identity, but people who claim to live to harm others are just a no-go. Not to mention vigilantism is generally illegal for a reason, no matter the circumstance.

It’s very unfortunate that so many people find people looking for p-shifting methods to be targets. So please keep yourself safe.

However, here are a few things we’ve learned from the p-shifting community that you may find useful in your discoveries:

-From what we saw in the p-shifting community, the common belief is that p-shifting is highly personal, and that it might not work quite the same way for any two people. Where we were, anytime someone new would join asking how to do it, the answer would always be ‘time, patience and self-discovery’ (along with a caution that no one should be allowed to tell you how to p-shift). That you have to find it within yourself, over time. Through soul-searching, meditation, or connecting to the animal you feel you can become, until something clicks.

-There was a strong belief in the community that not everyone is capable of p-shifting, and that, because of that possibility, you generally shouldn’t devote all your time or hope to it. That you may simply have to accept yourself as you are - but know that it’s perfectly fine to be what you are. (For the record, the people we encountered considered mental, phantom and dream shifting to be just as important as p-shifting, and did not see p-shifting as some kind of ‘ultimate’ or ‘perfect’ shift.) If you aren’t able to achieve it, please don’t be hard on yourself. After all, there is no real evidence to support this concept and so there have been no formal studies, attempts or research around it. It isn’t guaranteed to work for you, even if someone says otherwise. (Though we would love to see studies on it.) The people who did say they could p-shift also did not hold themselves over those who could not. So please do not feel bad if you simply can’t achieve it; there’s nothing wrong with you for that.

-Some people who never could get a p-shift to work instead took to fashion, style and jewelry to help alleviate the pressure they feel to shift. Some wear whatever helps them feel more like their animal side and allow themselves to be lost in it for a time (such as in a mental shift), in a place where they can be alone. Some pursue surgery to ‘fix’ their body (which they see as being the wrong species) - but we would suggest you do thorough research before trying that. Some examples of those surgeries would be to have fat removed or injected in certain locations to make a shape more like the animal, to have hair permanently removed, to have various tattoos, to have objects implanted under the skin to create a different shape, to have the tongue split in half, etc. Some called this method ‘p-shifting in slow motion’. Be aware that it is extremely expensive, likely is illegal in your country, and can most often only be performed without painkiller. It may also lead to severe infection, injury, disability or even death.

-There is a common belief in the p-shifting community that in order to achieve a p-shift, you must be at your very peak health and have an absolute overflow of energy. They suggested keeping a healthy diet and exercising regularly, along with reducing stress, spending time in nature and being careful to avoid getting sick. They also said you should avoid alcohol, smoking, and the like. Essentially, that you need to keep your human body in excellent condition in order to have the energy to perform a p-shift, as the act is said to take an enormous amount of effort.

-There was also a general warning that if you feel pain while trying to p-shift, that you should stop immediately. The thought was that the process could cause some odd sensations, but that it shouldn’t hurt. There was also a consensus that you shouldn’t use p-shifting to ignore health problems, and that you shouldn’t let it prevent you from seeking medical attention as needed. No one we knew was ever outed by a doctor - no one can tell you are a p-shifter by a blood test, DNA test, or any other medical test. (If they could, there would have been studies on it by now.) Be assured that seeing a doctor for whatever you need is perfectly safe.

-Another piece of advice we found was that p-shifting should never, ever be used to bring harm to others. It should only be done when alone, in a safe place where you won’t be seen. It should not be bragged about, it should not be used to control others or to shame others. It should definitely never be used to fight, and you shouldn’t rely on it for self-defense or escape (as it’s generally reported to take several minutes to p-shift). There was also a general rule about never taking pictures or videos of it (for the sake of avoiding too much attention). Basically, use common sense and logic, and don’t do anything you’ll regret at any point. Take your time to think carefully before you act. It was seen as being more for fun and for spiritual reasons than anything else. These people are trying hard to be accepted, and so you shouldn’t do anything that will justify people judging the p-shifting community. Set a good example for both outsiders to the community and newcomers within it. If you see someone being mislead or manipulated, step in and put a stop to it.

-It was also generally suggested that you first become excellent at mental shifting, phantom shifting, and sometimes dream shifting before attempting to p-shift, as many saw a p-shift as simply an extension, or other version of these.

We hope this can help anyone looking into p-shifting. :) Always remember to be careful and thoughtful, and to look after yourself.

[bearwithmeshifting]

I'm starting to come to thoughts of like "What if there is NO gene for physical shifting."

And I honestly feel a bit sad about it because for others, it's harsher not really knowing what is happening and knowing that your journey and this method of life is.. all for nothing.

Even if there is no gene, the experiences you gained will be for something. Whether that's a heightened sense of what makes you happy, coping skills, an identity, a fictional self.. anything. I worry about there not being a gene only because I feel like thinking about that pushes you to research more and to understand what the human body is capable of when shifting.

To even understand why people shift in the first place. Why some immediately fall into metal shifts or why your sense of smell can trigger out phantom shifts.

To me, if physical shifting happens to have no gene for it, it will still not explain my family history with ghosts and such. If It's not a gene, it will not help explain my many cases of physical experiences other than things like somatic shifts. There will STILL be answers. And a lot of alterhumans and shifters ignore that while in the midst of fighting each other every 3 years.

Who will answer our questions if we are lost? Because it sure ain't gonna be the alterhuman community. Who will help us recollect our experiences?

Who will stand up for physical experiences?