What is a Therian?

A therian is an individual who identifies as having a non-human animal as their spirit, soul, or essence. This concept is rooted in Therianthropy, a modern spiritual and philosophical movement that emerged in the 1990s. Therians believe that they possess the spirit or essence of an animal, often referred to as a "theriotype," which is a specific animal species with which they deeply identify.

Therians often report experiencing strong emotional and psychological connections to their theriotype, which can manifest in various ways, such as through meditation, visualization, or immersion in nature. This identification can influence their worldview, behavior, and even their sense of self.

It's essential to note that therianthropy is not the same as lycanthropy, a mythological concept where humans transform into wolves or other animals. Therianthropy is a personal, spiritual, and identity-oriented concept, rather than a supernatural or fantastical one.

While therianthropy is not widely recognized or academically studied, it has attracted a dedicated online community and sparked discussions around identity, spirituality, and human-animal connections.

Recommended resources:

• The Therian Guide: A comprehensive online resource for therians, offering information, community, and support.
• Theanthrocon: An annual convention and gathering for therians and other individuals interested in anthropomorphic and mythical creatures.

Please note that the search results provided did not yield relevant information, likely due to the niche nature of the topic.