Otherkin

Otherkin (n) Literal meaning; Kindred to 'other' Shorthand; 'Kin. (also used as a Suffix) The Otherkin phenomenon is a young idea, being primarily silent as a concept until the mid to late 80s, coinciding with the popularization of the internet. And so internal understanding, interpretation, and methodology is fluid and actively debated. This malleable nature of understanding acts to confound concrete definition beyond the following general concept: "'Otherkin' is an individual or community of individuals that Self-identify as being not completely human, or having been inhuman in a past life/incarnation. This idea is quantified through a combination of Personal and Shared Gnosis." It is a personal recognition of the enduring influence of a non-human aspect (Which can include terrestrial fauna, non-terrestrial fauna, incorporeal/spiritual entities, and mythical beings). Typically sourced in recognition of subtle influences to personality and/or behavioral predisposition. In some cases reference is also made to spiritual talent or natural aptitude towards specific practices. Particularly Shamanism/animism. Otherkin may be loosely compared to other spiritual and philosophical ideas rooted in Shared Personal Gnosis and spiritual Self-realization such as Starseeds, Drop-ins, indigo children, and other practices based in modern new-age concepts.