Q: What is a vampire/vampyre?A: There is no single definition accepted by all members of our community. Each of us has a personal interpretation of what it means to be a vampire. To learn how individual members of the VVC view vampirism, refer to the Membership Directory page at: http://www.veritasvosliberabit.com/members.html
Q: What causes vampirism?A: We have yet to establish conclusive proof of any one cause. The topic is widely debated in the vampire community. We can say that attributing vampirism to organic causes such as a "vampire virus" or damaged or missing mitochondria is based on fiction rather than fact.
Q: Can someone be turned into a vampire?A: The majority of the vampire community believe it is impossible for anyone to be turned (embraced, brought across, or other similar terminology). Many believe we are born vampires and gradually become aware of our natures during a process commonly referred to as "Awakening."
Q: What happens if a vampire doesn't feed?A: Without feeding, we will become lethargic, irritable, and often experience physical suffering. Over time, the effects on our physical and mental health grow more severe. We won't die, but we will be very uncomfortable and associating with us can be difficult. People who feel sick can be grumpy and aren't always fun to spend time with; we are no different.
Q: Do all vampires drink blood?A: Some do, while others feed by absorbing energy psychically or through a combination of drinking blood and psychic feeding.
Q: What is the "energy” vampires use to feed?A: "Energy" is a relative term. For the purposes of this FAQ, "energy" refers to an insubstantial but semi-objectively perceivable force, which many cultures with energy theories regard as a naturally-occurring phenomenon connected to living things, the natural world, magickal ritual, and sometimes even electricity or kinetic energy. Common synonyms for the type(s) of energy used include Psi, Prana, Chi, Orgone, or life-force.
Q: Do you have to worry about AIDS or other diseases?A: We are physically human and susceptible to human diseases. Most of those who feed on blood stress safety. Human donors are often required to supply medical documentation to show they are free of blood-borne diseases. Some sanguinarian (blood-drinking) vampires prefer to use animal blood as a more convenient alternative.
Q: How do you know if someone is a vampire?A: We have yet to develop a conclusive test for vampirism. Each individual must determine this for himself or herself. We encourage those who think they may be vampires to seek medical testing and to consult licensed mental health professionals to rule out other possibilities first.
Q: Is vampirism a religion?A: We follow many different spiritual paths, including many of the major organized religions. Some have created their own theology that incorporates vampirism. We're a very diverse group.
Q: Are people claiming to be vampires crazy?A: The majority of real vampires are legally sane. Some members of mainstream culture desperately desire to escape the real world, and use a glamorized version of the fictional vampire to facilitate their needs. Your level of understanding about us will help you tell the difference between those individuals and real vampires.
Q: I've heard about "psychic vampires" who drain the energy of those around them – do I need to be concerned?A: Most of those who use energy rather than blood strive to feed in a way that is consensual and unlikely to offend others. Some books describe emotionally manipulative people as "psychic vampires," but such individuals are separate from the vampire community. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened around someone, remove yourself from the situation.
Q: I heard/read/saw a media report about a "vampire crime" – are these people related to the vampire community?A: The majority of modern vampires simply want to be left alone to live their lives. Media headlines featuring "vampires" or "vampire cults" have always been made by members of the mainstream culture, rather than members of ours. The VVC would like to emphasize that we refuse, under any circumstances, to intentionally endanger the welfare of anyone. We condemn such behavior by others.
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