This discourse will explain true vampirism in its basic sense as taught and accepted by our organization.

First things first, forget all the nonsense you have ever seen in the movies. Our existence as portrayed in film has little to nothing to do with the reality of who we are.

Vampirism in its most basic definition is the intake of "life force" from another living creature or force of nature. The term "life force" can describe any number of essences that are put off by living creatures and/or any force found in nature. Most commonly it can be described as the electrical spark that causes life. This energy is found not only in living creatures but also other phenomenon such as hurricanes, thunder storms and the like. The methods for consumption of this life force are as varied as the sources from which it can be taken and will not be the main focus of this discourse. Although consumption of life force is a characteristic of vampires, there are other beings capable of this act. This said, the consumption of life force is not the sole characteristic which one should use in determining true vampirism.

Vampires are beings that consume the life force from other creatures or forces of nature, but being a vampire is also much more than just this.

a few no's here:
NO buying a pair of fangs does not make you a vampire
NO being "fed" from by a vampire or someone claiming to be a vampire does not make you a vampire.
NO people who participate in role playing games are not vampires
NO vampirism is not a religion
NO you can not buy a book and learn how to be a vampire
NO a true vampire does not kill, it would be viewed as a waste of precious life force.
NO a "goth" is not a vampire
NO vampires don't burst into flames in the daylight.
NO vampires don't live to be hundreds or thousands of years old

Okay I am sure there are more but I will stop there with the no's.

Vampires are no different for the most part than anyone else. Many theories have been debated amongst our own kind in establishing an explanation as to who we are. Though no answer is definitive, I believe the following most suitably explains it. We are a subspecies of the human race. Though we are as unique as any individual, we do exhibit many common characteristics in varying degrees. Each of us may exhibit all or a portion of the following. This list is not by any means fully inclusive or exclusive of our characteristics but is meant only to give a general idea of some of the characteristics commonly found among us.

Empathic
Telepathic
Emotionally sensitive
Highly sensitive to the emotional state of others
Nocturnal
Very social in situations of our choosing
Influential
Drawn to nature (living things in general)
Anemia
Sun sensitive
In youth, a general sense of being "different", peer conflict
Naturally inquisitive
With age, usually becoming more
outgoing and aggressive (exhibiting leadership qualities in group situations)
Astral mobility

Again I repeat this listing is not the be all, end all to defining vampires, but is meant to shed a little light on the question. If you are viewing this discourse in an attempt to understand vampirism, great. If you are reading this because you have suspicions about yourself and are seeking answers, my best advice would be to find a true and reputable Elder to help guide you in finding those answers. A word of caution however, there are many out there that would present fairy tales as truth. There are more that would use your search to earn financial gain from you. Be cautious and use not only your heart, but your head in your search for the truth. The truth about who we are may not be as glamorous as you might have hoped for, but at least here that is what you are going to get, the truth.

All of the administration here at St. Germaine will always do the best we can to help answer any questions. We offer other articles that will answer in more depth subjects lightly mentioned in this article. Best wishes always on your quest for knowledge.


Sasha
Member of the Loyal Order of St. Germaine
US Coordinator for the Loyal Order of St. Germaine