Types of Shifting

Shifting is short fo shapeshifting, although the terms transforming, morphing, changing, and turning into can also mean the same thing. It can be defined as a complex social and mental altering of one's natural state into the shape/mood/spirit of an animal. It is so multifaceted that there are as many forms of shifting as there are interpretations of what shifting is.

Most of the times, when a therian refers to a "shift" they mean a mental transformation, either spontaneous or self-induced, from a human's state of mind to an animal's. Some therianthropes report that this happens to them more or less unexpectedly, or involuntarily, while others either have, or develop the ability to trigger or prevent them in themselves at need. Such a form of entertainment can be rewarding in the long run, either for an amusingly portable game or an insightful look into instinct and feeling.

A shifter is a person who can shapeshift. Shapeshifting is not, contrary to werewolf lore, a physical alteration. Some weres refer to themselves as shifters, a but shifting is not necessarily a requirement for therianthropy. Some therians, notably those who consider themselves contherianthropes, don't necessarily undergo shifting experiences.

There are three main types of shifters: therianthropes, shamen and polymorphs. Physical shifters are those who claim to change their physical shape into that of an animal.

Therianthropes and lycanthropes morph into their wereside animal whereas the polymorphs claim to be able to shift into a combination of several phenotypes. Shamen are wizards that ventures into the spirit world, through trance or meditation, and deliberately tries to become animal.



Astral shifting is the process where one’s leave his body and become that of another form, either by shifting the appearance of the spirit, or entering the body of another being on the 'astral plane'. This is higher plane of consciousness and it can take a lot of work to reach. Such shifts are often associated with "psychic" experiences such as : dream sharing, telepathy, clairovoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis. Astral Shifts are also said to be more spiritual in nature.

Astral shifters who shift can sometimes be seen as ghostly images, if they can manifest at all on the physical plain. Typically though, as in astral travel, they are generally unseen and pass without notice. They typically do not change form on the physical plain. They also remain human in appearance when they shift.


All living things have an aura, a kind of energy field that surrounds us and is generated by our 'life energy'. It is somewhat similar to what spiritualists call ethereal body because it exists on a different vibratory level than the physical body.

An aura shift occurs when someone believes or feels this energy field has changed shape to that of their were animal. Most people outside are able to sense an aura shift when it occurs, feeling some sort of dread or fear for the shifter.


Dream shifting is supposed to occur on a plain of existence known as the Dream plain, a plain of shifting landscapes, spirits and fantastic creatures. There are two types of dream shifting that has been widely accepted by the were community as a whole.

Lucid dreaming is a state that occurs while an individual is awake. Yet the perceptions of the individual are slightly askewer from the real world. It is akin to looking into a window, into another place. As with regular lucid dreams, Lucid Dream Shifting experiences are just as vivid, sensual, and very realistic, the closest thing you can get to a Physical Shift. The change is usually voluntary as the were knows he is awaken and shapeshift by true will and desire.

Dream shifting occurs while the were is asleep, and the majority of weres remember these shifts as dreams. Dream shifting usually occur during what is known as REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), period during sleep, when the subconscious remember the events of the day. This kind of shift can be involuntary but it is also possible to learn to induce them using meditation.

Totemic shifting is the process of shifting into an animal spirit through the use of meditation and Magick.

Totemic shifters are often shamans, or are involved in me form of mysticism that involves contact with animal spirits and possessed psychic powers. They call to the animal and invite them in, taking on the animal's senses and form, and all of it's abilities.


A mental shift or m-shift is an altered state of consciousness, commonly experienced by weres, wherein they take on a more animal outlook, feelings, or perceptions. M-shifts denote a change in one's mental state, not a physical, bodily change into a were-creature or animal. This usually results in more powerful senses and as stated, being more instinctual. Either way, those in the mindset of their animal will often

Some people report either heightened senses while other report that they either lose some capacity for speaking, or at least the desire to speak as much. Other will carry on the characteristics of their wereside in slight ways (especially method of walk, posture, facial expression, emotion). Anger and furry are possible when the animal side takes control of the actions and thoughts of the subject.

These changes in consciousness, whether voluntary or involuntary, are not always at the same level of intensity. Usually, the human mindset never fully vanishes. By the same token, many weres claim that even when not "shifted" the animal mindset is never fully dormant. It has been posited that involuntary m-shifts are more likely when the therianthrope in question is still coming to terms with their animal nature.


Shadow shifting is an illusionary change, a sort of mass hallucination where the subject appear to be something else. The person's attitude, posturing, even making animal sounds, can give off the image of a physical change.

This type of shift can even yield a sort of blur image of an animal (the shadow) when there is little available light.


Cameo shifting is taking on the appearance of the animal form. Yet according to a few accounts, the animal's abilities are not transferred in the shifted state. Instead, it is the appearance of the animal only. Cameo is also known as Skin Stealing, and Skin Shifting. The desired state is accomplished through magickal rituals an the skin of the animal that the individual wishes to become.

Of course, an animal must be killed and skinned, to provide for the animal skin used in the ritual. The majority of weres care about the environment and the animals that live within it. Therefore they find this particular act highly offensive and wasteful.


Berserkr shifting refers to the ancient Norse warriors that were used to fighting naked with fury and inspiration from the bear or wolf spirit. People who shift berserk are those who run into altered states of consciousness or trances for the purpose of fighting and killing, mainly warriors and assassins.

A popular myth states that some drugs can help achieve the berserk state, removing pain and fear. They would be used by soldiers (mainly from US and Israel armies) to reach the “condition orange” state.