Shift (Therianthropic)

**Shift, shifts, or shifting** are the terms used for when Therianthropes have experiences that cause them to feel more like their Theriotype **in a non-physical manner**. Shifts are usually temporary, but some Therians have reported feeling constant shifts, most commonly phantom shifts. However, having shifts is not required to identify as a Therianthrope. Also, a person does not need to experience every type of shift to be a Therian. Some Therians may only ever experience one type of shift throughout their life.

Shifts can occur in varying strength and frequency and be both a positive or negative experience. Multiple types of shifts can be experienced simultaneously. Often shifting is entirely controllable, but sometimes a therian will experience strong shifts that do cause them to temporarily lose the ability to function completely as a human. Shifting is typically involuntary, but some Therians learn to induce voluntary shifts.

Shifting has been discussed since the

beginning of the online Therian community. “Your best mental transformation”, is a discussion from AHWW which took place on December 1, 1993.

> "Often times this is a slang term used by Therians for "Shape shifting". Shift is often used moreso than shape shift because shift by itself means 'change' and "Shape" shifting leads people to think of changing in a physical sense. Since no physical shift has ever been proven, most therians would like to disassociate themselves from those who claim the "surreptitious" ability."
>
>

Before we get into the types of therianthropic shifts, we must use some discretion. Be aware that having a single shift or even several shifts does not mean that you should assume, without a doubt, that you are a Therian. We must carefully consider what experiences are relevant. It is important to remain mindful and not jump to conclusions. There are rational explanations for why we might experience shifts that have nothing to do with Therianthropy or being Therian. We must be mindful and cautious that we are not simply imagining these sensations or potentially tricking our minds.

*See also:* Shifter's Disease
The following are common types of shifts and their abbreviations, although shifting can manifest in many other different forms, which are not listed. It appears that most shift terms used today had been established by 1999.  Sensory, Emotional, and Cameo not to appear on the list from 1999.

## Voluntary/Involuntary

**Voluntary Shift**

A shift that occurs due to being consciously induced.

**Involuntary Shift**

A shift that occurs without will or conscious control.

## Common Therianthropic Shifts

**Mental Shift (MS or m-shift)**

A change in mindset, thinking more like the theriotype.

**Phantom Shift (Ph-shift)**

Feeling supernumerary phantom limbs or a full phantom body of the theriotype.

**Sensory Shift (SE or Se-Shift)**

One's senses temporarily become more like that of the theriotype.

**Perception Shift (PE-shift)**

Perceiving things in a way which is more associated with the theriotype.

**Emotional Shift**

Shifting occurs during a certain emotional state, e.g. stress or anger; usually with another type of shift.

**Dream Shift (DS or d-shift)**

Becoming an animal within a dream, either partially or entirely.

**Cameo Shift (C)**

Feeling like an animal that is not a known theriotype.

## Other Therianthropic Shifts

**Aura Shift (A)**

The shape or form of an auric field or life energy field changes to that of the theriotype.

**Astral Shift (As)**

The astral body separates from the physical body, travels to the astral plane, and shifts to the form of a nonhuman animal.

**Berserker Shift**

Strong emotions push away the human side, including empathy and logical decision-making; can be voluntary and involuntary

**Bilocation Shift (Bi)**

Therian appears in two locations simultaneously, with the double appearing in the form of the theriotype in the physical plane.

**Shadow Shift (SW) / Ghost Shift**

Therian sees the animal form around his/herself as a transparent apparition, or when the appearance seems to change.

**Spiritual Shift (S or S-shift)**

The spirit takes on the form or shape of the theriotype, while the physical body remains unchanged/

**Physical Shift**

Human body transforms into the physical shape of another creature; agreed to be impossible.

**Envisage / Self-image Shift**

Therian's mental image/awareness of themselves changes to closer reflect that of their kintype; similar to a phantom shift, but lacks actual phantom sensation.

## See Also

Contherianthropy

Suntherianthropy

Vacillant Therianthropy

Cladotherianthropy