Personally I used to believe in what is now commonly called "therianthropy" (I never came across the term myself until well after I left that stage in my life) but I eventually realized that there were much simpler explanations for the way I felt, and I certainly feel better off ever since leaving that stuff behind (if only because it was causing me grief over a deep-seated longing for something that is impossible). It was also difficult to reconcile it with my scientific perspective on things. I also came to realize that reality itself is amazing and wonderful and just plain neat enough as it is, despite there being an awful lot of crap in it. Once upon a time I was absolutely positive that I knew exactly what I am, and later I came to realize that I was wrong. Being wrong is okay, as long as you let the wrong stuff phase out as you learn more ( ... )