Vampires Have to be Invited In
“There are such beings as vampires. Some of us have evidence that they exist. Even had we not the proof of our own unhappy experience, the teachings and the records of the past give proof enough for sane peoples.” — Bram Stoker
Vampires are real...hear me out. According to real-life humans who identify as vampires (yup,) there are four types of real-life vampires: Lifestyle Vampires - think: people who just like a dark style/look, fashion or aesthetic, and maybe go to parties dressed this way for fun. Vampire Witches - (sometimes called vampire psychics), are people who love and respect the energy of others, and the energy of the universe and love moving energy around. This person might be very spiritual and/or have a career practicing magic, teaching meditation, reading tarot cards, working in the healing arts or helping others. Sanguine Vampires - are humans who actually, ritualistically, drink blood - yeah, it's rare, but real, and generally happens in very private communities in very controlled environments. It only happens with the consent of others, and is rarely discussed openly. Lastly, Energy Sucking Vampires- (sometimes referred to as Psychic Vampires, but not to be confused with vampire psychics) have an emotional or energetic (or both) deficiency that they need to fill by stealing from others, and they take what they need without consent. You know these people. You have them in your life, or at your work. Have you ever known someone so negative that they can suck the joy from your day? How about someone you talk to and always feel emotionally drained after? Perhaps it's a coworker who just has a really negative vibe and who never has anything good, nice, or positive to say? Maybe it's someone who you try to connect with, but they somehow always make the conversation about themselves? These selfish vampires are people that you put energy out to, but get little or nothing in return. These are the vampires that should concern you. And it's not just people that can be “Energy Sucking Vampires.” Activities, possessions, hobbies and food can suck joy and the life out of us too! Consider for instance a food that you feel you can't have in your house because you'll think about it constantly until you eat it all - vampire! Or maybe it's a messy room of your house that haunts your thoughts because you just can't seem to clean it up - vampire! Once you've let a vampire into your life, it's hard to get rid of them (anyone have any garlic? Just kidding of course). The best defense against a vampire (human or otherwise) is to deny them entry into your life in the first place. Vampires (per Hollywood folklore) have to be invited in after all. This fall I challenge you...when that energy sucking co-worker asks you to get coffee, can you politely decline? When a friend needs more from you than you are able to give without impact to your own well-being, can you set a healthy boundary around that relationship? And when a food, or possession is taking up too much space in your mind can you get vulnerable enough to explore your relationship with that food or thing so you can either get to the bottom of your emotional attachment to it, or decide it's not worth space in your home or life if it does not spark joy, or has a negative impact on you, your health or your mood? Happy Halloween!