Vampire Musings

By Bertena Varney, Kathryne LeFevre, Audrey A'Cladh and 13 more

Welcome to Vampire Musings. My name is Bertena, and I am the publisher of this macabre book. Since I was a small child, I have loved vampires and even spent most of my college years studying the Lure of the Vampire. From these studies, I met so many wonderful writers, musicians, and academicians who share this love as well. I have noticed that the lure of the vampire comes and goes over time, but those true to the monsters never really leave. Because of this, I wanted to pull together my friends and allow us to share our passion for the monsters with fans from around the world. 

I hope that you enjoy these short stories and essays as much as I have enjoyed conversing with the writers about all thing's vampires! 

In this book,  you will find authors who are fiction writers, professors, musicians, wine connoisseurs, and even a psychic vampire who lives the lifestyle and shares her gift and knowledge with us. We hope that the stories, poetry, and  song lyrics will seduce and mesmerize you. There is something here for everyone, so please enjoy! 

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your night! 

— by Bertena Varney, M.A., M.Ed.

 

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

AudreyA'Cladh

Azurdee Garland

Bitten Twice

Bertena Varney

Carrie Rogers

Isabella Gibbons

Jacqueline Gibbons

Kathryne LeFevre

Kyle Germann

Mary Jackson

Matthew Banks

Phaedra Walker

Roxanne Rhoads

Selah Janel

Simon Bacon

Stavros Cockrlee

Cover Art by Stavros Cockrell

Model: Xamie

Fangs by Kaos Kustom Fangs, LLC

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bertena Varney
• Release date: May 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201784577

Bertena Varney

Bertena Varney is a Registered Yoga Teache- 200 via Yoga Alliance, a Usui Reiki Master, Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Certified Life Coach, Certified Self Care Coach and is studying to receive her yoga teaching certification. She is the owner of A New You Self Care Coaching Services. She is also the Associate Professor of Sociology at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Bowling Green, KY. She attended Morehead State University where she received her bachelor's and master's in social science and education, and a master's in sociology and criminology where she focused on cultures and counseling.  She spent her collegiate career studying the supernatural and metaphysical in her history, mythology, sociology, and criminology classes. She would find anyway to include vampires, angels, and more into anything that she did. Her favorites studies were pop culture and mythology.  She has also written home study course books including Angel Reiki, Healing with the Archangels, Reiki and more Her previous works include supernatural focused books 3 Editions of Lure of the Vampire and contributor and editor of Vampire News: Tasty Bits You Can Sink Your Fangs Into, Vampire News: The Not So End Times Edition,Vampires Romance to Rippers Vol 1 and Vol. 2  She is also contributor to both The Witching Hour and Sirens Conference Compendium.  She loves making appearances to libraries, colleges, and conventions to discuss her love.

Book preview

Compiled by Bertena Varney

Edited by Kathryne LeFevre

and Jacqueline Gibbons

Cover Art by Stavros Cockrell

Copyright © 2022 Bertena Varney

All rights reserved.

DEDICATION

To all the Vampire Lovers in the world. May we find our eternal life through our shared love of the creatures of the night.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AudreyA’Cladh

Azurdee Garland

Bitten Twice

Bertena Varney

Carrie Rogers

Isabella Gibbons

Jacqueline Gibbons

Kathryne LeFevre

Kyle Germann

Mary Jackson

Matthew Banks

Phaedra Walker

Roxanne Rhoads

Selah Janel

Simon Bacon

Stavros Cockrell

Cover Art by Stavros

Model: Xamie

Fangs by Kaos Kustom Fangs, LLC

Introduction

Welcome to Vampire Musings. My name is Bertena, and I am the publisher of this macabre book. Since I was a small child, I have loved vampires and even spent most of my college years studying the Lure of the Vampire . From these studies, I met so many wonderful writers, musicians, and academicians who share this love as well. I have noticed that the lure of the vampire comes and goes over time, but those true to the monsters never really leave. Because of this, I wanted to pull together my friends and allow us to share our passion for the monsters with fans from around the world. 

I hope that you enjoy these short stories and essays as much as I have enjoyed conversing with the writers about all thing’s vampires! 

In this book,  you will find authors who are fiction writers, professors, musicians, wine connoisseurs, and even a psychic vampire who lives the lifestyle and shares her gift and knowledge with us. We hope that the stories, poetry, and  song lyrics will seduce and mesmerize you. There is something here for everyone, so please enjoy! 

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your night! 

— by Bertena Varney, M.A., M.Ed.

Vampires in Real Life

by Bertena Varney, M.A., M.Ed.

While researching vampires in mythology, I came across vampires in real life. The first one that I met that introduced me as such was Don Deich, the King of the New England Vampires. I met him in Salem, Mass., while speaking at a convention there. He taught me about the subculture and what was true and what wasn’t about each of the types of living vampires. He became the model for the cover of the first edition of my book, Lure of the Vampire .

He described himself as a Sanguinarian and energy vampire. He shared that his feedings were done with his monogamous partner at the time and that they were very careful in regard to health, about which many others would express concerns. 

This began my deep dive into the world of real-life vampires. Audrey A’Cladh has been one of the most supportive of my research. You will read about her experience in the next essay. She has really opened my eyes to the real experiences of vampires and debunking the vampire stereotypes that the media shows us. She is a true friend who is open to sharing her life and teachings with anyone who is curious and wants to learn more about being a vampire. 

The next year, I traveled to New Orleans, where I interviewed many people who live the vampire lifestyle to fulfill either the need for blood or the sexual desire that it fulfills. I have traveled to the city many times and have encountered many of the vampires listed below. 

But one of the most influential and educational persons that I came across in my research was Michelle Belanger. I had met an actor, author, singer, and energy worker named Michelle Belanger at Scare Fest and other conventions, and she was very open and approachable about her lifestyle.

She is the founder and lead ritualist of House Kheperu, a non-profit that brings together those who have a similar spiritual path that seeks to awaken a deeper part of who they are- energy or psy vampires. I was entranced in wanting to know more about her and her organization, House Kheperu, so I attended an HK Gather in Oberlin, Ohio.

The Gather is an annual event held by House Kheperu; the non-profit founded by Belanger. I found that it was a very inviting and a very empowering event. The workshops taught me about the makeup of the house- their caste system, their founding beliefs, and how to live their lives in a daily ritual. They do not view HK as a religion but as a way to, according to their website, encourage others to search for and define their own spiritual path. 

Here is how they describe their House on their website: 

We take our name from an ancient Egyptian word that means to transform, to change, to become. We see our spiritual path as a process of transformation wherein we awaken to deeper and deeper truths about our own nature, and the nature of the universe we exist in. In embodying and balancing these truths in ourselves, we then become catalysts that facilitate the same process of transformation in the world around us. We are advocates of both tolerance and diversity. In looking within ourselves, we cannot help but realize that individuals are exceedingly complex, so we feel it is both facile and naïve to assume that one doctrine of belief can somehow answer all questions for all people.

To learn more about the House Kheperu rituals and history, please check out Michelle Belanger’s books, Psychic Vampire Codex and the Kheprian Ritual Archives as well as her other books on psychic vampires. 

Here are a few of the various types of vampires that I have come across in my research. Many vampires adopt multiple types or lifestyles depending on what is needed at that time. 

Astral Vampires are people who use astral projection to feed on the living by penetrating the aura and physical body. They feed off the energy of the other person.

Blood Fetish Vampires are people who enjoy drinking their own blood for sexual pleasure. The blood may come from an accidental cut or by self-mutilation.

Clinical Vampirism, also known as Renfield's Syndrome, has not been accepted by the DSM, but has been referenced by psychiatrists. It is exceedingly rare and usually occurs in males. They are obsessed with drinking blood expressed as a physical need. They usually do not label themselves vampires. They usually drink their own blood first and then others’ later. 

Elemental Vampires are people who believe that they can feed off natural phenomena such as thunderstorms, lightning, hurricanes, and other natural phenomena. They can also feed off the earth and crystals. This feeding or energy surge provides them with the energy to live and to function daily.

Lifestylers are people who enjoy dressing up as a vampire, either in Victorian or Goth clothing. They may wear contacts, fangs, or other costume pieces. They are usually only attracted to vampire lore.

Psychic, Pranic, Energy, or Psi Vampires are people who believe that they can feed off of the energy of others. Many times, these persons are harmless and will only drink from your life force after asking your permission. But there are times when those that consider themselves psychic vampires feed off of you without your permission. This is strictly not allowed in the vampire community and is not encouraged. Psychic vampires may also be people who are not aware that they feed off of energy. Have you met anyone who just drains your energy or who is always negative? Well, these people feed off of whatever you are giving them, whether it’s empathy or just a listening ear. These people are not ones that live the lifestyle but have the same effect on people as a psychic vampire, except that the lifestylers ask permission first before they feed from your energy.

Sanguinarians are people who believe that they must consume small amounts of blood in order to survive. They have regular consenting healthy donors that donate blood for them to fulfill a physical need, not a sexual need. Those with a general blood fetish are attracted to the sight, smell, and taste of blood in general. Many times, this represents an emotional hunger for attachments.

Tantric, Sexual, or Sympathetic Vampires are people who believe that they feed on sexual energy that comes through a state of euphoria, which uses the Hindu practice of Tantra, a sort of meditational state.

Remember when discussing these topics with those that live as a vampire,  to be respectful and keep an open mind about how others lead their lives. This is only a touch of my research and experience with living vampires, and I have only found mutual respect in our interactions. So, please be the same if you decide to follow this course of research. 

Biography

Bertena Varney has been working in higher education for almost two decades. Her love for higher education came from 20 years of studying for her graduate degrees in history, sociology, criminology, and education.

Bertena’s first memory of vampires was Count von Count from Sesame Street. It may sound corny, but she asked her mom to buy Count Chocula cereal so she could eat it while watching Sesame Street, Count Duckula, and The Addams Family. As she grew older, she advanced to Dark Shadows reruns, Cliffhangers and was even allowed to watch Bela Lugosi’s original Dracula. Bertena didn’t know what he was about, this monster, but she had to know anything that she could about him. He was so mysterious, so mesmerizing, and so dangerous. She loved the vampire because it was so human, and she could identify with it. Bertena spent the rest of her life immersed in vampire movies, books, television shows, comics – it didn’t matter; she just loved this dark, brooding monster.

While in college, Bertena turned her love of the vampire into an independent academic study. Her undergraduate studies centered around social science and education concentrations, and she purposely chose classes that would add to her growing library of vampire knowledge. She authored a paper on the folklore of the old world and focused on vampires. While pursuing her first graduate degree, she studied sociology and criminology. She also organized literary and first-person research on deviant subcultures focused on vampire lifestyles and serial killers labeled as vampires. The final study – and the one that really made her realize that vampires were worthy, legitimate academic study – was when she finished her last master's in social science and education. This last study was a master’s paper titled Search for the Lure of the Vampire. This paper became the beginning of her first book, and it took off from there.

Bertena now spends most of her time writing journals and working on her metaphysical and self-care businesses.

You can find out more here:  https://bertena.business.blog

Energy Feeders

by Audrey A’Cladh

There is limited information explaining the differences between true psychic vampires and energy leeching parasites. The assumption that the two are the same is one of the most commonly spread propaganda and misinformation in the Craft/Magic/Alt communities. This terrible crossing of terms causes true vampires to be shunned, attacked, and barred from many gatherings and events, even though they are nothing like energy leeching parasites.

Misinformation can also be found in books and articles on magic and ritual workings. They give dire warnings, often in all caps, about energy vampires. There is a big problem with this as terms like energy vampire, or psychic vampire are misused, as they really mean vampire as a metaphor for draining energy, much like the way some devices might be drawing on your home’s energy, even when not in use. Rather than using the term vampire, a far more accurate way to identify people who drain energy is to call them draining parasites or energy leeches. Psychic vampires and energy leeching parasites have been synthesized, resulting in what many identify as a vampire, but the nature of the two groups could not be more different. 

Energy Leeches

Energy (leeching) parasites are those who purposefully or unconsciously, out of extreme need, drain energy indiscriminately and compulsively from others around them. This is commonly and mistakenly referred to as vampirism but is not the work of a vampire. There are several different reasons or causes for this. Most often, it results from someone being in desperate need of life energy or emotional connection. The desperate need may stem from a long-term or near-fatal illness, a significant injury, extreme neglect, or isolation.

The panic response (leeching) is similar to how a drowning person will instinctively grasp onto anything and anyone they can without thinking about the impact of their actions, even though the actions may inadvertently drown the person trying to rescue them. Though an energy leech may be making the connection out of need, they lack the ability and faculty to use the energy that they pull. Since they cannot efficiently use the energy they drain, they will drain increasingly, unable to satisfy their need. Many may be unaware that they are doing this, though there seems to be those who figure it out. 

Sometimes once the event or illness has passed, they cease to drain, but there are those who, even if they recover, they may not know how to or may be unwilling to turn off this newfound energy-draining talent. Since they were ravenous out of need, they may have no sense of enough or full, resulting in them feeding until they are stopped, or the victim is removed from their range. There are those who develop an addiction to the surge they feel and continue to drain all they encounter. The most dangerous are those who become aware of this syphoning and choose to continue maliciously. Luckily, because of the intensity of their need, they are localized in their influence, though some have been known to feed over certain distances when emotionally attached to their victims. 

There are those that develop this draining ability more consciously. Narcissistic types may drain everything they can off of those around them, whether it is attention, emotion, or even energy. Obviously, these people are the ones most likely to enter a space with selfish intent, causing harm and illness with zero regard for others. These people are damaging in all aspects of life, often developing a masking persona to charm and disarm others’ natural defenses and red flag responses. 

True Vampires or Living Vampires

As a living vampire, I can say that we are not like energy leeching parasites. True vampires or living vampires are those who need a certain type of life energy since they are lacking in an aspect, like being deficient in a certain vitamin, they need a booster of sorts. Vampires do not function the same way, nor do they drain as desperately as the energy parasites. Instead, they pull mostly from ambient energy, which is energy that is already released and flowing freely. Like the sanguine feeding, where only an unnoticeable amount of blood is needed, true vampires need little to satiate. They pull in only what they need. The same is true for those who are unconscious of their actions, such as an un-awakened vampire will. Vampires do not drain to a damaging degree, no matter how feral or hungry. The notion is drawn from fictional stories and is part of damaging propaganda. 

The Workplace and Gatherings

When a true vampire is in any working space or gathering, they will also act as a natural cleanser since they filter and purify any excess energy in the surrounding area. The unused energy is passed through, released cleaner, and free of tangles. I use the term tangles because the energy often feels like the tangles found when carding wool or combing hair. This is in contrast to energy parasites as they do not release any unused energy; they gorge as long as they have a source to drain. They also put off negative vibrations, often muddying or staining the surrounding ambient feelings. It is common to feel a cold spot when standing next to an energy leech, whereas the same is not true when standing next to a true vampire.

Because of the deep bias surrounding the vampire, craft circles and ritual groups can be very unaware they have a vampire in their midst. Keep in mind that they are everywhere. Members of groups may notice the differences in energy between the true vampire and the energy leech, even if they are unaware of what the person really is at the time. Like the workplace, a true vampire will feel like a breath of fresh air, uplifting and positive, whereas the opposite is true for those who leech energy. The benefits of having a true vampire present who can manipulate the ambient energy (all energy released by others present or those who were recently there) can result in a more positive experience for the entire group as the energy impurities, and knots will be cleared, allowing energy to flow more freely. 

We need to continue to elevate our understanding and language used in the next generation of books and teachings. Vampires need to be accepted as a natural part of energy working and should be recognized as a needed part of the overall spiritual community. This will also help living vampires such as myself so that we will not be so marginalized, which can lead to insular communities that can develop a vulnerability to narcissists and users.

Biography

Audrey A’Cladh is a Living Vampire. She is a Dark practitioner. She is also a teacher, counselor, reiki practitioner, and ordained Vampire minister. She teaches tarot, divination, and energy practices. She also offers tarot readings. As both a Living Vampire and a spiritual counselor, she has talked with many Vampires, Shifters, and Otherkin trying to come to terms with and understand their nature. This has afforded her a broader view of how Vampires Awaken, learn, and come into their truth. She has also seen the similarities and differences among alternate natures. Audrey owns and operates the Temple of Shadows, where they offer spiritual and emotional support for all Kin and Darklings looking to find their truth and their path. 

Website:  www.TempleofShadows.org

Email:  [e-mail]

Interview with a Vampire

by Bertena Varney, M.A., M.Ed.

and Audrey A’Cladh

Vampire? Yes, you read the title correctly. I met Audrey online almost ten years ago, and through that time, I have seen her spiritual practice grow into something that is a true resource for her community. I interviewed her for my first book, Lure of the Vampire , and I decided to touch base with her in this book and see how much has changed. So, sit back and enjoy my interview with a vampire.

Question: Audrey, please tell us about yourself and your interests. 

Answer: My name is Audrey; yes, that is my name. I did have a vampire name at one point, but I dispensed with it. Why have a pseudonym for who I am? I am a solitary vampire in that I currently have no coven or other recognized vampire official affiliation. I have built my own Temple known as the Temple of Shadows. It is not exclusively for vampires but for all darkly inclined creatures. My titles are Spiritual Counselor, Energy Worker, and Teacher. My associates come up with more, but those take in most of what I do! 

Question: I have asked this question to everyone and am curious as to how you define what a vampire is?

Answer: I am sure by now you have discovered there are about as many definitions and forms of a vampire as there are vampires! I take each person for their own story and experience. Unfortunately, there are always those who say this is not a vampire or this is. The same is true with Goths. I believe that whether your first introduction to what you will become is from literature, art, movies, ads, or even a cereal box, there is no wrong way to come into yourself. So, what is a vampire? That depends on the vampire!

Question: Please tell us about your beliefs as well as your personal and professional responsibilities?

Answer: I call myself a Dark Practitioner. I am ordained through the Universal Life Church; I can perform legal weddings as well as handfastings, funerals, blessings, naming, etc. I teach about the metaphysical Path of Darkness and Shadows. My intent is to teach people to understand the Shadow Self and the darker parts of our nature and to be able to embrace and work with these, making us whole beings. I also teach tarot reading and run the occasional Goddess workshop. I also function as a counselor for those Awakening on their path, as well as any alternative identifying people trying to discover their truth. I am a Reiki Practitioner, and I believe it is my responsibility to teach people about the Darkness and Shadow, which is part of us all, to lead them to a better understanding and acceptance of this side of nature.

Question: Where are some places that you socialize?

Answer: I am Gothic, a Romanti-goth, to be specific. Not all vampires are Goths, and certainly, not all Goths are vampires! There are far too many forms of Gothic culture out there! I am a vampire who happens to be a Goth. I, therefore, love to go to Goth clubs and events. I also have a group of friends who love to gather for movie nights and themed parties, as well as many other types of events. Shakespeare in the Park every year! As a vampire, I am accepted among my friends and family for who and what I am. I know that makes me incredibly lucky. I often try to seek out other vampires, but our secretive nature makes that a challenge. Not to mention, there are many posers and pretenders out there!

Question: When did you decide or discover that you were a vampire?

Answer: I have heard many vampires refer to theirs as an Awakening. I refer to myself as coming out of the coffin. It wasn’t a sudden change for me, similar to many gay and transgender people; I have always had a feeling that I was not quite all me, that I was somehow masquerading. I identified strongly with the vampires I saw in movies and read in fiction to one degree or another. It was a dawning realization from early on, around seven or so, that this is what I am and always have been. The most obvious aspects of my state are: My skin lacks the pigment to protect me from the sun. I do not tan at all; without extreme measures of protection from direct sunlight, I severely burn (ten minutes or less), then blister (fifteen to twenty minutes), then become ill and need hospitalization (anything over thirty to forty minutes). I wear the highest SPF I can find and am covered with a sun-resistant fabric that covers my hands, closes at the neck, and wear a large-brimmed hat whenever I must go out into the sun. 

I need rare red meat; other forms of protein do not sustain me. Yes, I consume blood, but that comes in many forms. The most common form is black pudding, a Gaelic blood sausage, which is the best food form of sustenance. Rare red meat is the next best. I do get weak and listless without these. I did try lean meats at one point in my life (I am a bodybuilder by hobby), chicken, fish, etc. I kept getting weaker, and this was part of the confirmation to me that this is what I am and not just in my mind. There are times when arrangements can be made with willing, clean,