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Affinity with animal, bird or reptile?
- Thread starter ShivaFan
- Start date
The Sum of Awe
Brought to you by the moment that spacetime began.
If you couldn't guess: birds, of various kinds, but majorly (because they show up more often where I'm from) I have an affinity with robins.
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
I seriously have an affinity with pretty much any animal that has four legs or less. (I'm kind of ambivalent towards snakes.) I definitely do not have an affinity for insects or spiders, though, and will readily kill any spider who is unfortuate enough to have me see him in my house. I tend to leave them alone if they are outside, though and I would not torture any living thing. If I kill a spider or an insect, it's always got to be instantaneous.
But with those exceptions, I absolutely love animals. With very few exceptions, I love them more than I do people. I don't know that I have an affinity for one any more than another, though, really.
But with those exceptions, I absolutely love animals. With very few exceptions, I love them more than I do people. I don't know that I have an affinity for one any more than another, though, really.
Shadow Wolf
Certified People sTabber & Business Owner
Wolfs, snakes, and most dogs.
This is amazing, if you think about it, and it occurs to me that the "source" of this affinity is probably the instinctive recognition of a soul in these "friends".
I notice dogs come up a lot, not to put any other as less of an affinity. And I would not be surprised to hear that, for those who know a dog and look into the eyes of such a friend, that you would say, "yes, I KNOW this dog has a soul!".
I think the "connection" that happens could be an affinity that bespeaks of a certain level of "soul mindfulness".
I know there are some who have an affinity with the swimming creatures of the sea, such as with dolphin or whale, yes? Are you there? I recall back to my school days learning of ancient cultures such as from Greece and their symbolic use of the dolphin, there might be a story of affinity there.
In ancient Crete we hear of the Bull. It brings to my mind the Minotar or Tarus (bull) of Minos, and when I think of Minos I think of Manu. But this Minotar was, I believe, a half bull, half mechanical creature. But in ancient Crete the bull was part of some sport where men of ability in physical acrobats could jump over a bull. Personally, bulls can be scary. Yet some may have an afhinity with the bull.
Very engaging affinities here from members!
Om Namah Sivaya
I notice dogs come up a lot, not to put any other as less of an affinity. And I would not be surprised to hear that, for those who know a dog and look into the eyes of such a friend, that you would say, "yes, I KNOW this dog has a soul!".
I think the "connection" that happens could be an affinity that bespeaks of a certain level of "soul mindfulness".
I know there are some who have an affinity with the swimming creatures of the sea, such as with dolphin or whale, yes? Are you there? I recall back to my school days learning of ancient cultures such as from Greece and their symbolic use of the dolphin, there might be a story of affinity there.
In ancient Crete we hear of the Bull. It brings to my mind the Minotar or Tarus (bull) of Minos, and when I think of Minos I think of Manu. But this Minotar was, I believe, a half bull, half mechanical creature. But in ancient Crete the bull was part of some sport where men of ability in physical acrobats could jump over a bull. Personally, bulls can be scary. Yet some may have an afhinity with the bull.
Very engaging affinities here from members!
Om Namah Sivaya
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Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
I've noticed all my life that this affinity you're speaking of seems to be inborn in some of us. I mean, with me, it seems to be almost beyond my control. It's a connection that I just can't explain and that I don't believe people who don't feel it can truly understand.
Dogs and me really get along. They just flock to me. I think it's because we understand each other and tend to have compatable interests. People sometimes get jealous because their dog has decided I'm the greatest person ever.
I would say that's closest to my understanding of your use of the word "affinity".
My current "soul" animal is the lemur. I feel they represent me, the sort of essence of who I am. But I have never met a lemur, so I may be off on this. Regardless, a lemur is a pretty cool looking totem animal, and I like saying the name.
I feel protective over spiders, a lot of strange empathy for them, though I can't say I particularly like them. They even freak me out a little, but I always go out of my way to save them, or co-inhabit our space peacefully.
I would say that's closest to my understanding of your use of the word "affinity".
My current "soul" animal is the lemur. I feel they represent me, the sort of essence of who I am. But I have never met a lemur, so I may be off on this. Regardless, a lemur is a pretty cool looking totem animal, and I like saying the name.
I feel protective over spiders, a lot of strange empathy for them, though I can't say I particularly like them. They even freak me out a little, but I always go out of my way to save them, or co-inhabit our space peacefully.
I'm comfortable with most pets, like just about any dog or cat I meet, and they tend to be comfortable around me. I used to sleep over at this place and the dogs often slept with me, especially one of them.
I'm generally frightened of arachnids and insects, so zero affinity there. We don't get along. Also, I'll avoid most animals that have the capability to rip me to pieces.
The animals I'm most familiar with are parrots and constrictor snakes. I grew up with multiple parrots, including feeding them when they were too young to eat solid food, so they viewed me as their mother during their lives. It's always important to respect a parrot you don't know though- they're very smart and some of them can be defensive so it's important to have them trust you first. I had snakes as a kid too, and if I hold one I'm very comfortable with it like it's an extension of my arm.
I think it mostly just comes down to knowledge by experience. I've seen a lot of parrot behavior over the years, so I can generally tell the mood of a parrot, especially a parrot I know well. I know their reactions to me trying to pet them or pick them up. Same thing with snakes, knowing what positions to be careful about, knowing to be careful when their eyes are cloudy from shedding, knowing how to make sure they don't mistake your hand for a rodent when you pick them up, etc.
I've been trying to become more acquainted with the deer around here, with mixed success. When I cross paths with them I just stand there and watch calmly, and can sometimes get very close, but if I get too close they run away. Or, since I often encounter them while jogging, if they see me running in their general direction because they're on the path, they run away. But if I approach while walking, and if they're more to the side than directly in front of me, then they're usually pretty satisfied to just watch me or continue eating where they are.
I'm generally frightened of arachnids and insects, so zero affinity there. We don't get along. Also, I'll avoid most animals that have the capability to rip me to pieces.
The animals I'm most familiar with are parrots and constrictor snakes. I grew up with multiple parrots, including feeding them when they were too young to eat solid food, so they viewed me as their mother during their lives. It's always important to respect a parrot you don't know though- they're very smart and some of them can be defensive so it's important to have them trust you first. I had snakes as a kid too, and if I hold one I'm very comfortable with it like it's an extension of my arm.
I think it mostly just comes down to knowledge by experience. I've seen a lot of parrot behavior over the years, so I can generally tell the mood of a parrot, especially a parrot I know well. I know their reactions to me trying to pet them or pick them up. Same thing with snakes, knowing what positions to be careful about, knowing to be careful when their eyes are cloudy from shedding, knowing how to make sure they don't mistake your hand for a rodent when you pick them up, etc.
I've been trying to become more acquainted with the deer around here, with mixed success. When I cross paths with them I just stand there and watch calmly, and can sometimes get very close, but if I get too close they run away. Or, since I often encounter them while jogging, if they see me running in their general direction because they're on the path, they run away. But if I approach while walking, and if they're more to the side than directly in front of me, then they're usually pretty satisfied to just watch me or continue eating where they are.
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Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
I would give anything to be able to "become more acquainted with deer." They are among the most incredibly beautiful creatures in the world, in my opinion.
Caladan
Agnostic Pantheist
I developed affinity to several animals I see during my day to day work. Gazelles are very graceful to watch. Wild mountain goats are impressive to watch as they swiftly move in extreme and steep terrain. Hawks and falcons are also relaxing to watch as they glide smoothly in circles. I also developed affinity to certain non venomous snakes, especially the relaxed types such as dwarf racers, however I'm still mindful and develop more skills to differentiate between snakes and better know the venomous ones.
In the past 6 months I was attacks by oriental hornets, and received several stings. The stings are very painful, and in some cases have the potential to be deadly. My recent experience with them sent me on a frantic research to understand them better, how to minimize the potential of being attacked, what are their weaknesses, etc. With all the instincts I developed against them, I also learned various interesting things about them, including their social life, or the fact that they harness solar energy. So now, when I observe them in the field I also find myself learning their behavior. Although they are considered a menace also on the economic level as they wipe out entire bee colonies, they are also an amazingly efficient and interesting society.
Although my physical encounters with wolves has not been positive (with my navigation partner being beaten by a wolf as we entered its feeding territory), it is pretty much an animal I feel almost a spiritual connection with. The idea of preserving one's territory, loyalty to the pack, or being a lone wolf and taking care of one's survival interests, and most of all a general sense of freedom in the wilderness. I am of course also very fond of dogs, and they are of me. Like Falvlun, it is a very natural relationship. Dogs pretty much smell I'm one of them.
In the past 6 months I was attacks by oriental hornets, and received several stings. The stings are very painful, and in some cases have the potential to be deadly. My recent experience with them sent me on a frantic research to understand them better, how to minimize the potential of being attacked, what are their weaknesses, etc. With all the instincts I developed against them, I also learned various interesting things about them, including their social life, or the fact that they harness solar energy. So now, when I observe them in the field I also find myself learning their behavior. Although they are considered a menace also on the economic level as they wipe out entire bee colonies, they are also an amazingly efficient and interesting society.
Although my physical encounters with wolves has not been positive (with my navigation partner being beaten by a wolf as we entered its feeding territory), it is pretty much an animal I feel almost a spiritual connection with. The idea of preserving one's territory, loyalty to the pack, or being a lone wolf and taking care of one's survival interests, and most of all a general sense of freedom in the wilderness. I am of course also very fond of dogs, and they are of me. Like Falvlun, it is a very natural relationship. Dogs pretty much smell I'm one of them.
Yeah I'd really like to be able to get closer to them. I wish I could send them a mental signal, "I'm not going to hurt you, you don't have to run! I just want to walk past and say hi!" I think the problem is that we do have a lot of hunters here during hunting season, so they rightly associate people with guns and crossbows.
I had a pretty neat encounter with a buck. A little bit scary, since we surprised each other and ended up face to face, and I was happily admiring him trying not to move and startle him, while he was checking me out too. I kept looking at his sharp horns, realizing he could do some real damage if he charged at me. But it felt great just chillin' with him for those few moments. After a while he finally decided to slowly walk away and catch up with the group of females he was with.
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
Do you regularly put yourself in situations where there are deer?
I encounter them on my jog through a forest path. I often catch a glimpse of deer, but it's pretty rare that I get an awesome close-up meeting with one or more of them, especially a buck. If I run 10 times per month, I might see at least one deer 9 out of 10 times, but I might get a really cool close-up situation with a deer 1 time out of those 10. So in the course of a year if I do that for 8 months per year when it's not winter, that's 80 jogs, 72 jogs where deer was seen, and 8 jogs with a close-up encounter, including maybe 2-3 that were particularly close. So the way it has worked is that it has just been a numbers game.
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
There just aren't that many deer near where I am. I've seen people online talk about deer in their yards eating the leaves off their trees and wondering how to stop them. I think if I were ever to see a deer in my yard eating the leaves off my trees, I would be so elated, I wouldn't know what to do with myself.
Around here we have a lot of deer, plus a lot of turkeys. I can get really close to the turkeys (close enough I could grab one if I wanted to). Usually I just see them on my run, but I saw a deer at my apartment complex once.
I've taken a close up picture of a skunk, a baby deer, a hawk, a ground hog, a turtle laying eggs, and a group of baby turkeys. The hardest picture I'm after is a coyote, but I've only seen him/her twice. That would be like the ultimate picture around here- when I see her it's like seeing a ghost and only happens like every two years.
You probably have some other cool animals from where you are. And one thing I'm jealous about is that Utah has all sorts of beautiful scenery while it's really flat and ugly here, and high tick density with lyme disease makes walking in the forest ill-advised.
Kaladan, are those Oriental Hornets the same as the ones in the news lately in China?
woooo... they are bad news bears!
They even got the Chinese Mayors running around at night setting the hives on fire with petrol.
I don't think I will have an affinity with them. One little army of like only 33 of these hornets can wipe out an entire hive of honey bees in the tens of thousands by cutting off all the heads of the bees, then taking the larve for food!
They are horrible!
Om Namah Sivaya
woooo... they are bad news bears!
They even got the Chinese Mayors running around at night setting the hives on fire with petrol.
I don't think I will have an affinity with them. One little army of like only 33 of these hornets can wipe out an entire hive of honey bees in the tens of thousands by cutting off all the heads of the bees, then taking the larve for food!
They are horrible!
Om Namah Sivaya
Knight of Albion
Well-Known Member
Man, beast or insect - life is dear to all.
Everything is worthy of kindness.
Affinity with everything...
Everything is worthy of kindness.
Affinity with everything...
Caladan
Agnostic Pantheist
I'd like some of that special herb you put in your pipe, man.
Caladan
Agnostic Pantheist
There are actually quite a lot of people who are killed by giant oriental hornets each year. However they are a different subspecies from our oriental hornets. And although more deadly to man, both subspecies are a menace to local bee hives, and bee farmers. Even if the hive somehow survives it will take it many months to recover, months which are lost in terms of honey production. Just like in China, there are operations here to try and control their spread, including seeking out volunteers who are up for the job.
An oriental hornet's sting is very painful, the real danger is of course stepping on their underground nest, which is basically stepping on a hole in the ground. Very hard to notice sometimes. This may trigger multiple stings and attacks or worse. During my last encounter I received 6 stings, and because of chest and throat pressure the Dr in the emergency room wanted to keep me for 5 hours under supervision, after giving me a tetanus shot against infection and letting me drink a generous dose of liquid optalgin for the pain, which I didn't expect to help and it did not. There is nothing really to give against the pain of their stings, its just a matter of letting it pass by its own.
A high number of multiple stings can be deadly, and if you develop an allergic reaction, you need to shoot yourself to the hospital.
The thing with these hornets, is that they are highly aggressive, a single hornet can sting repeatedly and ad infinitum, while also injecting you with a chemical that will invite other stings to the area from its comrades. In addition the females are typically more insane, they not only sting but they also give painful bites.
To summarize, its quite a killing machine. I consider them cruel, smart, and determined. Based on personal experience.
Knight of Albion
Well-Known Member
There's no 'herb in the pipe', just love in the heart...