The Shapeshifter Emerges

by la-rubrique-necro @ deviantART

Even while gaming, I've been doing a lot of thinking about myself, my personality, my habits, and how I project myself to others. And... man. I didn't realize how deeply connected I am to my Shapeshifter archetype. There's more to this archetype than just having cool metaphysical gifts (though apparently I have to wait a few years for that part). It seeps into one's daily life and almost always plays a role in how one reacts to the world around him or her.

With that in mind, I recently realized how many "guises" I've been taking on in these past few years. I no longer consider "spirit guides" to be separate from myself; I now see them clearly as extensions of whatever consciousness that I am: symbols or aspects to assist this human instance of myself. I've played many roles, from hero to villain, therapist to sadist, artist to student, introvert to extravert. And in almost every case, I've "shifted the skin" to adjust to each scenario. 

It makes explaining myself quite the challenge. Who am I? With each new person I meet, I shift the skin to adjust. It adds a beautiful complexity to my character, but is there a true "default Evaah" that lies beneath all the guises and roles? Is that Evaah the artsy introvert who has trouble associating with modern society? Or is that just another guise or role that I take on? 

I recently got into RPing on GW, which, I must admit, I am now addicted to. I even have one of my RP buddies telling me I need to slow down lest I get burnt out with it. I told him: I doubt that'll ever happen... but I didn't tell him exactly why. It's that RP is perfect for a Shapeshifter. Shapeshifters love to play with new roles, new guises. What better way to do this than to RP?

I feel like I'm quite close to coming off as a nutter, but shapeshifting has nothing to do with psychological illness. Some might see it as a survival tactic, but I see it more as a way to explore the human psyche, and by extension, the consciousness which many of us have named "spirit." 

Once again, I'm detaching from the idea that we are.. distinct. Instead, I'm returning to the idea that we are still one solid force, and that the distinction only comes with taking on forms... which is perhaps why we take on human identities and the like to begin with.

I've made peace with the fact that I will never know the reason why we are here. I still perceive it as the universe exploring and expanding itself, though. I doubt I'll ever stop theorizing, but you know, perhaps that's what'll make me a great metaphysical teacher or mentor. 

Archetypes... they're fascinating stuff. I need to return to the list of mine and begin connecting with them again. They will probably come quite in handy as these life changes begin to occur. 

Shapeshifter and proud.