Why One Theriotype Takes Over in Polytherians

In an other post I talked about Polytherians, those who connect with more than one animal spirit. Being a polytherian comes with a set of challenges unknown to those who only have a single theriotype: balancing multiple identities. One common experience many polytherians face is the feeling of one theriotype suddenly becoming more dominant. This shift can be confusing and make it hard to feel fully connected to each theriotype. Understanding why one animal spirit takes over can help polytherians manage these changes and find more balance.

In this post, we’ll explore why one theriotype might feel stronger at certain times and provide insight into how to balance these shifts effectively.

Why One Theriotype Dominates: Understanding the Root Cause

For polytherians, it’s not as simple as feeling every theriotype equally. There’s a rhythm, similar to the tides, which can become intense when one theriotype feels much more dominant than the others.

One day, you might be totally in tune with a protective wolf spirit, and then, out of nowhere, your hawk side takes over. Now, you’re craving independence, distance, and height—even if it just means sitting in the tallest tree around. Shifts like these aren’t random; sometimes, they’re triggered by changes in your life or even in your own headspace. Understanding these causes can make accepting and working with each shift easier.

Example 1: Life Stressors Can Influence Dominance

If life is chaotic—maybe school is overwhelming, or things at home aren’t chill—your more protective theriotype might step up as a way to handle the stress.

Imagine you have both a wolf and a rabbit as theriotypes. Wolves are loyal to their group, protective, and focused. At the same time, rabbits might make you feel cautious, aware, and maybe even jumpy. In stressful times, the wolf part of you may feel the need to “step up,” acting like a shield or protector. The wolf’s focus on survival instincts can feel more powerful than the rabbit’s gentler nature, and as a result, it feels like the wolf is taking charge.

When this happens, the rabbit side of you might go quieter because the wolf responds to what you need most: strength and focus. In these moments, acknowledging that the shift is a natural stress response can help you find balance.

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Environmental Triggers and Theriotype Dominance

Seasonal Influence on Shifts

Sometimes, even the environment can trigger certain theriotypes. For instance, some polytherians notice their theriotype shifts with the seasons. A fox theriotype might feel more dominant in winter because it aligns with hunting instincts. In contrast, a deer theriotype may take over in the summer, bringing relaxed, peaceful energy in sync with warm weather.

Nature’s rhythms can heighten the connection to a particular theriotype, making it feel more present and real at that time. Recognizing these patterns can help polytherians understand when and why a specific theriotype may come forward, making these seasonal shifts feel more predictable.

Emotional Needs and Theriotype Shifts

It's important to recognize that our emotional state and current needs significantly influence how we experience theriotype dominance. Understanding this can help us navigate our feelings with greater compassion and awareness. For example, if you’re craving comfort, security, or familiarity, a theriotype associated with home or safety might feel stronger.

A cat theriotype could be dominant when you need rest or self-care because cats are experts at setting boundaries and relaxing without guilt. On the other hand, a bird theriotype might rise up if you’re feeling confined or overwhelmed, bringing a need for space and freedom. When this happens, the bird might naturally push to the surface, seeking more openness and room to “fly.”

How to Balance Shifts: Strategies for Managing Dominant Theriotypes

Check In With Yourself Regularly

Balancing these shifts takes patience and self-awareness. When you notice one theriotype feels stronger than the others, it’s helpful to take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself why this side might be taking over. Is it due to something specific in your environment or emotional state? Recognizing these factors can make understanding and working with the shift easier.

Accept the Purpose of Each Theriotype

Remember, each theriotype brings its own strengths and energy. They’re not in competition; rather, they’re responding to what’s going on around or within you. Each animal has a purpose, and learning to see when one is trying to help or protect you can make the experience feel less chaotic. Accepting this can lead to a more balanced and harmonious relationship with your multiple theriotypes in the long run.

Conclusion: Embracing the Flow of Your Theriotypes

For polytherians, the experience of shifting between dominant theriotypes is a natural part of having multiple animal spirits. By paying attention to what triggers these shifts—whether it’s stress, the environment, or emotional needs—you can start to understand what each theriotype offers and why it might feel more present at certain times. With this understanding, managing and embracing each shift becomes easier, allowing you to live in balance with all your theriotypes.

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