Thoughtful Thursday-My Interview with a (real) Vampire

On June 18th, I shared my thoughts on a recent MTV episode of True Life, Modern Age Vampires. I was contacted by the Queen of the Vampire Court of Austin who graciously offered me an interview. Please welcome Daley Catherine.

Q: How do you address the concept of immortality and how it applies to vampires?

A: Real vampires are by no means immortal as portrayed common mythology. Many of us age slower, get sick less often, and look much younger than our age. However, the only immortality we embrace is the legacy left behind once we leave this world, the imprint you leave on someone, or a change you created in the world/someone's life. That is true immortality. 

Q: The energy you require is more of a life force that people carry with them as opposed to blood. However, on MTVs True Life you do address vampires that drink blood. How do the two differ and what are your thoughts on that? 

A: There are 2 main types of feeding habits, blood feeding and energy feeding.The difference between feeding from someones life energy and feeding from blood could be compared to the difference between having a cup of coffee and eating some coffee beans. For me, blood is much more of a potent source of energy. Certain vampires may require this form over others, while some vampires prefer and require the life energy from the individual. 

Q: Explain the structure and hierarchy of the Vampire Court of Austin. Do you meet or have contact with other groups/courts? 

A:The VCA, despite certain terminology used, is mostly democratic. Every Vampire in this city has a voice and a time and place for that voice to be heard. We have a Council that will deliberate in order to ensure the will of our people and keep our relationships strong. Logan and myself run the court and have the most responsibility out of everyone. We are the faces of the court and organize meetings, events, and community outreach. We are also the ones who form alliances with other communities outside our own. We currently have a very strong alliance with both the Houston Vampire Court and the New Orleans Vampire Community. 

Q: In MTVs True Life episode, there seems to be a Code of Ethics in the vampire community. Can you outline/reiterate that for my readers? 

A: Certainly! The most important rule within our court is that there will be no feeding from an individual without their consent. This goes for both blood and energy feeders. Willing donors are required for direct feeding unless feeding from ambient energy like that of a concert or club. 

Q: There are many ideologies that don't "fit in" with mainstream--the umbrella term of Pagan comes to mind. Do you consider yourself a Pagan and/or vampirism to be a religion of sorts? 

A: While we have many Pagans within our court it has nothing to do with being a vampire. Vampirism is neither a religion or a choice. It is something one is born with and awakens to later in life. Our court has members of many different religions and faiths, from Pagan, Wiccan, and Buddist, to Christian, Catholic, and atheist. 

Q: You work in a veterinary clinic (or did when MTVs True Life was filmed). How do they and the clients feel about you being a vampire? 

A: I would say only a few of the clients knew I was a vampire (before the show aired anyways). It wasn't exactly something that came up in conversation while I was checking them and their pet into the clinic. The ones that did know, were very kind about it. Some had questions, others just accepted it. A small handful called me out on it while I was at work. We would get someone experienced in energy work or psychic readings in, and they could sense it on me immediately and would bring it up. My co-workers however, were very aware of what I was. I never hid it from them the entire 6 years I worked there. During the last few years of me working there, they were very supportive and accepting. 

Q: What advice would you give to people that feel they want to explore the concept of vampirism? 

A: The 2 things I recommend over all is research and self exploration. The #1 book I recommend on the subject is "Vampires in their own words" by Michelle Belanger. It is comprised of many different experiences from many different vampires throughout the world. No one can tell you what you are, that is why it is called an awakening. My advice is to research, meditate, try new things, question everything, and allow yourself to think outside the box and grow. Awakening can be both terrifying and amazing depending on how you see it.

Thank you for the interview, Daley!

You may contact Daley Catherine via Facebook
Facebook Page of The Vampire Court of Austin

UPDATE regarding this post: ANY ridiculous comments regarding vampires will be marked as SPAM. Quite honestly, I'm getting tired of it. Go bother someone else.