Fragments, Alters, Wanderers, Functionals...and Unclean Spirits
(We debated for quite some time before changing the substance of this page. Upon nearly unanimous agreement, we decided to rewrite much of it, as our beliefs and understanding have changed.)
There are many types of Insiders, all of which we like to group into five categories. The last category, Unclean Spirits, is a controversial one. Some systems say they have none, and it is rude and offensive to say any system does. Many in the pastoral capacity say all Insiders are really unclean spirits, some believe that there are "true alters" and unclean spirits only, and some pastors and laymen alike think there can be a combination of every category. Since many books and informational websites do not address the possibility or existence of unclean spirits within those with MPD/DID, that shall be covered first.
As we continuously say, every system is different. What people do with their system and how they treat their others is none of my business. This is about our Collective. What is acceptable or natural for mine may not be for anyone else's, and vice versa. With that said, let us continue to the subject at hand. Some Inside believe that we have had unclean spirits attached to alters, and some who have posed as alters. They are often classified as self-destructive or dangerous, and very stubborn. THIS IS NOT TO SAY EVERY INSIDER WHO HAS A BAD TRAIT IS AN UNCLEAN SPIRIT. We have worked with several in the pastoral capacity who help us to deal with our unsavory members. Often, they were treated as unclean spirits. While some had used the term "cast out" to describe their departure, we prefer the term "dismissal" for any of ours that were unsafe, or dangerous to us. It is not quite as frightening to the small ones. Dismissal is different than integration in that they are evicted, while integration is a fusion. Some who we once believed to have intergrated or to have been dismissed have actually returned briefly. Other times, their unique selves were sensed strongly.
My personal take on the subject? I am not certain, really, but I have a few ideas, which come from a Christian standpoint. For one, the Bible tells us that once we are born again into our new life with Jesus, the Holy Spirit fills us. If that is the case, I do not see how both God and Satan can dwell within the heart. It is either one, or the other. I will discuss more on that subject at another time...when I have found adequate Scripture to back up my claims.
Alters, or Insiders, or Others, are the main splits. These are the ones with fully-rounded dynamic personalities. They have many duties, and many functions; without them, existance would be impossible. With alters, it is likely that each has their own belongings on the Outside, their own speech pattern, their own religious and political views, even their own friends that are separate from the Host. Alters are "out" most often, and usually play the largest roles in healing or, on the flipside, in self-destruction. That can become difficult for everyone involved, and it is imperative that communication, understanding and certain compromises are allowed and encouraged.
Fragments are like alters in that they are still split, but they have only one function, or a minimal duty. One might be for cooking, and one for processing certain types of memories, and one for "keeping up appearances" of normalcy. For the most part, fragments do not have much of a personal opinion about anything: clothes, relationships, God, the government...nothing. Some will like being Outside but do not often create their own life. In fact, to most Outsiders, many fragments are indistinguishable from the Host. Fragments are the reason people can say their system has hundreds or thousands of alters; most people I know who have others, the majority of their system is comprised of fragments. I do not suppose that fragments are lesser members of a system, just not as dynamic or unique. Also, they are much more easily integrated.
Wanderers are a new classification. Not to say that they did not exist prior; I mean that I never included them as part of our Colelctive, when really, I should. Wanderers are those Inside who do not feel they need to be affiliated with us. They do not speak with us, or interact whatsoever. We know little, if anything about them. Included would be the sirenes, the pirates of the ships over the horizon, several Faeries, Elvenkind and Dhampir, minor participants in the Rahkas Wars, and the like. The Host likes to compare them to extras cast in a movie: necessary for the scenery, and nothing more.
The Functionals are those that have no discernable personality, really. They are their duty. Zephyr and Asche are among them, though they hint at others. ( I do wish I was privy to more information to that, but they are insistant that the Functionals be kept hidden.)
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