These are the general types of shifts that have been recorded in the therian and otherkin communities. Some of these require a belief in astral projection and auras. It is important to consider other explanations before resorting to the fantastical.
Astral shift/As-shift: When your astral body changes into your kintype, usually during sleep when one enters the astral plane. Not everyone believes that this is possible.
Aura shift/A-shift: When your auric field or energy field takes, on ther shape of your kintype. Not everyone believes that this is possible.
Berserker shift/B-shift: When you enter a berserker-like state of mind, such as an extreme M-shift or a regular shift combined with mental illness. B-shifts are highly discouraged, and there exist multiple methods to keep these shifts from happening.
Bi-location shift/Bi-shift: When your kintype ‘leaves’ the human body behind, such as with astral projection or astral travel. This is very similar to an out-of-body experience, with the exception the the non-coporeal body takes on the shape of your kintype rather than your physical body. Not everyone believes that this is possible.
Dream shift/D-shift: When you dream that you have the body of your kintype. Some otherkin have these shifts every night while others have to resort to lucid dreaming techniques to experience them.
Mental shift/M-shift: When you take on part of the mentality, instincts, and/or impulses of your kintype.
Phantom shift/Ph-shift: When you get supernumerary phantom limbs that resemble your kintype’s or when your own limbs feel like those of your kintype.
Sensory shift/S-shift: When you perceive some senses stronger than usually or are more focused on some senses that you wouldn’t normally focus on. Note that this is a change in perception, not in your physical capabilities.
Shadow shift/Sh-shift: When other people perceive your shadow to look like your kintype, usually explained by the aura or astral body. Not everyone believes that this is possible.
There’s also physical shifting/P-shifting, which is a literal change in the physical body. This is impossible as it breaks all known laws of physics and biology, which you can read more about here and here.
For the sake of this list, I left out catalysators (emotional shifts) and categories (cameo, voluntary, and involuntary shifts).
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