You have probably heard of the witch’s familiar in popular television shows, Netflix shows, and in the movies, but what exactly is a familiar, and what is its history?
As written in the Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology (Introduction by Hans Holzer):
“The witch’s black cat has become firmly entrenched in popular imagination in Britain. Storybook witches all have cats as henchmen to help them with their spells and traditionally her cat is the one creature to which the witch is attached. Yet in the history of witchcraft the small animal kept as a crony appears fairly late, part of the final phase of witchcraft belief. Nor was the cat the only, or even the commonest, of the witches’ pets: ferrets, rabbits, hedgehogs, mice or any small common animal, also figure in reports.”
A witch’s familiar is similar to an animal spirit guide who helps the witch with her magical workings. The familiar is often a spirit animal that the witch has a close connection with, and the two work together as partners to achieve the witch’s goals. It is a powerful ally and can help the witch increase her power and knowledge and protect her from harm.
The familiar can be a great help in spell casting, as it can act as an extra set of eyes and ears to help the witch focus and concentrate on her spells. It can also help ground the witch and keep her connected to the earthly realm. In addition, the familiar can give insights into magical workings.
In the past, according to Susan Bowes in Notions and Potions:
“The puritanical Christian of medieval times was convinced that witches could not possibly work alone, that any animal that lived with a suspected witch – especially cats, toads, rats, and dogs – was nothing short of a demon-helper in disguise.”
The familiar is a cherished and vital part of the witch’s life, and the two work together to achieve great things.
Difference Between a Witch Familiar and a Spirit Animal
The difference between a witch’s familiar and a spirit animal is that a familiar is a spirit that is specifically bound to a witch to aid them in their magical practice. On the other hand, a spirit animal is a spirit that is not tied to any specific person but is instead associated with a particular place or activity.
Familiars can be any spirit, including animals, plants, angels, demons, and even human spirits. They are often chosen because they have some unique quality or ability that the witch can use to help them with their magic. For example, a witch might choose a cat as a familiar because cats are known for their agility and stealth, which would be helpful in performing spells that require stealth or secrecy.
On the other hand, Spirit animals are not bound to any specific person but are instead associated with a particular place or activity. For example, a spirit of a particular animal might be associated with a particular geographical area, like a spirit of the wolf might be associated with the forest, or a spirit of the eagle might be associated with the sky. Spirit animals can also be associated with activities, like the spirit of the deer might be related to running, or the spirit of the salmon might be associated with swimming.
Choosing a Familiar
Picking a familiar can be a daunting task. After all, this is your new best friend, your partner in crime, and your constant companion. So you’ll want to make sure you choose wisely!
When deciding on a familiar, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what you’re looking for in a companion. For example, do you need someone intelligent who can help you with your spells? Or maybe you need someone strong who can help you protect yourself from harm?
Second, think about your lifestyle. If you’re always on the go, you’ll need a companion who can keep up with you. If you’re more laid back, you may want a familiar who is more low-key.
Finally, think about your personality. Do you want a companion who is energetic and playful? Or someone more serious and down to business?
Types of Familiars
Once you’ve considered these things, it’s time to start looking for the perfect witch’s familiar! There are various creatures that can make great familiars, including cats, dogs, owls, and snakes.
So, how do you choose the right one?
Well, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a companion. If you want someone who is intelligent and can help you with your spells, a cat may be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need someone strong and who can help you protect yourself from harm, a dog may be a better option.
Whatever you choose, make sure you take the time to know your new companion. Spend time with them, play with them, and learn their quirks. This is someone you’ll be spending a lot of time with, so you’ll want to make sure you’re compatible!
Calling a Familiar to You
Another method for gaining a familiar is to call one to you.
First, you must call and center yourself. After you feel relaxed, focus on your desire for a familiar. When you have the thought firmly in your mind, exhale it out of your body and into the world.
This method may take some time to draw in a familiar, but you also need to take an active part in locating your companion.
Visit local animal shelters and keep watch outside of your home. Then, when you see your familiar, you will know it in your gut and your heart.
Responsibilities of the Familiar
A familiar is a supernatural being that helps a witch with their magical practice. They are often used to raise magical energies during spell crafting.
The familiar is usually bound to the witch through a spell or agreement, and they serve the witch until they die or are released.
They are often seen as a sign of great power, and many witches believe that they can help increase one’s magical abilities.
Benefits of Having a Witch’s Familiar
There are many benefits to having a Witch Familiar.
First and foremost, a familiar can help you focus your energy and increase your power. They can also help you learn new spells and rituals and act as a spiritual guide. Additionally, a familiar can help you connect with the natural world and be a powerful ally in your magical work.
