A familiar is a physical or spiritual being in which you are spiritually connected to. They are an aid to witches; their companion and guardian. Familiars are said to be healers, protectors, and helpers. Traditionally, familiars are animals, but they can also be human-esque. Animals are often viewed as familiars because of their connection with the earth. And no, familiars don’t need to be your pet. They can be any animal you feel a spiritual connection to.
~ Brief History of Familiars
A witch’s familiar wasn’t viewed as evil until the beginning of The Middle Ages. They came to be thought of as demons and dark spirits, and were associated with the devil. They were sent by their witches to wreak havoc because they weren’t easily detected and were fed blood. Every witch was believed to have a familiar, and close animal companions were often used as proof that the convicted was a witch.
~ How do I find my Familiar?
You can use spells to bring forth your familiar, or to provide clarity on what your familiar is.
Working with divination tools and asking them questions about your familiar are also great ways to help you find it.
Meditation is an amazing way to bring clarity about what your familiar is or is like. Take deep breaths and let your mind wander. Pay attention to creatures that approach you, their mannerisms, the way they communicate, and the way they respond. You may go through several beings, and may find out traits of your familiar through communicating with these beings.
You may not find one the first time, but that’s okay. If you truly believe you have a familiar, keep trying! Keep in mind, not everyone has one. Some witches even prefer working alone.
~ How do I know when I’ve found my Familiar?
There are many ways to know when you’ve found your familiar. Do they give you a boost? Do they follow you around? Do you trust them more than you trust anything else? If you answered yes to even one of those questions, then you might’ve found your familiar. They might take part in your rituals, be patient and aware while you are spell casting or doing spiritual work, hang around your magickal space, or be protective of you. They might be all of the above, and more!
~ How do I bond with my Familiar?
Most important thing I can say: respect your familiar! Your familiar will take this very highly into consideration. Give them the best life you can give them; the best food, best housing, clean conditions, positive energy, and lots of one on one time! Speak to them kindly, pet them, brush them, give them offerings, and reward them for their help. Make them a collar with protective crystals or crystals that hold your best energy. And overall, protect them, and make them feel safe. They will reciprocate whatever energy you give them, and then some.
~ How can my Familiar aid me and when?
Familiars are mostly known for how much they help their witch. They will aid you whenever they can with whatever they can, from connecting with nature to enhancing any psychic, spiritual, and divine abilities. Familiars will protect you, physically and spiritually, and be your emotional support. You can even invite them in to harness their energy for whatever you need them for.
~ Can I have multiple Familiars?
Of course! It is a common misconception that you can’t have multiple familiars, but you can! Remember, they don’t have to just be animals, and they definitely don’t have to just be cats, either.
~ Do you have a Familiar?
I do! My 3-year old, female tortoise shell cat, Kaya. I am beyond grateful that we found each other. She plays an important role in my everyday life, and has aided me in more ways than I thought possible. I love her with all my soul!
