What is a familiar? After all, this whole blog website is named “Your Friendly Familiar”. This post should hopefully answer that question for there is a lot more in what a familiar means than what meets the eye.
What is a Familiar?
If you were to look up “Familiar” in Wikipedia, you’d find a good-sized article that covers a lot of different elements involved with the term. But I’ll do my best! When you think of a Familiar, chances are that you probably think of a typical black cat that accompanies a Witch. That’s ok because many, if not most, Witches do have a cat Familiar. One source I found suggested the reasoning for that phenomenon is because throughout human history, cats have been worshipped, considered sacred, and simply admired. It can be traced all the way back to the ancient Egyptian Goddess Bast and Sekhmet, ancient Babylonian God Nergal, Hindu Goddess Dawon, and more! Some say that the cats we have today actually remember this special lineage and their spiritual importance and, thus, express that in their current energy and continued willingness to be Familiars to magic practitioners.
But Familiars can come in the form of almost any animal! Every animal has a special spiritual significance in the wide world of magic. So someone can have a Familiar that is a dog, cat, bird, reptile, horse, or others! What matters is the deep, spiritual/emotional bond between the Familiar and the person. But interestingly, did you know that it’s possible to have a familiar spirit that’s not even in the form of an animal?! For example, an Agathion is a familiar spirit that can also take the shape of a human or found within a talisman, a bottle, or magic ring, with its power being strongest in the middle of the day. However, most people I know view Familiars as animal companions that provides support in the person’s magical works.
They can be viewed as the magical person’s alter ego, spirit doppelgänger, personal spirit companion, or personal totem. They can be different things depending on who you ask: (1) Familiars merely animal companions, (2) Familiars are spirits that typically take the form of an animal, (3) Familiars can be fairies, pixies, elves, demons, or other elemental beings in animal bodies, (4) Familiars can be invisible and only the magical person can see them, or (5) a Familiar is the Devil himself. Sure, some people possibly view Familiars as pets or animal “sidekicks” who provide moral support. But typically, Familiars represent something much deeper spiritually and emotionally.
Simply speaking, a Familiar (sometimes called a Familiar Spirit) is thought of as being a supernatural entity that would help and protect witches, magical people, and wise/cunning folk healers in their art or magic practice. Some sources claim that Familiars can possess supernatural powers or abilities, too. Animals are believed to be more sensitive to unseen vibrations and can provide a “psychic sensor” for their magical practitioners. For example, Familiars may act a certain way if they sense the presence of negative energy. They can also protect a Witch when they are conducting astral travel (out-of-body experience) by guarding the Witch’s body, property, sacred space and/or ritual circle. While many modern NeoPagan followers do not believe spirits/demons are in animals, many do believe they carry a human-like intelligence or other supernatural gifts.
They are loyal guardians, guides, confidants, and the truest of friends who know and understand us better than we know ourselves sometimes. Familiars connect with their humans physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. In many ways, they practice magic and are natural healers. Of course, you are welcome to view Familiars in whichever way feels right or works best for you.
Historical Accounts of Familiars
The idea and practice of Familiars goes back many, many, many years. Historians have examined earlier accounts involving Familiars in the pre-modern era in Britain and noticed that Familiar Spirits tended to meet magical folk in either 3 ways:
- A Spirit appeared spontaneously before the person while they were going about their everyday life and not necessarily looking for a Familiar.
- A Familiar Spirit was gifted to the person by a close family member, a separate magical person, or a more powerful Spirit.
- A Familiar would appear to offer help to a cunning/wise person or magical practitioner who was having difficulty.
Historically speaking, Familiars and the general notions about early occult traditions were typically described negatively because mainly Christianity (along with some other belief systems) simply did not view them in a positive light. From a simplistic point of view, from the Catholic Church perspective, angels were the main spirits of good and anything that deviated from that were considered demonic or undesirable. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII condemned Witchcraft and, ironically enough, the earliest mentions of Familiars can be found in the Christian Bible: Leviticus 20:27, “a man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death.” Between 1566-1704 there were over 80 different pamphlets published in the English Witchcraft that stated and encouraged the notion that the Devil himself used animals as a vehicle to be a familiar spirit. Witch-hunters oftentimes called Familiars as gifts from the Devil or other Witches that were imps in disguise. Also, the Witchcraft Act of 1604 criminalized the “consult, convene with, entertain, employ, feed, or reward, any evil and wicked spirit to or for any intent or purpose.” So, as you can gather, many of the earliest historical texts describing Familiars were, well, not so pleasant.
Moving forward, you can find Familiars used in many cultures and various traditions found worldwide. Just to list a few: In New Guinea, there were/are Witches that used crocodiles and/or snakes as Familiars. In Malaya, badger or owl Familiars have been passed down from generation to generation to carry on their traditions. In Africa, the Lugbara ethnic group have used animals including primates, lizards, snakes, frogs/toads, owls, bats, jackals, and leopards. The Zulu ethnic group are said to have used corpses and with magic reanimate them. In South Sudan, the Dinka (or jieng) people have used hyenas and black cobras. In Shamanism, which can be followed worldwide, a Shaman beginner receives their Familiar Spirits when they complete their initiation process. It usually takes the shape of an animal such as a reptile or bird and the Shaman in theory can send their Familiar out to battle in their place. However, if the Familiar dies, the Shaman dies with them since they share that deep bond. Otherwise, a Familiar will stay with their Shaman until that person’s passing, at which point the Familiar will disappear. In North America, among certain Inuits, a Familiar can be embodied in an artificial seal as opposed to being a live animal.
Something you may notice that no matter where you are in the world, a Familiar tends to be your best match for your time and location, and carries the traits you need. As an extreme example: A Witch apprentice that lives in a city may have a small rodent for their first Familiar while a more experienced Witch that lives in the woods may have a large Familiar that can protect them from the harsh wilderness/elements.
Familiars in Pop Culture
You probably have seen the image of Familiars in popular culture. Below are a few examples. Let me know if you know of other examples that feature a Familiar!
Harry Potter
In the Harry Potter books (and movies), you may remember that students accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are asked to bring an animal (either an owl, a cat, or a toad [even though Ron has a rat]) to the school. You would think that these students are asked to find a Familiar that would help them in school. However, J.K. Rowling has written afterwards that the notion of Familiars does not exist in the Harry Potter universe. Rather, the animals were broadly viewed as the students’ pets. You probably remember moments in the series when you see owls carrying messages and packages. That would make you think that owls are Familiars since they carry duties for magical people. But that’s not really the case. Like non-magical people used messenger pigeons to communicate, witches and wizards use owls to accomplish the same thing. It’s more like a postal service than a bunch of owl Familiars flying around to serve their witches/wizards. That aside, Rowling has written that the creature that most acts like a traditional Familiar was Mrs. Norris, who is Argus Filch’s cat. This can be viewed as quite ironic because Mr. Filch was a Squib, meaning that he was born into a Wizarding family but he actually did not possess any magical powers and, thus, could not actually perform any magic.
Supernatural
In the popular television series Supernatural, not all Witches have Familiars, and, in fact, Familiars are considered rare. Familiars are described as Witch companions that can actually change their shape into various animals and even appear as a human. Also, they have the supernatural power of telepathy by being able to telepathically communicate with their masters unless something blocks this mode of communication. Even though Familiars seem powerful with characteristics of telepathy and shapeshifting, they are still mortal and can be killed. In this series, a Familiar chooses its Witch master and cannot leave the relationship once it’s established. A Familiar and its Witch share a special, unbreakable bond that can be described as a “melding of souls.” A Witch and its Familiar are not permitted to engaging in sexual relationships, but they are willing to die for the other. You can watch the Supernatural episode featuring Familiars in Season 8, Episode 15, “Man’s Best Friend with Benefits.”
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Sabrina is a teenage Witch who first appeared in Archie comics back in the early 1960s. She had a cat, named Salem, who was originally an orange cat and didn’t talk. Later, Salem was made into a black domestic shorthair cat that could talk. In the Sabrina the Teenage Witch comics, Salem was revealed to be a witch that was convicted of the crime of plotting to take over the world. As punishment, he was sentenced by the Witch’s Council to be a cat with no magical abilities for 100 years.
The late 1990s sitcom of Sabrina the Teenage Witch followed the comics with Salem Saberhagen being a 500-year-old Witch being trapped in a cat body as punishment for his world domination plot. In the series, he planned to take over the world a second time and got 50 more years added to his sentence. In the television show, Salem tends to cause mischief for Sabrina and her aunts. He somewhat helps Sabrina in finding solutions to her problems by offering some magic advice, but it’s mostly unhelpful or ultimately makes the situation worse. But he is not described as a Familiar, but rather a Witch relative who is staying in the household to serve out his sentence.
In the Netflix reboot series, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Salem is Sabrina’s Familiar. While Salem typically appears in the form of a black cat, Familiars are described in the show as goblins. Salem appeared before Sabrina after she conducted a spell to summon a Familiar. When Sabrina wants to call him, she goes into the woods and chants an invocation. He is shown as being loyal and fierce, and at the same time enjoys his naps just as much as he enjoys fun adventures. He arrives right on time when he is needed. Salem protects her, keeps her company, and assists with her magic. Salem has powers such as increasing his speed, telepathic communication, and being able to hear Sabrina and feel her emotions when she’s in trouble. However, Sabrina’s Aunt Zelda suggested that Salem was more feral than other Familiars, so he might not be as well domesticated.
Finding Your Familiar
Want to have a Familiar? You absolutely can! Finding your Familiar is a very personal and rewarding journey. I carry the personal belief that everyone carries some magic within them, whether they know it or not and whether they practice specific forms of magic or not. You do not have to be a Witch or practice/follow specific kinds of magic to have a Familiar, even if a few people insist that must be the case. For example, I know someone who only practices Tarot Cards and has her cat as a Familiar. I’ve heard of a few Psychics that have personal Familiars even though they don’t practice Witchcraft or follow Wicca or other NeoPagen religions. If you feel like you would benefit from having a Familiar, then I completely support you in finding one and enjoying the benefits that come with having such a special friend supporting you in your magical journey in life.
If you remember what I mentioned at the very beginning of this blog: You know a Familiar doesn’t have to be a cat, right?! They can be any animal spiritual companion that works best with you. I’ve heard of a few people that have Familiars that are not cats. One is a Tarot Card reader that has a beloved hamster that sits on his desk while he does readings. There’s also another magic practitioner who loves her pet snake and shares a deep bond with him. In fact, there’s a long-held belief that snakes in particular hold transformative magic (as evident by them shedding their skin periodically) and are quite spiritually intuitive by nature. There are so many animal options out there! Birds are also popular among magical people. Owls are typically associated with wisdom. Falcons carry the gift of vision and perception. Ravens can pick up information and be messengers to its human, even if they are always considered associated with death. To go even further, another flying creature of a bat could be one since they have excellent hearing and the ability to fly in the dark. Your familiar could be a horse, a goat, or other hoofstock, in theory, if that is your calling. A Familiar can literally be almost anything that speaks to you, your spirit, and/or your soul.
And there are many ways into finding that perfect spiritual companion that fits your needs. However! It is extremely important to note that most magic practitioners believe that the animal companion picks its human, not the other way around. you may have to be patient for it can take some time for your Familiar to find you. For example, I heard a story of a Psychic who found her Familiar after waiting for 3 years. Trust that your Familiar will come to you at the right time and when you need it. With that in mind, let’s explore some ways you can find your Familiar. (These are all merely ideas and suggestions, and you are entitled to do whichever works best for you.)
In theory, you could go into the woods and recite an incantation to summon a Familiar. However, it’s very hard to pull that off and it may not be so successful. After all, Familiars pick the person, and the person doesn’t simply demand a Familiar to present itself. Some followers of Witchcraft or Wicca meditate with the intention of finding/meeting a Familiar. Some claim this helps make yourself more likely to have an animal naturally drawn towards you. It’s also completely ok to find yourself meandering through pet stores, animal shelters/sanctuaries, ranches, etc.
Quick story time! There’s a true story of someone finding her Familiar at an animal shelter. She was walking along the rows of dogs that were displayed as being available for adoption even though she wasn’t necessarily looking into getting a pet right away. However, she came across a Pit Bull that caught her attention. He was one of the few not barking and when he saw her, he walked up to her, sat up against the fence, and started wagging his tail in excitement. She said it was like he finally found her after being apart for so long. The person did a “meet and greet” with the dog and there was an instant connection. It was like they found their other half and it was meant to be. She didn’t hesitate and took the dog home that day. Since then, he’s been at her side, protects her, and helps her emotionally and mentally in a way that only Familiar pets can achieve. This story is to emphasize that you can find your Familiar when you least expect it. In fact, Familiars appear before us when we need them, not necessarily when we want them.
How Do I Know if I Found My Familiar?
When you find your Familiar, typically you will quickly get a pretty good feeling that you found the one. (Or rather, you would know that the Familiar found you!) The main characteristic to look out for is to see if the animal is, well, familiar with you. They are called Familiars for a reason! They would meet and greet you as your equal. They would want to and choose to partake the job as your Familiar. They are not shy around you and claim their space as if they had been here before with you for many, many years. Some claim that Familiars should act dominant around other animals, but I personally believe that Familiars can come in various types of personalities. The important thing is the special, deep connection between the Familiar and its human. Sometimes it will feel as if fate has drawn you two together for a reason. Your souls will feel connected to each other and/or feel as if it’s melded into one, more completed soul.
When you are around your Familiar, it is like you can tell what they are feeling or thinking even though you do not speak the same language. Also, it seems like your Familiar can feel or understand you. Does your pet Familiar console you when you cry? Do they get excited when you are happy and excited yourself? Do they follow you around or prefer to be by your side? Can you look at each other in the eyes and feel a sense of deep connection or understanding that can’t quite be explained? Have you dreamed about your pet or feel it can communicate with you psychically? If you practice magic, such as Tarot Cards, do they want to participate or do they help/guide you in your activities? If you answered, “Yes,” to any of these questions, then it’s possible that your Familiar found and chose you! Ultimately, in the end, only you will know if or who is your Familiar companion.
Familiars are the gatekeepers to the magic within you. They help guide you and support you with the utmost loyalty throughout your journey. I believe that animals in general can provide us with a special gift that is hard to find anywhere else. So tell me, do you have a Familiar? If so, who is he/she and what is his/her name? How did you two meet? If you don’t have a Familiar, are you interested in having one? It’s completely fine if not. I know many magic practitioners that do not have Familiars and are quite content in not having any. You do whatever works best for you!
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
– Mandy Hale
- Image Captions (in order of appearance):
- Kylo Ren. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Hannah Troupe; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Crow on a Fence. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Pete Nuji; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- White Owl. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Doug Swinson; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Green Parrot on Person’s Hand. Image courtesy of Pexels user Caio; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Pexels GmbH.
- “The Love Potion” (1903) by Evelyn De Morgan: a witch with a black cat familiar at her feet.
- Curious little pet rat. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Annemarie Horne; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Rabbit. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Степан Галагаев; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Homeschooling 2021. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Dan Barrett; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Gecko. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Andrey Tikhonovskiy; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Tortoise Part of my work for @monanimal ‘s Instagram account.. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Fernando Maté; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- A Woman Holding an Albino Burmese Python. Image courtesy of Pexels user KoolShooters; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Pexels GmbH.
- Horse. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Marko Blažević; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Goat in the Dortmunder Zoo. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Jonas Von Werne; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Funny lama. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Dušan veverkolog; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Cat and Dog. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Tran Mau Tri Tam; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Sleeping Orange Tabby Cat. Image courtesy of Pexels user Pixaby; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Pexels GmbH.
- Dog and Pumpkins. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Ben Hanson; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.