Witch familiar

A witch’s animal familiar is their companion and protector, assisting them in their magic. Each is a totem representing a witch’s abilities and characteristics. In the spirit of #Halloween, these animals are mystical and sometimes frightening...but all are powerful spirit guides with both light and dark qualities. Which one is yours?

We often hear the term “familiar” nowadays, it is applied to the favourite pet of a magickal practitioner. More often, we think of a familiar as an animal that we have a deep spiritual connection with, who guides us to make important life decisions, or even aids in spell work. ⠀

Familiars are creatures who aid witches and are linked to the supernatural. A familiar can be a pet or a wild creature, and a witch might have more than one familiar. While the black cat is most commonly associated with witches, a familiar can be any type of animal. If you are wondering whether or not you have a familiar, check out the list below for common signs.

Margaret Jamison on Instagram: "The concept of a pet being a familiar continues to be controversial in some circles. My opinion and experience is that however rare, a pet can be a familiar and will find its way to you. I think if you experience having a pet familiar even once or twice in your life you’re very fortunate. A pet as familiar is so much more than many people understand, as they seem to think it’s commonplace and mistake an animal’s natural predilections as being something more…

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Check out the difference between a familiar and a pet, the lore about what familiars do, how to get one, and how they were used against witches in the trials

The Occultish Online Witch Academy is excited to be sharing what we know about familiars in witchcraft! Have a special animal friend who helps you in your magic practice? You may have a magical familiar in your witchy world!