The familiars helped diagnose illnesses and the sources of bewitchment and were used for divining and finding lost objects and treasures. Magicians conjured them in rituals, then locked then in bottles, rings and stones. They sometimes sold them as charms, claiming the spirits would ensure success in gambling, love, business or whatever the customer wanted. Some familiars were said to be Faeries. Oberon was a popular name for fairy familiars in 15th and 16th century England.
Many modern Witches have animal familiars, usually cats, which are their magical helpers.
Some also have dogs, birds, snakes or toads. Some Witches say that it is possible to endow pets with magical powers and turn them into familiars, though others don't believe it should be done. Familiars reputedly are sensitive to psychic vibrations and power and are welcomed partners inside the magic circle and other magical work. They also serve as psychic radar, reacting visibly to the presence of any negative or evil energy, whether it be an unseen force or a person who dabbles in the wrong kind of magic. Familiars are also given psychic protection by their Witches.