Familiars

## What Is A Familiar

The biggest misconception is that your familiar must be a cat, or even more stereotypically, a black cat. Not so. Any animal of any species can present itself as your familiar. In fact, the form your familiar chooses to take may be a message in itself, and may be completely unexpected. Familiars can fill many different roles in your life, including that of teacher, friend, healer or assistant. A familiar may arrive in the form of a family pet, but they should not be treated that simply.

They are independent spirits that must be respected and honoured. You will develop a strong psychic bond with your new companion, and he/she/it will likely show a clear interest in your ritual work. I can't really go into too much detail on how a familiar might become part of your life, or how it may assist you with your spiritual growth. Each person's relationship with their familiar is special, unique and individual.

Of course, your familiar might not even be a physical being. Having an astral familiar is also a possibility. Astral familiars usually take the form of regular animals, but they also may take the form of more exotic beasts (such as a dragon, perhaps). Working with astral familiars usually takes place during dreams or meditation. But working on the astral plane is a topic for another time.

## Where do you find one?

Sometimes you need to search out your familiar, but other times they will find you. You can't summon a familiar, only invite one. Meditation or scrying are two methods that may help you locate your animal companion. They may arrive in your life when you call, or just when you are in need of them. And the flip side to that, is that they can also disappear from your life if you no longer need their help or guidance. I would say that most familiars stay with a person for a good many years, typically the life span of their animal hosts. But don't be surprised if they move on unexpectedly.

If a certain animal appears in a dream and seems important then take note of it and write it down in your dream journal or book of some sort you use. This animal is trying to symbolize something important. The list below is a brief list, it is not to be taken "literally" This is only a list of basic cultural, mythological and maybe basic ancestral archetypes.

## Some History

During the Burning Times, animal familiars played a sizable role in the prosecution of 'witches'. It was believed at the time that all witches had an animal companion, that was really a demon in physical form. Seeing an animal in relationship with an accused individual would often be considered evidence to their witchery. Even something as meaningless as a mouse or fly in their jail cell. Even today, many non-Pagans who don't understand our beliefs consider any Pagan's animal companion to be an evil spirit in disguise.

## Different Animal Familiars

### ADDER ,SNAKE, SERPENT (Nadredd)

Associated with reincarnation, shedding the old skin for a new one. Also associated with wisdom and cunning. The snake, as a familiar with help you prepare for something new coming into your life, usually something better then the way it is now. A common symbol for jewelry.

Shape-shifting quality: The snake can hide in the grass when danger is near and strike quickly.

### BADGER (Breach)

Associated with having the courage to face danger and fight regardless of size and strength of the other. The badger as a familiar will help you to fight for your rights.

Shape-shifting quality: the badger is small, but can still defend itself against larger animals by backing itself into a hole or corner so the back of its body is protected.

### BAT (ialtag)

Associated with darkness, the underworld and death. The bat as a familiar will help you to avoid what you can't see and to help you avoid obstacles.

Shape-shifting quality: The bat only comes out at night when it knows it will be safer.

### BEAR (Arth, \*the root name of King Arthur)

Once native, but now extinct in the Isles. Associated with strength. The bear will help you to 'bear' hardships in life and to find the strength to do what you need to do.

Shape-shifting quality: It is attuned to the seasons and knows when to prepare for a winter. When it is attacked it stands on its hind legs for height to intimidate its attacker.

### BEE (Beach)

Associated with work, especially in a group environment, and focusing on a task. The bee as a familiar will help you focus on a task to get the job done.

Shape-shifting quality: when it attacks it is for the good of all.

### BLACKBIRD (Druid0dhubh, Lon Dubh)

Associated with the Otherworld, mysteries and secrets. The blackbird as a familiar will reveal secrets and mysteries.

Shape-shifting quality: To sing for the pure joy of it! Personal satisfaction.

### BOAR (Bacrie)

Associated with its mean and ferocious nature. The Boar will help you for war and defense.

Shape-shifting quality: A boar uses slyness for setting up an ambush and once attacking will not stop until its enemy is down or gone for good.

### BULL (Tarbh)

Associated with strength, virility and potency. The bull will help you when you need strength that does not waiver.

Shape-shifting quality: A bull is a protector of the herd. When it feels threatened it will sound the alarm and charge. Also, keep in mind the term, "bullheaded" when you need to remain fast and firm to a belief or an idea.

### BUTTERFLY (Dearbadan-de)

Many cultures associate the butterfly with 'souls of the dead'. In particular it is associated with freedom. The butterfly as a familiar will help you by seeing things a different way which will free you from your restrictions you make for yourself.

Shape-shifting quality: Butterflies can camouflage themselves against enemies.

### CAT (Cat)

Associated with cunning and independence. The cat as a familiar will help you to see what is in the 'dark'.

Shape-shifting quality: A cat has the quality of independence. It also knows when to keep its claws in and when to let them out. (One of my favorites)

### COCK, ROOSTER (Tog suas)

Associated with giving the warning of danger. The crow as a familiar will help you to fight and dispel negativity, to see dangers and give you warnings.

Shape-shifting quality: Confidence in yourself, "cocky"

### COW (Bo)

Associated with contentment and peace within. Also associated with the Goddess Brigit. Cows were once used as currency by the Celts. The cow as a familiar will help you find peace within.

Shape-shifting quality: Loving, tolerant qualities.

### CRANE

Associated with the moon, magick and secrets. Again, as with the blackbird, the crane as a familiar will help you find secrets and reveal mysteries.

Shape-shifting quality: Dignity

### CROW (Badb)

Associated with death, war and destruction. As a familiar the crow will help you to learn from the past to give you knowledge for today. It will also help you when you need a bit of cunning and trickery.

Shape-shifting quality: Cunning, watchful of others and noisy when there is danger to its territory.

### DEER (Abhach)

Associated with swiftness and gentleness. It was seen as being a messenger or guiding humans into contact with Otherworld beings. Celtic shamans used the antlers as part of their headdress. The deer will help you solve your problems with a non threatening manner or force.

Shape-shifting quality: Because they are shy and 'flighty" deer are alert to danger and ready and swift.

### DOG (Madadh)

Associated with devotion, companionship and skilled tracking. The dog as a familiar will be your constant guide and help you track or scent your way out of a problem or find a solution to one.

Shape-shifting quality: A dog or hound has keen senses.

### DOLPHIN (An leumadair)

Associated with the sea, the emotions and dreams. The dolphin will help you become balanced with nature and in tune with your emotions. Can be used for dream magick.

Shape-shifting quality: Intelligence and communication. Socially conceived 'New Age' qualities of dolphins may be used here.

### DRAGON (Piastras or Horm)

Associated with wealth, the elements of the inner earth and treasure. The dragon as a familiar will help you find the 'treasure' within you subconscious mind. At times you must slay your 'inner dragons' and fight your fear to find the truth, the power the wealth hidden away within the caves of your inner mind.

Shape-shifting quality: A creature that likes to be alone. It values quality and therefore gathers riches both spiritually and materially and hordes them away safely in its cave.

### EAGLE (Iolair)

In Celtic stories the eagle is represented as a bird of wisdom. An eagle is commonly used in North American shamanism for this same reason. Associated with hidden spiritual knowledge. The eagle as a familiar will help give you keen insight in your search for spiritual knowledge.

Shape-shifting quality: An eagle has keen sight and when it sees what it wants will attack quickly.

### EEL (As-chu)

Associated with shape-shifting. An eel as a familiar will inspire you to find ways to adapt and defend yourself when you need a new way to fight.

Shape-shifting quality: An eel is not easy to catch, hence the term 'slippery as an eel'. Excellent for shape-shifting. You wont be easy to catch. Also some eels have electric currents.

### FOX (Madu Rua)

Associated with cunning and slyness. A fox as a familiar will help you to be cunning and sly of others and their intentions.

Shape-shifting quality: Intelligent, sly, silent and can avoid traps.

### FROG (Losgann)

A common symbol of shamanism in many cultures. It is associated with the ability to jump from one consciousness to another. The frog as a familiar will help you to accept and adapt to new ideas by finding connections between all ideas.

Shape-shifting quality: A frog is silent and still when sitting. It can give you the quality of invisibility.

### GRIFFIN

A symbol of magick and power. A griffin is a combination of an eagle and a lion, symbolizing strength and wisdom and the ability to see the truth. A griffin as a familiar will help you to draw upon your strength, but also to be wise and discreet about when to use your powers.

Shape-shifting quality: A Griffin is protective of its magick. It knows when to use its great powers and when not to.

### HARE, RABBIT (Coinin)

Associated with transformations, messages and teachings that are hidden and intuition. A rabbit as a familiar will help you to use your intuition to find meanings.

Shape-shifting quality: A timid, peaceful animal. Often feeds during the full moon.

### HAWK (Aracos)

Associated with being a messenger bird between worlds. It has not only strength, but skill. A hawk will help you to be bold and use your skills when in time of need.

Shape-shifting quality: Intelligent keen bird, can be trained to work with humans.

### HORSE (Cab-all or Capall)

In Celtic tradition, a horse is seen as a faithful guide to the Otherworlds. In many cultures since pre-history, the horse has been seen and symbolized as a faithful companion and guide. A horse as a familiar will help you with stamina and endurance.

Shape-shifting quality: Freedom when in motion, friendship with humans, stamina for long journeys.

### LIZARD (Arc-luachrach)

Symbolizes the "plane of manifestations where events are constantly changing shapes and patterns." A lizard as a familiar is helpful when you want to see what is below the surface of the physical world around you.

Shape-shifting quality: Blends in with its surroundings. It can also scamper away quickly when faced with immediate danger.

### LYNX (Cat?)

Associated with divination and hidden knowledge. Use a lynx when you want to look deeper within yourself or need help with divination.

Shape-shifting quality: Has the same qualities as a cat.

### MAGPIE (Pioghaid)

Associated with death. Magpies are useful for help with prophecies and omens.

Shape-shifting quality: Has a sharp eye for shiny objects.

### MOUSE (Luch)

Associated with shyness, cunning, hiding and secrets. Useful when you need help with small details that you may not be aware of, maybe in business dealings or people you are not sure of.

Shape-shifting quality: Silence, slyness and swiftness. Excellent for Invisibility.

### OTTER (Balgair)

Associated with protection and recovering from a crisis. Useful when you need to learn how to enjoy life, instead of just living day by day.

Shape-shifting quality: Curiosity, playfulness and friendliness.

### OWL (Cailleach)

Associated with the Crone aspect of triple Goddess. It is seen as a guide through the Underworld. Useful as a familiar when we need help seeing in the 'dark', when we need keen sight for seeing those who may deceive us.

Shape-shifting quality: An owl is always alert and aware of its surroundings giving the appearance of wisdom.

### PIG (Muc)

Associated with gifts and gift giving. Pigs were often given as gifts during ancient Celtic times because it was seen as a source of magickal food of the Tuatha De Danann. Merlin in many writings of him was said to have conversed with a pig while seeing visions.

Shape-shifting quality: Concerned only with eating and sleeping, self gratification.

### RAT (Francach)

Rats are not favorable in many cultures, but they are useful when at times you need to be cunning, sly and aggressive about a situation.

Shape-shifting quality: Used for invisibility. It is sly, silent and quick.

### RAVEN (Bran)

An important bird to the Celts. Often associated and accompanied by many Gods and Goddesses. Associated with life and death and lifes` crisis. This bird is to be used with caution because it`s reputation is dubious. It is useful for prophecies and oracles.

Shape-shifting quality: Intelligent. Dark, death, silent. Does not like to be disturbed, but when it is, it will be noisy.

### SALMON (Brionnfhionn)

Associated with knowledge. Use the salmon when you need to gain ancestral knowledge for practical use.

Shape-shifting quality: Never gives up. It knows where it has to go and wont give up until it gets there.

### SEAGULL (Faoilean)

Associated with Gods and Goddesses. These birds like most birds are used as messengers between worlds.

Shape-shifting quality: A bird that threatens and can be a nuisance.

### SOW (Airc)

Associated with the Goddess Cerridwen and her sacred Cauldron. It is a powerful creature, associated with death and rebirth. Useful when you need inspiration for changes in life.

Shape-shifting quality: Unpredictable. A sow can attack without warning or even kill its own piglets.

### SQUIRREL

Symbolic of future preparations. Useful when you need to plan ahead and prepare for what is coming up.

Shape-shifting quality: Like the bear it is in tune with the seasons. It evades capture by living high in a tree.

### SWAN (Eala)

Associated with music, songs, dreams, spiritual evolution. Often used in fairytales and mythological stories. The feathers of a swan were often used for a Celtic shaman's cloak. Swans are useful when you need help with artistic inspiration and dream interpretation.

Shape-shifting quality: Stately, dignified and mystical

### TURTLE (Calman)

Symbolic with protection and slowness. It is useful when you need to remain in touch with the earth energies, grounding and taking care of the body, for once taking things slowly and getting back in touch with yourself. Useful when healing from physical hurts or mental exhaustion.

Shape-shifting quality: Always has protection. When threatened it will 'withdraw'

### UNICORN (Aon-adharcach)

Symbolic of supreme magickal power. Composed of a white horse, antelope legs and a lions tale and of course one magickal horn. A unicorn is helpful to recognize the relationship between the physical and the spiritual realities. It is viewed as creation itself. The horn is often symbolic as a phallic symbol and the unicorn was often portrayed with virginal paintings and maidens and the sexual act itself. The horn itself became a key ingredient in the art of alchemy during the middle ages.

Shape-shifting quality: Use a Unicorn as a link between the spiritual realms.

### WOLF (Madadh-allaidh)

Recognized in many cultures especially the American Indian culture as an intelligent creature, alert to danger and as a guide to a spiritual teacher. Very useful as a familiar because it can teach you and help you learn how to outwit those who would hurt you. It is often associated with shape-shifting and the most common shape-shifting is from human to wolf and back. It will teach you how to use your cunning to become invisible to dangers and to read signs in everything to add to your cunning.

Shape-shifting quality: Cunning, intelligent and knows how to avoid danger. Excellent for shape-shifting.

### WREN (Dryw or Dreoilin)

As with most birds, it is associated with being a messenger. A wren is a musical bird and as associated with divination. Therefore useful when you need help with divination interpretation.

Shape-shifting quality: Express life, be joyful in life, sing your song

## Afterword

All Information on this page is from the Spells of Magic website, credits to the person who write this! -Kar