Witches Familiar
A witches familiar was an an animal that was thought to be a demon
assigned to her from the Devil to do her bidding. Many "unclean" creatures have
been associated with witchcraft over time. Cats were feared in
medieval times, and countless ones were killed each year out of fear.
They were though to be in league with the Devil and that witches and warlocks
would kiss them under the tail, giving rise to their other common
name. It was also warned to keep accused witches far from bees, as if
they were able to swallow the queen bee they would never speak of their sins
under torture. And in certain parts of the Appalachia, bats are
considered sinister creatures associated with those who practice the black arts.
In modern times, it is often the case that a witch or warlock will be
an animal-lover and regard some creatures as near-human. A familiar is any pet
or animal that frequents your home often that you feel a
special affinity for:
Though humans communicate with vocal sounds, other animals, such as
cats, respond more to visual images. To develop a communication between human
and pet direct eye contact should be made, then the image of what you wish to
communicate to the pet held in your mind.
Through the medieval scare one might wish to research further in
history, and may find that familiars are only a remembrance of animal spirits.
This is a shamanic concept (as some witches and warlocks are
shamanic, but not nearly all think this important) that ever person has
at least one animal spirit living within them.
To find an animal spirit within you, there are two easy methods.
Often times you will have a special liking for a certain animal and collect
statues, pictures, drawings, etc. of that animal. Also, since children are
much more susceptible to such things, the animal you just had to see
despite anything at the zoo is more than likely your spirit animal.
The spirit often indicates the behavior and lifestyle of the
person, and indicating the animals attributes one can quickly find strengths
and flaws within the person. Look to the social structures of the
animal, for instance: if the animal is family-oriented, so is the
person; if the animal is nocturnal, the person may loathe the sun light.
Examples:
Bats: Bats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they prefer the dark and
love mystery. They are also family oriented, as will the person be. The
greatest gift the bat has is sonar which passes over its nose. Often times
a person with a bat spirit will have an excellent ability to judge
people for who and what they truly are.
Dogs: Whilst each breeds may differ on some points, dogs are usually
playful, affectionate, and loyal creatures. They enjoy friendship and can get
along with most anyone. This may indicate a person with such
a spirit.
Chameleon: Those with a chameleon's spirit within them may be able to
adapt to new surroundings very quickly, though in some people it may take a
while since most humans do not enjoy change. The most
striking characteristic of these people is the ability to see and feel auras.
Crocodile: Since the crocodile will guard her eggs until hatching time,
at which time she leaves them to fend for themselves, those containing a
crocodile spirit have an uncontrollable "motherly" instinct.
Meerkat: A meerkat lives in a desert area, meaning the person who
contains one will enjoy the sun. Meerkats also live in large family units,
meaning the human would be very family-oriented. Sadly, the
meerkat's health is not wonderful, which can lead to problems in those
who contain one's spirit.
Mice: Though they frighten us at times and in the past they have been
blamed for spreading misfortune, diseases, and even plagues, the mouse is a
relatively calm creature when alone. Mice often keep certain places very clean,
but not other cases, indicating that the human way be very articulate in some
areas of his life but not others.
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