Familiar
Familiars are supernatural entities that assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic.
Forms
According to records of the Middle Ages, those alleging to have had contact with familiar spirits reported that they could manifest as numerous forms, usually as an animal, but sometimes as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as "clearly defined, three-dimensional... forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound", as opposed to descriptions of ghosts with their "smoky, undefined form[s]."
Function
When they served witches, familiars were often thought to be malevolent, but when working for cunning folk they were often considered benevolent (although there was some ambiguity in both cases). The former were often categorized as demons, while the latter were more commonly thought of and described as fairies. The main purpose of familiars was to serve the witch or young witch, providing protection for them as they came into their new powers.
Modern conception
Since the 20th century some magical practitioners, including adherents of the Neopagan religion of Wicca, use the concept of familiars, due to their association with older forms of magic. These contemporary practitioners use pets or wildlife, or believe that invisible versions of familiars act as magical aids.
Occultist and witch Frederick Santee stated in 1977 that "No good witch fails to have a familiar."
Common animal forms
Familiar spirits were most commonly small animals, such as:
- cats
- rats
- dogs
- ferrets
- birds
- frogs
- toads
- hares
There were also cases of wasps and butterflies, as well as pigs, sheep and horses. Familiar spirits were usually kept in pots or baskets lined with sheep's wool and fed a variety of things including, milk, bread, meat and blood.
Familiar spirits usually had names and were often given down-to-earth, and frequently affectionate, nicknames.