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[[File:Familiars.png|400px|thumb|Frontispiece from ''The Discovery of Witches'' (1647), showing witches identifying their familiar spirits.]] | [[File:Familiars.png|400px|thumb|Frontispiece from ''The Discovery of Witches'' (1647), showing witches identifying their familiar spirits.]] | ||
'''Familiars''' are supernatural entities that assist [[witch]]es and cunning folk in their practice of [[ritual magic|magic]]. | '''Familiars''' are supernatural entities that assist [[witch]]es and cunning folk in their practice of [[ritual magic|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 [[demon]]s, 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. | 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 [[demon]]s, 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. | 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: | Familiar spirits were most commonly small animals, such as: | ||
* cats | * cats | ||