The familiar assisted with witchcraft. In medieval times, and some folks still believe, that the familiar was a demon taking an animal shape. In more modern times, the familiar helps focus energy, rather like how the right life mate amplifies your psychic energy, which is another blog.
Most people want to know how they know if their pet assists. You probably already know this by intuition, but if you’re looking for confirmation. Here are a few things to look for.
Is it Attracted to Your Magic Tools?
*Many witches share photographs of their cat perched on top of their Book of Shadows or snuggled up to a cauldron.
My current dog spends more time with the healing crystals than I do.
Other people have mentioned that their pet has no interest in their magical tools or tries to destroy them. (The destroyers must be non-believers.)
How Does Your Pet React During Rituals?
Is your pet actively involved in the ritual such as sitting inside the circle or does it take this time to be demanding?
Many people have reported when they started a ritual that the pet stopped whatever it was doing and joined the circle.
I’ve had a dog who quietly slept through everything, another who would run back and forth through the circle disrupting the energy. My current dog lays beside me during any ritual. He usually jumps into action when I bring out the crystals.
Does Your Pet Recognize Spirits/entities in Your Household?
Animals rely on gut feelings as opposed to logic. When your dog stares at nothing, then starts growling, do not assume it’s crazy. Same goes for a cat that might dart out of an empty room in a panicked state.
Don’t assume this behavior means your house is invested with boogey monsters. What it can mean is your pet has encountered an energy it is unfamiliar with.
When we moved into our current house, my old dog refused to go in the back bedroom. Both husband and daughter complained about there being a feeling of oppression in that room and didn’t like to go back there, either. There definitely was residual energy left behind by a foster child who once lived in the room. The room has been cleansed, but the energy remains. Eventually, our dog slept in the room because he made peace with our own ghost boy. (Occasionally, things fly off the walls and doors slam shut. No biggie.)
To find out more on signs of your pet seeing ghosts, click on this link. https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-your-dog-see-ghosts
Most people who practice the craft also practice the healing arts. It can be anything from Reiki to Integrated Energy Therapy. When I visit a local healer, her dog comes and sits underneath the healing table to assist.
My own dog joins in whenever I put a crystal circle or grid around anyone for healing. He usually lies next to the crystal, but doesn’t break the circle.
My dog is also very responsive to crystal healing and using crystals to calm him during thunderstorms.
Can I Have a Familiar Who Isn’t a Pet?
Yes. This animal will make repeated appearances related to you doing magic. Because it is a wild animal it probably isn’t inside your house. You may see it on the day you planned or finished a ritual, even a meditation.
We used to have a wolf spider that lived in our house for years and defied all our attempts to catch it and relocate it. Was he a familiar? I’m not really sure. I only know he’s gone, now.
As for your beloved pet, even if he or she doesn’t meet the basic requirements for familiar, it still provides the most powerful magic of all—Unconditional Love.