So Called Familiars?

[MorganaFang]

I understand a little bit about what familiars. But can any animal of yours be considered your familiar? Because I have a dog but not in the traditional outstanding type. Shes a miniduschsund and I just have a good understanding with her. Actually with all animals I do but I think thats only because I've been bitten by practically every animal. So anywho, any thoughts?

[Kirin Fenrir]

I tried to get my cat to be my familiar once, but he was unimpressed with the dental plan I offered.

...

Sorry....anyway. I suppose it depends on your definition of "familiar." If by it you mean companion or even family, then yes, I think a dog, cat, etc. CAN be a familiar.

So...what do you mean by familiar?

[MorganaFang]

Um the traditional kind of witches pets that had a connection with them. I really don't know I'm not well versed on familiars...

[Kirin Fenrir]

Nor I...thus, the confusion. I was a strong member of my town's Wiccan/Witch community for several years, and never was able to get a definition of this...not a definate one, at least.

[Antero Vipunen]

Nor I...thus, the confusion. I was a strong member of my town's Wiccan/Witch community for several years, and never was able to get a definition of this...not a definate one, at least.

As far as my knowledge goes, a familiar is not just a pet that you feel strongly about. In my own experience and those with whom I associate, there is a bond that goes far deeper than that of a normal pet-owner relationship. There have been times when it was almost impossible to distinguish my thoughts from my "familiar's". More often then not, they will accompany you on astral workings and or pathworking. Also, they are normallly the ones that choose you...not the other way around.

It is a rare bond, but it is wonderful as well.

In Kaos---Antero

[Nivek]

There have been times when it was almost impossible to distinguish my thoughts from my "familiar's". More often then not, they will accompany you on astral workings and or pathworking. Also, they are normallly the ones that choose you...not the other way around.

It is a rare bond, but it is wonderful as well.

In Kaos---Antero

And that's what makes a familiar, the telepathic/empathic bond between one and an animal, that extends into the astral relms. One can have this connection with any kind or any number of animal, it is only rare in the sence that not many people acknowlede it. For those that do, it is as common as breathing.

[Xzengrim]

I'm going to get a squirrel to be my familiar. There is this giant squirrel downtown by where a friend of mine used to work; his name is Petey. And if you kneel down and hold a peanut over your shoulder (under your jaw) he'll run over and climb up your back and sit on your head and eat the nut. It's vaguely disgusting... but also rather fascinating.
So anyway, I figure after enough peanuts I could talk him into being my prankmonkey. I will use him to commit hilarious acts of deviance...

[Wolffy13]

You can also get familiars from the astral realm, which widens the selection of animal. Mine is a physical 25 pound Maine Coon cat. I just lucked out, I guess :shrug:

[LadyPegUnicorn]

I found myself close to dogs the most. Many of my animals listen to me and have an understanding of me compared to my other family. I have ten animals all together... I have four hamsters named Ropert, Hamtaro, Blackie and Norman Bates... Two adult cats named Giz and Moe and Two 4 month old Kittens named Cartor and Carlton and I have a Keeshound named Kisses who is 13 years old and a Mutt (we think he is a Pitt bull and lab mix) named Shadow. Each of which I am connected to insept the hamster tend to be difficult because they are new and smaller animals.

Anyway I am more connected to wolves and dogs.Some stronge reason they connect to me the most.

[SoulScream]

My knowledge as far as familliars go is they can be physical or astral, and just about anything, particularly animals. The 'witch' has a particular connection to them and said familliars are known to help aid in magick and energy working as well as act as wards against some things.

I have 3 cats, and am connected to them. But I have yet to do any formal ceremonies, energy work or rituals with them. Though they like my oracle cards and like to watch when I do readings.
I wouldn't call them my familliars. they're more like children to me.