My German Shepherd, Ares, is always with me and hates to be left at home when I go out. No matter what I am doing around the house, you will find him by my side and I am the only one in the house that he will actually 'listen' to. I know I may sound crazy to some people, but there is an intelligence in his eyes when he looks at me, like he understands my words. Stereotypically, witches familiars are cats. Is it unusual for a 'witch' to have a different animal as her/his familiar?
2006-07-10 16:53:49 · 7 answers · asked by lilbitadevil 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is no reason why not and there are precedents supposedly. In early modern English witchcraft, a familiar spirit, commonly called familiar (from Middle English familiar, related to family) or imp is a spirit who obeys a witch, conjurer, or other users of the supernatural, and serves and helps that person. Although they may not be as intelligent as their masters, they are often as intelligent as the average human. Familiars often performed domestic duties and help in farming, but also supposedly aided the person in bewitching people. If they look like ordinary animals, they can be used to spy on their masters' enemies. These spirits are also said to be able to inspire artists and writers (compare with muses). Some reclusive wizards supposedly relied on familiars as their closest friends.
Familiars were mentioned in Shakespeare's Macbeth, as the witches called their familiars. Many other works have utilized familiars. The most common species identified as familiars are cats, particularly black cats, owls, dogs, and sometimes frogs or toads. In later cases, familiars moved to more ethereal forms, often taking the shape of a "black man" thought to be representative of Satan.
2006-07-10 17:01:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not unusual at all to have an animal other than a cat as a familiar. I have to admit to my cat being mine, she will sit in my knee when I am online at witchcraft sites and mailing other witch friends, yet just ordinary browsing doesn't interest her. If I am in a circle or doing spellwork, she is always right in the middle of it.
2006-07-11 11:59:39 · answer #2 · answered by debisioux 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's your friend. Many religions teach that animals are creatures that don't have souls, but most people who have had an animal friend would disagree. Wicca and paganism both recognize a living spirit in all of earth's creatures. A friend is a friend. Treat him kindly and he'll continue to be your friend. If he begins to speak to you in English, you've crossed the line between sane and sick. Let your dog be a dog. He'd love a new chew toy.
2006-07-11 00:04:48 · answer #3 · answered by anyone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you're a witch ? My dog looks at me in the same way...it just means that they are super intelligent, not necessarily that they are familiars.
2006-07-11 00:15:17 · answer #4 · answered by neola 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had a similar experience and would be inclined to suggest that your dog could easily fit the role you've suggested. As best I've observed and made myself understand the beast need not be feline. Good luck in whatever your path brings.
2006-07-11 00:01:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most Pagan/ Wiccan circles, all animals can be a familiar.
2006-07-10 23:58:25 · answer #6 · answered by Tigerlady 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My familar is a German Shepherd too!
2006-07-12 00:18:07 · answer #7 · answered by moonshadowangel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋