Witches familiars / spirit animal
A witches' familiar is a supernatural companion or helper, that assisted a witch in her magic. Here's a few:
Bat spirit animal / witches familiar - a witch’s ‘alter ego’ whenever they need to escape. Just like how vampires are thought to turn into bats when they disappear. Not surprisingly, due to their natural nocturnal habits bats represent the lunar cycle and other night-time patterns one might possess. They are also often connected to the unconscious. They are meant as a sign for one to access those deep-rooted feelings that are hidden there.
Cat spirit animal / witches familiar - Especially black cats, thought to be shapeshifters, spies, and protectors of the home. They represent independent and self-nurturing attitudes. Cats are considered the best of the familiars because of their abilities to travel between the Earthly and Spiritual realms. Cats are also taught to be particularly sensitive to psychic experiences and are great assistants for rituals and spellwork. In Ancient Egypt the cat-headed goddess Bastet was often associated with fertility, domestic happiness, pleasure, dance and music.
Eagle spirit animal / witches familiar - unconditional love. Because eagles fly higher and closer to the Sun they carry a purifying, clearing energy and are said to receive the sun’s medicine first, then carry it to us.
Seal spirit animal / witches familiar - symbolic of a person who is playful, creative, and intuitive in their environment, but may at times be careless with their surroundings in a way that can cause unintended harm to others. Let’s take a look at some of the symbolic representation that a seal spirit animal may hold in your life.
Dog spirit animal / witches familiar - Often appearing as black dogs or hounds tied to loyalty, they are considered protectors of the Earthly realm. The endless positive energy they bring that can be harnessed for protection spells. There is a phenomenon known as ‘canine intuition’. It heightens the belief that dogs possess the ability to sense others emotions. They will often be the first to alert their witch of any danger, be it physical or spiritual.
Wolf spirit animal / witches familiar - embodies humility. Wolves operate in packs — they rely on each other, watch out for each other, and must be humble to function as a team.
Dragonfly spirit animal / witches familiar - Their beautiful jewel-like colors and transient lives represent change and transformation. Usually they are considered symbols of wisdom and maturity developed within a short time period. They are also associated with creativity and activities that require specialized skills.
Dragon spirit animal / witches familiar - embodies raw power, both physical and metaphorical. They symbolize inner strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Snail spirit animal / witches familiar - represents patience, adaptability, and the power of taking things at your own pace. It carries deep wisdom about self-protection, teaching you to retreat to your inner sanctuary when overwhelmed, while reminding you that slow and steady progress still yields results.
Elephant spirit animal / witches familiar - symbol of luck and prosperity, but they are also powerful beings that use their mighty strength to remove obstacles and negative forces. They also represent wisdom, long life, memory and vitality. They also represent family and community. They live in close-knit families, and they work together to care for one another.
Frog spirit animal / witches familiar - is a positive omen, a symbol of transformation. Those who have the frog as a spirit animal or totem might be inclined to walk between planes, whether they are physical, spiritual or emotional, and enjoy playing with the magic of life and nature.
Hare / Rabbit spirit animal / witches familiar - Viewed either as animal guides to hidden knowledge or witches transformed in disguise. According to other ancient religions, several goddesses have chosen the rabbit specifically as their sacred animals as well; Aphrodite, Hecate and Artemis (hare), Holda a Germanic goddess who had torch-holding hares as a part of her attendants. They have been associated with the ability to commune to the Faerie world. Perhaps because the animal itself is usually seen during the ‘in-between hours’ of rising dawn and sunset. Their quick movements and natural habits are interpreted as access to hidden knowledge.
Rat / mice spirit animal / witches familiar - thought to represent fertility, adaptability (typically in overcoming adversity) and patience.
Raven / crow bird spirit animal / witches familiar - Symbolizing wisdom, secrets, and travel between realms.
Insect spirit animal / witches familiar - bees, or flies suspected of carrying out secret tasks or gathering intelligence
Moth spirit animal / witches familiar - Seeing a luna moth can be a sign to embrace change and appreciate the natural world around you. It can also mean that good luck is headed your way. In European folklore, the luna moth is often associated with the realm of fairies and magical creatures. It is believed that the luna moth is a messenger between the human world and the fairy realm. It is said that if one encounters a luna moth, they may be granted a wish or receive a message from the fairy folk.
Owl spirit animal / witches familiar - symbol of wisdom, intuition, and good fortune. Meticulously crafted from genuine soapstone, each owl is a unique piece of art, showcasing the natural beauty and intricate details of this mystical creature.
Snake spirit animal / witches familiar - a symbol of rebirth, transformation, and the general cycle of life. According to ancient Celtic belief snakes are considered healers of the Earth. They were said to possess the secrets of Earth’s creation and Wisdom. This coincides with Greek’s God of Medicine, Asclepius. He was thought to have a rod with a single winding snake around it. As familiars snakes are thought to represent masculine energy and a secretive nature.
Spider spirit animal / witches familiar - ‘superior’ familiars due to their small size. They can sit quite comfortably with you wherever you go. They are quite vicious hunters when it comes to feeding and are often linked with creativity and patience. The web they weave is a specific symbol for the strings of Fate. They can also be considered to be a reflection of one’s darker personality traits. It is also considered bad luck to kill a spider.
Rhino spirit animal / witches familiar - a talisman of inner strength and grounded persistence, encouraging courage, patience and the confidence to stand firm when facing challenges. It can also provide a sense of protection and stability during times of change or uncertainty.
Toad spirit animal / witches familiar - Associated with poison or bewitchment. In medieval Europe many believed warts to be the mark of a witch. As a ‘place where they kept all their magic’. Toads were often accused of being sent to someone’s home to poison or spread diseases by their witch counterparts. They are also used as common potion ingredients particularly involving dark magic and Necromancy. As familiars, toads are intelligent and associated with clarity in divination. They are a representation of transformation, death and rebirth, and hidden power.
Bear spirit animal / witches familiar - symbolizes inner strength, courage, and deep introspection. It serves as a powerful guide for personal power, physical and emotional healing, setting strong boundaries, and knowing when to withdraw for rest and rejuvenation
Fish spirit animal / witches familiar - connect with water, the most creative and mysterious element of our world. Summon the Fish totem, and it will guide you in the direction that you should take.
Panda spirit animal / witches familiar - symbolises peace, balance, gentleness, and inner strength. Spiritually, it reminds us to stay calm, grounded, and patient, while embracing life with a soft yet resilient heart.
Turtle spirit animal / witches familiar - symbol of patience, inspiring us to chart our own course with energy in our own time. Another of its important symbolisms refers to survival, stability, longevity and protection, with its shell always on its back. The tortoise is believed to have the ability to live a long time and thus has accumulated great wisdom throughout its life. It represents the idea of taking things easy, being patient and learning from experiences.
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Summon Familiar Spell
If you do not have a familiar and are interested in summoning one, you may try this spell:
- Time your spell to coincide with a full moon.
- Hold an amethyst crystal, concentrate on calling upon a familiar.
- When you are ready, speak your intent clearly out loud.
- Write your intent/incantation on a piece of paper and place it under your pillow.
- The next morning, recall your dreams for any clues that might relate to your familiar.
- During the next day and night pay close attention to what animals cross your path.
