For those of us who are drawn to the practice of witchcraft, there is a deep need to be able to connect to the unseen world. In this world we can find allyship and fulfillment in the opportunity we have to develop meaningful relationships with a host of spirits: those of the plants, landscapes, waters, places, and animals with which we share this earth. Of all of these potential allies, it is animals that are most like us. Animals share our environments; they share many of our same features (eyes, mouths, limbs, hearts, lungs); and they also are born, reproduce, and die in ways with which we can readily identify. Wild creatures are our non-human neighbours and domesticated ones are our farm animals, pets, and even our magical companions. When they join us from the realm of spirit, they are our animal familiars. The joining of a witch with an animal has inspired some of the most classic imagery in witchcraft (think of a witch with their black cat, pet toad, or flying monkeys), and this has influenced both how the world views our communities and also how we see ourselves. We are linked intimately with our relationships with animals, and this is worth taking a closer look at through a modern, practical lens. How do you define the relationship you have with the animals in your life? Are they, or can they be, a part of your own magical practice? When you do invite an animal into your life it comes with responsibility. That animal will need you to pay attention and respond to its needs; whether in the physical world or in the spirit world, the demands will be similar. Terms of Reference This brings us to the word we are likely most used to hearing when we talk about animals and witchcraft: familiar. What is that, anyway? Historically this word was used to refer to an entity from the spirit world that guides, advises, or informs the witch in some way. These spirits could take any form, and in the earliest recorded accounts it was a humanlike shape, much the way we think of angels now. As the persecution of people accused of witchcraft built to a frenzy in the medieval period, trial records recorded the accusation that spirits, imps, or devils would take on the bodies of animals, often the common animals found around a home or farm, and act as agents for the accused witch. This led not only to the condemnation of the accused witch, but of the animal as well. This persecution has locked the image of the witch and their familiar into popular culture for centuries now, with no sign of that changing. For the sake of clarity, I use the term "animal familiar" to distinguish between spirits in animal form that witches work with and any other spirit entity. Making Contact
If you are answering yes to these questions, you may have an animal familiar already. Pay attention to these signs and investigate where they may lead you. An animal familiar may be reaching out to you, trying to get your attention. Don't let your own preconceived notions about the type of animal get in the way. The animals you are usually interested in may not be the ones that you want your animal familiar; don't let it interfere with this process. So often, in life and in magic, we get what we need, not what we think we want. If you have worked through the questions above and still don't have a lead on an animal familiar, there are still ways to reach out and connect with one. There is a detailed spell included in A Witch's Ally entitled Drawing an Animal Familiar that may help you in your search. You can also spend some time doing research into the animals that naturally appear in your area. Taking the time to become fluent in the fauna of your local bioregion demonstrates a genuine interest in the well-being of all things, visible and invisible, in your landscape. If local animals don't resonate with you, use your resources to learn everything you can about a more exotic or far-away animal and the landscape it is native to. Dive deep in this learning: are you still drawn to this creature when you know exactly how they live, eat, hunt, breed, and relate to other animals? Building the Relationship Historic record shows that familiars would teach and inform the witch and in return the witch would feed, shelter, and make offerings to the familiar. Here are some ways to apply this history to the reality of modern times:
Building relationships with animal familiars enables the witch you see beyond the limits of our physical world and extend our vision not only into the spirit world, but into the unique world of the type of animal involved. As with any situation, you get what you give. Your animal familiar will be with you as long as there is need and reciprocity. To learn more about building magical relationships with animal familiars and companions, check out A Witch's Ally. |
Dodie Graham McKay is a writer, Green Witch, Gardnerian priestess, and filmmaker. She is inspired to document and share stories that capture the beauty of nature and the visible and invisible realms of magic and witchcraft. ...