Familiars are creatures who aid witches and are linked to the supernatural. A familiar can be a pet or a wild creature, and a witch might have more than one familiar. While the black cat is most commonly associated with witches, a familiar can be any type of animal. If you are wondering whether or not you have a familiar, check out the list below for common signs.

We often hear the term “familiar” nowadays, it is applied to the favourite pet of a magickal practitioner. More often, we think of a familiar as an animal that we have a deep spiritual connection with, who guides us to make important life decisions, or even aids in spell work. ⠀

Margaret Jamison on Instagram: "The concept of a pet being a familiar continues to be controversial in some circles. My opinion and experience is that however rare, a pet can be a familiar and will find its way to you. I think if you experience having a pet familiar even once or twice in your life you’re very fortunate. A pet as familiar is so much more than many people understand, as they seem to think it’s commonplace and mistake an animal’s natural predilections as being something more…

A witch’s animal familiar is their companion and protector, assisting them in their magic. Each is a totem representing a witch’s abilities and characteristics. In the spirit of #Halloween, these animals are mystical and sometimes frightening...but all are powerful spirit guides with both light and dark qualities. Which one is yours?