Question: Familiars; what are they?

[Trent]

I’m seeing a lot of posts about these and would like to learn more:)

Discussion

[JupiterTheFoxx6]

They’re basically companions and pets!

[art_usagi]

A companion/pet/ally. Talk to your cat much? Or your favorite plant? Or maybe there’s that one crow you recognize and feed? Familiars one and all.

Some witches will formalize that with some sort of ceremony, others just recognize the connection, and sometimes we just like fun memes about them.

[SadieSadieSnakeyLady]

Mine is my soul mate, she’s the one who’s by my side no matter what just like I’m by her side. She gives me strength and protection.

[whistling-wonderer]

From what I have read, historically, familiars were not pets, they were (usually animal) spirits that acted as guides/companions/carried out the witch’s wishes.

In modern times most people use it to refer to a particularly special pet.