Casting Spells with Your Best Friend: Why ‘Familiar’?

A Familiar History

Where the word ‘familiar’ comes from is quite interesting. Though people and animals have had strong bonds and mutually beneficial relationships through nature and magick, we didn’t have a name for that. We didn’t have a spoken name for that until Heinrich Kramer, or Jacob Sprenger. Jacob is responsible for writing a book that was used in court cases. In their book Malleus Maleficarum, Kramer and Sprenger characterized familiars as animals, typically cats, dogs, or other household pets, that witches allegedly made pacts with for their service. They contended that these familiars were, in fact, demons masquerading as domestic animals, employed by witches to execute wicked deeds and cause suffering. The text elaborated on how witches utilized these familiars to enchant others, induce illnesses, and even commit violent acts.

The Malleus Maleficarum played a crucial role in the 14th and 15th centuries. This book provided the foundation for identifying and prosecuting “witches”.

"For in this way those witches who were burned at Ratisbon, of whom we shall say more later on, were always incited by the devil to bewitch the best horses and the fattest cattle. And when they were asked how they did so, one of them named Agnes said that they hid certain things under the threshold of the stable door." -Malleus Maleficarum

A picture of the Malleus Maleficarum, or The Witches Hammer.

So you might ask yourself now… if the word “familiar” is rooted in someone else’s monotheistic values…

Do Familiars Really Exist?

Reflecting on history, I’m convinced they do. Even though there wasn’t a specific term for the animals people worked with, it’s clear they’ve been our companions and collaborators for ages.

People have been working with familiars and companion animals for thousands of years—long before modern witchcraft and magick practices. In the Paleolithic era, up to 12,000 BCE, cave art like that found in Lascaux shows animals playing a central role in shamanic and hunting rituals. These early societies likely held animistic beliefs, seeing spirits within animals and nature itself. Some artwork even depicts shamans donning animal skins, hinting at the deep spiritual connection between humans and animals as partners in ritual.

Around 12,000 years ago, a significant burial site in modern-day Israel revealed a human laid to rest alongside a wolf or dog puppy. This intimate companionship suggests a bond that wasn’t just practical but possibly spiritual—almost like an ancient form of a familiar, a trusted magical companion.

Moving forward to Ancient Egypt (circa 3100–30 BCE), animals were revered as sacred beings imbued with divine power. Gods like Bastet, the cat goddess, and Sobek, the crocodile god, were depicted through animals. Egyptians mummified animals and offered them as sacred companions for both the living and the afterlife, weaving magick and devotion together.

In Ancient Greece and Rome (circa 800 BCE–500 CE), magick and animals intertwined even more explicitly. The Greek Magical Papyri contain spells utilizing animal spirits, such as a cat’s ghost for vengeance. Rituals also involved animal parts for sacrifices and divination, emphasizing the familiar role animals played in bridging the human and supernatural worlds.

From shamanic skins to divine cats and ghostly familiars, the history of humans and animals as magickal partners is deeply rooted—proving that our mystical relationships with animal companions span through the ages.

A photo I took near Deeply Rooted Church of a zebra swallowtail butterfly.

What Kinds of Familiars Are There?

Familiars, pets, wild animals, spirits, and astral guides—oh my! It’s like the ultimate mystical squad, each bringing a unique flavor to your magical journey. Pets are the tactile, cuddly companions that fill your home and heart with warmth—they might start as just a playful friend but can evolve into a familiar when that spark of deep spiritual connection ignites. Maybe it's your cat who always perches on your grimoire, seeming to guard your spells, or your dog who instinctively senses when you need comfort before a big ritual. To make that connection, spend mindful time together, attuning to their energy and acknowledging their silent support in your daily magic.

Wild animals are trickier—untamed, elusive, and full of raw, primal wisdom. When a wild creature crosses your path at a pivotal moment or visits you in a vision, it might be your familiar in disguise, offering guidance from the wild interstices of the spirit world. Connecting here isn’t about petting or naming but opening your senses—meditate under the stars, listen to the wind rustle through the trees, or journey in trance to seek their message. It’s a dance of respect and reverence for the unknown, where the wild familiar acts as a fierce protector or a cryptic oracle.

Then we’ve got spirits and astral guides—the ethereal, non-physical helpers who exist beyond the calcium and fur of corporeal life. These familiars don't paw at you or curl on your lap, but they offer profound insight and cosmic backup during your astral travels or meditative practices. To connect, you tune your inner frequency: quiet your mind, call them softly by name or intention, and invite their wisdom in dreams, visions, or moments of stillness. Whether an eagle-like guide soaring through starry skies or a whisper in your soul, they remind us that familiars aren’t always about claws and fur—they are presence and power, however they choose to show up. 

My own familiar, Omen, when she was young, assisting me in a Tarot reading.

How Do I Get My Own Familiar?

Familiars are a unique type of companion, and it's not a matter of simply getting one; they often choose you. This connection can appear through a deep, soul-level resonance or a strong energetic pull during your magical practices. A familiar is a companion, a soulmate, and a spiritual guide, so this bond is often profound and undeniable.

You can tell if your pet is a familiar by a few key signs. One of the biggest is an instant and deep bond, often described as "soul recognition." You may notice them showing an unusual interest in your magical work or appearing during your rituals. Familiars also have a way of mirroring your emotions, helping to soothe you, or even exhibiting traits you want to develop. The bond is one of exceptional loyalty and protection, and you might feel they are guarding your energy. Sometimes, a familiar will come into your life under unusual or seemingly magical circumstances, and their energy will feel completely natural and supportive to your journey.

If you don't have a familiar yet but want to connect with a spirit or astral guide, there are some ways to encourage a connection. You can start a journal to ask questions and record your dreams or experiences, as this can open a channel for communication. Tools like tarot cards can also help your subconscious or guide communicate with you. Creating a sacred space with candles, herbs, or crystals can enhance your intention and invite a connection, as can simply setting a clear intention to connect with a guide. Remember, whether a familiar is a physical animal or a spiritual guide, it is a companion that chooses you rather than you choosing them.

Omen brought special attention to this card during a Celtic Cross reading when I was living with someone in Minnesota. This was a stint I was away from and very much missing Deeply Rooted.

How Can I Tell If My Pet Is My Familiar?

One of the biggest clues that your pet is your familiar is their presence during your magical work. They might show an unusual interest in your tools or appear as you're starting a ritual. Familiars also have a way of mirroring your emotions, helping to soothe you, or exhibiting traits you wish to develop. They demonstrate exceptional loyalty, often acting as a spiritual protector, guarding your energy and sensing when you need their comfort. If your pet came into your life under unusual or seemingly magical circumstances, it could be a sign that they were meant to find you.

To deepen your bond and combine your magic, focus on strengthening your connection. Start by being more attentive to your pet's needs and responding to them with genuine care. Engage in physical contact, offering them praise and affection. As you practice magic, invite them to be a part of it. You can do this by having them near you during rituals, talking to them about your intentions, or even simply holding their paw while you meditate. By consciously acknowledging their presence and their unique role in your spiritual life, you can strengthen the magical partnership you share.

A now adult Omen, looking at a book with me upstairs in the Deeply Rooted library.

Working As A Team: Tarot

Doing tarot with your familiar is a powerful way to deepen your bond and combine your energies. The great thing is, there are no strict rules—it's all about what feels right for you both.

To start, create a comfortable and inviting space. This could be as simple as laying your deck on a soft blanket where you both can sit. As you set up, state your intention out loud, inviting your familiar to join you and share their wisdom.

Next, let your familiar interact with the deck in whatever way feels natural. Maybe they put a paw on the cards or sit right next to them. Their presence alone will already be influencing the reading. When you're ready to do a reading, ask a question that relates to your shared journey. As you pull the cards, pay attention to their reaction. Do they seem particularly interested in one card, or do they nudge a specific one? These actions can be a form of communication, guiding you to a deeper meaning.

Finally, take some time to interpret the cards together. This is where your intuition, combined with your familiar's energy, truly shines. You'll be able to read the cards not just for yourself, but as a magical team, with your familiar's unique perspective guiding the way.