Familiars and how I understand them

 

This is the second week of the letter F for the Pagan Blog Project. I’ve considered a few different subjects. I finally settled on Familiar and what a familiar is to me.

The common definition of a familiar is an animal, often a cat, that is a witch’s helper in magickal workings.  I have come to the conclusion that the term familiar is something that started out to be a completely different relationship altogether. 

Miriam-Webster defines Familiar like this:

Definition of FAMILIAR

1: a member of the household of a high official

2: one who is often seen and well known; especially : an intimate associate : companion

3: a spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person

4 a: one who is well acquainted with something

   b: one who frequents a place

Both 1 and 2 seem to be a pretty good place to start with an understanding of what a familiar is. 

I believe the term familiar originates with wise men and women working with animal spirits, and “others” (clergy, conquering tribes or those not of the practice or area) describing this practice in a way that sounds like the wise person is working with a living animal.

A witch and her familiar spirits.

In the past it was thought that witches could shape shift into the form of a cat, particularly a black cat. I’m sure this is because cats were common place in Europe; they helped to kept pestilence down. There is also some thought that places frogs and other small creatures as the familiar spirits of witches.

You also have this notion that witches are flying around on brooms at night and cats and many other creatures associated with witches are nocturnal creatures, so it would make sense to link these from a superstitions standpoint or from a place of condemnation.

So, back to the working with animal spirits…. Many healers, wise men and women, shamans, medicine men and women; from many different cultures have worked with them. Sometimes they are thought to be totem animals, animal spirit helpers, or representative of clan affiliations.  

Witches and their familiars

I believe the term, familiar, became associated with magickal workings with living animals, based on a misinterpretation or misdirection about working with animal spirits. I’m not saying that working with a living animal is not possible, nor am I suggesting that they cannot be representative of the spirit of a particular species in a broad sense. I am saying that often traditions from the past are told by people on the outside of the particular belief system, and there is misunderstanding and misrepresentation when an outsider of any community or belief system retells the practices or beliefs.

I grew up with a variety of animals on the farm and in the wild areas around the farm, and of them all, the cat and I never hit it off. I’ve had several cats in my life on and off and I will admit... I am not a fan of cats… so for me the idea that familiars are primarily feline, just doesn’t work.

I have worked with living animals in my magickal practices, but I do not include them in my workings unless they have made it very clear they wish to be included. I more often work with the broader understanding of the animal species.  I tend to think of these animals spirits as partners and sometimes as extensions of myself. 

I know my understanding of familiars is not the same as most people have, but it is how I work with my familiar, totem or partner animal spirits.

Have a Wicked Good Day!

Molly

What is a fetish?

 

What is a fetish?

Fetishes are created by the Zuni people in New Mexico and Arizona.  A Fetish is a representation of animals or other spiritual beings. They are usually carved from stone, with the most common being serpentine. This is because of the abundance of this particular mineral in the Zuni Mountains.

Other materials used in making fetishes include Turquoise, corral, jet, jasper, pipestone, bone, antler ivory, and other local minerals and materials. Turquoise is considered the most sacred of these materials used.

The most common fetishes are representations of animals. These small carvings are thought to contain the spirit of that type of animal and it is important to feed the fetish and keep it in a safe place. When feeding the fetish it is thought that an offering of cornmeal and ground turquoise is best.

When I feed my fetishes I often give them small amount of the foods they would normally eat if in animal form.

There are fetishes for clan affiliation, hunting fetishes (to insure a bountiful hunt), and for protection in conflict. Often the neighboring Navajo traded for fetishes of sheep, horse, goats, and cattle. They felt the fetishes, if cared for properly, would protect their herds.

My Horse fetishes

Traditionally the fetishes are kept in a clay pot, but I have found that the fetishes I have like to be in a small basket. I have two fetishes, both horses. These are not just representative of horse energy in general; they are representative of Sir Prize and Buddy.  Sir Prize was my first horse and Buddy was the first horse I purchased on my own. I had had ponies when I was little, but they were always a cranky bunch. Both of these horses were my best friends and lived their lives to the end with me. I keep their fetishes with a lock of mane and tail from each one.  

Many of the fetishes available today are produced for the tourist and art collector trade. This means usually they have not been created with the intention of connecting with these energies. It does not mean these effigies can’t be charged or aligned with the animal spirits they represent.

Bear fetish w/feathers

When working with a new fetish it is important to cleanse the fetish as you would any other magickal tool. I like to use a sage and sweet grass smudge, but you can use another form of cleansing if you feel called to do so. I would suggest that before you use water or other liquids that you inspect your fetish for feathers and other organic materials that may be damaged by liquid.

In the case that the fetish you are working with may have been created with the intention of magically or spiritually representing a particular animal; it is important to honor these energies and ask if they wish to stay and work with you prior to you cleansing the fetish.

After you have cleansed your fetish of any residual energy, you will want to spend some time getting to know your fetish. Often they have their own personalities, as well as representing a particular animal energy. Once you have made a connection with your fetish, it is time to “feed” it. Again this is commonly done with cornmeal and ground turquoise, but you may find that a bear fetish prefers berries or small pieces of salmon. My horses like hay and grain and sometimes really want carrots or apples. 

 

Animal figurines at Perdigões Portugal

It is also important to remember that you do not have to purchase a Zuni made fetish in order to work with fetishes. Cultures from all over the world, Including other Native American tribes and tribes from Europe have used similar effigies to work with the animal spirits in their home area.

Have a Wicked Good Day!

Molly