Witchcraft is a deeply personal practice. It can only be practiced & expressed based on the individual witch’s beliefs. This is where the differences between familiar & pet blur for some.
A Little Bit of History
In the 1600’s there were people in power who defined for the public what a familiar was & the punishment for having such an entity. This was when witch hunts & accusations of practicing magic ran amuck on tails of gossip.
In 1604, James I introduced a new Witchcraft Act that referenced familiars as “the witches’ helpful demonic companions.”
Leaders everywhere told folks that a familiar was a small demon given to a witch by the devil himself. Black cats were singled out as familiars as well as dogs, snakes, rats, toads, & any other small creature. Many pets were killed because of the accusations of fearful leaders & neighbors.
There’s a well-known story about Minister Cotton Mather during the Salem witch trials in 1692 regarding a dog.
The story goes that a troubled girl accused her neighbor’s dog of trying to bewitch her. Minister Mather said that if the dog really was a demon, it would be impossible to kill it.
So the dog was shot dead & Mather declared its innocence.
Familiars
Within the traditional definition familiars are spiritual entities that are commonly seen as animals & are often gifted to a witch by the universe. They assist with a witch’s magical practice & will shield a witch from malicious intent.
Sometimes they even act as guides or advisers for a witch.
Pets
Many people treat their pets as family members, myself included. And I think that’s why the definitions of familiar & pet have blurred in the modern age. That & the fact that not all witches practice in the same way or follow the same witchy rules.
If your pet enjoys participating (or interrupting) your craft, it’s likely due to curiosity or their need to be the center of attention. Or maybe they simply enjoy being around their human 24/7.
In any case, our pets are not spiritual entities in the form of cats, dogs, or lizards. They are breathing living creatures who love being loved by us.
You Decide
Some modern-day witches have animal companions they consider to be their familiars due to an emotional or psychic bond they have with their animals.
Other witches who feel a strong connection with their pets recognize their relationships are with animal companions - no magic involved.
Of course, many witches, pagans, & Wiccans will probably disagree with me on this. But as I believe every witch’s practice is built upon personal beliefs & choices, I also believe you are the ruler & decider of your own practice & ultimately its rules.
You choose a pet.
A familiar chooses you.
And you’re the only person who can really define the difference for yourself.
If you’re interested in learning more about familiars here are a couple of books that might help you decide.
Folk Witchcraft and The Witch's Familiar are both great books to get you started.
