#witchy'

I apologize for how inactive I have been and how I have been slacking off on the witchy posts for a few weeks, but here’s a lil something for you. I got all of these definitions from Google Dictionary and Wikipedia so these are the actual given meanings for the words/terms, not just my interpretation.

Acolyte : a person assisting in a ritual, service or procession.

Adder stone : a type of stone, usually glassy, with a naturally occurring hole through it. They are believed to have magical powers such as protection against eye diseases or evil charms, preventing nightmares, curing whooping cough, the ability to see through fairy or witch disguises and traps if looked at through the middle of the stone, and recovery from snakebite. According to popular conception, a true adder stone will float in water.

Adept : very skilled or proficient at witchcraft.

Alchemy : the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter, in particular with attempts to convert base metals into gold or find a universal elixir.

Altar : a table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making offerings to a deity or ancestors.

Amulet : an ornament or small piece of jewellery thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease.

Animism : the belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the material universe.

Anoint : smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a ritual or ceremony.

Arcana : either of the two groups of cards in a tarot pack: the twenty-two trumps (the major arcana ) and the fifty-six suit cards (the minor arcana ).

Arcane : understood by few; mysterious or secret.

Astral Plane :a plane of existence postulated by classical (particularly neo-Platonic), medieval, oriental, and esoteric philosophies and mystery religions.

Astral Projection : a willful out-of-body experience that assumes the existence of a soul or consciousness called an "astral body" that is separate from the physical body and capable of travelling outside it throughout the universe.

Aura : An aura or Human energy field is, according to New Age beliefs, a colored emanation said to enclose a human body or any animal or object.

Balefire : An outdoor fire used in witches' sabbats and rituals.

Banish : Get rid of something unwanted.

Besom : used to cleanse and purify a space which will be used for ritual.

Black Magic : traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes.

Chakras : any center of subtle body believed to be psychic-energy centers in the esoteric traditions of Indian religions.

Cone of Power : The cone of power is a method of raising energy in ritual magic.

Daemon : benevolent or benign nature spirits, beings of the same nature as both mortals and deities, similar to ghosts, chthonic heroes, spirit guides, forces of nature, or the deities themselves.

Demon : a supernatural and often malevolent being.

Elementals : an elemental is any magical entity who embodies/personifies a force of nature and therefore possess the powers exclusive to the elemental's own unique element.

Evocation : the act of calling upon or summoning a spirit, demon, god or other supernatural agent.

Familiar : supernatural entities that would assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic.

Grey Magic : magic that is not performed for specifically beneficial reasons, but is also not focused towards completely hostile practices.

Grimoire : a textbook of magic, typically including instructions on how to create magical objects like talismans and amulets, how to perform magical spells, charms and divination, and how to summon or invoke supernatural entities such as angels, spirits, and demons. In many cases, the books themselves are believed to be imbued with magical powers.

Hymn :  a type of song, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities

Incantation : a charm or spell created using words. An incantation may take place during a ritual, either a hymn or prayer, and may invoke or praise a deity. In magic, occultism, shamanism, and witchcraft it is used with the intention of casting a spell on an object or a person.

Mantra : a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words in Sanskrit believed by practitioners to have psychological and spiritual powers.

Shamanism :  involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.

Sunwise : considered the “prosperous course”, turning from east to west in the direction of the sun.(Clockwise)

Widdershins : a term meaning to go counter-clockwise, to go anti-clockwise, or to go lefthandwise, or to walk around an object by always keeping it on the left.

This took me really long and I am sorry I didn’t get a lot in here. If there are any definitions you want me to add then give me a heads - up so I can add them in for you.

What is a familiar? A familiar is an animal whom you have a spiritual connection with. A witches companion. You call upon them to help you with your practices. They can be physical or spiritual beings. They are healers and guardians but above all, a loyal companion. Provides the witch with psychic protection as well as negative energy. They do not have to be your ‘pet,’ any animal that you use symbols of can also be your familiar but on a more spiritual level. Animals are chosen as a familiar because of their connection with nature and innocence. They protect on many spiritual levels as well as the home and property of the witch. They become able to communicate together in dreams and during meditation.     

History of Familiars In Europe during the witch hunts familiars were thought of at demon like entities sent to do a witches bidding. It was believed that they were cats, dogs, and toads possessed by demons. Thus, during the witch hunt era many animals were hunted and slaughtered because of their connection with witches. Familiars were supposedly given to the Witches from by the Devil. It was believed that they were fed from the witches blood.

In some Scandinavian countries familiars were thought of as fearies, elves, pixies, dwarves, sprites, and elements of nature.

In shamanistic practices the familiar is in fact not a physical being rather it is a spiritual entity. It protects in the astral plane and from any psychic attacks.

In England and Scotland familiars took form of toads.

Familiar Misconceptions:

Not every witch has a familiar. In fact some are quite happy working alone. Some witches may even be allergic.

Cats are not the only animal used as a familiar.

No familiars are not possessed by demons or the devil.

Not all pets are familiars!

Types of animals to used as familiars: 

Any animal can be used as a familiar! The most common are cats (especially black) and dogs.

How you know it is your familiar and not just a pet:

It chose you.

You have a bond on a spiritual level.

You put more trust in it then anyone/anything else.

Takes an active role in your rituals.

Sits politely while you are casting being sure not to be a bother.

Loves to lounge in your magick work space.

You feel a boost of energy whenever they are near you.

Watches the window constantly watching for any unwelcome beings. 

Trails you like a shadow.

Hates to be separated from you

How to find your Familiar:

Cast a spell to bring clarity on your familiar.

Meditate on it.

Ask a form of divination about finding you familiar.

Ways to bond with your Familiar:

Provide it with a collar, halter, leash, etc that has protective crystals and herb sachets sewn into it. 

Carry a piece of a NATURALLY shed item from your familiar in a sachet or tied together with ribbon.

Provide them with the best food and housing you can afford.

Always place them before yourself.

Spend lots of time together.

Provide them with their own protection.

Speak to it.

Brush or stoke it. 

Treat them and reward them for their help.

Treat them with the kindness they deserve.

Honor them.

Provide them with an altar.

Give them offerings.

Familiar uses: 

Provide you with physical and spiritual protection.

Provide you the uttermost loyalty and respect

Benefits your emotional well being.

 Helps you connect with nature.

Enhances are physical and psychic abilities.

Protects home and property.

When to work with a Familiar:

When you want to attune with nature

Meditation

Healing magick

Dreamwork

Astral travelling 

Divination

Scrying

Spirit communication

Welcome them to join you when power is being raised and spells are cast. 

Respect a Familiar deserves:

Let it accompany you on its own accord and make sure it is willing to participate, NEVER force them to join in on a ritual. They are very sensitive to psychic power and vibrations. Treat them with kindness and the same respect you would give to a human being. Be sure to treat them as an equal and not something you own. This is very important if you want to create and maintain a connection with your familiar. Familiars are living beings and should never be treated like an athame, candle or an object for spell casting. Make sure to be cautious with the type of tools you are using during your casting with a familiar. Be cautious of candles or any toxic herbs!   

Names for familiars:

Instead of you choosing a name for them, ask them what their true name is.

References: Paganwiccan.about.com, pagancentric.org

What type of Familiar do you have?

I have a horse and a cat as my familiar! 

May the moon light your path!

☾ Moonlight Academy☽