Familiar!!!

[Metheus North]

I mentioned previously somewhere....that I wanted to get a wolf familiar. Her vessel is on the way. She's a silver wolf that has worked for other practitioners in the past. I am really excited! I definitely need a familiar with experience.

Questions because I never had a familiar before:

Do you task familiars the same as your spirits?

Will they manifest more easily? Are they easier to see than your other spirits?

Do Familiars like offerings?

Lastly, will she steal the bed? Lol

[draco_star898]

My familiar is a darling black cat who is one of a small squad of black cats here between my living kitty, my guide who manifests as a long black haired cat, and my cat sidhe who is fully black as well. I often think I see my living kitty sitting behind me until I turn around and he isn't there, so the spirit cats follow me around about as much as he does.

My familiar manifests the strongest when I'm doing magick. I only really task him for assistance during any work I'm doing, but he does also assists some of my other magickally inclined companions with their work as well.

I do see him often, the cat and dog spirits are easier for me to see day to day. I do see my other companions, just they seem to be really easy for me to perceive in the house pretty often.

My familiar is fine with my daily group candle and incense offerings and also likes picking out a crystal during our bonding sessions for an energy boost.

The kitty and more canine spirits do like their cuddles

[Metheus North]

Thank you, Draco! I always am in a mood for the cuddles

[Lewk]

I mentioned previously somewhere....that I wanted to get a wolf familiar. Her vessel is on the way. She's a silver wolf that has worked for other practitioners in the past. I am really excited! I definitely need a familiar with experience.

My CH familiar too is a cat (a common familiar appearance in the past, apparently) and has worked with a practitioner before.

Questions because I never had a familiar before:

I suspect they vary a fair bit.

Do you task familiars the same as your spirits?

No. I just call on them when I'm doing psychic, magical or invocation/conjuration stuff, including casting spells or raising a protection before a spiritual work session and closing that down afterwards.

Will they manifest more easily? Are they easier to see than your other spirits?

This must be subjective - varies from keeper to keeper. Yes, I find it easy to see mine. But, as I don't socialise (for want of a better word) with it like with some of my other very social spirits, I just expect it'll be there when I want it...and it is. I sense it easily, just like I sense any other spirit companion. Where I get a block, personally, is if I attempt what I think of as a long, heavy contact, rather than a quick, light contact. As I don't expect any issues with the familiar, I don't experience them.

I don't know how much sense that makes but CH advice does say that uncertainty, anxiety etc is the easiest way to cause blocks in communication. If you don't have any, the manifestation / communication can be clear. Trying to strain, one way or another, seems to strain the link.

Do Familiars like offerings?

CH say none of their bound spirits or entities need offerings. So for me it's down to what might they appreciate, perhaps done as a sincere gesture from the heart. Or what might I do to help me with bonding. The associations and treat suggestions on the Encyclopedia page give ideas for that. But there isn't one for Familiars.

My familiar seems happy enough helping me with my paranormal endeavours. Actually it felt like it was a perfect conjuration for my needs.

Lastly, will she steal the bed? Lol

Not sure I get that reference, sorry.

[Metheus North]

I mentioned previously somewhere....that I wanted to get a wolf familiar. Her vessel is on the way. She's a silver wolf that has worked for other practitioners in the past. I am really excited! I definitely need a familiar with experience.

My CH familiar too is a cat (a common familiar appearance in the past, apparently) and has worked with a practitioner before.

Questions because I never had a familiar before:

I suspect they vary a fair bit.

Do you task familiars the same as your spirits?

No. I just call on them when I'm doing psychic, magical or invocation/conjuration stuff, including casting spells or raising a protection before a spiritual work session and closing that down afterwards.

Will they manifest more easily? Are they easier to see than your other spirits?

This must be subjective - varies from keeper to keeper. Yes, I find it easy to see mine. But, as I don't socialise (for want of a better word) with it like with some of my other very social spirits, I just expect it'll be there when I want it...and it is. I sense it easily, just like I sense any other spirit companion. Where I get a block, personally, is if I attempt what I think of as a long, heavy contact, rather than a quick, light contact. As I don't expect any issues with the familiar, I don't experience them.

I don't know how much sense that makes but CH advice does say that uncertainty, anxiety etc is the easiest way to cause blocks in communication. If you don't have any, the manifestation / communication can be clear. Trying to strain, one way or another, seems to strain the link.

Do Familiars like offerings?

CH say none of their bound spirits or entities need offerings. So for me it's down to what might they appreciate, perhaps done as a sincere gesture from the heart. Or what might I do to help me with bonding. The associations and treat suggestions on the Encyclopedia page give ideas for that. But there isn't one for Familiars.

My familiar seems happy enough helping me with my paranormal endeavours. Actually it felt like it was a perfect conjuration for my needs.

Lastly, will she steal the bed? Lol

Not sure I get that reference, sorry.

Steal the bed just means is she going to snuggle up so close that I fall on the floor lol...just me adding something silly...

Yeah, I guess my anxiety lately doesn't really help. I should just need to stop, breathe, relax, repeat. (One of my many mantras to myself)

While I am very sure that CH bindings don't need any offerings, I just love showing them my appreciation. "Thank you for choosing me!" "Thank you for allowing me to feel your presence " That type of thing. I find myself saying thank you as much as I say sorry lol.

[ASTER]

@Lewk I know we have touched upon this subject before but can we discuss it again in this thread, please?
Is or isn't the Lynx belongs to this category?
If it's yes, what's perhaps in my notes about her that I need to look for confermation?
If she is not, then is she more so a totem / spirit animal category?
She is very wise and seen to be a perfect fit for my needs. She is lighter in nature then usual. I am surprised how quickly we are bonding.

I watched YouTube info about all the different types of Lynx all over the world. Mine is the Canadian Lynx type. She is a big cat and very cuddle.

[Lewk]

@Lewk I know we have touched upon this subject before but can we discuss it again in this thread, please?
Is or isn't the Lynx belongs to this category?
If it's yes, what's perhaps in my notes about her that I need to look for confermation?
If she is not, then is she more so a totem / spirit animal category?
She is very wise and seen to be a perfect fit for my needs. She is lighter in nature then usual. I am surprised how quickly we are bonding.

I watched YouTube info about all the different types of Lynx all over the world. Mine is the Canadian Lynx type. She is a big cat and very cuddle.

It sounds like you're happy with your Lynx, which is good.

If you're referring to this listing...

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/CUSTOM-C ... CRETS.html

...then, yes, it does seem very like what a familiar does.

I hope the lengthy post that follows is useful and does not confuse things further.

I really don't know everything, despite being a Vulture, Mayan Astrology-wise (said to be expert at most things!!), but this is what I think can safely be said about familiars and beings like them. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Familiar - The concept of a 'familiar' seems to be mainly from a certain time period and geographical region, ie Europe in the middle ages, where they were often manifesting as cats or other household animals and aiding witches - who did magic. I think what CH conjures and calls Familiars are literally beings who have done this in those times and places.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Familiar

Spirit guides - There's a tradition in spiritualism that each of us is born with a number of guides who are with us through our lifetime. Some come and go at different phases or help us with one type of thing in life. Mediums since at least the 19th century have, to my knowledge, worked with such guides. But spiritualist mediums' worldview didn't include magic or witchcraft.

I think what CH conjures and calls Spirit Guides are literally beings who provide this kind of help. (Note: in the listing help with magic isn't mentioned. It's more guidance and companionship.)

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/binding- ... guide.html

Similar beings - To me the CH Lynx listing is for a type of being that might seem very like either a Familiar or a Spirit guide

Labels - What's in a name? Labels can be confusing, as people use the same words to mean different things. If we can just strip away the labels (familiar, guide, totem, tutelary spirit etc) and just look at the description of what each bound spirit listed is like and what they do...we can see the subtle differences between them.

CH's Lynx guide has these characteristics...

"Lynx are known for their special connection through mystic channels. They are guardians of special powers, divination, and secrets. They provide their Keeper with psychic energy and power, the ability to see beyond the obvious, and the intrinsic knowledge of secrets. They are faithful & loyal to their Keeper, and they are eager to provide wisdom and guidance."

I often find it useful to contemplate the exact wording of a CH description, as it gives clues to the paranormal qualities of a bound spirit.

The unique qualities here seem to be the psychic energy and power they give their keeper and their link to secrets/secret powers and divination. As you can see, there's no mention of aiding their keeper in practising magic, which is a key thing Familiars can do.

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/CUSTOM-C ... ILIAR.html

Origins - I think the reason for differences is these different spirits were known to different cultures in different places and different times. If you think about it, any spirit companion can guide us and aid us psychically or magically but some types of spirit have a greater aptitude for it. And some types may have specialised in it for a long time. And the different types, who we may call Familiars, Guides and so on, may specialise in different aspects.

So to me it makes sense to have a number of them: eg a Familiar as well as a Paniwi, as well an Ilmu Khodam - or as well as a Lynx.

[Metheus North]

I think that it is also important to keep in mind that each familiar will have their own unique skill sets. Just like my familiar had experiences with multiple practioners. Those practioners had their own way of doing things. While the familiar has the base personality and talents, they have also been able to develop new ways of doing things by observation.

I do know a few families have passed their familiar down the line. It became a tradition. Which started in the middle ages, like Lewk mentioned. However, spiritualism began earlier than that. Ancient Egypt, for example worshipped cats. These cats were familiars in a way. Egyptians worshipped a variety of creatures.

The Mayan, Babylonians, ect. All had their own ways of practicing. Many would call upon animals or the spirits of animals to give aid or direction.

I believe that the term was animal guide before the term familiar came to use. Also as Lewk said, totems, and other words of that nature.

Each creature, like the Lynx, has their inate nature, which should be taken into consideration when it comes to choosing a familiar. I have my wolf familiar because I am naturally drawn to wolves. I am more of a canine fan than the feline. Even though we do have cats. I enjoy the pack sentimentality of loyalty, protection, ect. Add the magickal traits developed over time from exposure, a familiar will be able to guide you in various ways. If you obtain a familiar that doesn't match your particular needs when it comes to your own practice, things can be difficult.
This is my first familiar but I have researched quite a bit. I have always been fascinated, captivated, and curious about how animals are in tune with humans. They sense when we need them.

I'm going to stop babbling now lol.

[ASTER]

Thank you so much Lewk. It's a blend and probably more of a spirit guide and totem then a familiar. Which is great, because I need more of her to be a guide and all in her description rather then to be a familiar. She does not seem to have a familiar assignment in her previous time or in her past history either. I am glad that I got the extended description of her. What do you think Lewk?

LYNX, FEMALE, xxxx. SHE IS xxx YEARS, SHE IS A CREATIVE AND SENSITIVE GUIDE WHO WILL SHOWER YOU WITH GOOD LUCK, A CONNECTION WITH MAGICK, AND HELP YOU FIND GREATER WISDOM AND DISCOVERY WITH MAGICK. SHE IS ON THE LIGHTER SIDE, SHE IS A VIBRANT AND ACTIVE FRIEND, AND SHE WILL HELP YOU FEEL MORE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR JOURNEY AND GIFTS WITH MAGICK. SHE IS SENSITIVE, CARING, THOUGHTFUL, AND BRIGHT. SHE WILL HELP YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PSYCHIC TALENTS AND USE THEM TO PUSH YOUR JOURNEY FORWARD.

SHE WANTS HER BIRTHDAY RECOGNIZED AS xxxx. SHE LOVES THE COLOR xxxx, AND SHE LOVES THE SCENT OF xxxx. SHE IS A CAPTIVATING AND DIVINE TEACHER FOR LEARNING AND WORKING WITH PSYCHIC POWERS, DIVINE REVELATIONS, AND EXPLORING GREATER POTENTIAL WITH PSYCHIC AWAKENING. SHE IS A LOVELY & DEVOTED GUIDE OF MAGICK. SHE LIVED IN THE WILD HER ENTIRE LIFE, AND SHE WAS OFTEN A GUIDE AND FRIEND FOR ELVES, FAE, AND EARLY HUMANS IN HER LIFETIME.

@Lewk I know we have touched upon this subject before but can we discuss it again in this thread, please?
Is or isn't the Lynx belongs to this category?
If it's yes, what's perhaps in my notes about her that I need to look for confermation?
If she is not, then is she more so a totem / spirit animal category?
She is very wise and seen to be a perfect fit for my needs. She is lighter in nature then usual. I am surprised how quickly we are bonding.

I watched YouTube info about all the different types of Lynx all over the world. Mine is the Canadian Lynx type. She is a big cat and very cuddle.

It sounds like you're happy with your Lynx, which is good.

If you're referring to this listing...

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/CUSTOM-C ... CRETS.html

...then, yes, it does seem very like what a familiar does.

I hope the lengthy post that follows is useful and does not confuse things further.

I really don't know everything, despite being a Vulture, Mayan Astrology-wise (said to be expert at most things!!), but this is what I think can safely be said about familiars and beings like them. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Familiar - The concept of a 'familiar' seems to be mainly from a certain time period and geographical region, ie Europe in the middle ages, where they were often manifesting as cats or other household animals and aiding witches - who did magic. I think what CH conjures and calls Familiars are literally beings who have done this in those times and places.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Familiar

Spirit guides - There's a tradition in spiritualism that each of us is born with a number of guides who are with us through our lifetime. Some come and go at different phases or help us with one type of thing in life. Mediums since at least the 19th century have, to my knowledge, worked with such guides. But spiritualist mediums' worldview didn't include magic or witchcraft.

I think what CH conjures and calls Spirit Guides are literally beings who provide this kind of help. (Note: in the listing help with magic isn't mentioned. It's more guidance and companionship.)

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/binding- ... guide.html

Similar beings - To me the CH Lynx listing is for a type of being that might seem very like either a Familiar or a Spirit guide

Labels - What's in a name? Labels can be confusing, as people use the same words to mean different things. If we can just strip away the labels (familiar, guide, totem, tutelary spirit etc) and just look at the description of what each bound spirit listed is like and what they do...we can see the subtle differences between them.

CH's Lynx guide has these characteristics...

"Lynx are known for their special connection through mystic channels. They are guardians of special powers, divination, and secrets. They provide their Keeper with psychic energy and power, the ability to see beyond the obvious, and the intrinsic knowledge of secrets. They are faithful & loyal to their Keeper, and they are eager to provide wisdom and guidance."

I often find it useful to contemplate the exact wording of a CH description, as it gives clues to the paranormal qualities of a bound spirit.

The unique qualities here seem to be the psychic energy and power they give their keeper and their link to secrets/secret powers and divination. As you can see, there's no mention of aiding their keeper in practising magic, which is a key thing Familiars can do.

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/CUSTOM-C ... ILIAR.html

Origins - I think the reason for differences is these different spirits were known to different cultures in different places and different times. If you think about it, any spirit companion can guide us and aid us psychically or magically but some types of spirit have a greater aptitude for it. And some types may have specialised in it for a long time. And the different types, who we may call Familiars, Guides and so on, may specialise in different aspects.

So to me it makes sense to have a number of them: eg a Familiar as well as a Paniwi, as well an Ilmu Khodam - or as well as a Lynx.

[Lewk]

Thank you so much Lewk. It's a blend and probably more of a spirit guide and totem then a familiar. Which is great, because I need more of her to be a guide and all in her description rather then to be a familiar. She does not seem to have a familiar assignment in her previous time or in her past history either. I am glad that I got the extended description of her. What do you think Lewk?

LYNX, FEMALE, xxxx. SHE IS xxx YEARS, SHE IS A CREATIVE AND SENSITIVE GUIDE WHO WILL SHOWER YOU WITH GOOD LUCK, A CONNECTION WITH MAGICK, AND HELP YOU FIND GREATER WISDOM AND DISCOVERY WITH MAGICK. SHE IS ON THE LIGHTER SIDE, SHE IS A VIBRANT AND ACTIVE FRIEND, AND SHE WILL HELP YOU FEEL MORE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR JOURNEY AND GIFTS WITH MAGICK. SHE IS SENSITIVE, CARING, THOUGHTFUL, AND BRIGHT. SHE WILL HELP YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PSYCHIC TALENTS AND USE THEM TO PUSH YOUR JOURNEY FORWARD.

SHE WANTS HER BIRTHDAY RECOGNIZED AS xxxx. SHE LOVES THE COLOR xxxx, AND SHE LOVES THE SCENT OF xxxx. SHE IS A CAPTIVATING AND DIVINE TEACHER FOR LEARNING AND WORKING WITH PSYCHIC POWERS, DIVINE REVELATIONS, AND EXPLORING GREATER POTENTIAL WITH PSYCHIC AWAKENING. SHE IS A LOVELY & DEVOTED GUIDE OF MAGICK. SHE LIVED IN THE WILD HER ENTIRE LIFE, AND SHE WAS OFTEN A GUIDE AND FRIEND FOR ELVES, FAE, AND EARLY HUMANS IN HER LIFETIME.

Ah, that is interesting.

When it comes down to it, it's the description of what the individual spirit can do that's important.

This Lynx does seem to be able to help with magic - although that's not highlighted in the general Lynx spirits listing description.

I think that may be in part down to Creepy Hollows being very switched on to the fact that many spirits can help with magic. Prior to CH, the main view of spirits in New Age, Spiritualist and other circles seems to have excluded such thinking - except of course, that European Familiars were well known for aiding witches (who did magic).