The Familiar

Theoughout history the familiar has been a vital member of various cultures and traditions. In Roman times a familiar kept the family from harm, shamanic cultures have long honoured and respected the spirits of the animal world for wisdon and assistance in ritual and magic. Yet even today most people will immediately conjure up the image of an ugly evil witch and her fearsome cat. This stereotype is straight from the pages of fairy stories and has its basis in the superstition and prejudicial practices of the Dark Ages, it bears little or nor ressemblence to the modern witch's familiar. A witch's familiar can be his or her closest companion, offering moral support, special knowledge, and/or physical healing. Witches may seek a familiar through meditation or divination, but most do not believe that familiars can be summoned, contrary to traditional Western legend regarding witches and black magic.

I see the Familiar as a gift of grace from the Goddess, which offers hope, tranquility, inspiration and confidence to  me as I make my Pagan path. My Goddess called my Familiar back as is her wisdom, maybe it means it's time I walked my path and she believes I can. I sure do not believe she has left me alone, although it felt like it for a few days. Crowe was/is still with me in my heart and I can feel that reassurance.
I will however miss his companionship and devotion but perhaps that too is forever with me.

With thanks to Jeff Green for the following poem:


Once you were Jem adopting feline form
You walked where she could never hope to tred
And heard each word that she had never said
Familiar with magic to perform

Your eyes were deep yet always soft and warm
You rode your mistress like a motor bike
So different you two were yet alike
Familiar with magic to perform

Without her Crowe can Jem outrace the storm
What can she do now she must search alone
For you are now a spirit in the stone
Familiar with magic to perform