Theglitterdungeon - Amateur

Of Imps and Familiars

The topic of Familiars in modern witchcraft is a bit  misinformed as to what exactly these beings are. Some say they are simply a pet belonging to a witch; however, it is far from the case. In the hopes of clearing things a bit up for my followers, I am writing this to explain what Familiars are and the differences between the different types. This post will provide a brief summary of the topic

There are a few different types of Familiars to consider. There are:

The Familiar Spirit

Imps

Familiar spirits

Bloodline Familiars

Let’s discuss what they are and how they differ from another.

The Familiar Spirit

Tam Lin by Jane Yolen and Charles Mikolaycak

This is somewhat comparable to the Holy Guardian Angel found in various practices of high and ceremonial magic, such as the Order of the Golden Dawn. It is the human familiar spirit, the fairy lover, the demon lover, the spirit companion, the familiar self, the witch’s doppleganger. It is the you that is separate, yet it is its own entity. These are the beings that witches met when flying to the sabbat, their spirit lover. Typically, it is opposite to the witch, “In 1633, Margaret Johnson, the Lancashire witch, stated that besides theire particular familiars or spirits, there was one greate or grand devill, or spirit, more eminent than the rest. Shee allsoe saith, yt if a witch have but one marke, shee hath but one spirit; if two, then two spirits; if three, yet but two spirits. Shee alsoe saith, that men witches usually have women spirits, and women witches men spirits,” (source). It might be that these spirits are complete opposites to their witch counterpart; however, it may also be they take a form most desired by the witch. It is why some have Familiar spirits of the same gender, or spirits that change gender along with their witch.

Examples of The Familiar Spirit

Tam Lin (from the Ballad of Tam Lin)

The Queen of Heaven (from Thomas the Rhymer)

Cupid (from the tale The Most Pleasant and Delectable Tale of the Marriage of Cupid and Psyche)

Imps

The Witches’ animal familiar, maleficent animals, divination animals, domestic familiars. These are, usually, physical creatures or vessels that act as the witch’s familiar. These are the creatures people typically think of when thinking of familiars. They are the witch’s pet, servator, companion, spy, and aid in the magical arts.

Now from this, there are 2 main sort of imps. A living creature of flesh such as a rabbit, cat, or dog. There are also imps that are merely spirits tied to a vessel. These vessels can be anything from stuffed animals to bottles or urns. The Familiar’s spirit possesses the vessel, which then it seeks to serve the witch. It can be an actual spirit or even created by a witch (or even by another spirit). Now the interesting part of this is that the living creatures can even act as vessels for familiar spirits.

Imps are the creatures you see depicted being fed blood from witches. Witches allow familiars to suckle blood from their witch marks to forge the pact between the two. The imp receiving care and food, and the witch receiving aid and power from the imp. The pact between the two is what makes an imp the witches’ familiar (vs just a regular pet or spirit).

Familiar spirits

A witch can have many familiar spirits, which take many forms. Though, they tend to be animal in form. There are some known to be human or even “supernatural” in form. There are descriptions of familiar spirits that are fairies, spirits of the dead, saints, devils, demons, and even angels. Some witches state they had certain plants as their familiars.

They take similar roles to spirit guides and spirit helpers; however, they, like imps, also require a pact as well. A witch can have many familiar spirits all that serve their needs depending on the reason for the pact. However, the pact isn’t always made through physical means vs the pact made with imps.

Bloodline Familiars

Bloodline familiars are those that are passed down from hereditary practices, from parent to child. Covens have also been known to have these, and can give access to these familiars through initiatory means. They are familiars that serve specific bloodlines or groups, and only grant their power and aid to those within it.

One can also argue that a Bloodline familiar is not truly a spirit, but rather an icon. A symbol of that family or coven, in which appears in dreams as a sign or omen. I attempted to do more research into this, but it was only mentioned in one of my texts, “There is that which is used as the coven “totem” animal, mentioned earlier in connection with the symbolism of the witch bracelet. This symbolic animal form is decided upon at the formation of a coven by mutual agreement among the members and after much introspection and divination. The chosen totemic animal form or forms, for there may be several, is then ritually “assumed” by coven members during the chain dance at the Sabbat itself, and also should they at any time wish to indulge in the practice of “sending for the fetch,” commonly Omens and auguries of coming events may also be drawn by the seasoned practitioner from the appearance on the scene of one such specimen of a coven totem, a grey bird maybe or a large black cat. Part of this witchlore may have filtered out in the past and now be responsible for the common public beliefs about lucky or unlucky black cats crossing one’s path, and so on,” (Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson).

As a note, I believe it is more fitting to call these another name other than “Totem” familiars. It would be better to call them Bloodline Familiars. The source was written in the 70s. Though I do love that book, it does not address cultural appropriation. 

The Pact (how does one get a familiar?)

The pact is something that is spoken of within many witch confessions and trials. The witch obtains the familiar, forges a pact, and begins the relationship. Familiars were told to appear in a few different ways.

given from a spirit (the devil)

passed down from another witch

appearing by chance

created by the witch’s own “evil” desire (this references that familiars can be created by the witch themselves)

appearing after a great rite or initiation

There are those that believe every witch will have at least one familiar, whether it be a physical creature or not. Though, familiars don’t appear in every witch lore. It is mostly common in western European witch lore.

What does the pact entail? Typically, it involved the feeding of blood to the familiar to strengthen the bond and forge the union. I’ve seen reference to a few other methods such as spiritual sacrifice, offering of milk or food from the same dish, or even scraping off bits of your kitchen table to feed the familiar. Others reference to rituals being performed to summon the fetch and create the bond. Though one thing is very important, the witch and familiar must be bound to one another body and spirit.

This allows the witch to travel to the Sabbat with their familiar, perform magical acts with them, or even hag ride them into the night.

Hope this helped clear a bit up! My resources are below. As a note: I do reference reading Margaret Alice Murray, not for her incorrect theories, but for her amazing resources. When reading her books focus on quoted references. You can also do further research by searching into her sources (though some are difficult to find).

reading list

Demonology: demons & devils / Spiritual Warfare By Dr. Phillip Botha

Witches’ Familiars in England by M. A. Murray

Malevolent Nurture: Witch-Hunting and Maternal Power in Early Modern England by Deborah Willis

The Esoteric Codex: Supernatural Legends By Cedrick Pettigrove

The History of Witchcraft and Demonology by Montague Summers

Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits: Shamanistic Visionary Traditions in Early Modern British Witchcraft and Magic by Emma Wilby

The Visions of Isobel Gowdie: Magic, Witchcraft and Dark Shamanism in Seventeenth-Century Scotland by Emma Wilby

Traditional Crafte translated by Robin Artisan

Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson

The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer

The Witch-Cult in Western Europe by Margaret Alice Murray

Irish Witchcraft and Demonology by St. John D. Seymour

Simple Oil Recipes

Awake & Alive (happiness, health, protection, energy)

1 part rosemary

1 part mint

1 part orange

½ part lemon

½ part thyme

Patience (peace, harmony, love)

1 part rose

1 part lavender

1 part pine

Clear Decisions (clear thinking, harmony, health, protection)

1 part pine

1 part rosemary

1 part sage

Prosperity (movement, energy)

1 part mint

1 part basil

1 part cinnamon

1 part pine

Health (health, communication, strength)

1 part thyme

1 part pine

1 part eucalyptus

 1 part ginger

Peace (meditation, spirituality, harmony)

1 part violet

1 part lavender

1 part jasmine

1 part sandalwood

Protection (protection, wisdom, purification)

1 part sage 

1 part sandalwood

1 part angelica

1 clove

Pinch of salt

Love ( love, harmony)

1 part rose

1 part jasmine

½ geranium

¼ vanilla

Note: if you do plan on using any of the recipes on your skin, make sure it is heavy diluted in a carrier oil such a almond, jojoba or coconut. Some oils can cause major skin irritating and should not be applied directly to skin. Be safe, be smart, and ALWAYS research it for yourself 

(Source The Way of the Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock)

Recreational Witchcraft’s Luck & Money Powder

This powder is ideal for drawing luck, money, and job opportunities. Sprinkle some of it into a burning candle, dust some over your body before going out or add some of it to a hot bath. 

Grind & Combine:

Green or white Eggshells for prosperity and fortune

Basil for wealth and success

Green mint for money and abundance

Fennel for luck

I’ve used this powder spell for almost a year now and it never fails me. Hope it can help you all too!

-T

Old Mother Redcap's "Faithful Friends" Spell

This spell is designed for people wanting to make new long-lasting friendships. This spell works in the same way as a love spell, by attracting people (in this instance, friends) toward you. Items needed: - A large jar or bottle - Red or pink taper candle - Honey - Sugar - Juniper berries - Pen and paper - Magnets - Photo of yourself Method: Place the honey, sugar and juniper berries into your large jar or bottle. Take your pen and paper and write down all the qualities you wish your new friends to have. For instance, “loyalty”, “honesty” etc. Cut out these words and wrap them up in the magnets. Whilst you put them in the jar, visualise yourself surrounded by a new group of friends. Lastly, fold up the photo of yourself and add it into the jar.  As the last step, inscribe your candle with words or sigils pertaining to friendship. Place the candle in the jar or bottle, with the bottom sitting directly into the honey and sugar. You may want to add more honey until it fills the top so the candle stays steady. Place the jar or bottle on a heat-proof dish and burn the candle every night for 3 nights. 

signs + basics all in one

find your sun, moon, and rising/ascendant sign | find your venus sign | find your mars sign | find your mercury sign |

sun - overall personality

moon - inner thoughts

mercury - how you talk / communicate with others

rising - what people think of you / first impressions 

venus - your fashion, women you attract, how you flirt and act in relationships

mars - how we deal with anger, men we attract, sex drive

ARIES the RAM 

aries sun// an aries sun has strong leadership skills. they take problems head on. generally very brave. you want an aries sun if you want adventure and excitement. 

aries moon// people with an aries moon are stubborn and impatient. they live life in the moment and don’t like long-term goals. you want an aries moon if you want someone that craves new things to do RIGHT NOW. 

aries mercury// people with aries mercury make quick decisions and don’t think through their decisions much. they’re very direct and candid. you want an aries mercury if you want someone to help you come to a decision or give you an honest impression of something. 

aries rising// an aries rising doesn’t like to plan ahead. they’re competitive and like to play a little dirty. they have a young innocent kind of charm. you want an aries rising if you want to learn how to stop overthinking everything and cherish your freedom. 

aries venus// venus in aries is daring. they behave very childish. they like direct and honest people. they like to be the leader in the relationship, so let them. you want an aries venus if you like being dominated and having endless fun.

aries mars// people with an aries mars are spontaneous. they like simplicity, action, and innovation. they’re often a step ahead the rest of us. you want an aries mars if you want someone that can be angry for you when there’s a problem in your life. if you want someone that’s down to do anything.

TAURUS the BULL 

taurus sun // tauruses are dependable, sensual, and hard-working. they enjoy nature and aren’t big fans of change. they also tend to be a bit possessive. you want a taurus sun if you want someone reliable and kind.

taurus moon // someone with a taurus moon likes familiarity. they’re strong-willed and sentimental. once they make a commitment, they like to stick to it. you want a taurus moon if you want someone that’ll keep a secret or do their share of work.

taurus mercury // mercury in taurus natives take their time to get to a decision, but once they make one, they don’t change their mind much. people like to listen to them. you want someone with a mercury in taurus if you want someone to stick to their word. 

taurus rising // these people have a practical approach to life. they value security a lot. they’re also very cautious and careful. not flexible people. they like the good things in life. you want a taurus rising if you want someone careful.

taurus venus // people with venus in taurus tend to be possessive in love and like going slow. they like predictability and dependability. they are very loyal. you want someone with a taurus venus if you like clinginess and a steady relationship. 

taurus mars // they value strength and stability. driven by security. they don’t like multi-tasking and they are very stubborn when angry. you want a taurus mars when you want someone who won’t change their mind.

GEMINI the TWINS

gemini sun // strong self-expression. extremely curious. felxible and adaptable. clever and witty. it can be difficult to know what a solar gemini really feels. you want a solar gemini if you want someone outgoing and exciting. 

gemini moon // witty and charming people. they can be moody and irritable at home. lunar geminis worry, read, talk, and think a lot. they like to host events. you want a gemini moon if you want a charming person willing to be a leader. 

gemini mercury // very quick-witted. they know a little about everything. they get bored easily, but are fast learners. they’re restless. good at decision-making. you want a person with mercury in gemini if you want to be intrigued. 

gemini rising // they love to ask questions, interested in moving about in social circles. either bubbly, talkative, and quirky, or cool and intellectual. you want a gemini rising if you want to expand your knowledge. 

gemini venus // people with venus in gemini will flirt with witty conversation and showing how much they know. hard to pin down. they need fun and variety. get a gemini venus if you like letting loose and letting them talk more than you.

gemini mars // scattered and unfocused. they use very angry words and are energetic when angry. very good at debating. quite fidgety. you want a gemini mars if you want someone who will help you win against someone. 

CANCER the CRAB

cancer sun // strong survival instinct. protective of their belongings. very sensitive and don’t appreciate bluntness. avoid direct confrontations. very dependable and caring. get a cancer sun if you want someone sweet. 

cancer moon // very attached and clingy to the things and people they love. a little bit moody. they may act irrationally. loony sense of humor and unique outlook on life. get a cancer moon if you want to be loved unconditionally.

cancer mercury // communicate with feeling. good listeners and slow responders. gentle, intuitive, and sentimental. takes criticism personally. can be easily persuaded. get a cancer mercury if you need to vent. 

cancer rising // they stay in the corners of parties. they like it when their relationships have well-defined rules. they have to protect themselves. seem very sweet and innocent. get a cancer rising if you like introverted sweethearts. 

cancer venus //  they like committed and predictable relationships. they give security, comfort, and care. they pay attention to your feelings. get a venus in cancer if you like people caring for you. 

cancer mars // passive-aggressive. resist change and like feeling secure. threatened by indifference. get a cancer in mars if you soft anger and sex.

LEO  the LION 

leo sun // they are hard-working, have big dreams, like making people happy, and love compliments. don’t accuse them of having bad intentions. loyal. get a leo if you like confident and loyal people. 

leo moon // if comfortable, they like being the center of attention, usually with family and friends. they like controlling so that they can set things right. want to treat people fairly. get a lunar leo if you don’t like the spotlight on yourself. 

leo mercury // authoritative voice. see the big picture. great at promoting ideas and persuading people. take pride of their beliefs. get a mercury in leo if you want someone who’ll get the message across. 

leo rising // they get people’s attention. very self-aware and body-conscious. may have rash decisions and temper tantrums. they have a natural enthusiasm and optimisim about any new undertaking. get a leo rising if you want the star of the show. 

leo venus // they are proud and demanding. they need to feel special and courted. warm, generous, and grand. very loyal to their partners. thrive on romantic attention and have high expectations. get a leo in venus if you want them to be the center of your life. 

leo mars // they need to feel significant. they have high passion and enjoy power. they’re good at getting what they want. have a strong idealistic streak. get a mars in leo if you want someone who are natural born leaders. 

VIRGO the VIRGIN

virgo sun // hard-working, determined, and respectable. they tend to get embarrassed easily. they prefer to be in the limelight. they’re very body-conscious. perfectionists. you want a virgo sun if you want someone who will be very careful and detailed in their work. 

virgo moon // lunar virgos appreciate simplicity and enjoy the little things in life. they’re reliable and trustworthy. they tend to be really skeptical. you want a lunar virgo if you want someone who is appreciative and laid-back. 

virgo mercury // they’re good at organizing and planning out their time wisely. not ones to brag and boast, but do like people to acknowledge their work. get a virgo mercury if you want someone under the radar.  

virgo rising // generally reserved and intelligent. have to warm up to people before letting them in. have a tendency to attract people who need help. get a virgo rising if you want someone understanding. 

virgo venus // virgo venus people aren’t very flirtacious. they don’t have showy gifts, but generous gifts. try hard to make the relationship work. sensitive and sometimes insecure in relationships. get a virgo venus if you want someone who’ll stay by your side. 

virgo mars // virgo mars people get things done really well. they want to be good at what they do. protective. get a virgo mars if you want someone who puts in effort. 

LIBRA the SCALES

libra sun // sociable, intellectual. and approachable. they don’t like fighting and wish to find inner peace. they want to find the best way to live. you want a libra sun if you want someone peaceful and generous. 

libra moon // they feel the need to have someone they can rely on and have a strong partnership. they’re very charming and have an innocent aura. they tend to see flaws in a lot of things. you want a libra moon if you want someone to complete you. 

libra mercury // pleasing communicators. they long for equality and are very fair people. they express things gently. they always seek for compromise. get a libra mercury if you want someone fair. 

libra rising // these people come across nice, pleasant, fair, and peaceful, so as a first impression they’re very likable people. attracted to competent, active partners. you want someone with a libra rising if you want someone mostly everyone will get along with. 

libra venus // they try to impress people with their kindness and equality. likely to be a feminist. they love to share everything with you. they try hard to make the relationship work. get a libra venus if you want someone charming and fair. 

libra mars // libra mars people like to think before they act. they like to play innocent and defend themselves a lot. they’re good at predicting problems that may come up in the future. you want someone with a mars in libra if you want someone careful with their words. 

SCORPIO the SCORPION

scorpio sun // they are very intense people. determined and throw themselves into everything they do. these people know what they want and will find a way to get it. you want a scorpio sun if you want someone with stamina and willpower. 

scorpio moon // lunar scorpios seek for emotional intensity. probably prone to mood swings and sadness. they have a strong fear for betrayal. you want a scorpio moon if you want someone to be there for. 

scorpio mercury // they have strong observation skills. they are powerful, persuasive, and passionate in their speech. you want a scorpio mercury if you want someone who will dig through layers to find an answer. 

scorpio rising // they don’t like being pushed around. they value their privacy a lot, and are powerful and determined. they’re drawn to down-to-earth people. they have to be able to rely on you. you want a scorpio rising if you want someone independent. 

scorpio venus // scorpio venus people attract others with their intensity and willingness to commit. they will give you full attention and put you and themselves in the spotlight. you want a scorpio venus if you want a public relationship. 

scorpio mars // they challenge themselves to do the impossible. they don’t like having to share their partners, and have a provocative quality to them. you want a scorpio mars if you want someone protective with a high sex drive. 

SAGITTARIUS the ARCHER

sagittarius sun // restless, cheerful, and friendly. generally on the go and have a love for freedom. they are extremely optimistic and have a blind faith in humaity. you want a sagittarius sun if you want someone who will help you see the bright side of things. 

sagittarius moon // they crave personal space and freedom. they’d make a good teacher. they want to go out in the world and meet new people. they tend to escape their problems. get a lunar sagittarius if you want someone optimistic and bright. 

sagittarius mercury // they have very big ideas and like to communicate them optimistically. they don’t like paying attention to details. they’re enthusiastic and definitely not boring. you want a sag mercury if you want someone enthused and excited for things. 

sagittarius rising // very adventurous, enthusiastic, and optimistic. restless and active people. they’re hilarious but underrated in terms of humor. get a sagittarius ascendant if you want someone ready to go anywhere and laugh with you. 

sagittarius venus // these people like to learn new things and do everything with their partner. they love joking and flirting and have big dreams. get a sag venus if you want someone that loves exploration. 

sagittarius mars // these people try to escape from their anger and problems. playful and fun-loving, though can go to extremes. sometimes they can be hard to understand. get a sag mars if you want to be challenged. 

CAPRICORN the GOAT

capricorn sun // these people have a realistic, practical approach to life. they know how to do things and how to get them done. they take pleasure in the simple things in life but may spend lavishly sometimes. they can plan ahead well. you want a capricorn sun if you want someone who’ll get the job done well.

capricorn moon // these people keep their emotions in check. they don’t like messy feelings and come across as calm and collected. they respect authority and tradition. get a lunar capricorn if you want someone who does well under pressure and stays focused. 

capricorn mercury // often speak slowly and methodically. they don’t like being taken off-guard and can seem strict and judgmental. hates wasting time and appreciates values. you want a capricorn mercury if you want someone who will keep everyone in check. 

capricorn rising // they tend to come across in a serious way, and their humor is often sarcastic or in a dead-pan way. responsible and careful. usually very successful. get a capricorn rising if you want someone serious and not too goofy.

capricorn venus // try to impress people by showing responsibility and being in control of their mind and emotions. they can be rather romantic but come across as lacking warmth. you want a capricorn venus if you want someone responsible. 

capricorn mars // they have a low-key but determined energy. anger expressed coolly with good self-control, along with strong desires. may seem cold. get a capricorn mars if you want to have a reasonable debate. 

AQUARIUS the WATER BEARER

aquarius sun // may like to rebel and march to the beat of their drum, whether you can see that or not. sometimes a bit aloof or even standoffish. need space and personal freedom. very intelligent and humorous. get an aquarius if you want someone unique. 

aquarius moon // very observant. likes to know why people do the things they do. can be idealistic. may have messy emotions in youth, but seem cool and collected in adulthood. get an aquarius if you want to know answers to questions.

aquarius mercury // unconventional and loves to break the rules. detached and intelligent. very delightful company and you’ll never get bored around them. likes to offer different perspectives. get an aquarius mercury if you want to see the world differently.

aquarius rising // they are individuals and want people to respect them. they like to shock others, with stories, actions, words, etc. are curious and big humanitarians. you want an aquarius rising if you want someone that cares about the world. 

aquarius venus // very open-minded and laid-back. thinks about the future and forgets about the past. wants you to acknowledge how interesting and unique they are. get an aqua venus if you want someone that isn’t too clingy. 

aquarius mars // can be hard to understand. very good at being sneaky and getting what they want. they like to let others be. they want their own freedom and will give you yours. you want an aquarius mars if you want someone that stands out.

PISCES the FISH 

pisces sun // these people are open-minded, adaptable, flexible, and very understanding. they have big dreams and may get caught up in the moment. sensitive to criticism and others’ feelings. get a pisces sun if you want someone empathetic and willing to adapt. 

pisces moon // dreamy and not too in touch with reality. can put themselves in other people’s shoes easily. soft-hearted and sweet, and likes to rely on their intuition. you want a lunar pisces if you want someone is kind and never indifferent to your feelings. 

pisces mercury // gentle communicators. very good listeners and connect to other people’s emotions. often pretty vague in their words. dreamy and indirect. pisces mercury people are good if you want someone to listen to you. 

pisces rising // they like to go with the flow. they don’t like labels. they have an irresistible charm and have vague direction with where they want to go in life. get a pisces rising if you want someone who lives in the moment. 

pisces venus // soft-hearted, imaginative, and romantic partners. can be afraid to commit even though they usually want to. enjoys tender moments and sets high expectations, but is alright if they’re not met. get a pisces venus if you want someone you can truly connect with. 

pisces mars // mild-tempered and gentle. defensive of friends and family, but doesn’t like to fight dirty. has bursts of energy and then slows down in between. get a pisces mars if you don’t like aggression.