Wiccans are individuals who follow the spiritual and religious beliefs of Wicca, an earth-centered religion that celebrates nature and the divine feminine. As followers, Wiccans often seek guidance, support, and shared experiences within their community. Therefore, being present for them can be immensely valuable. Firstly, Wiccans may need someone who understands their beliefs and practices. As Wicca is often misunderstood and misrepresented, having a person who can empathize with their spiritual journey can provide comfort and a sense of belonging. By being there to listen and learn, individuals can create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.
By being there to listen and learn, individuals can create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. Additionally, Wiccans may need assistance in strengthening their connection with nature. Nature plays a vital role in Wiccan rituals and beliefs, and many Wiccans feel a deep connection to the natural world.
What a Witch's Familiar Really Is
In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust explains witches familiars—the pets psychically connected to their witches. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
The relationship between witches and familiars runs deep. Familiars (or imps) usually are small household pets that serve as a witch’s companion. According to legend, familiars are sort of like guides, who take the form of an animal on Earth. They are loyal guardians and protectors to witches, who are sent to assist them with magic.
According to The Hoodwitch Owner and Creative Director, Bri Luna, “Familiars are not just pets, they are our truest friends and confidants. They hear and see it all, they understand and know us better than we may even know ourselves.”
Familiars are psychically connected and can telepathically communicate with each other in times of need. Magic practitioner Nina Kahn felt this way about her hamster, Bagel. “[He] became a true familiar to me,” Nina says. "I adopted him in my late teens from a friend who could no longer care for him, and immediately felt bonded. I could easily read his emotions, and he communicated with me in so many different and meaningful ways.”
Bri adds that her cat “has protected me in more ways than one. His energy is calming and very soothing and he has very unique colored eyes (orange). Just looking at him, we both understand each other without ever using words. He knows all of my moods, he enjoys watching me do tarot— at one point he even pulled cards but now he just likes to sleep on them.”
Familiars are also healers and magical practitioners in their own way. Tarot reader, witch, and color magic practitioner Sarah Potter says that her cat, Polly, “psychically chatters to me all day long and sometimes even crashes my client Tarot sessions. Because of her good sense about people, her advice is always on point, too. Polly insists on being a part of every ritual. which is why I never keep her out of any magical work I am doing.”
Psychic Stephanie Ulrich (AKA “The Snake Channeler”) receives downloads from her snakes, which are known to be super intuitive creatures. Her snakes share pivotal insights about clients during readings. Stephanie translates the messages with her clients that the snakes are telling her and lets her clients know all the pertinent information that her snakes want to share.
So, how does a witch meet their familiar? Well, they just sort of find each other. They choose to be the other’s familiar, and enter a mutually beneficial relationship.
Tarot reader, host of This is Your Magic podcast, and author Michelle Tea met her cat serendipitously, after waiting for the right familiar to “choose” her. And, “it finally happened three years ago when my cat Birthday Rainbow walked into my house, laid down and never left.”
Witch, psychic, and host of The Glitter Cast podcast Renee Watt further explains, “there is a correlation between wishing for an animal companion and having it manifest for you in serendipitous ways. Dreaming about a pet or feeling as though it communicates with you in psychic ways are also indications that you've got a familiar by your side.”
Can any animal be a witch’s familiar? Sort of, yes! Insects, cats, mice, rats, toads, ravens, and dogs are traditionally familiars. However, it depends upon how the witch and the animal connect. Sometimes two spirits (that being the witch and the familiar) want to work together and find an affinity in each other. This means that it won’t matter who the spirit belongs to, as it’s a fated meeting that draws them together as one.
Every animal has its spiritual significance in the magical world. But if we're being real, many witches have cat familiars by their sides (the tropes are true!). The reason that most witches have cat familiars is simple: According to Bri, “cats have been long admired and revered as sacred from the days of the great goddess Bastet. They remember this information and their energy and presence offered is indicative of this.”
Remember all of this the next time you play with your pet. They are the gatekeepers, protectors of your magic, and will bring you clarity. Plus, they’ll prove their loyalty by never leaving your side.
So, how does a witch meet their familiar? Well, they just sort of find each other. They choose to be the other’s familiar, and enter a mutually beneficial relationship.
Therefore, offering guidance on conservation efforts, sustainable living, and outdoor activities can be valuable for Wiccans as they seek to deepen their bond with the earth. Furthermore, Wiccans may need support in navigating the challenges that arise from practicing a minority religion. This could include dealing with discrimination, intolerance, or judgment from others. By offering a supportive ear and standing up against prejudice, individuals can help Wiccans feel validated and less isolated. Lastly, Wiccans may need resources and recommendations for further study and growth. Wicca encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and practices, and individuals may seek guidance on specific topics or areas of interest. Sharing books, websites, and other educational materials can aid in their spiritual development and exploration. In conclusion, Wiccans can greatly benefit from having individuals who are supportive, understanding, and knowledgeable about their beliefs and practices. By providing companionship, guidance, and resources, people can assist Wiccans in their spiritual journey and foster a sense of community. Being there for them can not only help them grow as individuals but also contribute to a more accepting and inclusive society..
Reviews for "Exploring the Connection Between Wicca and Feminism"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Wiccans need me" to be extremely disappointing and lacking in substance. The writing style was disjointed and the plot was poorly developed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them or care about their journey. Furthermore, the book seemed to rely heavily on stereotypes and misconceptions about Wicca, which I found to be offensive and disheartening. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful and well-written story.
2. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Wiccans need me," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow and there was little to no character development. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. Additionally, the portrayal of Wicca felt shallow and often leaned towards clichés, which was both disappointing and disrespectful to those who practice the religion. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired. Overall, I found "Wiccans need me" to be a disappointing read that failed to deliver on its promises.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I picked up "Wiccans need me" expecting an authentic and nuanced portrayal of Wicca, but sadly, that was not what I got. The book relied on tired stereotypes and lacked the depth and understanding that this topic requires. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, making it difficult to stay engaged. Furthermore, the writing style was clunky and disjointed, making it a chore to read. While I appreciate the attempt to shine a light on Wicca, I believe there are better and more respectful representations out there. "Wiccans need me" was a disappointment and not a book I would recommend.