What to do to familiar spirits ?

Familiar spirits are supernatural entities believed to assist witches and cunning folk in their magical practices, divination, and spiritual insights. They are often depicted as taking the form of animals, but can also appear as humans or humanoid figures, and are described as vivid and three-dimensional, unlike smoky, undefined ghosts.

The concept of familiar spirits has varied interpretations across different traditions and beliefs. In some modern witchcraft practices, a familiar is seen as a spirit ally that enters into a symbiotic relationship with a witch to aid in magic, protection, healing, divination, and trance work, often acting as a lifelong companion. These familiars may manifest as animals, fae, demons, plants, or even human-like guides. Some contemporary practitioners, including adherents of Wicca, integrate the concept of familiars into their practices, often associating them with pets or wildlife, or believing in invisible versions that act as magical aides.

Historically, familiar spirits were thought to be gifted to witches, often by figures like the Devil after an initiatory experience, or inherited from other individuals. There are also accounts of familiars appearing spontaneously. The relationship between a witch and their familiar is often described as one of mutual trust and aid, with the familiar potentially being the catalyst for the witch's journey into magic. Familiars are believed to assist with tasks such as spell work, divination, guiding into the Otherworld, relaying information, and teaching new skills.

In contrast, certain religious perspectives, particularly within Christianity, view familiar spirits as demonic entities that are deeply familiar with a person's history, habits, and weaknesses. These spirits are believed to gain access through various "open doors" such as occult practices, unresolved sin, or generational iniquities. They are seen as deceptive, manipulating individuals by impersonating deceased loved ones, mimicking the Holy Spirit, or presenting lies as truth to undermine spiritual growth and perpetuate generational curses. The Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, strongly condemns practices involving mediums and familiar spirits, considering them detestable to the Lord and punishable by death.

To address familiar spirits, the approach depends heavily on one's belief system:

• For those who view them as spirit allies in magical practice:

  • Forming a bond: This involves recognizing and nurturing a connection with a spirit that may already be present or seeking one out. It's suggested that the familiar often finds the witch, rather than the other way around.

  • Establishing clear intentions and boundaries: It's important to consider the desired qualities of a familiar, the type of relationship (mentor, partner, servant), communication methods, tasks, offerings, and the duration of the relationship.

  • Providing offerings and housing: Familiars may require specific offerings (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, bread, blood) and a dedicated space, such as a jar, box, or altar, furnished with items they might enjoy.

  • Maintaining mutual trust and respect: The relationship is symbiotic, and failure to uphold agreements can lead to the familiar leaving or retaliating.

  • Keeping their name and sigil private: Names are believed to hold power, and keeping a familiar's name and sigil secret protects both the witch and the familiar from potential harm.

• For those who view them as demonic entities:

  • Discernment: It is crucial to discern the source of spiritual information or experiences, as familiar spirits can mimic positive influences or deceased loved ones.

  • Prayer and repentance: Acknowledging and repenting for any "open doors" that may have allowed familiar spirits access, such as occult practices, sin, or generational iniquities, is a foundational step.

  • Exercising spiritual authority: Believers are encouraged to command familiar spirits to leave in the name of Jesus, standing firm in their spiritual authority.

  • Renewing the mind with God's Word: Saturating one's mind with scripture helps to fill voids where deception might reside and aligns thoughts with biblical truth.

  • Breaking generational curses: If familiar spirits are linked to generational patterns, actively breaking these curses and renouncing sinful patterns in the name of Jesus is advised.

  • Seeking deliverance: For intense battles, seeking guidance from a trusted deliverance minister or spiritual leader is recommended.

  • Spiritual vigilance: Maintaining a strong prayer life, guarding one's heart, and being cautious of practices that could invite these spirits back are essential for ongoing freedom.

  • Avoiding occult and New Age practices: This includes horoscopes, tarot cards, manifestation teachings detached from God's will, energy healing, and communicating with the dead, as these are seen as direct access points for familiar spirits.

Ultimately, the approach to familiar spirits is deeply rooted in one's spiritual framework and understanding of their nature and origin.