[Chado2423]

OCT. 5th

Since many of you either are Wiccans or are interested in Wiccan Spirituality I have decided to share with you some terms from the Wiccan faith. Occasionally in this thread I will share a Wiccan Word and its basic definition, so check back every so often to see what word I have shared. Also if you would like to contribute and share Wiccan words and/phrases for the benefit of those who would like a not-so aggressive outlook on what Wicca means, then please by all means contribitut to this thread as well.

The word of the day is FAMILIAR

familiar... [noun]

There are many types of familiars, but this thread will discuss the primary two types used by most Wiccans.

Definition One: A living familiar:
A familiar is a living animal spirit that has abided in harmony with the powers of the practicioner. Often these may be considered "pets" by traditional societal terms... however if a Wiccan has more than one pet, it is likely that only one or two of them are considered to be his/her familar. Some view the familiar as a previous human spirit reincarnated into that of the animal, thus veiwing the soul energy of the familiar as older rather than new... Basically, a familiar is a magickal equal animal partner, showing unusual psychic & intelligent qualities with its human counterpart. Wiccans do not typically refer to their familiar as merely a pet. The animal itself or the "magickal" energy of the animal's spirit may often be a part of a Wiccan's ceremonies.


Defintion Two: "Astral familiar"
There are many types of familiars, some more "imaginary" than real, however many Wiccans do have physical, living, breathing animals they relate to on an equal plane. Some wiccans do not view the unseen animal energies as unreal however, and would not consider them imaginary, but rather either the spirit of the deceased, or an animal form of a God or Goddess. The unseen familiars would be termed "astral familiars."

Summary:
Non-pagans sometimes do not understand the companionship and working relationship between Pagans and their familiars, and sometimes fear the very idea of familiars. However, according to Wiccan teaching having a familiar makes one more aware of the connection between humans and all other creatures, and the more intricate connection between all creatures (human and otherwise) and the universal source of spiritual power.