Familiar

By Crusader1307

 A component of both White and Black Magic, the practice of using Familiar Spirits is quite Ancient. The descriptions of use however are best known starting in the 14th Century. Much of the Myth comes from this Period. Both forms of Witchcraft invoked Guardian or Guide Spirits almost as a first Spell . Most of these Spirits were incorporeal (or without form). Such Beings would be placed inside the bodies of two of the most common Creatures The Cat or The Raven (also Crow).

It was the job of The Familiar Spirit to protect and warn his or her Owner . They did not speak in Human terms, but with The Mind . A Familiar lasted only as long as his Owner . They too would die after the death of their Master or Mistress. By the 15th Century, Artistic impression began to form Familiar Cats with regards to both Good and Evil Magic. They were portrayed as Black (a supernatural Color), and Demons or Servants of The Devil. The mere act of owning a Black Cat was often seen as being associated with Witchcraft. Popular Culture would soon associate The Black Cat Familiar with the practice of Halloween. The Familiar Spirit still is portrayed as a Black Cats in many Plot constructs in Books and Films, today.