Witches "familiars" were thought to be of three kinds...the spirit of a dead person, an element or a material creature; which is probably the best known...I have featured the four most popular contenders; the cat, fox, horse & magpie. There are various interpretations of same but I have focused on the main ones.
The interesting thing about the creatures mentioned is that they all have a "dark" aspect to them...not a concept I completly agree with. However, cats, foxes, hares, rats, owls, magpies, toads (with the notable exception of the mighty horse) are animals which hold unsavoury memories...even from childhood.
The cat (black or otherwise) is a famous Witches' companion; and anyone who has had the pleasure of owning such an animal (if indeed you do OWN a cat?!) will no doubt agree that they are exceptional creatures & in no way unsavoury (apart from the dead mice!).
A black cat, even by todays standards, is still considered to be a Witches' Familiar...and many people are wary of them (despite the superstition of good luck).
In the early 16th century suspected Witches (who were then burned & hanged) were said to turn themselves into animals; most famously a hare - hence the familiar - to save themselves from certain death; although, at the time it was said to be the work of the devil...(of course good Witches of today know the devil has nothing to do with the craft).
Animals & Witches have had a long association, whether it's "eye of newt & wing of bat" or a trusted familiar it is safe to assume the partnership is, and always will be, an enduring one.
Everyone needs a companion; even a Witch - look beyond the stereotype and tap into the real positive elements of these familiars...you may be pleasantly surprised!
Dalry Witches (2003) (c)
