Witches familiars are believed to be supernatural beings or spirits that assist witches in their magical practices. These familiars often take the form of animals, such as cats, dogs, birds, or even mythical creatures. They are said to possess special powers and knowledge, acting as guides and protectors for the witches they are associated with. The names of witches familiars can vary greatly. Some witches choose to give their familiars names that are significant to their craft or personal beliefs. For example, a witch who practices herbalism might name their familiar "Herb" or "Sage" to symbolize their connection to nature and healing.
He is indeed a very special saint, as he prepared the way for Jesus, who was also in fact his cousin. Just as it happened for Jesus, Saint John’s feast took place on a Solstice: as the birth of Jesus on December 25th marks the rebirth of the Sun, so the birthday of John on June 24th marks the beginning of the diminishing sun.
That s why on some days they would open the entrance of the Mundus , a deep pit which was believed to be the entrance to the underworld, to allow the dead to access the world of the living. Pagan holidays, like Pagan ritual in general, are focused on nurturing relationships between Pagans and the land, their gods, their ancestors, and each other.
For example, a witch who practices herbalism might name their familiar "Herb" or "Sage" to symbolize their connection to nature and healing. Others may choose names based on the animal's characteristics, such as "Shadow" for a black cat or "Wings" for a bird familiar. Another approach to naming familiars is to choose names that reflect the spirit or essence of the animal.
6 pagan festivals we still celebrate today
It might feel like many holidays and festivals are just an excuse to spend money and let loose, but even the most commercialised public festivities can trace their origins back to ancient roots.
Equinoxes, changes in the seasons, and astrological events have been observed by humanity for millennia as the natural calendar that dictated our very survival. The hardships that early humans experienced meant that each new season they survived was a cause for celebration, and anything they could do to ensure the survival of the next was vital.
From observing the stars to determine the best time to begin planting crops to celebrations of the earth’s abundance that gives life each spring and harvest season - some rituals became so ingrained into the fabric of human civilisation that they can still be found in our modern-day observances. Here are six pagan festivals that we still celebrate today.
Read more about: Ancient History
The Wheel of the Year: the calendar of pagan festivals explained
by James Brigden
1. Halloween/Samhain
While Halloween has become synonymous with costume parties, excessive amounts of sweets, and all things horror, we can still very much find the origins of the pagan celebrations in how we celebrate today.
Many of our current Halloween traditions can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Once the final harvest of the year was complete, celebrations would begin that usher in the darkest season of the year. Ancient Celts also believed that on Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing otherworldly creatures and dark spirits to break through into the world of the living. They would burn fires through the night to burn away the darkness, leave offerings of food and treats to appease the spirits and dress up as animals to confuse the fae folk that might try to cause them ill will. Wards were also used to keep angry spirits at bay, including turnips that were hollowed and carved into twisted and scary faces, lit from inside with a candle.
This can be achieved through researching folklore, mythology, or cultural associations with specific animals. For instance, a witch who has a fox familiar might choose a name like "Reynard" after the mischievous fox character in European folklore. Some witches prefer to let their familiars choose their own names. They believe that familiars possess their own consciousness and identity and should have the freedom to express themselves. In these cases, witches may meditate or communicate with their familiars to discover the name that resonates with them. Ultimately, the name of a witch's familiar is a deeply personal choice. It can reflect the bond between the witch and their familiar, as well as their individual spiritual inclinations. Whether chosen for symbolism, characteristics, or by letting the familiar decide, the name of a witch's familiar holds significance and cultivates a strong connection in the realm of witchcraft and magic..
Reviews for "Naming Your Familiar: Traditional Names vs. Personal Choices"
1. Jennifer - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Witches Familiars Names". The book lacked any truly creative or unique ideas for naming witches' familiars. Most of the names provided were cliché and unimaginative, like "Shadow" or "Midnight". I was hoping for something more inventive and magical. Additionally, the book was quite short, with only a limited number of names to choose from. I expected a more extensive list of options. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and would not recommend it to others seeking inspiration for naming their witches' familiars.
2. Jason - 3/5
"Witches Familiars Names" had some decent suggestions for naming witches' familiars, but it fell short in terms of variety and uniqueness. While it did have some creative options, many of the names were very common and lacked the mystical quality I was hoping for. Furthermore, the book didn't provide much background information or context for the names suggested, making it difficult for readers to connect with the names on a deeper level. Overall, it was an average resource for naming witches' familiars, but if you're looking for something more extraordinary, you might want to keep searching.
3. Emily - 2/5
I honestly found "Witches Familiars Names" to be quite generic and unremarkable. The names provided were mostly predictable and lacking in any real depth or magic. I was hoping for names that would evoke a sense of mystery and enchantment, but instead, I found myself bored with the options presented. Additionally, the book didn't offer any tips or guidance for selecting the perfect name for your familiar, which would have been helpful. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone seeking truly unique and captivating names for their witches' familiars.
4. Brian - 1/5
I was expecting something truly inspiring from "Witches Familiars Names", but sadly, it didn't meet my expectations at all. The names suggested in this book felt extremely generic and unimaginative. Most of them followed the same tired themes like darkness or nature, without adding any fresh or exciting elements. Additionally, the book lacked any real organization, making it difficult to navigate through the names. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone searching for unique and enchanting names for their witches' familiars.