Wicca, and familiars

[Kendrom]

Forgive me if this question is out of place. But it's up front, and I would like to know.

Can/do Wiccans have familiars? Also, do familiars have to be cats, or can they be most any animal? Are there any animals that would never be a fimiliar? As I understand familiars, they are spirits that take the form of (usually) a cat. They stay with you and help to mentor you, and/or help you accomplish your goals.

I have always had a special way with animals, all my life. I have had wild animals approach me with little fear. I am able to approach, and pet, dogs that normally would attack, or bite. I don't claim to be able to talk to animals. But I seem to be able to understand them as far as what they want, or how they feel.

Does this ability mean anything special (aside from my having it)? Could these have been familiars trying to guide me, or contact me, and I never realized it? Or am I just a big push over for animals, and nothing more?

Thanks in advance.

[Sammy]

Yes, Wiccans can have a familiar, it doesn't have to be a cat though. I think that's just a common misconception because witches were often depicted with cats as their companions. The familiar can be any animal.

On the second question I don't know how to answer, perhaps you just have a calming presance and the animals aknowledge it, or it could be something else. You could also be very perceptive to the animals emotions. I don't know, maybe someone else knows the answer.
I hope my answer helped.

[AutumnMaidens]

Familiars are like animal guides only alive. It can be a pet that you have a strong spiritual connection with who likes to sit within your circle or hang around real close to you and your altar. They strengthen circles and rituals just by being present at the time of the ritual/magickal working.
So that would be, any pet you have a spiritual/deep connection with.

I have a pretty strong connection with animals myself so I know what you mean. Being able to tell what an animal is feeling can be a sign that you're an empath. If animals feel at ease around you it can mean that you have a very calm aura since animals feel energies they can tell exactly what kind of person you are just by feeling you. However wild animals probably wont be your familiar since they are called familiars because you are familiar with their energies, it being one specific animal, rather than a breed or a species of animals. It could however be that if you have a connection with a specific species that. that your animal spirit guide might be that same species.

Bless and hope this helps

[AutumnSilvermoon]

I think its already been said: Familiars don't have to be cats. I know many Wiccans that have birds, gerbils, and even a ferret.

As far as the ability to calm animals, its a great gift! I wish I could calm my pets! Listen to what the animals are telling you. Most of the time, they are passing down a message.

Hope this helps. I haven't had my coffee yet. LOL

[AlyssaImagine]

Your relationship with animals sounds like mine, and my brother`s. We`ve always had a special connection to them, and never really needed to be taught to handle an animal. Animals that people warn hate a specific gender, people, or age group of people have never applied to us. We surprise people with their animals instant like of us.