Wednesday, 11 February 2026

The Familiar

 Whispers from the Shadows: The Eternal Bond of Witch and Familiar



In the veiled mists of ancient lore, where the veil between worlds thins to a gossamer thread, there dwells the enigmatic figure of the witch’s familiar. These spectral companions, born of starlit pacts and whispered incantations, have danced through the annals of human imagination as guardians, tricksters, and harbingers of arcane power. 


Not mere pets, but extensions of the soul—shapeshifters cloaked in fur, feather, or scale—they embody the profound mystery of the unseen realms. To gaze upon a familiar is to peer into the abyss of magic itself, where the mortal and the ethereal entwine in an eternal embrace. From the flickering hearths of medieval Europe to the shadowed groves of forgotten shamans, their story unfolds like a spell cast upon the winds of time.

My own familiar, Mystery

What animals make good familiars today?

The common familiar is of course a cat, in particular a black cat ( yeah we know- stereotypes but who cares! My familiar is a black cat and she is simply amazing!) but you could choose a dog, magpie, crow, weasel, rat , mouse or whatever you feel resonates most .


The origins of the familiar stretch back into the dim corridors of history, predating the flames of the witch hunts that would later demonise them. In the arcane texts of antiquity, such as the Picatrix—a Latin translation of an Arabic grimoire—familiars emerge as benevolent spirit guides, akin to guardian angels bestowed upon the wise. 


 Here, figures like Caraphzebiz are noted as early recipients of these ethereal allies, serving as intermediaries between the human practitioner and the cosmic forces.  In shamanic traditions across cultures, from the indigenous peoples of the Americas to the cunning folk of pre-Christian Europe, animal spirits were invoked not as servants of darkness, but as allies in divination, healing, and spiritual insight.  


These beings, often manifesting as totems or power animals, lent their essence to the mage, granting visions from the wild heart of nature. Imagine a raven perched upon a druid’s shoulder, its obsidian eyes reflecting the secrets of the Otherworld, or a fox slinking through the underbrush, carrying messages from the gods themselves. Such was the primordial harmony, a mystical symbiosis where the familiar amplified the witch’s innate gifts, protecting her as she navigated the labyrinth of fate.


Yet, as the shadows of the Middle Ages deepened, the familiar’s image twisted under the weight of religious fervor and societal paranoia. The witch panics of the 15th to 17th centuries, fueled by edicts like James I’s 1604 Witchcraft Act, recast these once-benign entities as diabolical imps—low-ranking demons gifted by the Devil to aid in maleficium.   


In England, where the hunts burned brightest, familiars were deemed proof of infernal allegiance. Accused witches like Agnes Waterhouse, executed in 1566, confessed to harboring a cat named Satan, inherited from her sister and fed on drops of her own blood through peculiar “teats” or marks upon her body.   These marks, scoured for by inquisitors, were seen as unholy nipples sustaining the imp’s vitality, a grotesque fusion of nurture and nightmare.  



Folklore brimmed with tales of these shape-shifters: toads croaking curses in moonlit bogs, black dogs prowling crossroads as omens of doom, or even butterflies fluttering with malevolent intent.  In the Salem trials of 1692, Puritan interrogators probed for evidence of such spirits, viewing them as conduits to Satan, capable of assuming humanoid forms to tempt or torment.  One can envision the chilling scene: a lone witch in her cottage, her familiar—a sleek ferret or watchful owl—whispering forbidden knowledge, its eyes glowing with otherworldly fire, as the villagers’ torches approached.


How to find your familiar 

Your familiar will find you!!

When the  time right for your familiar you will know, it’s something you will sense deep down. 


Across cultures, the familiar’s folklore weaves a tapestry of wonder and dread. In European fairytales, as collected by the Brothers Grimm, motifs of animal helpers recur, echoing ancient beliefs in spirit pacts.  


The black cat, emblem of mystery and independence, became the archetype, its nine lives symbolising resilience amid persecution.  Yet, not all were feline; rabbits, dogs, and insects too served as vessels for demonic or divine energies.  In some accounts, familiars were inherited, passed down bloodlines like heirlooms of power, while others were summoned through rituals, emerging from the ether to forge an unbreakable bond.  


Their dual nature—benevolent to cunning folk, malevolent to the accused—mirrors the ambiguity of magic itself.  In Liverpool’s tales, spirits like those owned by Margaret Ley manifested as imps, stirring mischief or offering protection in a world hostile to the arcane see.  Even in the New World, echoes of Old World fears persisted, where a simple pet could seal one’s fate as a sorceress. 


How do I work with my familiar?

Firstly you should ask them quietly and respectfully to whisper to you their name. Then use that name . To make a full connection with them and draw them into your working area create a simple ritual including a circle as usual . Stand in your circle by your altar and quietly and respectfully ask the familiar if they would enter your circle . If they refuse they are either not ready or do not want to be part of your work as a familiar. If they do enter and show interest then you are now bonded for life ! Love them, care and protect them and they will do the same for you.


The roots of these spirit familiars delve deep into the primordial soil of human spirituality, predating the structured rites of organised religion. In Siberian shamanism, the cradle of many shamanic practices, the familiar often appears as the ayami—a bird-like spirit-wife who chooses the shaman, granting him assistant spirits to aid in healing and divination.  


This avian ally, sometimes manifesting as a wolf or winged tiger, teaches the initiate to navigate the spirit worlds, her form a symbol of transformation and fierce protection.  The shaman’s bond with such entities is forged in ecstatic visions, where the familiar reveals itself during soul flights, mending the fragmented self and guarding against malevolent forces.  


Unlike the demonic imps of European witch lore, these shamanic familiars are extensions of the natural order, allies summoned from the animistic web where every rock, river, and beast pulses with spirit.


Venture further into the lore of Indigenous North American traditions, and the familiar transforms into the power animal—a spiritual guardian that emerges during vision quests or rites of passage.   For the Lakota or Navajo shaman, a bear might lend its strength for healing, or a raven its cunning for prophecy, appearing in dreams or trances to impart wisdom.  These beings are not bound by physical form; they traverse the astral realms, serving as thought-forms or ethereal guides that protect the practitioner from psychic assaults.  



In African shamanic paths, such as those of the Sangoma in Zulu culture, animal spirits like the leopard or elephant embody ancestral power, aiding in divination through bone-throwing or trance dances.  Similarly, in Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies, jaguars or anacondas slither into visions as familiars, revealing hidden truths and facilitating soul retrieval.  These cross-cultural echoes reveal a universal truth: the familiar is a mirror of the shaman’s inner wilderness, a symbiotic force amplifying their ability to heal, foresee, and commune with the divine.


Yet, distinctions weave through this tapestry, separating familiars from totems and transient spirit animals. Totems, often clan or personal emblems, symbolise enduring traits and cultural connections, like the eagle totem of many Native tribes representing vision and freedom.   

In contrast, shamanic familiars are dynamic partners, lifelong or quest-specific allies that actively intervene in rituals.  Spirit animals may appear fleetingly, offering momentary guidance, while familiars forge deeper pacts, sometimes inherited or summoned through shamanic initiation.   


In folklore, these bonds are sealed in altered states—drumming, chanting, or plant medicines—where the shaman merges with the animal’s essence, shapeshifting to traverse realms unseen.  The familiar’s power stems from this union, drawing on the shaman’s life force, much like the witch’s sexual energy in global magical traditions.


In  their presence, one senses the pulse of forbidden wisdom, the familiar’s gaze inviting us to question the boundaries of reality.



The mystical essence of the familiar lies in this profound connection—a soul-deep alliance that transcends the corporeal. They are not slaves, but mirrors of the witch’s inner world, amplifying her spells with their innate magic, whether for healing herbs or hexing foes.  In modern echoes, within the circles of Wicca and neopaganism, familiars reclaim their guardian role, chosen through intuition rather than infernal bargains.   They remind us that magic is not dominion, but dialogue with the unseen, a dance of shadows where the familiar whispers truths long buried in the earth.


As the moon wanes and the stars align once more, the legacy of the witch’s familiar endures, a testament to humanity’s yearning for companionship beyond the veil. In every rustle of leaves or glint in an animal’s eye, their spirit lingers, inviting the seeker to awaken the magic within. For in the heart of folklore and history, the familiar is eternal—a bridge to the mysteries that bind us all.


Deck of the week: The Romance Angels Oracle by Doreen Virtue

 Deck of the week

The Romance Angels oracle by Doreen Virtue 


The Romance Angels Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue (published by Hay House in 2012) is a specialised 44-card oracle deck focused exclusively on matters of the heart: romantic relationships, soulmates, healing from past loves, attracting love, and related emotional guidance. It’s channeled through the concept of “Romance Angels”—cherubic beings dedicated to love—making it a targeted tool rather than a general-purpose oracle or tarot deck.


The artwork stands out as one of its biggest strengths. The cards feature a beautiful, romantic aesthetic blending historical paintings, angelic imagery, soft photographs, and vintage-inspired romantic scenes. Many reviewers describe them as “gorgeous,” “old-timey,” and visually captivating, with gilded gold edges on the deck adding a luxurious, premium feel that looks especially striking in person.


The deck includes a solid companion guidebook (around 104-106 pages), which provides clear card names, short descriptions, and meanings—helpful for beginners. Each card also has a brief phrase or advice printed directly on it, reducing ambiguity and making it user-friendly for quick readings or daily draws. Many users praise it for delivering surprisingly accurate, uplifting insights into love dilemmas, with some calling the messages “perfect” or “treasure”-like for romance-focused questions.



That said, the narrow focus is both a pro and a con. If you’re seeking guidance specifically on relationships, soulmate connections, or healing heartbreak, it excels and feels purposeful. However, for broader life questions or if you prefer decks with deeper symbolism and intuitive flexibility, it can feel restrictive or overly “romanticised.” Some experienced readers note it lacks the layered symbolism of traditional tarot, leaning more toward direct, beginner-friendly affirmations.


Note that the original deck is now out of print (following Doreen Virtue’s shift away from her earlier New Age work after 2017), so authentic copies often command higher prices on secondary markets like Etsy or eBay, and knock-off versions exist. The original photos in this review are of our own  deck from c.2012



Overall, we rate the deck for its intended , albeit limited purpose. It’s a lovely, heartfelt deck with stunning visuals and genuinely helpful romance-specific guidance—ideal for anyone drawn to angelic energy and love readings. If love is your main area of interest, it’s worth tracking down despite its rarity. Doreen Virtue collectors or dedicated romance oracle enthusiasts would, we think, find this oracle a worthy addition to their collection.

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781401924768/Romance-Angels-Oracle-Cards-Virtue-140192476X/plp

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Mineral Marvels: Tourmaline

 Mineral Marvels 

Tourmaline 


In the shadowed heart of the Earth, where ancient fires once raged and cooled into silence, there sleeps a stone forged from midnight itself: 
black tourmaline.

Its surface drinks light rather than reflects it, a velvet abyss etched with faint striations like the claw marks of forgotten guardians. Raw and unyielding, it appears as though a fragment of the void between stars was torn free and pressed into mineral form.


Yet this darkness is no mere absence. Black tourmaline is a sentinel, a living ward woven from the bones of volcanoes and the breath of primordial storms. Long before crystal workers named its powers, shamans of distant lands carried slivers of schorl (its true mineral name) as talismans against the invisible arrows of envy, malice, and despair. In Egyptian sands it guarded tombs from restless spirits; among Celtic peoples it stood as a silent shield against curses whispered on winter winds; in Andean highlands, magicians bound it to staffs to channel the deep knowing of the world below.


Its magic begins with grounding. When chaos swirls—when thoughts spiral like carrion birds and the body trembles with unseen electricity—black tourmaline reaches downward through the soles of the feet, through roots that are not visible yet felt, anchoring the spirit to the great, patient stone heart of the planet. It transmutes fear into stillness, rage into clarity, static into silence.


Picture this: you stand at the edge of a storm, psychic winds howling, threads of others’ anger and anxiety reaching toward you like spectral hands. In your palm rests a piece of black tourmaline, cool and heavy. As you breathe, it begins to hum—low, almost inaudible, a frequency older than human speech. Negative energy approaches… and simply cannot cross. It slides off the stone’s auric shield like rain on obsidian, neutralised, returned to sender, or dissolved into harmless mist.

This is its oldest spell: protection without violence. Unlike stones that blaze or pierce, black tourmaline absorbs, transforms, and releases. It is the quiet bouncer at the door of your soul, never raising its voice, yet no uninvited guest ever passes twice.


In meditation it becomes a black mirror. Gaze into its glossy planes and the mind empties—not into blankness, but into fertile void. From that darkness flashes the first spark: insight, courage, the sudden knowing of which path to take when all roads seem shadowed. It clears the root chakra like a river sweeping silt from an ancient bed, allowing kundalini to rise without burning, steady and sure.

Witches of old prized it for boundary work. They placed it at thresholds, in the four corners of a room, or buried small pieces at property lines to create a magical perimeter no harmful intent could breach. Modern practitioners carry it in pockets during crowded days or place it beside beds to guard dreams from intrusion.


And there is a secret gentleness beneath its armor. When grief presses like a stone on the chest, black tourmaline does not promise to erase the pain—it simply holds space for it, absorbing the heaviest waves so the heart can breathe again. It reminds us that strength is not the absence of vulnerability, but the courage to feel while remaining whole.

In a world thick with electromagnetic static, psychic noise, and unseen currents, black tourmaline stands as an ally of quiet sovereignty. It does not shout its power. It simply is: dark, deep, unshakable.

Hold it. Feel its weight. Whisper thanks to the Earth that birthed such a faithful guardian.

In its presence, the chaos recedes… and you remember who you truly are—rooted, radiant, and protected by the gentle magic of the darkest stone.


Key Color Varieties and Trade Names

Tourmaline’s colors often receive poetic or descriptive trade names, especially for elbaite:

•  Black Tourmaline (Schorl) — Deep, opaque black, absorbing light dramatically. The guardian stone from your previous essay, grounding and protective.

•  Green Tourmaline (Verdelite) — Shades from pale mint to forest green to vivid emerald-like tones. Caused mainly by iron (or chromium/vanadium in intense “chrome” varieties).

•  Pink Tourmaline — Soft pastel to vivid pink, colored by manganese. Lighter shades are common and affordable.

•  Red Tourmaline (Rubellite) — Rich pinkish-red to purplish-red, orangy-red, or brownish-red. Highly valued when it holds strong color in all lighting.

•  Blue Tourmaline (Indicolite) — Violetish-blue to deep blue or greenish-blue, from iron.

•  Paraíba Tourmaline — Legendary neon turquoise, electric blue, or greenish-blue, colored by copper (and often manganese). Originally from Brazil’s Paraíba region but now also from Mozambique and Nigeria; among the rarest and most expensive varieties.

•  Yellow Tourmaline — Pale to bright yellow or golden (sometimes called “canary”), from manganese or other traces.

•  Brown Tourmaline (often Dravite) — Yellowish-brown to dark brown.

•  Colorless Tourmaline (Achroite) — Rare, pure, and transparent.

•  Watermelon Tourmaline — Iconic bi-color or tri-color with green “rind” (outer layer) and pink/red “core,” often sliced to showcase the pattern.

•  Bi-color / Multi-color / Parti-colored — Stones showing two or more distinct colors in zones, swirls, or layers (e.g., green-pink, green-red-white, or even tri-color combinations). These result from chemical changes during crystal growth.


Other notable mentions include intense chrome green (chromium/vanadium for neon-like greens), orange hues, purple/lilac shades, and rare cat’s-eye effects in cabochons.


In magical and metaphysical traditions, each color carries unique energies: black for protection, green for heart healing and abundance, pink for love and compassion, blue for communication and calm, and Paraíba for visionary intuition. Yet tourmaline’s true enchantment lies in its chameleon nature—no other gem so effortlessly captures the full palette of the Earth’s hidden fires.

Whether faceted into sparkling jewels or held raw as a talisman, tourmaline reminds us that beauty thrives in variety, and even the darkest stone can hide a spectrum of light.


The healing properties of Hawthorn

 The Healing Properties of Hawthorn 


In our final look at the beloved Hawthorn, we’ll look at the medicine properties.

The hawthorn tree (Crataegus species, especially C. monogyna and C. laevigata in European traditions, or C. pinnatifida in Chinese medicine) has been a cornerstone of herbal medicine for millennia, revered as a gentle yet profound ally for the heart and beyond. Its leaves, flowers, and berries (haws) are rich in bioactive compounds—primarily flavonoids (like quercetin, hyperoside, rutin, and vitexin), oligomeric procyanidins, polyphenols, triterpenic acids (such as ursolic and oleanolic acid), and other antioxidants—that underpin its therapeutic effects.


Primary Medicinal Properties and Benefits

Hawthorn acts as a cardiotonic (heart tonic), nourishing and strengthening the heart muscle without overstimulating it. It modulates cardiovascular function adaptively: supporting weak hearts, calming overactive ones, and improving overall circulation.

•  Cardiovascular support — Hawthorn is most celebrated for mild to moderate heart conditions. It improves blood flow to the heart by dilating coronary arteries, enhances the force of heart contractions (positive inotropic effect), reduces resistance in peripheral vessels, and may help with symptoms of congestive heart failure (such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance). Clinical studies, including meta-analyses and randomized trials, show benefits in early-stage heart failure (NYHA class I-II), angina, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis. It often serves as an adjunct to conventional treatments, potentially reducing sudden cardiac events in long-term use.

•  Blood pressure regulation — It exerts mild hypotensive effects, helping lower elevated blood pressure through vasodilation, improved endothelial function, and antioxidant activity. Some evidence points to reductions in systolic pressure (around 6-7 mmHg in meta-analyses), making it useful for hypertension, though effects build gradually over weeks to months.

•  Cholesterol and lipid balance — Hawthorn supports healthy lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol, inhibiting plaque formation, and aiding in dyslipidemia management—particularly noted in Chinese hawthorn studies for metabolic syndrome.

•  Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects — Its high polyphenol content combats oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, protecting heart tissue, blood vessels, and other organs from damage linked to aging, heart disease, and metabolic issues.

•  Digestive aid — Traditionally used for indigestion, stomach pain, bloating, and poor appetite. It acts as a gentle digestant, astringent, and mild diuretic, helping with issues like diarrhea or intestinal cramps.

•  Nervous system calming — As a relaxing nervine, it eases anxiety-related heart symptoms (palpitations, racing pulse from stress), promotes mild sedation, and supports emotional resilience—aligning with its folklore as a “heart-opener.”

•  Other emerging benefits — Preliminary research suggests potential in reducing inflammation, supporting blood sugar balance (antihyperglycemic), antimicrobial activity, hepatoprotection, and even broader effects like anti-cancer or neuroprotective properties, though these require more confirmation.

Parts differ slightly in emphasis: leaves and flowers often target functional heart regulation (e.g., rhythm, anxiety-linked issues), while berries support structural heart health and deeper metabolic effects.


How It’s Used

Hawthorn is typically taken as a standardized extract (often WS 1442 or similar, normalized to flavonoids or procyanidins) for consistency and potency. Common forms include teas (from dried leaves/flowers/berries), tinctures, capsules, or syrups. Effects are slow-acting—benefits often emerge after 4-8 weeks of consistent use.

Typical dosages from clinical sources:

•  Standardized extract: 160-1800 mg daily (often 300-900 mg in divided doses), with many studies using 300-1200 mg.

•  Traditional preparations: 4-5 grams dried herb as tea, or equivalent tincture (e.g., 0.5-2 ml three times daily).

Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have heart conditions, take medications (e.g., digoxin, beta-blockers, blood pressure drugs—it may potentiate effects), or are pregnant/breastfeeding.


Safety and Side Effects

Hawthorn is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for long-term use in appropriate doses. Mild side effects may include nausea, dizziness, headache, stomach upset, or fatigue—usually transient. Rare reports include vertigo or drowsiness. It may lower blood pressure too much in hypotensive individuals or interact with cardiac drugs, so professional guidance is essential. No major toxicity is noted in studies.


In the quiet strength of hawthorn lies a reminder of balanced vitality: it neither forces nor ignores the heart but gently guides it toward harmony, echoing its ancient role as guardian of both physical pulse and emotional core. Approach it with patience, and it may offer steady, profound support.