What does familiar spirit mean?
Definitions for familiar spirit
fa·mil·iar spir·it
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word familiar spirit.
Princeton's WordNet
familiar, familiar spiritnoun
a spirit (usually in animal form) that acts as an assistant to a witch or wizard
Wikipedia
familiar spirit
In European folklore of the medieval and early modern periods, familiars (sometimes referred to as familiar spirits) were believed to be supernatural entities that would assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic. According to records of the time, those alleging to have had contact with familiar spirits reported that they could manifest as numerous forms, usually as an animal, but sometimes as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as "clearly defined, three-dimensional... forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound", as opposed to descriptions of ghosts with their "smoky, undefined form[s]".When they served witches, they were often thought to be malevolent, but when working for cunning folk they were often considered benevolent (although there was some ambiguity in both cases). The former were often categorized as demons, while the latter were more commonly thought of and described as fairies. The main purpose of familiars was to serve the witch, providing protection for them as they came into their new powers.Since the 20th century some magical practitioners, including adherents of the Neopagan religion of Wicca, use the concept of familiars, due to their association with older forms of magic. These contemporary practitioners use pets or wildlife, or believe that invisible versions of familiars act as magical aides.
ChatGPT
familiar spirit
A familiar spirit is a spirit or supernatural entity believed to assist witches, magicians, or spiritual mediums in their practice of magic. This term is often used in folklore, occultism, and witchcraft. It is believed that this spirit often takes the form of an animal, but it can also appear in human or other forms. The familiar spirit is said to be in intimate association with the person it assists, providing guidance, protection, or the power to perform supernatural activities.
Wikidata
Familiar spirit
In European folklore and folk-belief of the Medieval and Early Modern periods, familiar spirits were supernatural entities believed to assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic. According to the records of the time, they would appear in numerous guises, often as an animal, but also at times as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as "clearly defined, three-dimensional… forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound" by those alleging to have come into contact with them, unlike later descriptions of ghosts with their "smoky, undefined form[s]". When they served witches, they were often thought to be malevolent, while when working for cunning-folk they were often thought of as benevolent. The former were often categorised as demons, while the latter were more commonly thought of and described as fairies. The main purpose of familiars is to serve the witch or young witch, providing protection for him/her as they come into their new powers. Since the 20th century a number of magical practitioners, including adherents of the Neopagan religion of Wicca, have begun to utilise the concept of familiars, due to their association with older forms of magic.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of familiar spirit in Chaldean Numerology is: 4
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of familiar spirit in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7
Translations for familiar spirit
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- روح مألوفةArabic
- velkendt åndDanish
- γνωστό πνεύμαGreek
- familiara spiritoEsperanto
- espíritu familiarSpanish
- روح آشناPersian
- tuttu henkiFinnish
- esprit familierFrench
- spiorad eolachIrish
- ismerős szellemHungarian
- semangat akrabIndonesian
- spirito familiareItalian
- רוח מוכרתHebrew
- おなじみの精神Japanese
- ಪರಿಚಿತ ಚೇತನKannada
- 친숙한 영혼Korean
- quibus pythonicusLatin
- Kjent åndNorwegian
- espírito familiarPortuguese
- знакомый духRussian
- Välkänd andaSwedish
- วิญญาณที่คุ้นเคยThai
- tanıdık ruhTurkish
- באַקאַנט גייסטYiddish
- 熟悉的精神Chinese
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"familiar spirit." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/familiar+spirit>.
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