Anyone ever know a "familiar"?

[Why Syzygy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Familiar_spirit

In early modern English witchcraft, a familiar spirit, commonly called familiar (from Middle English familiar, related to family) or imp is a spirit who obeys a witch, conjurer, or other users of the supernatural, and serves and helps that person. Although they may not be as intelligent as their masters, they are often as intelligent as the average human. Familiars often perform domestic duties and help in farming, but also aid the person in bewitching people. If they look like ordinary animals, they can be used to spy on their masters' enemies. These spirits are also said to be able to inspire artists and writers (compare with muses). Some reclusive wizards rely on familiars as their closest friends.

...

Someone has suggested to me that a dog companion of you-know-who is a "familiar". A lot of things about the situation make sense in that light. Most dogs communicate with me. She never did. She went with me everywhere. Many times I was left to care for her. But she worshiped him. I know dogs are faithful to their masters, but this went beyond. I just thought she was real insecure, though there was no reason to be.

How does this work? If it does?

At the bottom of the wikipedia entry is the Bible verse, "A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them." Lev. 20:27, KJV.
I was raised in the church and this is always taught as a reason to shy away from supernatural things. But humans really do have extraordinary powers in some ways, and in fact in other verses are ENCOURAGED to use power. A lot of us try to influence to bring about the highest good. That is not wizardry. That is cooperation. So this verse has a new light on it for me. Wouldn't it be referring to those who try to use power to influence things to suit themselves and themselves only without concern for any other human being?

[PinkTiger]

1. I doubt that familiars exist.

Now, let me explain. I am empathic and have what other people think is an uncanny affinity with animals. Most animals, anyway. If an animal is not receptive, because of fear or training, I don't approach. But most cats that might be hostile to others, or dogs not in a pack, are very receptive to me. I "communicate" with them easily.

I think fear, based on the fact that an animal might be receptive to some and not to most, created the idea of a familliar.

I don't sense that they exist.

[Why Syzygy]

2. You are probably right ..

I had never considered such a thing until someone else mentioned it. I do believe that animals communicate telepathically though. Either that or I'm just sensitive to their signals. The ex did refer to me as the 'dog whisperer'.

[PinkTiger]

3. They do. Dogs and cats both, although cats are tough.

Dogs use a telepathy close to words. Cats always communicate in pictures, elaborate pictures.

[KAT119]

4. My 2 cats speak to me in clear sentences. Sonia Fitzpatrick, pet psychic

on the animal channel said to ask your pet a question and listen for the answer...keep doing this until the pet realizes what you are doing and the answers will flow within your mind whether their back is turned toward you or not.

I've had great conversations w/ them from another room...

[Angel Wings]

6. Yes!!!

I remember my cat talked to me very clearly in a dream twice before she died. They were years apart and she looked human but with cat eyes...well, the first time. The second time it was like I was her. But, when I woke up it was obviously my cats thoughts and point of view about the situation. I wish that it happened more often.:)

[KAT119]

5. The Church wanted absolute power, wizards etc, were out of their control

and thus needed some condeming in words to instill fear in all (they like * did and do that best).

My .02--we are 'All That Is'...everything is "familiar" and guides us in multi-layers and ways.

Energy is at a high, thus light filled, loving vibration, or lower/ slower & less conscious/loving.

Animals are every bit as conscious as anyone with 2 feet...

[Why Syzygy]

7. This explains,

not the 'familiar', but the experience. http://www.llewellynjournal.com/article/513

Psychic vampirism is alive and flourishing in the world today. As consumers of energy rather than blood, vampires of the psychic kind exist in many guises but with one common trait--their own inadequate energy system compels them to tap into and feed upon the energies of unsuspecting host victims. The immediate results of such a one-on-one vampire encounter are anew but temporary surge of energy for the psychic vampire and a serious loss of mental and physical energy for the unsuspecting prey. If you suddenly feel emotionally or mentally depleted, you may be under attack by a psychic vampire. The unfortunate effects of prolonged energy loss are damage to the energy system itself and in some instances, serious illness.
...

Interesting article. Didn't want to start a new thread. Those of us who work with energy should be informed. I knew to take precautions when I choose to work with energy, but no one ever told me about this.