The Witch's Familiar: Spiritual Partnerships for Successful Magic

Very quaint book that feels like it should have been found in an old dusty shoppe. Delightful and historical, interesting for those looking to learn about facts as well as those looking to practise traditional spells involving pets. It is a little short, but then again, there isn't much out there in the realm of familiars (least not written in this way). A treasure!

I really enjoyed this book. It provided a lot of information on the familiar which I didn't know. It's approached lightheartedly, not strictly, and explores animal guides in depth. It's very informative and I recommend it for any Witch's bookshelf. It's not a scholarly, in-depth study of the history of the Witch's familiar, but it doesn't need to be. It's clear, accurate and well-written, in all honesty. It's a relatively small book, but this is expected for the content explored. How much can be said about familiars? I believe that which can be said, Mr. Grimassi says here. I recommend this book alongside Ted Andrew's classic "Animal Speak" for any Earth-based spiritualist. Thanks, Raven, for another good book! =) ~Colin Smith~ Missoula, MT

With this book the reader is introduced to a powerful system of working with familiar spirits. Grimassi indicates in the book that he created this system, and presents it as one way of working with familiar spirits. His system involves a variety of magical seals and invocations that are steeped in traditional occult principles of magic. The ethics of working with familiar spirits is highly emphasized throughout the book. Most of the book involves "spirit familiars" as opposed to physical animal familiars, although there is a chapter on pets as familiars. At a lecture I attended by this author, he mentioned that he didn't want to emphasize physical animals out of concern that people would obtain a creature simply to use as a physical familiar. He was concerned about the treatment and well-being of animals in such a light. This is a responsible approach. In this same spirit, Grimassi provides a "Notice to the Reader" which is: "In the following chapter appear the concepts of "binding" and "controlling" familiar spirits. Please note that these are old traditional magical terms and have been used here in keeping with the style of an antique Grimoire. For the purpose of this book the term binding refers to "connecting" or "housing" in order to provide a physical base from which to operate. It does not mean to imprison or hold captive. The term "control" is used to indicate "directing" and is not intended to suggest domination against personal will". On page 58, the author also writes: "In a merged state you can then communicate with and direct the spirit consciouness of the animal. Bear in mind that this is a mutually advantageous relationship and not one of servant and master". One reviewer wrote: "Raven Grimassi's appraoch implies a "one right way" to do a spell and, worst of all, doesn't treat familiars with a lot of respect. He suggests a spiritual familiar over a physical one because it requires less work, and sees no problem with using magic to interfere with the free will of what he describes as a sentient being." Having read this book twice, I can only wonder if the writer of this review skim read and missed the points made, or is intentionally misrepresenting what the author provides in this book. In any event, this book is an exceptional and unique work, and is highly recommended for beginners as well as the experienced. However, readers who are unable to grasp the most basic elements of Witchcraft and magic will probably find this book to be only a little useful.

Informatively written by Raven Grimassi (a Wiccan teacher and practitioner of magical systems with thirty years' experience), The Witch's Familiar: Spiritual Partnerships For Successful Magic focuses upon how to call an appropriate kindred companion to aid in spellwork, ritual, the protection of one's home, and more. Physical, astral, and spiritual familiars, the proper choice of a name, vitalizing one's spellcraft, and learning how to release one's familiar when its work or existence on the physical plane is complete, are all discussed in this accessible, involving, "user friendly", and highly recommended advisory.

I had not seen a book out on this topic before so I was excited to come across it. What a little treasure this book is! It is very practical and informative. I especially liked the images of magical seals and the exercises. It was refreshing not to see the same old thing again in a Witchcraft book, but instead to see something that speaks of authentic Witchcraft.The Witch's Familiar is written mostly about working in a traditional way with familiars, and is not a cutesy or light and fluffly book. The author provides many different uses for familiars including healing, contacting people at a distance, and protection of home and person.All in all, this is a very interesting book, and you won't be disappointed.