We recently heard from a woman who went for testing at a local hospital for heart issues. While there, she told the technician about having recently lost her beloved dog. The tech responded by saying that this dog was her “familiar”, meaning a spirit being that was attached to her soul. Is there any such thing as a familiar spirit and, if so, what is it?

The term “familiar spirit” refers to a kind spirit guide that people turn to in order to gain assistance in their spiritual life. The term “familiar”, derived from the Latin word familiaris, which means ''domestic,'' indicates that this spirit is considered to be a close companion or friend. A familiar spirit can take many forms, including that of animals such as cats or dogs, which explains why the tech believed our reader’s beloved pet dog became her “familiar” after he passed.

Belief in these spirits is associated with Wicca, witchcraft, and other occult arts such as mediumship and demonology.

According to Study.com, “They accompany witches, sorcerers, or other ‘cunning folk’ and provide them with magical powers, guidance, protection, or healing.”

The Bible is replete with warnings about associating with these kinds of spirits and the people who call upon them. In 1 Samuel 28:3, we read that “Saul had driven mediums and diviners out of the land…” In 2 Kings 23:24 we read that Josiah “purged the consultation of ghosts and spirits” and Leviticus 20:24 calls for anyone who engages in these arts to be stoned to death.

The Catechism warn us to reject all forms of conjuring the dead (See No. 2117) which includes the calling up of familiar spirits who are actually demons who masquerade as the spirits of deceased humans or animals.

Whether the tech realized it or not, Satan was using her to attempt to lure our reader into the hands of a demonic entity while she was vulnerable and grieving for her beloved pet.

Thankfully, her strong faith and mercy of God protected her from this ruse.

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