_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

my current familiar is actually a rat terrier named Pagan (she even came with that name,lol....) as a stay at home mom i do spend alot of time with her, she is my little shadow and totally a blessing to my family and my craft she is great for balancing me out energy wise since im an empath; it's quite helpful when i get overly anxious!!

_________________
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us."
~~Nelson Mandela~~


Mod of Shamanism,Crystals,Alternative Paths,Pagan Politics,Aromatherapy, Folklore,Dreamscape & Astrology!
Lindsay's Mentor Assistant for Wicca Revealed

Hi Ruby and thanks!! Satori would like to say "Arf=arf!!! to Pagan!!! I was reading the forums after a search and I realize I don't know the first thing about how to determine if Satori is my familiar. How did you come to know??? Thanks so much!!!

_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

At the time i came across Pagan i was actually searching for a new familiar. Not all pets are familiars and you can have a pet you are super close to; but it still might not be a familiar.
In general, to me a familiar is an animal friend/spirit/etc that helps me on a magickal level; not just a mundane one. They may be guardians, healers, "balancers" of energy and so on.....
Pagan alerts me when im about to have a migraine or a major panic attack and i also have her registered as a service dog with our city too. She can go anywhere i want to take her; just like a blind persons service dog would however i dont usually take her into stores etc since i dont absolutely have to.
She helps me balance my energy (which is crucial to me as an empath), keeps watch over my circle, alerts me to spirits and just generally warms my heart
My previous familiar was named Waffle and he was an amazing kittie but he unfortunately passed away due to the bad cat food recall like 4 years ago. Within 24 hours of his passing id gone from totally healthy to REALLY sick with pneumonia; it was the oddest thing but i know in my heart that i was affected on all levels when he passed on (physically, mentally, emotionally, psychically) It took me about 2 years b4 i even began to think about searching out a new familiar.
After several failed attempts at adopting a new doggie (everytime i thought it was "right" it fell thru!!!!) and after having to feel heartbroken over that id almost given up and decided to post on Craigslist 1 last time.... Pagan's previous owners couldnt keep her and she was being fostered with their family at the time; her "aunt" saw my add and contacted me right away!!! The first time we met her my 3 year old stuck his face right down in hers with no warnings at all; but she didnt bite. she didnt even flinch! she climbed up in the car, onto my lap and off we went
In the last few years i have only spent 3 days away from her and it was torture for us both, BIG time,lol.....


blessings~
ruby


*Pagan sends her warmest regards to Satori

_________________
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us."
~~Nelson Mandela~~


Mod of Shamanism,Crystals,Alternative Paths,Pagan Politics,Aromatherapy, Folklore,Dreamscape & Astrology!
Lindsay's Mentor Assistant for Wicca Revealed

Ahhh, Ruby, thanks again for the response, I believe I am getting a handle on this question but would like more input. First of all, I resonate to the concerns of an empath greatly, and understand the need for balance (it has to do with my work in the world). Satori balances me, he is very tuned in. He also protects me by being a little watchdog. I thank him and reassure him every time. It is his job, I believe he has decided this. He is my early warning system.

Second, I am so sorry to hear about Waffle and that dreadful food problem. I am quite aware of this, many pets and owners were split asunder, thousands grievously lost. Knowing this, I do homecook for Satori, which we both enjoy very much. He is on my lap as I write this, alert for any outside imposition, protecting me. As well, he is my teacher. I have learned a great deal from him on many levels, about animals, and connection, and relationship and nurturing without words.

It is very hard to be apart. He goes to work with me about once a week, often by request of my clients. He helps me in my work with them and they frequently bring their dogs and he works with their dogs. He is good about being left at home and has no separation anxiety.

I have not involved him in ritual or ceremony and I don't know if he is interested at this point. I am curious about how to involve him, but I have only just started an altar and ceremony so it would be new to him too. By taking walks with him, he has returned me to daily improve my relationship with nature. He distracts me from worry/heaviness by involving me in play.

Satori says to Pagan: "Play-play-play!! Arf!! Play is good!!"

_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

I am afraid I do not know anything about familiars so I have found this thread enlightening but more than that I wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading the posts in it. Your pets/friends/familiars sound like wonderful companions and you are truly blessed to have them. I have a Great Dane called Clancy and he is such a sweet snuggly boy but not a familiar and that is ok. Thanks to Mobius and Ruby for an enjoyable read.
Peeb

_________________
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Thank you peeb, I too find this a most interesting topic. I wanted to add an update: Since starting this post (and asking this question), Satori has decided that he is going to sit on my shoulder (he gets on from the back of the couch while I am sitting there). Then, he has decided to show me that he would like to ride around on my shoulder (I don't have to hold him there) when I walk around...most amazing, like he is saying "This is my place". He just drapes his front legs forward and his back legs are draped behind on my back shoulder, like a little fur muff. He likes my left shoulder...any interpretations??? Is this the silliest dog thing you have ever heard????? Not for Clancy, peeb, though Clancy might want to!!!

_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

Oh Mobius, you have no idea. Clancy has not the first clue about his size. He loves to lie on the couch and snuggle with his head and shoulders on my lap. When he is afraid or nervous, he likes to get as much of him in my lap as is possible. It's actually quite funny as he weighs about 140# and stands about 34 inches at the shoulder. When he is in your lap you are obviously not going anywhere until he decides to move. He's such a softie. We used to have some barn cats and a couple of them used to like to sit on my shoulders while I fed the horses and cleaned the stalls. I always thought it was pretty sweet.

Love and light.
Peeb

_________________
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Satori (6#) sends (((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))) to Clancy (140#)

_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

Thought you might like to see my wee puppy
[img][/img]
[img][IMG]http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x330/peeb69/cid_001d01c79cbcff4f72d00201a8c0A25BD8260D5F438.jpg[/img][/img]

Peeb

_________________
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

_________________

Peeb, I am ROLLING on the floor laughing. You definintely are NOT going anywhere!!! Clancy is adorable, both of you are, blessings to you both!!! I am at a loss for words...Now for the OTHER end of the spectrum, see below!!

_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

Mobius, that is a cute little furball. I don't think Clancy was ever that small.
Love & Light
Peeb

_________________
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

He IS a furball. I so wish he and Clancy could meet, it would make for good pics, and he LOVES big dogs!!!I would like to see them nose to nose, if Clancy could reach down that far!!! But We, you and I, have met, and that makes for good friendship, even tho we are at opposite ends of the dog spectrum, so to speak. At least we are still on the dog spectrum, and between us, lies everything else, dontcha think? BTW, I am reading by audiobook: " My Third Husband Will Be A Dog", which is hilarious. Author has three goldens and a welsh corgi.

_________________
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

~Roethke

i thought id toss in a few pics of Pagan she is a rat terrier; apparently her red coloring is a bit rare according to our vet. she is about 11 pounds but i think she thinks she is about as big as Clancy is,lol.... ya know; the whole small dog complex thing

alrighty, photobucket or my pc is totally messing up!! grrr..... BUT i think i was able to put the pics of Pagan in a photobucket album that is public so you all can view it. so hopefully the link works,lol......

http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk21 ... n13/Pagan/


How old are all your familiars/fur babies? Pagan is aprox 8 or 9 years based on what the vet and previous owner said. and even tho her lil chin just keeps getting more grey i think she will be with us for plenty more years

_________________
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us."
~~Nelson Mandela~~


Mod of Shamanism,Crystals,Alternative Paths,Pagan Politics,Aromatherapy, Folklore,Dreamscape & Astrology!
Lindsay's Mentor Assistant for Wicca Revealed