Companion Animals —by Míchealín Daugherty There has always been a natural kinship between animals and practitioners of the magickal arts. Animals have become woven into the mystical cultures of all societies. For example, see Celtic Animal Birth Signs. Animals are closer to the earth's powers than most humans and through companion animals, familiars or animals in the wilds of nature, we have a lot to learn. Long ago, like animals, humankind also could hear the music of nature. Throughout time, however, many have become deaf to the harmonic pulses and rhythms of nature. Creating psychic bonds with animals will help us form a closer link with the powers of the Earth. In The Magical Household: Spells & Rituals for the Home, Cunningham and Harrington, give us a few tips regarding companion animals. For example, a necklace of shells for your companion animal, or a circle of shells around your companion animal's habitat (e.g., around a snake's tank or a bird's cage) will protect the animal; another form of protection is to encircle the animal's habitat with a pure white, wool cord, tied in nine knots. These items can also be placed around an animal's bedding of favorite resting area as well. To attune your companion animal to your vibrations, allow it to eat from your plate after you've finished your meal. To protect your companion animal from thievery, go to a crossroads with the animal at midnight, place there a few of its hairs (or feathers) and say:
Another form of protection from thievery is to place some hairs or feathers in small box, with protection herbs (such as, juniper, basil, rosemary, dill, vervain or St. John's Wort); seal the box and tie a cord of nine knots around it; and, then bury the box close to your home. Repeat the aforementioned incantation as you bury the box. Symbolism of companion animals Bat — The bat, which sometimes chooses a human as a companion or becomes a familiar to a human, is thought to confer long life, happiness and wealth to those humans with which it lives. The bat is sacred to Persephone, and thought to be lucky as a companion animal. Birds — The phrase "a little bird told me" harkens back to the time when birds were watched to divine the future. Ask a bird your question, then throw it some seed. If it eats it, the answer is 'yes'; if it does not eat it, the answer is 'no.' A bird residing in your home as a companion animal will increase the memory and increase the mental powers of those with whom it connects. Birds are sacred to Mercury, their fallen feathers have many uses in spells. Examples, of some bird feather practices include placing feathers above the doorway to prevent children from wandering out and getting lost, placing a wreath of feathers under a sick person's pillow to speed recovery, and hanging feathers over a bed to prevent nightmares (note that feathers are also hung from dream catchers). See also Birds and Birds of Rhiannon. Cats — Of all animals, cats are most sacred to witches because of their connection to the Moon. Cats were sacred to Freya, Isis, Sekhmet, Astarte and Diana, among others. Sharing your home with cats brings many blessings and much luck. See also The Cat and Familiars. Chameleon — The chameleon as a companion animal is believed to ward off the evil eye, increase sexual appetite, ward off disease and make humans more acceptable to other humans. Dogs — Dogs have long had a magickal place in religious rites. Dogs are sacred to Hecate and because of this, it is thought that dogs can see Hecate, or danger, approaching and warn humans. Thus, they are watchers of the home, and bring not only protection, but love. See also Cu Chulainn and The Dog. Fish — Fish kept in the home offset negative energies because they are magically ruled by the Sun. Fish are also thought to attract money, ensure fertility and strengthen relationships, especially marriages. See also The Salmon. Frogs — Frogs in the home bring good luck, increase fertility and cause new friends to visit the home. A frog in the garden brings rain. A frog also is a symbol of resurrection and renewal because it is ruled by Water.
Monkeys — Monkeys, ruled by Mercury, bring success, health and good fortune to the home. Newts — Newts, ruled by Saturn and sacred to Athena, bring intelligence and watchfulness to the home. Owls — Owls kept as companion animals have the same qualities as Newts. Parrots — A parrots improves the wit of its human companions. Teaching a parrot lucky words with bring luck to you each time the parrot says the words. If a parrot whistles unexpectedly, rain is coming. Snakes — A snake brings wisdom and good health to its home companions. Snakes also bring longevity, wisdom and intelligence. See also The Serpent. Spiders — Never kill a spider in the home; it will bring bad luck. Spiders kept as companions bring protection and increase intelligence. A spider's web can be used to scry in the same way as a crystal ball for those who practice divination. To the Celts, the spider's web symbolised the web that held all life together. See also The Web. Toads — Toads should not be kept in the house as they will react to psychics and to ghosts...unless, one wants to discern if there is a ghost present in the house. If there is a psychic person present, or a ghost present, a toad will act erratically. Toads found in the garden, however, bring intelligence to the gardener. Turtles — Turtles are ruled by Venus and bring love, longevity and fertility. Patting a turtle on its shell with bring you good luck. Sources:
Page last updated 17 Aug 2006 Website Design and Myths & Magic logo by Míchealín Daugherty Copyright © 2006 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.
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