Deva Bluewing
Non-Pagan history describes familiars as low-ranking demons in constant attention to Witches for the purpose of carrying out spells and bewitchments. Familiars usually assumed animal forms – cats, toads, owls, mice and dogs seem to have been the most common – though virtually any animal or insect could be suspected. In the Witchcraft Trials, if so much as a fly buzzed in the window while someone suspected of being a witch was being questioned or tried, it was said to be her (or his) familiar. The inquisitors took the Bile to heart: those who had familiars were “an abomination unto the Lord” and should be “Put to death: they shall stone them with stones: Their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 20:27).
Witch's Well 