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Alignment: Grey Arts
Classification: Passed Spirit Size: similar to adult size of breed while living; may be larger Experience Level: Beginner+ |
Talents: Magical Support, Companionship, Protection
Disposition: Watchful, Loyal, Protective, Kind Suggested Offerings: Onyx, Obsidian, Nag Champa, Osteomancy, Black Candles, Dark Chocolate, Black Tea |
WARNING: The following page involves some discussion of animal death. These mentions are not graphic and are respectful in nature. Because Black Dogs are the passed spirits of dogs, this content is integral to understanding them. Thank you for understanding!
What is a witch's familiar? The original definition was not that of a physical pet, but instead a demon or spirit companion of a witch who took on the form of an animal. In essence, spirit companions were the original familiars! Where Black Cats are one of the most common depictions as familiars, for those of us who have a deeper love for the canine house pet, a Dog Spirit can be just as potent of a magical partner. Specifically, Black Dogs have received an interesting reputation as harbingers of death, much like their spectral cousin, the Hellhound. However, some mythical Black Dogs are known for being benevolent spirits. The ones we conjure here are passed spirits of previously living domestic dogs - they are sweet creatures with temperaments similar to their living counterparts, and they are eager to assist.
Biology
These Black Dog Familiars were once living domestic dogs, and have since passed away into a new, spiritual form with greater intelligence and understanding than they had in life. They take the form of any domestic dog breed, and their body is most commonly black with some variation. However, they are no longer living - they do not age, and they cannot die. These dogs do not require food, instead eating only the "essence" of food offered to them, and they cannot be poisoned or injured. They are primarily noncorporeal, and it takes a great deal of energy for them to influence our world in a physical manner.
That being said, they also carry the energetic life force that any soul or spirit has, which allows them to contribute their energy and ideas to their partner's magical workings.
That being said, they also carry the energetic life force that any soul or spirit has, which allows them to contribute their energy and ideas to their partner's magical workings.
Disposition & Manifestation
These familiars are somewhat more intelligent than the average animal, and are capable of communicating through animalistic sounds, body language, and telepathic images or ideas. By having passed and becoming aware of all of their past lives, as well as detaching from the limitations of their Earthly body, these Black Dogs have a heightened sentience and understanding of the workings of the world. All Black Dogs who have been recruited for companionship are fully consenting, and fully understanding of the role they will play in a person's life when entering it. Additionally, they are also all interested in assisting or learning about magic itself, and have selected themselves as prime witchcraft partner candidates.
That being said, they are still rather canine in nature. They may growl or bark at things that bring them unease, or they may bark in joy and pant happily when they are excited. They are likely to be very attentive and loyal, trotting at their keeper's heels at all times, and very interested in what you are doing, particularly if it is magically-related. While they are not all-knowing, they are rather wise, and will be happy to provide their honest opinion when they feel that the magic you are doing isn't something they wish to be involved in. They are also quite adept at protection, especially from less dangerous entities or unwanted local spirits - if you're someone who likes their privacy, and needs a little bit of an extra punch to your wards, a Black Dog is likely a good fit for you.
That being said, they are still rather canine in nature. They may growl or bark at things that bring them unease, or they may bark in joy and pant happily when they are excited. They are likely to be very attentive and loyal, trotting at their keeper's heels at all times, and very interested in what you are doing, particularly if it is magically-related. While they are not all-knowing, they are rather wise, and will be happy to provide their honest opinion when they feel that the magic you are doing isn't something they wish to be involved in. They are also quite adept at protection, especially from less dangerous entities or unwanted local spirits - if you're someone who likes their privacy, and needs a little bit of an extra punch to your wards, a Black Dog is likely a good fit for you.
In Companionship
As Familiars, these Black Dogs are likely to provide their companionship as a benefit to your magical workings, while being a companion in the truest sense of the word. They are capable of helping to raise the energies and provide charge for your spells, while also lending their wisdom and advice when it comes to your magic. Their energy feels much like that of having a dog in the house - while their presence isn't always loud, they are most definitely there, ready to provide a cute or funny moment at any time, or to provide an experience of extreme humility. Additionally, they are wonderful protectors, capable of helping you to feel safe from any wandering energies.
Please note that all The Dragon's Library Encyclopedia entries are based on my own personal UPG and may not reflect yours.
This entry represents the type of Black Dog Spirit I conjure, while other conjurers may not work with the same exact type.
This entry represents the type of Black Dog Spirit I conjure, while other conjurers may not work with the same exact type.