Meet Stella

My familiar spirit.

Familiar spirits were believed to be supernatural entities that would assist witches in their practice of magic. According to the records of the time, they would appear in numerous guises, often as an animal, but also at times as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as "clearly defined, three-dimensional… forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound" by those alleging to have come into contact with them, unlike later descriptions of ghosts with their "smoky, undefined forms".
When they served witches, they were often thought to be malevolent, while when working for cunning folk they were often thought of as benevolent. The former were often categorized as demons, while the latter were more commonly thought of and described as fairies. The main purpose of familiars is to serve the witch or young witch, providing protection for them as they come into their new powers. Since the 20th century a number of magical practitioners, including adherents of the Neopagan religion of Wicca, have begun to use the concept of familiars, due to their association with older forms of magic. These contemporary practitioners utilize pets, wildlife or believe that invisible spirit versions of familiars act as magical aids. -Wikipedia

I suffered a loss, very recently, and almost immediately wanted a kitten. I've had cats as an adult and as a child; but I wanted this one for many different reasons. I considered a kitten about a month ago but my fiance didn't agree; since I was pregnant I didn't argue much. I just wanted a companion, other than my clumsy dog, to be in my sacred work space with me and provide protection for me as I come into my new powers.

Stella was so easy to adopt, almost too easy which made things a lot easier. We are not sure what breed she is and we're not too pressed about it; she is so loving and calming and everything I'd knew she'd be. She does the normal things kittens do and we find it adorable. She loves our huge house but is getting used to our Blue Heeler mix, Naomi, who is 5 years old and over the moon that Stella is here. 

Stella and I spend lots of time in my apothecary. She loves to perch on the counters and watch as I: choose which herbs to infuse, lovingly pack customer orders, arrange my new supplies, light candles in memory of lost loves ones, meditate, cry, mix oils...you know, the things that I love doing and occupy my mind. When she watches me while I work, sitting so proper, it makes me happy. She sits in my lap as I update my website - all the while purring and it's adorable. She, oh so carefully, walks on the counter-tops, vigilant to not knock anything down but curious enough to disturb it. She brings a peace and calmness to me. 

Stella and I will have a long journey together. She will be our shop cat and soon plenty others will get to love on her and she on them. 

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