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In early modern English Witchcraft , a familiar spirit, commonly called '''familiar''' (from Middle English ''familiar'', related to family) or '''imp''' is a Spirit who obeys a Witch , Conjurer , or other users of the Supernatural , and serves and helps that person. Although they may not be as intelligent as their masters, they are often as intelligent as the average human. Familiars often perform domestic duties and help in Farming , but also aid the person in bewitching people. If they look like ordinary Animal s, they can be used to spy on their masters' Enemies . These spirits are also said to be able to inspire artists and writers (compare with Muse s). Some reclusive wizards rely on familiars as their closest friends. Familiars were mentioned in Shakespeare 's '' Macbeth '', as the Witch es called their familiars. Many other works have utilized familiars. The most common Species identified as familiars are Cat s, particularly Black Cat s, Owl s, Dog s, and sometimes Frog s or Toad s. In later cases, familiars moved to more ethereal forms, often taking the shape of a "black man" thought to be representative of Satan. Familiars are an identifying characteristic of early modern English witchcraft, and serve as one feature setting it apart from continental or New World witch crafts. Familiars are generally animals or such beings. They usually have some Magic al power, or are simply there to advance the story. In many modern Fantasy stories, a Magician 's familiar is a Magical creature, such as Vlad's flying lizardlike familiar, Loiosh, in Steven Brust 's Vlad Taltos series. Furthermore, in many cases the power of the familiar is directly proportional to the power of the Wizard . The form taken by the familiar is also influenced by the personality of its master as in the '' His Dark Materials '' trilogy by Philip Pullman , though the comparison is not perfect, the nature of Pullman's Dæmons being dissimilar from standard notions of a familiar. The relationships between familiars and their masters vary by story. Some familiars do not have free will and are nothing more than tools of their masters while others are willing servants who can make their own decisions and would leave their masters if mistreated. Familiar spirits are referenced in the Bible: "A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them." Lev. 20:27, KJV. FAMILIARS IN MODERN TIMES
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