sorry to barge in here, but I'm really curious about this. First some background: I first learned about Wicca about 10 years ago and immediately felt drawn. I bought a bunch of books about solitary practice (I lived in a really remote area) but my husband at the time (now ex) ridiculed me so I quit. I've only recently started down the path again. I just feel pulled into it. I haven't really had time to do actual practicing...still learning. Obviously I haven't learned much as I've never heard about familiars before. That said...
Is it possible a past pet was a familiar? Even if I wasn't on the path yet?
I had a dog that I often thought of as my soul mate and my 'good luck charm' (when people would ask me if my husband was my soul mate, I'd say no but I think my dog is, lol). He was a one-person dog. Everyone commented on how dedicated he was to me - it was pretty obvious. He followed me everywhere, and was basically my shadow and my comfort for 12.5 years till he passed. I swear he acted more like a father to my kids than their dad did. When he died I felt like I had lost a child. His death was also the beginning of an extraordinary trying few years for me - many deaths and loss of a marriage, near bankruptcy, huge change in lifestyle, going back to school after being a stay at home mom etc. I still wake up in the middle of the night and feel his weight on my feet (where he used to sleep). I haven't been able to bring myself to get another pet, let alone a dog. So, what do you think? How do I know? Or was I just extremely lucky and blessed with a great friend?