A familiar spirit is a supernatural entity or spiritual guardian that would protect or assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic in European folklore of the medieval and early modern periods. In modern times, the term "familiar spirit" is used to refer to a spirit or demon that serves or prompts an individual. Here are some key points about familiar spirits:

• Familiar spirits were believed to be supernatural entities or spiritual guardians that would protect or assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic in European folklore of the medieval and early modern periods.

• The term "familiar spirit" comes from the Latin word familiaris, meaning a "household servant," and was intended to express the idea that sorcerers had spirits as their servants, ready to obey their commands.

• Familiar spirits were usually small animals, such as cats, rats, dogs, ferrets, birds, frogs, toads, and hares. There were also cases of wasps and butterflies, as well as pigs, sheep, and horses. Familiar spirits were usually kept in pots or baskets lined with sheeps wool and fed a variety of things including milk, bread, meat, and blood.

• The Bible warns against familiar spirits and forbids being involved with them, as they are an abomination to the Lord. A medium is one who acts as a liaison to supposedly contact or communicate with the dead on behalf of the living. In reality, mediums are contacting demons who convince the mediums that they are “familiar” and can be trusted and believed.

• Familiar spirits and spirit guides are under the control of their master, Satan. They influence people to spread lies and deceit in order to thwart the kingdom of God. To knowingly open oneself to the work of demons is an evil thing.

• Some avenues through which demons or "familiar spirits" can gain entrance into a person’s life are divination, transcendental meditation, visualization, necromancy, witchcraft, drugs, and alcohol. These are all activities that believers are exhorted to avoid.

In summary, a familiar spirit is a supernatural entity or spiritual guardian that would protect or assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic in European folklore of the medieval and early modern periods. In modern times, the term "familiar spirit" is used to refer to a spirit or demon that serves or prompts an individual. The Bible warns against familiar spirits and forbids being involved with them, as they are an abomination to the Lord.