Spirits that assist in sorcery, often in the form of an animal, also a guide or guardian. From Latin familiāris domestic, from familia family, attending spirit is from 1584. see: Demonic Animals

Amagyat: A Shaman spirit acting as a protector, companion, and advisor for a living Shaman. (Yakut)

Divining Familiar: The Devil conjured in the form of an animal to foretell the future and aid in other forms of sorcery.

Domestic Familiar: An imp in the form of a small animal, used to work magic on people and property. These are obtained by gift, inheritance, or conjuring.

Genius Natalis: A companion soul that accompanies a human from birth to death influencing their actions and their fate. A human may have both a good and an evil genius. (Roman)

Jinni: A spirit in human or animal form capable of exercising supernatural influence over people. From Arabic jinnī demonic, demon. (Islamic)

Mandrake: A dangerous spirit inhabiting the root of the Mandragora plant, can be used to bring wealth and wisdom to its owner. (German)

Shikigami: A sorcerer's companion or servant. [syn: Shikijin] (Japanese)

Torngak: An ancestral spirit summoned to aid in the healing of the sick, to foretell death and grant success. (Eskimo)