🐶 WITCH CHALLENGE - Magick with Animals

[BryWisteria]

Merry meet,

Thank you once again to all those who joined in for the previous Witch Challenge - Memory Magick

We’re stepping off memory lane, and finding that the new path is full of friends! With fur or with scales, with claws or with tails, and many more - it’s time to celebrate the wild side

The theme for this week’s challenge was suggested by the creative @Water and is…

Magick with Animals

Witch familiars, spirit animals, furry friends, and more-
What role do animals play in your practice?

What a boring world it would be if only humans walked the Earth! Animals, be they dear pets or our wild neighbors, offer much more than just companionship in the Craft. This challenge is a celebration of animals and the many roles they can play in one’s practice. You might cast a spell about or for an actual animal, meet a spiritual or symbolic animal that is meaningful to you, discuss a deity or guide, share a favorite totem, find a familiar, or anything else.

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This challenge is about animals in magick - how you choose to take on this theme is up to you. So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

Pet Collar Blessing from the Spells8 Email Newsletter

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Animal Magick

Not sure where to begin? To help you get started exploring this theme, here are a few suggested spells and other ways in which a witch might approach this challenge.

Please make sure you are logged into your Spells8 Account so you can view all of the resources shared!

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Pet Spells

Pet Protection Spell

Ritual to Say Farewell to a Pet

Related discussions in the forum:

• Meditation with a Pet
• Can a pet break a sacred circle?

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Spirit Animals & Familiars

Familiars vs. Pets

Familiar Spirits and Power Animals - What is the Difference?

How to Find and Meet Your Spirit Guide

Pagan Animism

What is Your Spirit Animal? Take the Quiz!

Animal Symbolism Directory of Meanings

Related discussions and resources:

• Exploring Spirit Animals
• 🐈 Familiar Spirits and Power Animals: What is the difference?
• How to call your spirit animal
• Animal totems which is yours?

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Animal Deities & Gods of the Wild

Goddesses of Wild Animals and Nature

Wolf Goddesses

Bast: Egyptian Cat Goddess

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Animals on Parade

Do you have a beloved pet who helps you in your practice, or a curious wild neighbor who visits your garden? Maybe you have a favorite familiar or a beloved memory of an important animal. Perhaps you’d like to share about how you met your spirit guide? Feel free to share pictures and stories for your entry this week!

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…And More!

The suggestions above are just a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity. If you feel called to explore the challenge theme in another way, you are welcome to do so.

For additional ideas and animal magick inspiration, feel free to explore the coven’s entries to past animal-related challenges:

Dragon Magick
Cat Magick
Claws, Paws, Tails & Scales
The Bestiary
A Witch’s Companions

Protection Spell for Your Pets

Video by @Silverbear from Protection Spell for Your Pets

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How to Join the Challenge

In order for your entry to be counted, all you have to do is write/share about your experience and label it as your challenge entry. There is a lot of chatting here (which is awesome- chatting and discussion are very welcome!) so please clearly write that it is your entry so I know to count it!

Where Do I Share My Entry?

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” to this post and write your experience in the text box that pops up!

Alternatively, you could create a new post in the forum (this is good for when you have a lot to share and/or would like to discuss aspects of your entry not related to the current theme)

Note: If you do choose to create a new thread, please add the “challenge-entry” tag and/or add a hyperlink back to this post so that it can be easily found- thank you!

Click here for a note for our lovely lurkers

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge. For those who would like the challenge prizes, please know that you will need to share your experience if you want to receive a prize and a public shout-out.

Don’t feel comfortable sharing? No fear! For lurkers and those who are shy, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge on the sidelines. At the end of the day, these challenges are here to help you help yourself by expanding and enhancing your personal magickal practice. I hope they can be helpful for you!

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Deadline

This challenge will close in 13 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time)
2026-09-01T11:00:00Z

(Note that the time zone is ET- if you don’t see your time displayed above, you can use this time zone calculator to check for your time zone!)

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Prizes

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums the day the challenge closes.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

From Spells8: No Dinosaur Ghosts? Animal Spirit Discussion

A warm reminder that the challenges are designed to be very open - everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you’re not sure whether or not something is acceptable to post, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team.

And for those new to challenges - welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities. The challenges hope to bring together the Spells8 forum family in ways that inspire and support one another. I hope you have fun with them!

Hecate’s Dogs from Spells8: Hecate Goddess Symbols

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Beloved friends and fateful guides
Loyal companions by our sides
With claw and fang, or fur and tail-
Our wild kin won’t let us fail!

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Blessed be

[BryWisteria]

Pick the Challenge Badge

The tradition continues! Let us know - which title do you like the most?

(Poll is anonymous)

• Friend of Fauna
• Witch of the Wild
• Animal Advocate
• Beast Befriender
• Creature Caster

The option with the most votes will be awarded to all challenge entrants. Thanks for helping us pick the challenge badge!

[c11]

This is perfect timing. Thank you @Water & @BryWisteria. Just last night I was asking the “powers that be” to help me learn more about the Yak, which I have been recently drawn to and how to work with it.

[Greenbriar]

Oh, great idea for a challenge. I think my entry will be about my spirit guide, Bear.

[Amethyst]

Yay! I know what I’m going to do!

[BryWisteria]

@c11

help me learn more about the Yak, which I have been recently drawn to and how to work with it.

I know you mentioned that focus in the tea ritual, I think aligns beautifully! Wishing you all the best as you deepen your connection with the yak. Please let us know what you discover!

@Greenbriar

I think my entry will be about my spirit guide, Bear.

Yay! I always love seeing your spirit guide and hearing about Bear’s adventures with you. Looking forward to your entry!

@Amethyst

I know what I’m going to do!

Ooohhh can’t wait to see it!

[Amethyst]

@BryWisteria

Ooohhh can’t wait to see it!

I bet you can guess!

[c11]

Challenge Entry

I will be learning about the Yak physically and spiritually. I thought I’d start with the physical first and wanted to share some facts I’ve read. There are so many but I wanted to share a few.

Photos fromA-Z animals

Yak facts

there are 2 main species of yak. The wild Yak- Bos Mutus and the domesticated yak - Bos Grunniens. I am focusing mostly on the Bos Grunniens for now.

According toa-z animals/yak

• Males can weigh around 1025 lbs and be 4ft 5in tall while females can weigh 573 lbs and be 3ft 9in tall
• Their life span is around 15 years
• can run up to 25mph
• have enlarged chest and high lung capacity to support oxygen uptake
• have dense under wool and long guard hairs to create a layered thermal coat that sheds snow and blocks wind
• They forage for grass in the snow by sweeping the snow with their muzzles and horns

There is much to learn and read so I will try to keep adding bits of what I learn.

[Greenbriar]

Challenge Entry

I’ve mentioned before that I discovered that my Spirit or Totem animal was Bear. I often find her presence to be a quiet steadiness and grounding influence, reminding me that strength is not only in my actions, but in rest, healing and knowing when to withdraw and allow myself time to renew (think hibernation!!)

I purchased a little wooden figurine of a bear that I use as a representation to remind me of her presence, and I took the figurine with me when we went on vacation to visit my dad in England and to Scotland. When she’s not travelling with me, she sits on my altar.

I worked with Co-Pilot to create a simple ritual that I can use whenever I want to call upon Bear and seek her counsel.

I sit in a quiet place, usually at my altar, although in the spring and fall I may do this outside on the patio too. I have my bear figurine with me, as well as a moss agate or other grounding stone and I light a candle.

I hold the bear figurine in my hands, taking several slow breaths. As I breathe I imagine roots extending from the soles of my feet, deep into the earth. I feel myself becoming steady, grounded and supported.

To begin, I say “I stand upon the earth, strong and present. I open my heart to the wisdom of Bear. May I feel your presence if it is for my highest good.”

I close my eyes and imagine a forest path. I see Bear approaching slowly, not the little figurine this time, but a full-size spirit Bear, not fierce and scary, not as a creature to command, but as an ally who comes of her own accord.

As she approaches, I say “ Bear, guardian of strength and courage, keeper of boundaries and deep knowing, I invite your presence. Walk beside me. Help me remember my own strength.”

Then I simply sit for a few minutes and notice what arises. Sometimes it’s memories, sometimes it’s warmth and a sense of calm. Sometimes nothing much at all. Her gift is often in steadiness, not drama.

Then I state my need, keeping it simple, such as “Bear, help me find courage” or “Bear, help me rest and trust”, “ Bear, help me protect what matters”

I sit in silence for several minutes and if any thoughts come to me, I imagine myself laying them at Bear’s feet. I don’t have to force anything just observe and notice.

When I’m finished, I place a hand over my heart and say: “Thank you, Bear, for your presence. Thank you for your guardianship, your wisdom, and your strength. Whether I feel you near or far, I honor our connection. Walk in peace.”

To finish, I extinguish the candle.

I also have a quick, everyday version that I can do at any time if I’m feeling a bit stressed:

1. I hold my little bear figurine
2. I take three deep breaths
3. I place my hand on my heart
4. I say: “Bear, walk with me. I am grounded, I am protected. I am stronger than I remember.”

[Amethyst]

@Greenbriar

4. I say: “Bear, walk with me. I am grounded, I am protected. I am stronger than I remember.”

That’s so nice! A great spell! It sounds like you have a wonderful Spirit there!

[Feathertip]

What a lovely ritual. I loved seeing Spirit Bear with you across your travels!

Great entry.

[moonstruck]

@Greenbriar , that is amazing what you have written it is heart warming and so calming to read and I love the little bear figurine x

[moonstruck]

@c11 , I just adore yaks they are so strong and at the same time gentle when I went to Tibet I didn’t get to see one but I did see buzzard’s , Tibetans put their loved ones that have passed away on the top of the mountain’s for them to eat ( Buzzards ) the Tibetans believe that the soul becomes closer to their spiritual beliefs when the birds fly off into the sky x

[c11]

I bet that was an amazing trip! I did not know that about the buzzards but then again I know almost nothing about Tibetan culture. Thanks for sharing. I am learning that Yaks are very important to some Tibetans both mundane and spiritually. I think I read Yaks were first domesticated around 2500 years ago on the Tibetan Plateau

[c11]

what a beautiful ritual. Your bear figurine is adorable and what a great idea to bring her along in your travels

[c11]

I may start a new topic on the Yak so I’m not clogging up this challenge.

[Amethyst]

Witch Challenge for Amethyst: Spell for Finding a Cat.

Okay, honesty time. I meant to take a picture this morning, but as I worked the spell and visualized getting a cat, well, I forgot. So here’s a picture of the cat toy I used. It’s one of the only things of Max’s I saved and the only kind of toy mouse he’d play with.

I figured it would be a good thing, like having Max bring me a new friend. At least that’s what I was thinking.

I found this spell in a book I’ve had for, sheesh, five years, Amazon says. So yay for me remembering to look! It’s a spell to find a new cat, and I got it from the book The Little Book of Cat Magic: Spells, Charms & Tales by Deborah Blake. I like her witchy books, so I pulled it out and found the perfect one! I had Sally buy me two little stainless steel bowls, and I put the fresh water in one and the mousie in the other, and did this spell:

Spell for Finding a New Cat by Deborah Blake

If, however, you are ready to make room for a new feline in your home and you want to make sure you find the one who is just right for you, you can also try using this spell.

Spell components: A couple of bowls, one filled with water and the other either with cat food or, if you would rather use something you can eat later, a can of tuna or something else a cat would like—maybe a catnip mouse or a small toy.

If you happen to have a statue of Bast or a cat figurine, place that on your altar, a table, or a floor mat along with the bowls and toys. Light a white candle to symbolize the beacon you wish to guide your new cat to you and you to them. Say the following with an open heart:

God and Goddess, send to me

The perfect feline company

A cat to feed and love and hold

A kitten tender or adult bold

Send the cat who’ll suit me best

And stand alone from all the rest

Help me find the cat that’s mine

With a guidance that’s divine

Here, kitty kitty

Here, kitty kitty

Here, kitty kitty

I call you home!

You can also find cats that need homes in various other places. Sometimes my local PetSmart has cats from the nearby shelter in cages near the front of the store. There are also often ads on Craigslist or in the newspaper. My vet’s office has a board where people can post pictures of cats that need good homes, including ones who have been found or ones where the owners can no longer keep them. Some neighborhoods have feral cats, and I have had a number of friends who have put in the hard work of taming a few or catching the kittens when they are young and still able to be socialized.

Blake, Deborah. The Little Book of Cat Magic: Spells, Charms & Tales (p. 54). Llewellyn Publications. Kindle Edition.

I didn’t burn the tea candle down, so I’m going to light it every day with the mousie beside it until I do! Hope you like!

[Moonbeam]

@c11

@c11

I will be learning about the Yak physically and spiritually.

Your entry was a fascinating to read. This is want I like about these challenges you learn so many things and knowledge is always welcome​

@Greenbriar

@Greenbriar

I close my eyes and imagine a forest path. I see Bear approaching slowly, not the little figurine this time, but a full-size spirit Bear, not fierce and scary, not as a creature to command, but as an ally who comes of her own accord.

As she approaches, I say “ Bear, guardian of strength and courage, keeper of boundaries and deep knowing, I invite your presence. Walk beside me. Help me remember my own strength.”

I can understand why your spirt animal is so sacred. Your rituals and descriptions are very moving and your connection is beautiful. Thank you for sharing Little Spirt Bear

@Amethyst

Love your entry and using Max’s toy mouse it a brilliant idea and a lovely way to remember him. So glad you found your book to complete your spell, I will wait patiently for the photographs your your new kitty

[c11]

@Moonbeam

you learn so many things and knowledge is always welcome​

I completely agree!

[Amethyst]

@Moonbeam

Love your entry and using Max’s toy mouse it a brilliant idea and a lovely way to remember him. So glad you found your book to complete your spell, I will wait patiently for the photographs your your new kitty

Thanks! I’ve kept that little mousie for years, so I’m glad I remembered where I put it. I’m looking forward to posting pics, unfortunately the Shelter’s roads flooded, and the day before I called to ask about fostering, they sent all the cats away with the ASPCA.

But I put in an application! So the CDS will be delivering at some point in time.