http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Familiar_spiritIn 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 animals, 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 muses). Some reclusive wizards rely on familiars as their closest friends.
...
Someone has suggested to me that a dog companion of you-know-who is a "familiar". A lot of things about the situation make sense in that light. Most dogs communicate with me. She never did. She went with me everywhere. Many times I was left to care for her. But she worshiped him. I know dogs are faithful to their masters, but this went beyond. I just thought she was real insecure, though there was no reason to be.
How does this work? If it does?
At the bottom of the wikipedia entry is the Bible verse, "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.
I was raised in the church and this is always taught as a reason to shy away from supernatural things. But humans really do have extraordinary powers in some ways, and in fact in other verses are ENCOURAGED to use power. A lot of us try to influence to bring about the highest good. That is not wizardry. That is cooperation. So this verse has a new light on it for me. Wouldn't it be referring to those who try to use power to influence things to suit themselves and themselves only without concern for any other human being?