Spirit Companions Fact Sheet

Spirit keeping is an old art, but a lot has changed in recent years. Some spirit keepers still follow the arcane practice of binding spirits against their will and using them as slaves, but many diviners have learned that an equal relationship is more beneficial, and ethical.

What is spirit keeping?

Spirit keeping is the practice of binding spirits to yourself or to a vessel. These spirits can be guides, companions, friends, and should always be protected. They're not pets or decoration, nor should they ever be slaves.

What Is binding?

Simply put, binding is a way to tether a spirit to this plane, this physical plane.

A spirit can be bound to a vessel, directly to a person, or to both by way of a "bridge."

Binding should only be done by experienced practitioners. Beginners would be wise to use a vendor rather than attempt this themselves.

What are vessels?

The vessel is the physical item that the spirit uses to remain tied to the physical plane. It's not a body or a prison; think of it more as a cell phone between planes, or maybe more accurately, a fuzzy Skype connection.

Common vessels include gemstones, stuffed animals, glass, coins, jewelry, but they can be just about anything.

Do I need a vessel?

You can have a spirit bound directly to you, but many find it easier to communicate with your companion if you have something to touch and feel and look at. It provides a conduit and a connection, a way for the spirit keeper to sense their companions, and a directional point for focus and communication.

What kinds of spirits can be companions?

SPIRITS: Animal or human spirits, such as ghosts; basically, a physical being which has passed.

ENTITIES: Beings, often astral, such as gargoyles, dragons, gryphons, angels, hellhounds, and etc. that are essentially "alive," not the soul of a departed creature.

THOUGHTFORMS: A thoughtform (or a "tulpa" in Tibetan culture) is an entity that is creates by an individual. The difference between a thoughtform and an imaginary friend is that a thoughtform has its own will, its own thoughts and desires. They rely on their creator for sustenance, but occasionally a thoughtform can become independent enough to live on its own.

How do I communicate with my spirit?

You can talk, think, write, divine, dream, etc, with your companions. A keeper might simply speak out loud and wait for an answer, or they might ask questions and instruct the spirit to answer by means of tarot, pendulum, oracle, shufflemancy, free drawing, or any other type of divination.

Measures should be taken to prevent a potentially rogue or mischievous spirit from trying to enter or take possession of the keeper's mind or body. A simple shielding spell is always a good idea, even for a spirit you know and trust.

How do I tell the difference between my spirit companion's voice and my own thoughts?

This can be especially tricky. Even the most experienced keepers will find themselves doubting whether what they're sensing is truly from a spirit or just their own thoughts.

Try to imagine how you would respond to the question you're asking. Find out what exactly you want them to say—if you're consistently getting the reaction you want or expect, chances are you aren't communicating properly.

A lot of spirit work is intuitive and empathic; discipline is essential in sorting out the difference between projection and an organic response.

Ground Rules

You should always, always come up with a strict list of ground rules--or house rules--which your spirits must obey. You'll be obeying your own rules, too.

It's best to make a physical copy of these rules and place them in a well-trafficked area of the house, such as on your altar.

Common rules:

●No interacting with other household members without my permission

●You must alert me to potential threats (in turn, I will do this)

●This area and this area are off-limits

●You may not enter my dreams without permission

●You may not interfere with my physical body

●I will respect your needs and wishes to the best of my ability

●I will, to the best of my ability, offer these offerings at these intervals

When making your rules, imagine yourself trying to outsmart a genie, or writing a legal document. Think of every possible loophole or weak point and assumed that they'll be exploited. Spirits and entities can do real, physical damage to a person if they set their minds to it—spirit keeping should never be entered into lightly.