Witches
Also in this section - everything you need to know about Witches.
Dogs have always been associated with the Underworld, the Moon and the deities, especially goddesses of death and divination.
Dogs symbolise the dark side or forces of the human personality, which can rear its head from time to time in life. Since these forces are an integral part of the personality, there is no way we can completely eradicate them. They can, however, be kept under conscious control! Take great care if you want to call upon any of them in your magickal work as many of them are very dangerous!!
Select from the list below to read more.
The Black Dog
This supernatural creature is almost always considered to be a dangerous omen, but in rare instances has been helpful to those who see it. Descriptions of the Black dog are often vague, basically because of the deep and lasting fear which it engenders.This ghostly creature's appearance also fills the viewer with a chilly despair and despondency, followed by a decline in vitality. Some say the Black dog is shaggy and the size of a calf, while others say it is no larger than a Labrador dog. All viewers seem to agree that it has huge fiery eyes and makes absolutely no sound. The frightening apparition does not generally attack or chase anyone. It just follows and projects its aura of deadly fear, which is enough to cause some viewers to become very ill afterwards.
Not advised to be called for magickal work except for divine justice on those who have escaped punishment.
Cerberus
The great Underworld hound Cerberus (Spirit of the Pit) guarded the entrance to the Greek afterlife, the realm of Hecate, Persephone and Hades. It was a monstrous dog with three mastiff heads, sometimes with the tail of a serpent or a dragon. For the souls of the dead to enter the Underworld, they had to present Cerberus with gifts of honey and barley cakes. It was the job of Cerberus to keep out living humans who may try to rescue their loved ones from the Underworld.
He could be used to help contact specific departed souls for information and help.
The Heaven Dog
The 'Heaven Dog' of China is called T'ien Kou [tea-en go]. He is said to be both benevolent and terrible. This celestial dog was said to have descended from the skies and was a terrifying creature. He liked to feed on newborn children and was an omen of destruction and disaster.
T'ien Kou could be called upon for protection and exorcism of evil spirits and to help with fidelity.
Hounds of the Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt or Ride of Death appears in many forms throughout Europe . The Hunt is accompanied by a pack of supernatural hounds. The French had their Grand Huntsmen, the Irish their Hell hounds, the British Celts their Dogs of Annwn or the Underworld. The Hounds of the Wild Hunt were given many names: The Gabriel Hounds, Yeth hounds, the Devil's Dandy Dogs, the Gabriel Ratchets, Whistlers, The Dartmoor Pack or the Wisht Hounds. They are known as the death omen hounds, although they did not cause destruction or chase humans to death. It was said that when they were near they sounded like small dogs but from a distance their cry was deep and, hollow and wild, like the bay of bloodhounds.
The hounds were also known as the Hounds of the Hill stemming from the belief that Faeries lived in hollow hills. It is said that because the Christians could not get people to stop believing in these supernatural creatures they changed the name to Hell (Hel's) Hounds and said they hunted down the souls of sinners. Stories say that these Hell Hounds, with their fiery eyes, terrible fangs and savage yelps, would follow the scent of a sinner and never give up until they dragged him or her into the Christian Hell!
A few legends tell of a person who has fought against the Wild Hunt, hounds and followers, managing to slay some of them, and holding them at bay until first light. When morning came, there was no sign of bodies, and the Wild Hunt reappeared somewhere else the next night.
Although not recommended if called upon for magickal purposes the Hounds can help hunt down those who break spiritual laws. Seeing or hearing the Hounds of the Hunt are an omen of death or misfortune.
Irish Moon Dogs
The Old Irish folk tales said that the gates which lead to Emania, the Moon-land, were guarded by two dogs. For this reason mourners were told not to cry too loudly, otherwise the guardian dogs became disturbed and might attack the soul approaching the gate. One of the dogs was named Dormarth (Death's Door).
They may be able to assist in using Moon magick to contact and learn from departed souls.