From the earliest grimoires, animals have been associated with witches. This book covers all aspects of working magic with familiars and how to create profound relationships with your own pets. Dodie Graham McKay shares folklore and historical information as well as practical exercises and spells.

Featuring a cover illustration by Laura Tempest Zakroff and deep insight on how to witches relate to their familiars and companions, this book helps you work with animal energy through dozens of charms, recipes, rituals, and more. Dodie takes you back in time to explore supernatural entities and long-ago symbolism. Then she delves into modern ways to understand animals and partner with them—including stories about her relationship with animals. From making pumpkin oat dog biscuits to shapeshifting via dance, this book will enrich your experiences with the animals in your life.

Dodie Graham McKay's profile page

Kelden's profile page

Dodie Graham McKay is a writer, Green Witch, Gardnerian priestess, and filmmaker. She is inspired to document and share stories that capture the beauty of nature and the visible and invisible realms of magic and witchcraft. She is the author of the book Earth Magic and A Witch's Ally, and her documentary films include The WinniPagans (2012), Starry Nights (2016), and the four-part series Exploring the Sacred (2022). Dodie spends her spare time walking her dogs and facilitating a busy coven. She lives in Treaty One Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Visit her at DodieGrahamMcKay.com.

Kelden (Minnesota) has been practicing Traditional Witchcraft for more than a decade. He is the author of The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft. Additionally, his writing has appeared in The Witch's Altar, The New Aradia: A Witch's Handbook to Magical Resistance, and This Witch magazine. Kelden is also the cocreator of The Traditional Witch's Deck, and he authors a blog on the Patheos Pagan channel called By Athame and Stang. In his free time, Kelden enjoys reading, hiking, growing poisonous plants, and playing ukulele. Learn more at Patheos.com/Blogs/ByAthameAndStang.

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"A far-reaching examination of the intersections between witchcraft, the inner world of animals, and our relationships with them. Throughout A Witch's Ally, you'll find a beautifully curated collection of Dodie's personal experiences, history, folklore, rituals, and frameworks to understand witchcraft with animals. I am especially appreciative of the care that is taken in clarifying the distinctions between pets, companions, animal spirits, and cultural contexts. This book is an asset to anyone that wishes to deepen their connection to the spiritual world of animals.
—Ivo Dominguez, Jr., author of the Witch's Sun Sign series

"This profoundly wise and wonderful book is an extraordinary guide that opens the portals of the mind and spirit to the magical power of our connection with animals on both the physical and non physical planes. Beautifully written, combining deep insight with practicality, A Witch's Ally is an important book that could change your perception of animals—and your life.
—Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, author of The Glastonbury Tarot and Charlie, the Dog Who Came in from the Wild

"McKay brings a modern, inclusive, and thorough lens to the discussion of animal companions to your craft. With its insights and techniques, this book will help you forge, deepen, and multiply your connections with the potential allies all around us, as well as inform you on the history and folklore behind many beyond the ubiquitous black cat and corvid."
—J.R. Mascaro, author of Seal, Sigil & Call

"A Witch's Ally thoughtfully presents the diverse roles animals have played in folklore throughout history and within modern witchcraft. The reader is immersed in the different relationships witches form with animals, exploring the origins of those bonds, and how the unique strengths of our companions can enhance magical practice. Adding a rich layer of insight to the narrative, A Witch's Ally goes beyond our perceptions of animals and considers how they perceive us and the world around them. This book is a beautifully written, heartfelt tribute to the animals that enrich our magic and our lives!
—Nicolette Miele, author of Runes for the Green Witch