Humans had enough trouble seeing other humans as human. We are not even remotely smart enough to know how smart animals are. We would have a huge existential crisis if we realised other creatures are as sentient and aware as we are.
People seriously underestimate the impact the media has on notions of pet ownership and what people can handle in animals.
Books, movies, TV, and internet videos from Youtube, Instagram, and The Dodo often show animals in their best moments, or even acting because they’ve been trained to do certain tasks (or are animated as humanlike characters). The fact is that the vast majority of people, even those who already have pets, have a very low or nonexistent level of animal literacy; what they take away from that kind of media oftens turns into “I want that animal as a pet.”
People who watched Finding Nemo created an explosion of demand for clownfish and blue tangs; Harry Potter, owls; 101 Dalmatians for dalmatians, etc etc etc. When the decision to get a pet modeled after the cute, photo-ready animals seen on a screen is made, there is zero consideration as to whether or not their needs can be met and if people can actually handle them.
Media featuring animals inevitably creates a boom of abandonment and huge environmental impact precisely because people who were in over their heads and acted purely on a whim got their dose of reality, and it’s incredibly heartbreaking to have to see the news detailing such cases. These are just some examples:
Yearly reminders have to be passed around telling people not to buy rabbits on Easter unless they’re committed to actually taking care of them
Thousands of dalmatians were abandoned when families discovered that they are very energy intensive, broody work dogs that are not suited to families with small children, unlike the cuddly Perdita and Pongo
Similarly, huskies and malamutes were surrendered to shelters when people realised they are not loyal Westeros direwolves
Entire ecosystems in Europe and southern Asia lost valuable apex predators when people began poaching them to sell to fans who wanted their own Hedwigs and Errols, and again abandoning them en masse when they discovered owls are highly aggressive, loud, messy, and nocturnal
Japan imported thousands of North American raccoons after the release of the Disney movie Rascal, people let them loose in the wild, and Japan now has a problem trying to figure out what to do with their enormous pest population that has no natural predator in place to control their numbers
Pacific Reefs suffered greatly when people demanded to have clownfish and blue tangs as pets, especially considering they were caught by being stunned with sodium cyanide, which, additionally, severely damages coral as well. NatGeo estimates that up to 90% of tropical fish imported by the US are caught by way of cyanide fishing; this often ends up for naught as these fish are often flushed down the toilet or released to the wild in other ways, which is also why the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are under threat by voracious invasive species like lionfish
The gist is that the media perpetuates this cycle of people reading about or seeing animal characters, demand is created, people impulse buy those animals, and then leave them for shelters to care for or release them to the wild when they get a rude awakening and find they’re actually unable to deal with those animals.
This isn’t even counting other animals like “mini” pigs, chihuahuas, snakes, foxes, etc etc etc. And we can’t exactly blame this on over enthusiastic children when it’s adults who have the purchasing power to buy a pet, and who choose to do zero research, and who choose to indulge said children or even themselves when that I Want the TV Animal as a Pet urge comes on.
Ignoring what is essentially weaponised cuteness used for online likes is hard, especially when faced with such palatable stuff like that gif of the owl riding the tablet stylus, or the plethora of cat videos. But it costs very little effort to not only educate yourself on the needs of animals and to also not encourage a rapacious pet trade industry, but to communicate that to others so that, hopefully, we won’t have to see things like Peter Dinklage and Jo Rowling having to make statements to the news because of this problem.
First, you have to find the crows. If the crows don’t live there you
probably won’t find them. Second, you must remember that while they are
urban wildlife that have lived near humans for millennia, they are still
wild life and are to be respected and not to be commanded or captured. Crows do not owe you anything. They don’t owe you friendship and they don’t owe you their secrets.
I live in Portland, Oregon. We have crows the same way some cities have pigeons, they are everywhere and I love them. Ian B
and I had serious conversations 5 or 6 years ago when I first wanted to
get to know the crows in our neighborhood about how smart they are and how I shouldn’t give
them peanuts all the time because they would identify me and become
demanding.
I first
started feeding them on a specific corner half a block away so as to not use my
house as a the base. I saw that they would hang out on power lines and I would jingle my keys or make a specific sound with my mouth and then leave the peanuts on the corner curb. Crows will notice patterns so I gave them a patters of sound and place to associate with the peanuts. Crows are incredibly bold and at times daring, but they are very wary of new things. Give them some time for them to associate you with the treats. Once they associate you with the peanuts they could become curious about you as a friendly human.
I have met several generations of these crows and they have brought me gifts of small trinkets. They hang out on the wall across from my house and they hang out on the power lines while I work in the yard. My indoor/outdoor cat is afraid of them, but the crows have learned to leave him alone. I’ve gone outside with JackieCat and scooped him up to show the crows that I can handle the cat.
I work about a mile from my house and when walk or ride my bike to work I know each different family of crows along the way. They all have distinct personalities and even variations in their calls. Some are more chatty or aggressive or playful. One of them will fly right next to me down the street when I ride my bike. With each generation the younger crows are taught that I am a friend and source of food. I love their goofy awkward “feed me” calls as they are learning how to be a crow. You can spot young crows because there is still a pink webbing where their beak meets and they will beg for food from parents or helpers because that was how they were fed in the nest.
Listen to their calls and see if you can distinguish between alarm calls or friendly calls. Crows are also capable of mimicking sounds. They could mimic the sound you make. I’ve even heard one mimic a dog bark to a dog when it got too close to a peanut!
Watch the crows. see their family dynamics. The crows will also be watching you. Do not trick crows because they will remember.
all right guys here it is THE BIG GAY ANIMAL SEX POST
or in other words, “Why Nonhuman Homosexual and Asexual Behavior has both Survival and Reproductive Benefits” aka that lit review i’d like to write if i could ever be arsed to get around to it
yes reproductive benefits you heard correctly we’re gonna get there but first we better do a basic rundown of what I mean by homosexual/asexual behaviors
IRREVERENT DISCUSSION OF ANIMAL SEX BEHIND CUT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED
Agate – You cannot go wrong with the Agate family. The powerful yet gentle energy of Agate can open the channels of communication between you and your pet, will balance your pet’s energy, assist with sleep, calm anxiety, and help your pet focus during training.
Amber – a great stone for pets due to its versatility, Amber is a wonderful and supportive healing stone. While not technically a crystal (Amber is fossilized tree resin) this is what promotes its connection to past life issues or any kind of physical healing. Amber is also known to have both a calming and energizing effect, dependant on what is needed at the moment. This attribute makes Amber perfect for both the smaller, hyper animals with high metabolism, as well as larger and calmer ones.
Amethyst – use for everything from pain to disorientation. Amethyst’s energy perks up couch potato pets, clears negative energy while balancing your pet’s energy fields, calms rattled nerves, and is an all-around healer.
Black Obsidian– great for reptile owners as Obsidian absorbs negative energy and heat. Reptiles will love its heat-retaining qualities, and the shiny black stone will look good in their habitat too. Just be sure the stones have smooth edges.
Black Onyx – a great stone for outdoor pets, because it is known to draw out negative energies and entities, which can be helpful for things like fleas and parasites. As such, it is good for the bowels. A very protective stone, Black Onyx is supportive of physical strength and stamina, and can be helpful during times of stress, such as physical illness, trauma, or even during fights with other animals.
Bloodstone- supports overall health, strength, and endurance. Wearing or carrying Bloodstone is helpful for balancing the chakras and for grounding negative or excessive energies. Bloodstone is also commonly used to increase intuition, which would be indispensable to any animal.
Blue Calcite – use when your pet is recuperating from surgery or trying to settle into a new home. Its relaxing energy soothes nerves, relieves anxieties, and helps with sleep. This is a great crystal to use with nervous, high-strung animals.
Blue Lace Agate – promotes sleep, calms an anxious pet, and boosts self-esteem.
Calcite – benefits the skeletal system.
Carnelian- promotes emotional warmth, individuality, courage, happiness, and harmony. It alsohelps release emotions such as anger, fear, and envy. Attach a Carnelian charm to your shy or nervous dog or cat’s collar. Carnelian is also beneficial for skin problems.
Clear Quartz- a master healer that is effective for all conditions, strengthening the aura and protecting against negative energies. Clear Quartz will help strengthen your pet’s immune system, which will improve his or her overall health. It can also stimulate energy levels. Dog and cat owners use it during training as quartz heightens communication between the pet and its owner. Bird owners could use it as well when taming and training new birds. Clear Quartz is great for amplifying intention, so you could program it with a specific purpose for your pet, before use. If you decide to use Clear Quartz for your pets, you should clear it in the evenings, as it will absorb any negative vibes with which your pet has come into close contact.
Coral- kidneys and bladder
Fluorite- bones (blue), respiration (blue, green or clear), blood purification or lymph glands (green), digestion (green or yellow).
Garnet – reproductive system
Green Moss Agate – a wonderful source of Earth energy. Relaxing and grounding.
Hematite – muscular system
Jasper – the supreme nurturing stone. Its grounding ability supports tranquility and inner strength during times of stress or danger. Dalmatian Jasper is especially popular for use with animals as it grounds and helps alleviate fears.
Kyanite- alignment of all Chakras, tendons or bones
Malachite – heart problems, liver detoxification (WARNING: Do not permit your pet or animal to eat this stone or put it in their drinking water. Malachite has very high levels of copper and can lead to serious or fatal blood poisoning if even very small amounts are swallowed. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.)
Rose Quartz- injuries, wounds, reduces stress. Rose Quartz is the stone to use if your dog or cat is aloof and standoffish. Rose Quartz energy will help your pet learn to accept love and companionship without fear. It is ideal to use with rescued animals, injured or sick animals, or when introducing a new pet into your household. Acceptance of the new member of the family (be it another dog or a new baby) will run a smoother course.
Smokey Quartz – nervous system, swellings. If you have more than one pet in the house, and the animals socialize, then you may have squabbles from time to time. Smoky Quartz works to reduce future hostilities by grounding and clearing negative energies in your household, which would also benefit any human squabblers.
Sodalite – calming, nervousness, good for settling down during travel
Sugilite – death and dying
Turquoise- a master healer that can be used for everything, protective
Ants – Patience, stamina, planning, perseverance, organization, self-discipline, teamwork, energy, and
patience.
Bats – Rebirth, accessing past lives, new ideas, transition,
initiation, changes for the better, moon magic, understanding grief, and the ability to observe unseen.
Bears
– Introspection, healing
and inner knowledge, wisdom, defense, revenge, change, death and
rebirth, communication with spirit,
solitude, power, mother cunning, healer, gentle strength,
transformation, astral travel, strength, unconscious mind, grounding,
inner energy
of the soul, earth magic, and facing fears.
Beavers – Building, gathering, persistence, shaping, and structure.
Bees – Female
warrior energy, reincarnation, communication with the dead, service,
gathering, community, connection to the Goddess Diana, helping
earth-bound spirits move on to their
proper place, concentration, and prosperity.
Birds – Associated with death and transitions, unity, freedom, and individuality.
Since contracting a snake as my familiar, I have learned many valuable things that are worth being passed on! Familiar or not, we must keep our slithery friends safe, and make sure we are doing the best we can for them.
Animal safety is just as important in witchcraft as human safety is!
1) Do not light candles, incense, or burn anything around your snake!
Snakes have some of the frailest little respiratory systems in the animal kingdom! The smaller the snake, the more sucsceptible they are to respiratory problems. If your snake is sneezing, coughing, or breathing heavier/faster, you should stop whatever you are doing immediately and call a vet if it persists.
2) Try not to expose your snake to anything highly scented.
For the same reason above– you don’t want to do anything that will put stain on their breathing. Try to avoid scented perfume or lotions on your hands if you’re holding them, and never spray anything near them.
3) Keep them contained if you don’t know how they’ll react.
Not only are snakes very fast and slippery– and could get out of your hands especially if you’re distracted by a spell– but they are curious creatures and like to investigate. They will get close to whatever you’re doing if given the chance, and could injure themselves or someone else. If their heads coil back and their neck forms an ‘S’ shape, that meants they’re scared or startled, and are getting ready to strike if they feel the need.
4) Never put them with other animals.
Unless it’s another snake, and sometimes not even then, do not leave them with other animals. Even if you have another familiar or animal you’re using in whatever you’re doing, don’t! They’re natural prey and are scared of bigger animals like cats.
5) Keep your snake warm!
They’re cold blooded creatures, and need to be held by someone warm or kept in a humid, warm, preferrably dark place. If they’re too cold they might try to get to a burning candle or the like, and injure themselves!
6) Everything about snake skin as an offering.
Snake skin, once it has been fully, naturally, and healthfully removed, can make a great offering for not only snake deities, but animal protection, wisdom, and rebirth deities. Snake skin does not have to be placed in an airtight container, however the longer it is exposed to (especially dry) air, the more fragile it can become. If you or someone/thing eats your offerings once you are done with them, make sure the snake skin does not touch it!
Thank you for reading this post! It’s important to keep all animals safe during magical practicies! My askbox is always open if you have more questions about snakes in witchcraft & as familiars.
teakepp 