FAQ - Part 2 / ?
What is a calling?
A calling is a strong draw towards a spirit or entity, or a sort of nagging feeling you get when you read or think about them. It manifests in everyone differently, and can include things like consistently coming back to check to see if a listing is still up, thinking about a specific spirit or entity frequently, nervousness over the idea someone else may purchase a listing, or a positive emotional reaction to reading a listing. However, we don't believe that callings are mandatory for a successful companionship. You can absolutely connect and get along with a spirit and have them be a good fit for you even if you don't experience that deep gut feeling.
How do you communicate with a spirit?
Just like there are many forms of communication for humans, so too are their many ways of communicating with spirits and entities! You can communicate through runes, tarot or oracle cards, through automatic writing, omens, dreams, or any of the clairs to name a few. The more you work on your communication skills and put into developing those particular "muscles", you'll notice that over time you will strengthen your abilities and feel more comfortable with various methods of communication. There is no right or wrong way to communicate with your spirits, and everyone is different. It's best not to compare yourself to others, and if you're ever frustrated, it's a good idea to revisit the basics!
Different spirits may respond better to different forms of communication, so you may need to experiment a little with your companion to find what way works best for your unique dynamic.
What is the difference between a servitor, thoughtform, familiar, spirit, and an entity?
There are a few different thoughts on what constitutes the difference between these descriptors. There is certainly some overlap, and it's difficult to find people who agree across the board within the community. Here at Three Souls, we use the following definitions:
A servitor is a spelled creation that was created to perform simple tasks and functions. They exist similar to a program — they are designed for a use, and do not learn or expand beyond that initial construction.
A thoughtform is similar to a servitor, however, a thoughtform is able to develop sentience and autonomy. They can evolve, learn, and grow on their own with enough time, energy, and dedication on the part of the creator.
Familiars are beings either created and awarded by deities to devout worshippers, or can be creatures of a lower sentience (when compared to humans; although they may mask well) that people can summon to assist with aspects of their craft. Other times, familiars can be a bit more complex and—while they are often bestial in nature—they can sometimes take a more humanoid appearance. However, they are static in their nature in a similar way that you may expect all animals of a specific type to be; the fox that is cunning and swift; the coyote who is observant and opportunistic; the raven who is intelligent and mystical. This can be due to being made from a specific kind of energy or by the realm they came from itself. Most of our familiars are offered via an RA so we can assure we're summoning the right one for you.
A spirit is a deceased entity. It is worth noting however that the word “spirit” is used interchangeably with “entity” in some instances, such as in the phrase “spirit companion”. Spirits are just as complex as living beings!
An entity, specifically a living entity, is an individual who is alive and has the same needs as any other living creature. But, don't worry! You aren't responsible for their needs, and you don't "own" them. When they're not spending time with you, they're usually back in their home world or realm tending to their day-to-day life. Unlike the other types listed above, they are more likely to need time to themselves away from the companionship, as they will need to eat, sleep, and take care of themselves. These can be bestial or humanoid beings, but typically have a sentience level that is on par with humans or close to.