Since ancient times, animals and people have joined forces in myriad ways for magickal purposes. Mythology contains countless stories of humans and deities merging with animals to form mysterious creatures such as the centaur. The pagan Horned God is often depicted with the legs and horns of a goat; the Egyptian god Anubis has a jackal's head and human body. Shamans call upon totem animals to guide them on their journeys. Witches often seek the assistance of animal companions — the best-known being black cats — called “familiars.”