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Ascended Masters These are guides often found by people who do energy work, such as Reiki. A ascended master who appears as a spirit guide is often a being that led a physical life and has moved on to a higher spiritual plane (for example, Buddha, Krishna, even Jesus.. Dark gods and demonettes) Ascended masters usually work with collective groups of souls, in other words, if you've got an ascended master hanging around you, you're not the only one he or she is helping. Their primary focus is that of helping all of humanity. It's not uncommon for an ascended master to have access to records.
Ancestral Guides Is one who can claim some sort of kinship with you. It may also appear in the form of a long-dead ancestor. In some schools of thought, these entities are seen as reincarnated guides, because they are the spirits of someone who loved us during their physical lifetime, or who had some sort of blood connection to our family. Some people, depending on their religious upbringing, may see these types of guides as guardian angels.
Common or Teacher spiritual guide A typical spirit guide is archetypical, symbolic or representative of something else. (For example, you may find your guide appears in the form of a warrior, a storyteller, or a wise woman) Regardless they have appeared to you, or been summoned by you for a purpose. Typically, that purpose is to teach you and guide you along a particular path. They may also introduce you to other archetypes along your journey, and help out with problem solving, based upon your needs. They are known to provide insight by way of dreams or meditation, and may only hang around as long as you need them, then move on.
Animal guide Although many people claim to have animals as spirit guides, often these entities are more companions than anything else. It's not uncommon for a deceased pet to linger around, keeping you company through the grieving process. In some spiritual traditions, such as various Native American or shamanic paths, a person may have an animal totem, which provides teaching and/or protection.(also see below in Animals in magic)

Power Animals, Totem Animals and Spirit Animals
A power animal is a spiritual guardian that some people connect with. However, much like other spiritual entities, there's no rule or guideline that says you must have one. If you happen to connect with an animal entity while meditating or performing astral travel, then that may be your power animal or it may just be curious about what you're up to.
The use of a totem animal is not part of traditional practice. However, other modern practices evolve and blend together, many people who follow non-mainstream spiritual paths find themselves working with a mix of many different belief systems.
There can also be spirit guides as well as spirit animals.
A familiar is often defined as an animal with whom we have a magical connection, but in truth, the concept is a bit more complex than this. They can be summoned as well as bought. Usually a stray might cross you're path and seem to 'guard' or oversee you.

Serpent magic

Ravens and Crows Appear in folklore going back to early times. Sometimes, they're seen as harbingers of doom, but more often than not, they are messengers.

Owls Appear in legends and myths going back to the ancient Greeks, who knew the wise old owl was the symbol of their goddess Athena. However, owls are often associated with prophecy and bad tidings.

Cat Magic
Ever have the privilege of living with a cat? If you have, you know that they have a certain degree of unique magical energy. It’s not just our modern domesticated felines, though - people have seen cats as magical creatures for a long time.
Some people see cats as guardians of the dead or guardians of the underworld and hell. Often knowing things that are not seen to be what they appear. Some are known to sense impending disaster due to their whiskers and senses being alot better than a human. Some people may even think they're familiar actually talks to them.

Black cats Anyone who lives with a cat knows how fortunate they are to have a cat in their life. But there are a few who believe that they are unlucky and get up to nasty hikinks like local hooligans on a certain Friday. Most witches prefer to have a black cat as a familiar.

Dog Magic
For thousands of years, man has found a companion in the dog. As time has passed, and both species have evolved, the dog has found his role in many cultures the world over. While the modern communities of witches tends to, as a whole, be drawn towards the aloof and noble cat, it’s important that we do not overlook the magical nature of dogs. Although they are typically associated with death, they are also symbolic of loyalty and the bonds of friendship.

Wolf is associated with many different aspects throughout the ages. Often seen as terrifying, there are plenty of tales in which the wolf is shown as compassionate and nurturing.

Spiders Depending on where you live, you probably see spiders starting to emerge from their hiding spots at some point in the summer. By fall, they tend to be fairly active because they’re seeking warmth. Don’t panic, though – most spiders are harmless, and people have learned to co-exist with them for thousands of years. Some are used for luck, spells or even as a familiar. People and spiders have learned to coexist for thousands of years. There web and eggs can be used as ingrediants for spells. But please go to the local __ instead of terrorizing all the local ones.

Bees When spring rolls around, you'll see bees buzzing around your garden, partaking of the rich pollen in your flowers and herbs. The plants are in full bloom at this time of the spring, and the bees take full advantage, buzzing back and forth, carrying pollen from one blossom to another. In addition to providing us with honey and wax, bees are known to have magical properties.

Rabbits Spring equinox is a time for fertility and sowing seeds, and so nature's fertility goes a little crazy. The rabbit for good reason; is often associated with fertility magic and sexual energy. Spring is a great time to focus on some of that rambctious energy

Frog & Toad Magic and superstition Frogs and toads feature prominently in both magical folklore and in many societies. These amphibious critters are known for a variety of magical properties, from their ability to help predict the weather, to curing warts to bringing good luck.

Tortoise & Turtles The turtle and tortoise appear in a number of cultures, and are often associated with longevity and stability, as well as numerous creation myths.