Bible Dictionary
FAMILIAR
A familiar spirit refers to a spirit consulted through forbidden divination, a practice condemned by the Mosaic law. “Familiar” can also mean an intimate friend or close acquaintance.
Biblical Usage
The Mosaic law forbade consulting familiar spirits. Saul removed the practice early in his reign but later consulted the woman of Endor; Manasseh practiced the sin, while Josiah expelled those who dealt with familiar spirits.