THE CAT:In ancient cultures, the cat was both a lunar and solar animal.It was said to psychic and could predict coming disasters. People thought it also could affect the weather, hence the expression "raining cats and dogs". Many deities were connected with some branch of the cat family. Artemis and Diana were both called the Mother of Cats; the Roman goddess Liberty was portrayed with a cat at her feet. Although the followers of Zoroaster believed that cats were familiars of the evil god Ahriman, the Moslems believed the cat was a good creature given by Allah to help humans. The Hindu goddess Shasti rides a cat, the symbol of prolific fertilty and birth. In Egypt, cats were sacred to Bast and Pasht; this veneration was well established by at least 1570 B.C.E., and by 950 B.C.E. was found in all of Egypt. Bast represented the gentler aspects of the cat, while Pasht signified the more aggressive aspects. Egyptians gave the cat the name "mau" after the sounds it makes. A black cat was especially lucky and was the emblem used by physicians to advertise their services. The temple cats of Bast, upon death, were mummified and buried with great ceremony. Killing a cat anywhere in Egypt brought the death penalty. The idea of the cat and its nine lives derives from an Egyptian belief that the goddess Pasht had nine lives. In Celtic traditions, cats were associated with Underworld powers, the dead, and prophecy. Often they were portrayed as evil creatures, but this may have been because the wild cats in Celtic countries were untamed. Irish legends tell of a cat called "Little Cat", who was a guardian of treasure. In Wales, Great Cat was a powerful being born of Henwen, an enchanted sow. In Norse myth, the goddess Freyja's chariot was pulled by two cats. After the people were converted to Christianity, Freyja became a witch and her cats became black horses possessed by the devil. This new legend said that after seven years the cat-horses earned the right to become witches disguised as black cats. This rewrite of the Norse goddess story may be the origin of the unlucky black cat superstition. Those taught to fear the devil would consider black cats to be his evil helpers. The Chinese said that the cat was a yin animal connected with evil, the night, and shape-shifting. They believed that the appearance of a strange cat portended a change in fortune and that a black cat meant sickness or misfortune. In Japan, however, the cat was considered to be a positive power animal, a creature symbolizing peace and transformation. Cats were popular with Japanese sailors, for they said that the animals had power over the dead and kept away evil spirits that dwelt in the ocean. Although some of their legends tell how the cat was full of trickery and sometimes associated with ghosts, the Japanese still hold the animal in high esteem. SuperstitionsCats will suck away the breath of children, invalids, and sleeping people, leaving them weak or even killing them.(this erroneous superstition developed during the witch-frenzy of the Middle Ages)Cats are extremely nervous. (cats are not nervous, they just have superb reflexes). In Britain and many places in Europe, a black cat crossing the road or entering your house is considered to be very good fortune. In parts of Yorkshire the wives of fishermen keep black cats at home to ensure their husbands' safety at sea. In southern England a black cat crossing the path of a bride as she leaves the church is said to grant a fortunate marriage. A sneezing cat is said to bring good luck to a bride,as well as being a sign of rain. Magickal AttributesA strong protector, especially when faced with a confrontationalsituation.Knowing when to fight your way out of a bad situation and when to retreat. Independent and self-assured. Searching for hidden information. Seeing spirits. ChantLittlest lion, panther in miniature,Help me in my magickal endeavors. Teach me to see my path through dark places. Help me to sift the necessary from unnecessary And to relax and enjoy life. Strengthen my magcik and carry it to its destination. |
