The ancestors of the domectic cat were probably the African wild cat, Felis chaus, and/or teh Kaffir cat, Felis lybica. These two species were tamed and honored by the ancient Egyptians. Through Egyptian influence, domesticated cats were dispersed around the Mediterranean area. Roman legions and settlers took them into Europe and Britain, whre they obviously bred with local species.
In ancient cultures, the cat was both a solar and lunar animal. It was said to be 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 give by Allah to help humans. The Hindu goddess Shasti rides a cat, they symbol of prolific fertility and birth.
In Egypt, cats were sacred to Bast and Pasht. Bast represented the gentler aspects of the cat, while Pasht, signified the more aggressive aspects. Egyptians gave the cat the name mau, after the sound 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. Even cats belonging to common people were mourned upon their deaths--the family shaved their eyebrows. Killing a cat anywhere in Egypt brought the death penalty. The idea of the cat and its nine lives derives form 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, and enchanted sow.
In Norse myth, the goddess Freyja's chariot was pulled by two cats. After the people 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-hourses earned the right to become witches disguised as black cats. This rewrite of the Norse goddess sotry 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 way a yin animal connected with evil, the night, and shape-shifting. They believed that the appearance of a strage cat protended a change in fortune and that a black cat meant sickness or misfortune. In Japan, however, the cat was considered to be a positive-ppwered 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. Althought some of their legends tell how the cat was full of trickery and sometimes associated with ghosts, the Japanese still hold cats in high esteem.
MAGICKAL ATTRIBUTES
A strong protecor, especially when faced with a confrontational situation.
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.
CHANT
Littlest lion, panther in minature,
Help me in my magickal endeavors.
Teach me to see my path through dark places.
Helf me to sift the necessary from the unnecessary
And to relax and enjoy life.
Strengthen my magick and carry it to its destination.
-- Unknown
