The cat is a lunar symbol, almost universally associated with the night, dark forces and the feminine. The idea that a cat is a magical animal, an assistant to dark forces, has a very ancient history. It was the black cat that was considered the companion of a witch or sorcerer, accompanying its owner to the Sabbath. She herself possessed magical powers capable of harming an enemy and bringing bad luck to anyone she met. It was believed that the cat has such unique properties as flexibility, speed, and the ability to see in the dark, because it entered into a conspiracy with evil forces, and therefore brings misfortune.
Cat on an ancient Roman mosaic from Pompeii
The Chinese also considered the cat to be a witchcraft animal and attributed to it the ability to transform into other creatures and humans. Since the cat is a nocturnal animal, the Chinese associated it with the yin principle, that is, the feminine principle of darkness, moisture and night. The cat in China is a symbol of clairvoyance. Since ancient times, there has been a belief that, thanks to their exceptional vision, cats can see spirits.
However, not all cultures have created such a negative image of the cat. Muslims, on the contrary, considered the cat to be an animal that brings good luck; they were sure that the cat has seven lives. In heraldry, the image of a cat is considered a symbol of love of freedom.
L. da Vinci. Madonna with a cat. The subject for this painting was a legend according to which a cat gave birth in a stable at the same time as the Virgin Mary.
In Christianity, the image of a cat is controversial. On the one hand, she is considered the embodiment of dark forces, the devil, lust and laziness. However, there are biblical legends in which the cat is a light symbol. For example, during the Great Flood, a cat saved the ark from sinking by plugging its tail into a hole in the ship’s hull, which had been gnawed by a mouse sent by Satan.
The cat is an ancient Slavic symbol of wisdom, riddles, and secrets. In Slavic folklore, the image of a cat-bayun is often found, which puts people to sleep and lulls them to sleep with fairy tales, as well as a learned cat. In Rus' it was believed that the devil was reincarnated as a cat, and small children saw death in the form of a black cat.
Maneki Neku is a Japanese talisman, a symbol of happiness and good luck.
The meaning of figurines in modern homes
Unlike ancient times, today cats are not considered deities, but they are still loved and respected. They are associated with purity, independence, grace, wisdom and beauty. A cat figurine in a modern person’s home is used as part of the room’s decor, as well as a talisman or some kind of instrument for making wishes come true.
The most common pose in which the animal is depicted is a sitting cat. According to the Taoist practice of Feng Shui, such a figurine in the house means protection, prosperity and good luck. A figurine with a raised tail is a symbol of optimism and success. Graceful figurines in the Egyptian style symbolize femininity, nobility and motherhood.
Figurines of an inviting cat – Maneki-neko – are very popular. It is believed that the figurine helps to attract wealth, luck, and prosperity to the home. If a cat waves his right paw, he attracts success, and his left paw attracts money. In many oriental shops you can see a figurine of an inviting pet at the entrance. He waves his left paw, luring customers.
Also in modern homes you can see entire compositions with several figurines of cats. Most often it is a symbol of friendship and fertility.
When decorating the interior with figures of a graceful animal, you need to remember that taste is manifested in the ability to refuse what is superfluous. Designers do not recommend cluttering the room with many different figurines.
The principle of operation of the amulet
The principle of operation of the amulet is based, first of all, on faith in its effectiveness. The exact mechanism of action has not yet been studied. The energy of the animal depicted on the talisman resonates with the energy of its owner. A stable energy connection is established between them.
The totem animal gradually endows the owner with its own character traits, habits, and abilities.
For the amulet to work, you need to know the main rules for its use:
- Love, and not exploit, the animal depicted on the amulet. You should not expect help from a totem with a picture of a cat if you offend your pet or its stray brothers.
- Working with amulets has its own laws and rules. If you do not follow them, then instead of a positive effect you can get a negative one or not get any at all.
Cat symbols in ancient times
In ancient times, cats were credited with mystical abilities. They were believed to have a connection with the other world. Among some peoples, pets personified the gods to whom they prayed and made sacrifices.
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In Japan, cats were considered intelligent magical creatures. The symbol of an inviting cat with a raised paw has a mysterious and mystical origin. According to legend, the pet, sitting at the gate of an old temple, beckoned with its paw to the emperor, who was hiding from a thunderstorm under a tree nearby. As the emperor approached the animal, lightning struck the tree. The abbot came out of the temple and invited the emperor to wait out the storm. The ruler liked this place and gave money to restore the shrine. Since then, it is believed that the image of a cat with a raised paw brings good luck to the house.
In ancient China, the goddess of fertility was depicted as a cat, so this symbol was used to pray for the harvest. And in Ancient Greece, animals personified dark forces. In Greek mythology, the pet was the faithful companion of the goddess of moonlight and the underworld, Hecate.
Animals appeared in Europe thanks to traders who illegally exported them from Egypt. With the onset of the Middle Ages, the cat family had a hard time. The creatures came under extermination because it was believed that they harbored the power of dark magic. There is still a superstition that black cats bring bad luck.
It is worth highlighting the role of cats in Ancient Egypt. Animal domestication took place in this state.
Totem cat
People whose subconscious is connected with the character of cats are sweet, but independent, and what are called “walking on their own.”
These people are very clean and love their own body, both women and men prefer to take care of themselves, know how to take care of themselves, and are independent.
The health of these people seriously depends on the quality of sleep - with such a totem it is necessary to get a good night's sleep, this perfectly harmonizes the nervous system. Another aspect is sexual , this topic often becomes the most intrusive in their lives, but it is also a powerful driving force for their growth and development.
Cat painting by St. Petersburg artist Vladimir Rumyantsev
A person who has a cat totem has instinct and intuition, often hypersensitive abilities, and can clearly distinguish for himself Good and Evil, good and bad energy, light and dark people. He himself gravitates more towards one or the other pole.
They are curious and nosy, they love news and want to see and hear everything first. But they don’t aspire to be leaders; it’s more convenient for them to sit next to the leader, receiving all the benefits and bringing benefit with their talents and skills.
People who have a cat totem have good energy and can awaken their magical abilities and engage in various kinds of spiritual practices. Remember? - “There is no stronger beast than a cat!”
Woman with cat totem
- a girl-girl, very desirable for the male sex, she feels great potential - sexual and partner.
Feline flexibility and dexterity, grace are the qualities of true women who know how to enjoy life and attract men into their company.
The cat woman gets everything she wants with softness and affection, cunning and patience, and at the same time she knows how to arrange relationships so well that she will never allow herself to be offended. Otherwise, there is a reason to release her claws, which are quite sharp. Brunette cats are especially dangerous, they are absolutely on their own and very insidious, they do not forgive insults.
Cat painting by St. Petersburg artist Vladimir Rumyantsev
A woman whose cat is an animal of power has a developed maternal instinct, gets pregnant easily and loves to fuss with children. She is caring and knows how to instill in her offspring the necessary life skills.
She chooses professions where there will be a demand for her internal qualities - instinct, understanding of people, she can become a consultant and expert in various issues. She does not want a strict regime of professional activity; she prefers to work under a contract, in freelancing mode. Knows how to adapt, find loopholes and the best options for implementation in any event.
Men having a cat totem
– in their youth they are very active, striving for more and more new adventures. They know how to talk and captivate girls, value variety, and often have several love affairs at the same time.
They prefer to communicate with women; they have few male friends. In companies he is a pleasant and funny joker, attractive and sincere.
Cat painting by St. Petersburg artist Vladimir Rumyantsev
As they get older, they become lazier, agree to start a family, but are not averse to going “left” on occasion, without depressing themselves with doubts and feelings of guilt.
Cats, in general, love such living conditions when other people do everything for them, and they can come to a ready-made situation and decorate and ennoble it.
They work well in positions where commercial talent - a kind of merchant master who knows how to find an approach and cajole (mur-mur-mur) any potential partner or customer.
Their second talent is the ability to understand people and sense danger , so they find themselves in internal security services, especially commercial institutions. “Rats” - they smell it!
Kote the Pied Piper
They appear as fighters most often in only three situations:
- in situations of injustice, when they are severely deprived or their freedom is limited;
- in personal relationships, the presence of a rival invigorates them and forces them to activate their energy and mental abilities. Competition is their driving force;
- in extreme moments they instantly mobilize and are capable of feats.
How cats were treated in ancient Egypt
In ancient times, the Egyptians deified various birds and animals, but cats were especially revered. The creatures became the embodiment of the ancient Egyptian goddess Bast, who was the patroness of women, motherhood and fertility.
The image of a cat in Ancient Egypt was associated with the moon and the sun. The Egyptians believed that the animal was the eyes of the sun god Ra on earth.
The honor of pets was so great that when a cat died, it was mummified and a special sarcophagus was made. Everything necessary for the animal’s other life was placed there, including mice and rats.
People in whose house an animal died shaved off their eyebrows, thereby showing their grief. Killing a creature, even unintentionally, was punishable by death.
Every resident of the ancient country wanted to have a freedom-loving animal in their home. Those who could not afford to keep the beast decorated the house with figurines, figurines and drawings with its image. People believed that, having this symbol, they were under the protection and love of the goddess Bast. After all, the Egyptian cat figurine symbolizes the goddess Bast (daughter of the god Ra). It still brings peace and prosperity to this day. Many tourists strive to bring this souvenir home from Egypt.
Cat Chariot
The Scandinavians considered the cat one of the main attributes of the goddess Freya. If her movements were not related to war, she rode a chariot drawn by cats. It was on this kind of transport that the goddess came to Balder’s funeral. Volva, a priestess of the Seidr cult, whose patroness was Freya, wore gloves made of cat skins.
AND ABOUT. Blommer. Freya's Chariot
Where to place the figurine in the house
Despite the fact that black animals are associated with trouble, a black cat figurine in the house will only complement the elegant and sophisticated interior.
And according to Feng Shui, figures such as a cat with a raised paw should have the correct location in the room. This room cannot be a bedroom, bath or closet.
A hall or living room is a good place to place the figurine. So, to attract wealth, it is recommended to place the figurine in the southeast. In order for your business and career to “go up”, it is worth placing it in the northeast.
Read more: deciphering the Feng Shui sectors
A mysterious and graceful cat, even in the form of a figurine, can make life successful and prosperous, provided that they sincerely believe in it.
Cats of Ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians domesticated cats around 2000 BC. Gradually, the cult of the cat began to replace the more ancient cult of the lion. Cats were mummified and depicted as women with cat heads. The cat was a lunar symbol and was worshiped in the form of the cat Mau. Also very revered was the cat goddess Bast, the embodiment of the sun, the personification of the good force that protects the luminary from snakes.
In the workshop of an ancient Egyptian sculptor. Painting by the English artist E. Long, 19th century.
The higher the paw, the longer the wait for success
Also, when buying a maneki-neko, you should pay attention to the height of the raised paw: if it is below the ear, then luck will come to the owner of the talisman faster. If the paw is higher than the ear, then success will have to wait a little. Sellers of mascots note that buyers most often buy cats with a paw below the ear. And this is natural: everyone wants to attract good luck quickly.
How to make a cat amulet with your own hands
Traditionally, cat figurines are made from porcelain and ceramics, but at home, an amulet can be made from clay or papier-mâché. Handmade talismans have stronger energy.
Choosing colors according to Feng Shui
When making an amulet, the choice of color according to Feng Shui is extremely important. If you make paired maneki neko, it is recommended to paint one white and the other black. Unpaired maneki neko can be red or blue.
When it comes to the color of a cat amulet, the principle of its operation is as follows:
- black color - protection from the evil eye, healing power;
- white - gives harmony and tranquility, development in all areas of life, increased intelligence;
- red - a source of energy, well-being and stability;
- 3-color - harmonious concentration of all previous properties;
- blue cat - chastity, morality.
We are looking for an approach to the cat man
How to establish contact with a cat and how to establish a relationship with it? She needs to be interested. As a natural hunter, a cat is always in stalking mode, but not everyone can attract its attention.
The cat is captivated by independence and ease of communication, creativity and sincere care. She cannot be put under pressure, and she needs measured attention. If it is also regular, then consider that the matter is in the bag. The cat appreciates reliability, but communication should not be boring.
Give her beautiful things. And if your financial situation does not yet allow you to give expensive gifts, then you can settle on pleasant, cozy things - a warm shawl, a bottle of her favorite wine, a dinner prepared with your own hands. If your cat is interested in art, you can give a gift that will highlight its delicate taste, if, of course, you yourself are no worse at this.
