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.
Cats in mythology
Cats act as assistants to sorcerers.
The cat was the first animal to be domesticated by man. This happened despite the mystery and ambiguity of the character of this small predator. Cats were idolized, worshiped, their images decorated houses in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Japan.
In Greek and Roman mythology, representatives of the cat world were associated with the world of the gods. This was the case with Artemis in Greece and with Diana in Rome. The Greeks and Romans valued the characteristics of a cat's character: independence, belligerence, grace, and the ability to protect offspring.
In Ancient Egypt, some deities were depicted with cat heads: the Egyptian god Ra was represented to the Egyptians in the form of a cat, and the fertility goddess Bastet was represented in the form of a cat. Dead pets were mummified and temples were built in their honor.
According to ancient Egyptian justice, killing a cat was punishable by death. This attitude of the Egyptians towards cats is associated with the ability to catch mice and thereby preserve the harvest. And for agricultural Egypt this was vitally important. The Scandinavians also depicted the goddess of fertility in the form of a cat.
According to Japanese mythology, cats are able to attract good luck and prosperity into the house, protect against evil forces, and keep the home hearth. A Japanese legend tells the story of a poor old woman who loved her cat, but did not have enough money to maintain her pet.
Then the cat appeared to her in a dream and advised her to make a cat figurine and place it by the road near the house. The woman did just that. A gentleman passing by liked this figurine, he bought it, generously paying the owner. Since then, she regularly received new orders for cat figurines, and prosperity and prosperity came to the house.
Another legend about a cat is associated with the biblical parable of the Flood. When Noah, taking a pair of each creature, swam across the endless waters of the ocean, a mouse managed to gnaw a hole in the bottom of the ark. It is unknown how it would have ended if not for the smart cat. She was the first to discover the leak and plug it with her bushy tail.
The Slavs treated the cat family differently, but the tradition of keeping a cat in the house speaks for itself. It was believed that cats are guides to the goddess Makosh, the patroness of women's crafts.
They are able to warn home owners about impending dangers. Perhaps that is why the Eastern tradition of using talismans with the image of a cat has taken root in Russia.
The meaning and effect of a cat according to Feng Shui
The animal symbolizes patience and the ability to choose the right time for active actions, agility, grace, endurance and the ability to protect oneself. It is also the personification of independence, intuition, clairvoyance, insight and physical recovery, because these tenacious animals, according to legend, have nine lives. According to Feng Shui, an amulet in the shape of a cat gives a person the ability to self-heal.
Gitti Lohr/Pixabay
A home amulet in the form of any image of a four-legged creature brings comfort and warmth to the house, improves mutual understanding between people, develops eloquence and observation, teaches to be restrained, maintain composure and self-esteem.
The talisman is very suitable for the fair sex, as it is closely connected with feminine energy. The cat instills love and self-respect in women who are inclined to sacrifice their interests for the sake of others. After all, only those who love and respect themselves are able to truly love and respect others.
The meaning and power of the talisman
Each talisman has its own meaning and power, which depends on the proper manufacture of the product and its correct use. The meaning of the amulet depends on the meaning that the manufacturer and owner put into it.
Black cat as a symbol of magic
The black cat has always been an integral attribute of magic and witchcraft. She was credited with the ability to communicate with otherworldly forces and travel between worlds.
Shamans and sorcerers used these feline abilities for magical rites and rituals. The ability to recognize evil forces in any form allows a black cat to protect its owner from them.
It is believed that the talisman with the image of a black cat is the most powerful. It is endowed with the magical power of protecting the house from thieves and fires.
Black cats to protect your home from evil spirits.
Totem
The totemic image of a cat is not only a talisman or a talisman. According to ancient beliefs, a totem is an animal that is related to a person or a group of people. For example, a totem of a clan or family. Therefore, the effect of such a talisman is the strongest. A cat will never allow its family to be offended.
Maneki neko
The maneki neko figurine is the most common cat mascot. It appeared in Japan in the Middle Ages. Many legends accompanying its appearance have been preserved. One of them is the one in which the cat told her owner to sell cat figurines and thereby helped bring wealth into the house.
Since then, maneki neko have symbolized prosperity, prosperity, joy and good luck. Depicted as a sitting cat with a paw raised up. He has a ring with a bell hanging around his neck.
If the left paw is raised, then it attracts useful guests and profitable buyers to the house, and if the right paw is raised, it attracts good luck and money. Therefore, according to Japanese tradition, it is better to keep paired maneki neko in the house.
The tradition of hanging a bell on cats appeared in the 7th century. Then these animals were expensive, and the owners, in order to know where their favorites were, hung such attributes on them.
Maneki neko amulet to attract wealth.
What is the meaning of a cat amulet?
The first figurines in the form of cats have been known since the times of Ancient Egypt . The goddess of the family hearth and fertility, Bastet, was depicted in the form of a cat. The Asgardian goddess Freya was also often depicted with cats.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, talismans of good luck and material well-being, Maneki-Neko, have been very popular since time immemorial. There are quite a few legends about their origin.
One of them says that a poor elderly woman had to sell her cat to get some money for food. One night she dreamed of her pet and gave her wise advice. He said that the owner could make a figurine of him out of clay and sell it, then everything would get better in her life. The woman listened to the animal and made a clay figurine. She sold it at the market to a rich man for a good sum, and then began regularly making similar things and selling them. From that day on, wealth appeared in her house.
Cat mascots can come in various shapes and colors . But most often they are made white or black. Light color means purity and prosperity, and black is associated with protection from magical powers. It is talismans in the form of black cats that have the most powerful energy. This is due to the superstitions that have accompanied such animals for centuries.
Cats with coal fur are considered by most peoples to be mystical creatures associated with the world of witchcraft, magic and otherworldly forces. According to legend, they can:
- travel between worlds;
- help develop psychic abilities;
- contact the souls of the dead;
- ward off damage and the evil eye from the house where they live;
- protect your home from thieves, fires and lightning strikes;
- prevent accidents;
- increase luck and prosperity.
Important! At the same time, these animals also carry negativity if they suddenly cross the road. It is believed that after this the person whose path is blocked by the cat will have a time of troubles and losses.
People also believe that cats with jet-black fur coats are the henchmen of witches. When a witch dies, she returns to this world in the form of her furry pet. From the point of view of symbols of the spiritual world, such a cat personifies healing, therefore it is an eternal companion of witch doctors and healers.
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A talisman in the form of a cat is one of the most effective home amulets . It performs the following functions:
- keeps the family hearth;
- removes negative energy and improves the atmosphere, making it more comfortable;
- harmonizes space;
- gives a good mood, self-confidence and strength;
- improves health;
- calms and helps to get out of difficult situations;
- develops oratory skills, restraint, observation;
- attracts people and useful contacts.
It is also important which cat will be depicted on the talisman:
- a domestic furry beauty protects her family;
- mountain - associated with freedom and endurance, helps lonely people gain strength;
- forest - awakens intuition and helps find a way out of a difficult situation;
- steppe - reveals charisma, helps maintain neutrality in different spheres of life.
Important! It is believed that both wild and domestic cats have great abilities to restore health and improve the condition of the body. This is due to the belief that they have 9 lives.
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.
Signs about cats depending on their behavior
By observing a pet, they predict upcoming events.
Squints his eyes
The behavior indicates a calm, contented state of the pet. The cat made friends with the brownie. Residents do not need to worry, there will be no trouble.
Rubs against owner's legs
A cat cuddles up to a person if she feels positive energy from him. The behavior of the animal portends favorable events.
Scratches furniture
If a cat spoils the wallpaper or upholstery, the weather will change. A long, heavy rain will begin. According to another version, the animal simply sharpens its claws.
Changed the direction of movement
If a pet turns in the other direction at the sight of a person, bad news awaits him. To neutralize negativity, you need to take a few steps to the side.
Why does a cat sneeze?
There will be changes for the better in the family. The owner will unexpectedly receive a profit and an old dream will come true. The more the pet sneezes, the longer it will take to get what is predicted.
Sleeping on the doorstep
The animal senses negative energy and protects the house from negativity. If the cat was sleeping, and then jumped up and ran away, guests will come.
Washing his face
The animal cleans its face with its left paw - a sign of a visit from old friends. Right - warns of the arrival of enemies. Long, leisurely washing - guests will come in a few days.
Suitable for: magical influence on a person
A cat talisman is recommended to be purchased by people who feel insecure. It will help develop intuition and show the way to solving pressing issues.
For men
It is better for a man to choose a talisman with the image of a cat. Such a totem will make its owner more independent, sociable and witty. Curiosity, ambition and insight will appear. However, sociability will be aimed most at a female audience. There may be a tendency to intrigue, including amorous ones.
Amulets with images of cats have a strong influence on their owners.
For women
The cat amulet endows its owner with all feline properties: independence, grace and magnetism. She gains self-confidence, self-control, the ability to stand up for herself, and the ability to recognize hidden lies. The amulet awakens the maternal instinct and the intention to protect the offspring.
Signs about the connection between humans and cats
Many pet owners notice that animals can treat the sick and influence their personal lives.
Health status
The ability of cats to relieve pain and anticipate the owner’s departure has long been noted. If the pet rests on the heart area, it prolongs the years of life. At the feet - relieves fatigue. If a cat sniffs its owner's breath, he will soon get sick. When a pet leaves the home of a seriously ill person, and he is on the mend, they say that the cat took the disease for himself.
Women's loneliness
It is considered a good omen if a cat sneezes next to an unmarried girl. She will soon marry a loving, caring man. The marriage will be long and strong.
Dreams
To understand the meaning of dreams about cats, take into account the color of the fur of the dreamed animal. Red pets warn of the appearance of envious, deceitful people. Perhaps the dreamer was harmed by a woman who knows black magic.
A woman's dream about spotted cats warns of the appearance of a rival. Black people dream of quarrels. Whites promise flattering friends.
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.
Where to place a figurine in the house
To solve this problem correctly, it is worth turning to the ancient Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, according to which it is better to place a figurine of a cat where all family members gather.
Most often this is the living room or dining room. In addition, depending on the side of the world where you place the figurine, one or another area of life will be enhanced.
If the figurine is placed in the southeast, it will enhance financial well-being. If in the north, it will help with your career. If in the southwestern part of the room, then family ties will be strengthened.
Maneki neko are placed at the entrance to the house or inside the house, opposite the front door.
Cat figurines in the house to enhance spheres of influence.
Precautionary measures
When using amulets, it is recommended to remember safety precautions. The first is due to the fact that the amulet should be used only for good. The second relates to the properties of cat nature.
When constantly wearing a body amulet, there is a possibility that these features will become hypertrophied and its owner may become overly independent, risking ruining relationships not only with friends, but also with family.
Such properties as pride, a sense of superiority and a desire to manipulate other people, and a desire for loneliness will appear. An amulet is a strong and kind helper, but not a magical cure for all problems.
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