Cats have long been associated with various pagan deities throughout history. In ancient Egypt, the goddess Bastet was depicted with the head of a lioness or domestic cat. She was the goddess of home, fertility, and protector of the pharaoh. Cats were considered sacred animals and were even mummified and buried alongside their owners. In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja was also closely associated with cats. She was known as the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
Household gods were common in ancient times, and Egypt had its own – Bes. Bes was a fierce protector of the people. He particularly loved families and children and was strong enough to fight off lions with his bare hands. In the New Kingdom, Bes’ appearance changed and he often wore leopard skin. Of the ancient male cat gods, he was the smallest in stature – a “dwarf god” in nature. But powerful, nonetheless.
She was later worshipped as the Welsh mythological monster cat known as Cath Paluc or Palu s Cat, and her cult survived in Angelsey until the coming of the Roman legions of Seutonius Paullinus. But don t worry, I ve been guilty of this misconception, too For many years, I believed that the ancient Egyptians were the only ones who revered, praised and even worshipped cats.
She was known as the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. It was believed that she would ride a chariot pulled by two large cats. Cats were seen as symbols of transformation and were associated with fertility and sensuality.
Cat Goddesses & Male Cat Gods + How to Honor Them
Gods and Goddesses of the ancient world held a connection with certain animals. This is because our ancestors’ beliefs were animistic – they believed everything on earth had consciousness and a soul. Wildlife was sacred to our ancestors. The cat was held in high regard by many ancient civilizations, namely ancient Egypt. We see the cat appearing in dozens of European folk tales, being particularly linked to witches as their familiars. Learn more about cat goddesses and male cat gods from various cultures below.
In Celtic mythology, the goddess Brighid was often depicted accompanied by a cat. She was the goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft. Cats were believed to possess supernatural powers and were seen as protectors against evil spirits. In Japanese folklore, there is a mythical creature known as the bakeneko or nekomata. These are supernatural cats that possess the ability to shape-shift into humans or other forms. They are often depicted as mischievous and vengeful, capable of casting spells or haunting those who have wronged them. Overall, cats have held a significant place in various pagan beliefs and mythologies throughout history. They have been revered as sacred animals and associated with powerful deities and supernatural abilities. Their mysterious and independent nature has captured the imagination of many cultures, leading to their incorporation into religious and folkloric practices..
Reviews for "The Spiritual Significance of Cat Deities in Paganism"
1. John - 2/5 - While I understand that pagan deities associated with cats may be important to some people, I found this book to be quite superficial. The information provided was very basic and didn't give much depth to the subject. Furthermore, I felt that the writing style was bland and lacked any real passion or enthusiasm. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a more comprehensive exploration of pagan deities associated with cats.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I was really excited to read "Pagan Deities Associated with Cats" as I love both cats and paganism, but unfortunately, this book was a huge letdown. The author seemed to focus more on random stories about cats rather than providing any substantial information about the deities themselves. It felt like a missed opportunity to delve into a fascinating topic. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I hadn't wasted my time and money on this book.
3. Mark - 2/5 - The concept of exploring pagan deities associated with cats intrigued me, but this book failed to deliver. The content felt repetitive and lacked any real depth or analysis. I was hoping for a more scholarly approach to the subject, but instead, it read like a collection of unsubstantiated claims and personal anecdotes. I would recommend looking for more reputable sources if you're genuinely interested in learning about this topic.