The witchcraft cat institution is a concept that explores the supposed association between witches and cats in folklore and popular culture. Cats have long been portrayed as mystical and otherworldly creatures, leading to their connection with witches. In many ancient civilizations, cats were revered as sacred animals and were associated with deities. In Egyptian mythology, the goddess Bastet was often depicted with the head of a lioness or a domesticated cat. Cats were believed to possess magical powers and were considered protectors of homes and families. However, as beliefs surrounding witchcraft evolved throughout history, cats came to be viewed as companions and familiars of witches.
I almost forgot it was Friday the 13th this last weekend until Mr. Snuggles and I, out for our usual walk to check the mail, were stopped by two of our neighbors. The ladies excitedly remarked how awesome it was for me to walk around with a black cat on Friday the 13th, pointing out that I was responsible for allowing my black cat to cross their path. “Well, then,” I snarkingly replied, “better be sure to give ’em a cuddle for good luck. Mr. Snuggles is a ladies’ cat!” I then added that black cats bring speedy marriages to single ladies. “REALLY?!” They giggled with joy, not about to believe me, but, hey, it’s a nice good luck charm, in’it? So they, never having heard about that legend before, and me always looking for an opportunity to tell a tall tale, indulged in the magic. Mr. Snuggles enjoyed the women’s attention like any mister on the prowl would. When I brought him home, his fur was thick with ladies’ perfume. That’s my little lover!
Perhaps it was feared, more than the Devil, that a revival of the pagan faiths would lead people to discover links between the Virgin Mary and the Virgin Diana, and worse yet, realize that Christianity was the same in essentials as the religions of antiquity. In the Medieval period, suspected witches and their black cats including any other animals associated with them that had black fur had to be tortured and destroyed because they were the last remaining icons of a dreaded past that could not completely be vanquished.
However, as beliefs surrounding witchcraft evolved throughout history, cats came to be viewed as companions and familiars of witches. During the Middle Ages, cats were often seen as a symbol of evil and were associated with witchcraft and the devil. It was believed that witches could take the form of cats or use them to carry out their magical spells and rituals.
Cats
Cats have been associated with the supernatural since ancient times. Cats are associated with either good or bad luck, healing or harm. In folklore, the cat is one of the favoured animal companions of witches, sorcerers (see sorcery) and fortune-tellers. Superstitions about cats abound.
The cat was sacred to the ancient Egyptians, who associated it with the Moon and Bast, the goddess of marriage. It also was associated with the Mother Goddess, Isis. In Egyptian art, the sun god, Ra, was personified as a cat slaying the Serpent of Darkness. Black cats were associated with darkness and death.
According to lore, virtually every sorcerer, witch and Gypsy fortune-teller was supposed to have a cat — and sometimes an owl and a toad as well. During the witch hunts, cats were familiars; they embodied Demons who performed the witches’ tasks of maleficia against their neighbors. Elizabeth Francis of Chelmsford, England, convicted as a witch in 1556, said she kept a white spotted cat named Sathan, which, whenever it performed a job for her, demanded a reward of a drop of her blood (see Chelmsford witches).
Witches were said to be able to assume the shape of a cat nine times, presumably because a cat has nine lives. Black cats were said to be the Devil himself. Throughout medieval Europe, black cats were routinely hunted down and burned, especially on Shrove Tuesday and Easter. A cat accused of being a witch’s familiar usually was killed by being burned alive. Cats were also used in witches’ Spells. In the trial of John Fian, Scotland’s most famous witch, in 1590-91, Fian and his coven were accused of trying to drown James VI (James I) and Queen Anne on their voyage to Denmark. The witches allegedly christened a cat, tied it to a dismembered human corpse and threw the bundle into the sea while they recited incantations. A great storm arose and forced the royal ship to return to Scotland, but the king and queen were unharmed.
In the lore of the Scottish Highlands, a large breed of wild cats, called Elfin Cats, are said to be witches in dis- guise. The Elfin Cats are about the size of dogs and are black with a white spot on the breast. They have arched backs and erect bristles — the stereotypical Halloween cat.
Though the black cat is associated with witchcraft, it is nevertheless considered good luck to own one in parts of Europe, England and the United States. But having one’s path crossed by a black cat is always bad luck. In other folklore, if a cat jumps over a corpse, the corpse will become a vampire. To prevent this, the cat must be killed. Cats are fertility charms — a cat buried in a field will ensure a bountiful crop.
The cat plays a role in Vodun in the southern United States. Cat charms, particularly those made with cats’ whiskers, can bring bad luck, disease and death to the victim. Conversely, in folklore cats have many healing properties. A broth made from a black cat is said to cure consumption. In the 17th century, a whole cat boiled in oil was held to be good for dressing wounds. Illnesses could be transferred to cats, who were then driven from homes.
Cats’ eyes are supposed to be able to see ghosts. In western Asia, a stone called the Cat’s Eye — dull red with a white mark — is associated with trouble and evil. In Wicca, the cat is a favoured companion or familiar, valued for its psychic sensitivity and assistance in Magic and ritual.
FURTHER READING:
- Howey, M. Oldfield. The Cat in Magic, Mythology, and Religion. New York: Crescent Books, 1989.
- Larner, Christina. Enemies of God. London: Chatto & Windus, 1981.
- Leach, Maria, ed., and Jerome Fried, assoc. ed. Funk & Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. New York: Harper & Row, 1972.
- Russell, Jeffrey Burton. Witchcraft in the Middle Ages. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 1972.
In the lore of the Scottish Highlands, a large breed of wild cats, called Elfin Cats, are said to be witches in dis- guise. The Elfin Cats are about the size of dogs and are black with a white spot on the breast. They have arched backs and erect bristles — the stereotypical Halloween cat.
This association between cats and witchcraft led to the widespread persecution and killing of these animals during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. Thousands of cats were believed to be killed during this time, as they were seen as a sign of the devil's influence. It is worth noting that the widespread killing of cats also had detrimental consequences, as it allowed the population of rats and mice to increase, leading to the spread of disease. In modern times, the connection between cats and witchcraft has become more lighthearted and is often portrayed in popular media. Cats are frequently depicted as familiars of witches in books, movies, and television shows, with characters such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch's cat Salem or the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. While the belief in witchcraft and its association with cats has waned over the years, the image of the witch with her loyal feline companion continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Whether it is rooted in ancient mythology or popular culture, the witchcraft cat institution remains a fascinating aspect of folklore and a testament to the enduring allure of cats..
Reviews for "The Witch's Familiar: Cats in Modern Witchcraft Practices"
1. John Smith - 2 stars:
I was really disappointed with "Witchcraft Cat Institution". The storyline was so predictable, and it felt like the author just recycled tired tropes from other fantasy novels. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to care about what happened to them. Overall, I found the book to be unoriginal and unengaging.
2. Emily Johnson - 3 stars:
While "Witchcraft Cat Institution" had an interesting concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and it was difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the world-building was not well-developed, leaving many unanswered questions. Overall, this book had potential, but it fell short in delivering a satisfying reading experience.
3. Amanda Thompson - 2 stars:
I struggled to get through "Witchcraft Cat Institution". The writing style was clunky and repetitive, which made it hard to stay engaged with the story. The plot lacked originality and felt like a rehash of other fantasy novels I've read before. The characters were cliché and lacked depth, making it hard to empathize with their struggles. Overall, I found this book to be uninspiring and forgettable.
4. David Wilson - 1 star:
I regret wasting my time on "Witchcraft Cat Institution". The plot was convoluted and poorly structured, with random events thrown in without any clear purpose. The pacing was all over the place, making it hard to follow what was happening. The writing style was also tedious, with excessive descriptions and unnecessary details. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and enjoyable fantasy read.
5. Sarah Roberts - 2 stars:
"Witchcraft Cat Institution" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The characters were flat and lacked development, making it hard to connect with their struggles. The story felt disjointed, with abrupt shifts in tone and pacing. The dialogue was often awkward and stilted, hindering the flow of the narrative. Overall, this book was a disappointment, and I expected more from the promising concept.