Are black cats evil?

There are many diverse superstitions surrounding black cats, are they good fortune or bad luck?

So, while I was meditating yesterday in a open field, a black cat blessed me with its presence. A young cat with glossy black hair... It was incredibly beautiful. I had mixed feelings about how I felt about the cat’s presence. I felt safe, curious and intrigued by the creature. I was the only person on the field at the time and it had me thinking about the spiritual meanings of black cats.

Do they really hold such power? Or are they just a simple animal that are a subject of myths and legends?

To aid my curiosity I did a little research on the significance of black cats in different cultures across the world, here’s what I found…

1. UK Folklore believe that a black cat crossing your path brings good fortune, especially in Celtic nations across the world. The Welsh believe a black cat brings good health and prosperity to your household.

2. The UK Government own a Black cat called Gladstone. The cat is the Chief Mouser to HM Treasury.

Yes, a black cat has a hired position in the UK Government since 28th June 2016. He even owns an Instagram account and Wiki page, @treasury_cat.

3. Black cats have been a symbolism of Witchcraft and Halloween. Many Mystics home a black cat for protection against psychic attacks and to bring prosperity. Some superstitions believe a black cat is a Witch in disguise.

4. During the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, black cats were used as evidence and were treated badly during and after the trials. Over 200 women and men were accused of Witchcraft during this period.

Until a man called Sir Phips dissolved the Witch Trials on October 29th 1692, arriving in his boat named ‘HMS Rose’. He released the remaining prisoners on trial. Sir Phips was born poor, but he found his fame and fortune from sailing to the Caribbean Sea in 1687 and found an enormous amount of treasure.

The people nicknamed him ‘The New England Knight’.

5. The Egyptians hold black cats in high esteem. They believe black cats are descendants of the Goddess Bastet. The Egyptians have been honouring the ancient Goddess Bastet since 2890 BC.

The ancient goddess is associated with protection, pregnancy, childbirth, health and love. She is pictured as a Goddess with a black cat’s head and a slender human body holding an Ankh and Sistrum. Bastet is known as the daughter or Ra and Isis.

6. In Asian culture, black cats are symbols of good luck and wealth.

In Japan, if a black cat crosses your path you must say ‘’konnichiwa"for good luck. In China, many establishments such as grocery stores, will have a black cat ornament displayed. They believe the cats bring good luck and wards of evil spirits.

7. In African culture, black cats are associated with Witches. Some believe a black cat symbolise evil, Satan and demons.

8. Black cats have their own day. The National Black Cat Day is October 27th.

During the month of October/November, Animal Shelters across the world will refuse the adoption of black cats during this time. This is to avoid people wanting to torture, kill or harm them during the month of Halloween.

9. British and Irish Sailors believed black cats brought good luck at sea and ensured a safe return home. The English would also provide a black cat as a wedding gift to a bride to bring her happiness and prosperity in the couples union.

10. Spiritual Leaders believe black cats have a strong connection to the spiritual realm. They believe black cats can help their owners through difficult times, provide protection and enhance your intuition.

11. In Norse Mythology, The Vikings would leave a black cat behind in the towns/villages they raided. This was to bring good luck to them and bad luck to everyone else. They also associate black cats to their Goddess Freya, the Goddess of love, fertilty and beauty.

Whatever your beliefs may be, still remember that black cats are loving animals created by the Most High, we are all connected. Whatever the superstition may be there is no excuse for animal cruelty.

The next time you see a black cat crossing your path, don’t be afraid.

Big Love,

Aish x