Mystic Meow The Way of the Cat Spirits

by Dolfyn

Copyright © 1996 Earthspirit,Inc. All rights reserved.

(Earthspirit, Inc. is a Georgia corporation

d/b/a Sacred Earth in California.)

The ideas in this book derive from traditional and contemporary metaphysical and folk lore. They are not to be understood as directions, recommen­dations or prescriptions of any kind. Nor does the author or publisher make any claim to do more than report this lore.

Books by Dolfyn Angelic Wisdom:

Celestial Beings and Their Spiritual Powers Crystal Wisdom:

Spiritual Properties of Crystals & Gemstones Shamanic Wisdom:

Nature Spirituality, Sacred Power, Earth Ecstasy Shamanic Wisdom II: Way of the Animal Spirits

Angel Directory Attracting Money Shamanism, vol. 1 with spirit help a beginner'sguide Bough Down:

Shamanism, vol. 2 pray with tree spirits moon medicine Crystal Connection

Shamanism, vol. 3 finding your soulmate animal spirit powers Crystal Wisdom, 1

Shamanism and a beginner's guide Nature Spirituality Crystal Wisdom, 2

Mystic Meow simple advanced guide

cat medicine powers Crystal Wisdom, 3 Attracting Love spiritual gemstones with spirit help Crystal Wisdom, 4

The Mystic Meow To live with Cat is to live with a goddess.

Genetically, Cat very much resembles her an­cestors who roamed the savannah long ago, as she does her later-day cousins, the big cats, who live today in jungles and wilderness areas. She has inherited the graceful movement and noble bearing of her forebears.

Cat is certainly one of Earth Mother's most elegant statements of self, a molding in flesh of Her dignity, playfulness, power and mystery. We look into Cat's eyes, those lovely, inscrutable orbs that change phases like a pair of tiny moons, and know that behind them lie ancient secrets yet untold.

Sees Far Traditional wisdom tells us that cats have

great ability to see into the future. Their eyes, with a fearless and unblinking gaze, see far. In

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fact, the literal translation of the Egyptian word for cat, which is mau, means "to see."

The reflective light of a eat's eyes are thought to light the inner world and enhance "IN" lightenment and insight. We call upon Cat energies to fill us with these spirit gifts and to teach us to find our own inner truth. It is no surprise that another name for the cat goddess Bast is "Lady of Truth."

Cat and Moon Cat's lunar eyes, changing phases from

crescent to round to crescent again, attest to her kinship with Moon. Therefore, Cat can teach us to see with the Moonlight Vision, a sacred way of seeing that is psychic, intuitive, magical and wise.

Ask Cat to help you see with Moonlight Vision by first giving a gift to Cat in some way. For instance, you might help a stray cat or an

organization that helps cats. There is no other animal as quid pro quo as Cat. That means Cat helps those who help Cat and Cat ignores those who ignore Cat.

Cat Worship Many cultures down through the ages

have recognized the divinity in Cat and have shown her great respect and reverence. But of all the world's cultures, one stands out above the rest in honoring Cat. It was in ancient Egypt that Cat appreciation fully flowered for over two thousand years.

Bast, the cat goddess of pleasure, joy, magic and sensuality, was worshipped in Egypt, where the punishment for killing a cat was death.

Bastwasoneofthemostimportantdieties of the Egyptians. The months of April and May were totally given over to her worship and to the celebration of this great and life-affirming god­

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dess. We can honor this catgoddess during these months as well. You might sit in front of a picture or a small statue of a cat as you pray to Bast.

Another time to pray to Bast is whenever you are holding or petting a cat, for cats are emissaries to this powerful goddess. And be sure to thank Bast by taking good care ofyourcat and all stray cats that come your way.

Cats as Psychics Psychic ability, insight into hidden mys­

teries and magical powers are the medicine gifts that Cat is consistently invoked for and appealed to by many peoples around the world.

If you are owned by a cat, you have probably noticed that Cat will join you when­ever you meditate, do yoga, gaze into a crystal, read Tarot cards or engage in any otherworldly, psychic activity. The ancient Wiccans believed

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that Cat helped humans bridge the gap between the earth plane and the spirit realm. So do not shoo your cat away at these times, but realize that she is helping in all mystical endeavors.

Invoking Cat Medicine Powers We can call upon the unique medicine

gifts of Cat so that we can be filled with Cat's empowering energies. Whenever we invoke Cat we are really inviting into our hearts the spirits of all cats who have ever lived.

One of the simplest ways to invoke or invite Cat power into our lives is to visualize a cat and say something like, "Cat Spirits, I honor you. I ask you to fill me with your grace and balance and mystic powers." Then breathe deeply and feel yourself filling with the mystery powers of Cat. Be sure to thank the Cat Spirits when you are done. Or you might find that this cat invocation appeals to you:

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Cat Spirit Invocation Cat Spirits, I am calling on you.

Cat Spiri ts, be here now!

I need your grace and mystery.

Cat Spirits, live in me!

Cats and the Old Religion During the burning times in Europe, when

an estimated nine million women, healers, herb­alists and priestesses were burned to death, Cat was associated with witches.

These "witches" were actually practitio­ners of the "Old Religion," or Wicca, the an­cient, pre-Christian nature religion of Europe. Untold numbers of cats were burned to death along with the wise women, healers and priest­esses.

The bubonic plague resulted when the cat population of Europe had been so reduced

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that the few remaining cats could not keep the rat population in check. This tragedy gives cre­dence to the belief of many cultures that societ­ies who honor Cat and treat Cat with respect enjoy good luck, but societies and individuals who mistreat Cat often have very bad luck.

Indepentent and Free Like Dog, Cat has joined her fortunes to

those of humanity. But, unlike Dog, Cat moved in on her own terms.

She has the best of both worlds - the love and affection ofa family and the freedom to live life pretty much as she pleases.

Invoke Cat medicine for independence, liberty, and the ability to walk alone and yet find coInfort, support and love. Cat's medicine pow­ers also include grace, mystery and the ability to land on her feet. Therefore, we call upon Cat Spirits for these qualities.

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Psychic Protection Ancient Chinese wisdom informs us that

cats can sense negative energy and bad spirits and chase them away. That is why it was considered protective to own a cat or two and to treat them very well.

Many people feel that those who cannot keep a real cat in the home can place pictures or statues of cats in the house for the same protec­tive effect. In ancient Egypt people wore cat jewelry and kept statues and pictures around the home for psychic protection.

Cats and Good Luck Many societies consider it especially un­

lucky to harm a cat in any way. In Europe and African cultures bad fortune is said to befall those who harm cats.

On the other hand, those who consis­

tently treat cats with kindness are blessed and it is felt that their lives will be quite lucky.

Ancient Buddhists believed light col­ored cats who live with us draw prosperity in the form ofsilver to the house, and dark colored cats attract wealth in the form of gold.

Irish folk lore teaches that if a stray tortoise shell cat chooses our home to live in, this is a sign of good fortune.

Chines folk wisdom teaches that if a housecat is old, great blessings are conferred upon a household that cares for that cat well and makes its final days happy.

Any picture, statue or likeness of Bast, the great cat goddess, was believed by the Egyp­tians to bestow luck and fortune.

An old English folk rhyme tells us that black cats are especially lucky and that:

Whenever the cat of the house is black, The lasses, of lovers, will have no lack.

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Sekhmet, Egyptian Lion Goddess The ancient Egyptians also worshipped

Sekhmet, the lion goddess, who was known as the "Fiery One" because she was linked with the power of the desert sun.

Sekhmet is a powerful goddess with a fiery nature that can be destructive as well as constructive. She is also known as "Sekhmet the Powerful" who protects those who revere her. Sekhmet is a goddess who is believed to respond to big situations and crises.

Bast, the Life Affirmer Bast, on the other hand (or on the other

paw) is considered to be a goddess who reflects the gentle aspects of the sun, such as the warmth and light which grows the plants.

Bast is a goddess who is believed to respond to small, personal situations and crises. Her followers call upon Her assistance for life's

everyday problems and challenges.

To this day there are those of us who still pray to this great and ancient goddess for Her blessings, which include: healing, intuition, pro­tection, joy, pleasure, fertility, generosity, mar­riage, sensuality and sexuality.

Welcome, Wild Friend Dog, horse, cow and so forth have lived

with humankind much longer than Cat, who is a more recently domesticated animal.

And you could not really say that Cat is domesticated, for she comes to us on her terms, not ours, honoring us with her sacred and inde­pendent presence. We are not freely given her affection, but must eam it.

As to her spirit, we will never own it, for it is only and always her own. That is how it should and must be when divinity incarnates on earth and consents to sleep at our hearth.

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Cats and Meditation The Rainbow Cat In ancient China, Cat was honored as an

animal of serenity, beauty, good fortune and peacefulness because of Cat's ability to sit in long, contemplative meditation.

To this day, in some temples in Asia, Cat is still revered and given respectful hospitality because it is believed that when a cat dies, its soul can speak to Bhudda on its owner's behalf.

Balance Cat's pelvic bones are so perfectly bal­

anced as to allow Cat to land on her feet even when she falls from great heights. This is why Cat is invoked for the medicine gifts of balance, poise, equilibrium and stability.

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Besides the many attributes ofCat, tradi­tional color lore tells us that each cat's unique color invokes a specific spirit power.

A cat of a certain color can bring these spirit gifts to ahome, and invoking the powers of such a cat can bestow these attributes as well. It is said that feeding or helping a stray cat of a particular color is one of the best ways to ensure these blessings will be bestowed upon oneself.

Black Cats were considered to be the luckiest ofall cats to the ancient Egyptians. This is the reason it is believed that when we pet or help a black cat we can pray for good fortune as well as for psychic and magical powers.

Blue-Eyed Cats are believed to facili­tate a meditative mindset, peacefulness, increased intuition and serenity.

Brown Cats bestow stability and practi­cality. While petting a brown cat it is thought

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best to pray for aquiring land or a home.

Golden-Eyed Cats are thought to bring prosperity to those who care for or pet such a cat as they ask for these blessings.

Gray Cats foster abalance between spiri­tuality and magical powers, granting those who love such cats the ability to use their powers wisely and for the good of all life.

Gray-Eyed Cats are said to enhance all the best qualities of black and white: a knowl­edge of the occult combined with the spiritual attainment to use that knowledge wisely.

Green-Eyed Cats are especially valued as spirit bringers of health and renewal.

Red or Orange Cats are associated with enhanced love, romance, passion, courage and .1 enthusiasm. While petting a red cat, it is com­mon to wish for romatic love.

Two or more colors in a cat bring the medicine gifts of all those colors.

White Cats bring harmony, spiritual at­tainment and truth. While petting a white cat it is prudent to pray for spiritual harmony.

Cats and Goddesses Artemis: The Greek moon goddess,

Artemis, is closely associated with Cat. This guardian goddess of all the animals looks favor­ably upon those who protect cats, especially strays. We pray to Her for the spirit gifts of psychic power, purification and healing.

Diana: As a special protectress of all animals, this Roman goddess was known to take the form of a cat from time to time. Those who treat cats kindly are said to be especially favored by "The Lady of the Beasts," the great goddess Diana. Under Her special protection are women and all beings who are pregnant and giving birth.

Demeter: In ancient Greece, Cat was associated with Demeter, a grain goddess, be­

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cause Cat protects wheat and other grains from rodents. Those who love cats are loved by Demeter, a goddess who is said to grant renewal, fruitfulness, marriage, fidelity and abundance to those who pray to Her.

Freya: Known as "Mistress ofCats," the Norse goddess Freya grants the spirit gifts of beauty, love, knowledge of the magical arts, poetic inspiration and fertility to those who honor and caretake cats.

Weather Predicting Powers Cat also is believed to possess weather

predicting powers. Folk wisdom tells us that when she becomes wild and playful it will be windy; when she sits with her back to the fire there will be a hard frost or a storm; when she washes her ear it portends rain.

Before it rains, prior to any sign of rain that humans are able to detect, Cat will seek

shelter. And it is also well known that Cat has an inner sense that tells her when an earthquake is coming. Many people who share their homes with a cat tell of their strange behavior just before an earthquake, attesting again to the psy­chic abilities of cats.

Cats, Immortality and Healing Down through the ages Cat has been a

symbol of immortality. Cat is adaptable and clever at surviving and enduring in all cultures and in a variety of situations. Because Cat can fall from great heights and live, she is said to possess nine lives. It is not surprising that many people the world over invoke Cat Spirits for immortality and survival skills.

Folk lore tells us that it is healing if a cat brushes its tail against our bodies, and that sleeping with a cat or having one sit in our laps transmits their healing energies to us.

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Spirit Powers of Specific Breeds of Cats

Burmese Cats are extremely affection­ate towards humans. We invite loving, affec­tionate energies into our homes when we share our lives with a Burmese cat.

DomesticShort Haircats are alsoknown as the common cat or the alley cat. Coming in a multitude ofcolors and markings, this is the cat that most of us are familiar with. Anyone who befriends her knows that this animal is anything but "common" and cat lore informs us that the Domestic Short Hair will bestow luck, wit, cun­ning, magic and joy on any home that is lucky enough to house her.

Egyptian Mau is a cat that is very much like the original Egyptian cat that was so re­vered. And it is no wonder, because these cats are remarkably wise and intelligent. Invoke this cat for wisdom and deep understanding.

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Manx cats are the only cats with no tail. As one of the most playful of the cat clan, the manx is invoked for joy. The manx is also a great mouser and we invoke manx when we wish to enhance our cunning and skill in aquiring that which we need.

Persian cats are very social animal s with a sweet disposition. We call upon the medicine powers of these cats when we wish to develop an appealing and winning personality.

Russian Blue is a cat of great serenity. We call upon the medicine wisdom of this cat when we need a calming energy.

Siamesecats are renowned for their Iively, lovable and sensitive natures. They are also very loyal and communicative. We invoke these spe­cial attributes when we take a Siamese cat into our homes and our hearts.

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THE BIG CATS

Bobcat Bobcat lives in the wilderness areas of

America. Just three feet long, he is a small but very fierce feline. He has tufts on the points of his ears and sideburns on his cheeks.

Bobcat lives a solitary life and we invoke this Ii ttle wild cat for the courage to live our Iives with independence, walking our own solitary and unique path when necessary.

Because Bobcat is small, his powers are often overlooked. Bobcat medicine guides us to see past size and appearances so that we do not minimize the power of anyone or anything.

Cheetah As the fastest land animal on earth, Chee­

tah can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. We can call on the spirit ofCheetah when we feel like we are not making quick enough progress in

any area ofour lives. Her medicine will help us expedite the situation.

Cheetah's spine is one reason she can run so fast. Her back is flexible, allowing her to make very long strides. Cheetah teaches that when we want to speed things up, we must stay flexible. Situations change, and we must be willing to change with them.

Cheetah is the fastest sprinter in the world, but has traded endurance for a short burst of speed. Cheetah says, "To be successful, know your strengths, know your weaknesses, and seek out environments that bring out your strengths."

Jaguar The largest and fiercest ofany animal in

South America, this great cat is absolutely fear­less. Unlike his cousins, Jaguar is a cat who loves the water and loves to swim. In fact, Jaguar hunts in the water and will even go after

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and catch Alligator!

All cats have a deep understanding of occult mysteries, but Jaguar, as a cat who loves water, is especially attuned to the mysteries of the subconscious mind, since water is the ele­ment of subconscious wisdom.

We can invoke Jaguar medicine for the spirit power to hunt in the deep waters of our own subconscious minds, as well as for the fearlessness for which Jaguar is renowned.

Leopard Leopard's skill at stalking prey surpasses

all other cats, combining concealment, speed and timing, so Leopard can catch a wide variety of small, elusive animals. Because of this, she doesn't compete with Lion or Tiger, who hunt much bigger game.

Leopard teaches that we don't have to win spectacular victories to be successful. Leop­

ard says, "Behind a successful life is a long series of small and steady gains."

Leopard hunts alone at night. We invoke her for the ability to see the mysteries of dark­ness. Leopard teaches us to face darkness and the shadow side of ourselves and the universe with courage and dignity.

Panther Some leopards have given up their spots,

which provide excellent camouflage in the dappled light of day, to wear the jet-black hues of night. These black leopards are known as panthers and are even more effective when deal­ing with life's shadow side than their spotted cousins. Panther grants an understanding of occult power and magic. He inspires us to inquire into the deepest reaches of our own selves, for this exploration is the essence of all magical powers.

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Snow Leopard Snow Leopard lives in the mountainous

regions of Asia. This rugged environment has produced a special and unique leopard of great agility and coordination.

We invoke Snow Leopard for these at­tributes, as well as for her ability to adapt to and blend with her environment.

Lion The female lion is a superb hunter. That

is why many tribal peoples invoke her medicine powers for strength, vitality, health, energy, pros­perity and good luck.

Lion is the only one of the big cats who regularly hunts animals that are larger than her­self. It is no wonder, then, that tribal wisdom teaches us to invoke Lion medicine when we undertake any large and difficult task. Her medicine gifts instill in us the courage and the

daring to pull it off.

Lion is not the fastest of the big felines, and so, unable to outrun her quarry, a lioness will join with the other females in bringing down an otherwise unapproachable animal.

It may take many long hours for the hunting pack of lions to get close enough to attempt a kill, slowly moving forward, waiting silently, crouched in deep grasses or behind a clump of bushes till they can creep a bit closer.

She exercises great patience and coop­eration to get close enough to spring a surprise attack. Call upon Lioness to invoke these quali­ties into yourself.

Male lions fearlessly defend their terri­tory by roaring ferociously at all invaders. Lion teaches us the medicine wisdom to roar when it is necessary, to remain fully aware of our rights and to fearlessly assert ourselves when those rights are threatened.

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Lynx We know less about this mysterious cat

than we do about the larger cats, for Lynx is perhaps the most elusive and secretive of all the felines. You should work with the medicine power ofLynx only when you feel grounded and well-balanced, for it is powerful medicine.

Lynx represents all that is fleeting, elu­sive, hard to hold, yet beautiful. Lynx possesses a refined, subtle energy ~ always alert, always aware. By invoking Lynx, we may discern the subtle shades and implications ofa situation and see through the secret deceptions of others.

Lynx knows the value of silence. She knows that silence holds many secrets that we fail to comprehend because we spend so much time bombarded by various types of noise ­talk, television, stereos, etc.

Lynx is the keeper ofsilence. Invoke her if you seek a quiet life in a quiet atmosphere.

Mountain Lion Mountain Lion is one of the largest and

most powerful ofthe wild cats in North America. She possesses all the shared medicine powers of the cat clan - the grace, the mystery, the other worldliness.

Mountain Lion is a loner- seldom seen and silent - able to eke out a living in the fiercest and bleakest of environments.

She is a cat of great strength and power, keeping to her solitary ways when possible, but defending herself and her territory with a great and swift and direct force and strength when necessary.

She knows when to remain hidden and unseen and when to strike suddenly, and we can invoke her for this medicine wisdom.

Invoke Mountain Lion for the courage to walk alone, as well as for the ability to survive in the harshest environments.

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Tiger Since he must get close to his prey ifhe

is to have a chance at success, Tiger approaches very carefully, planning each paw placement with exquisite care, frequently pausing to exam­ine the situation, making himself all but invis­ible, till he is as close as the cover will allow so that he can take his prey in a few swift bounds.

Tiger shows us how to take our time and do things carefully, to pause often and assess the situation. But Tiger also inspires us to act swiftly and with resolve when the time is right and the opportunity we have waited for presents itself.

Only about once in every ten tries is Tiger successful at catching his prey, but this doesn't discourage him in the least.

Many people invoke Tiger medicine for the inspiration of persistence. We call upon Tiger for the heart to find a worthy goal and to pursue that goal until we reach it, no matter how many times we may fail.

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Tiger Invocation Silent power, black and gold,

May my careful dreams unfold

Quietly, persistently.

Tiger Spirit, live in me!

"I've met many thinkers and many cats, but the wisdom of cats is infinitely superior."

Hippolyte Taine

Books by Dolfyn Angelic Wisdom: Celestial Beings and their Spiritual Powers 70 angels and their divine powers, also angel prayers and meditions.

Crystal Wisdom: Spiritual Properties of Crystals & Gemstones How to heal, protect, meditate, raise energy and manifest our desires