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Black Cat
Black cat stories abound around the world. In one part of the world they are a sign of good luck while in others they are considered
bad luck. Even through time there are differing views of whether a black cat is considered good luck or bad luck. In most instances
it is just a matter of the belief system being followed. Although a fact based analysis has not been found to confirm or deny the
assertion, the trait that brings us a black cat is thought to be associated with the X-chromosome and skips a generation as it is
passed along.
Black cat as an evil or positive force is an ongoing question rooted in belief systems. These beliefs tend to be difficult to sway
regardless of a scientific approach or otherwise. A feeling toward black cats as evil is present just as the love of a cat is present.
Who is to doubt the veracity of either?
The Egyptians
As the Egyptians of earlier times have a particular place in the cats’ development of lore, they would be a people to look to for
whether black cats should hold reverence or distrust. Archeologists have documented cat cemeteries from ancient Egyptian times where
the cats were mummified (whether they were black cats is debatable.) This mummification process was reserved for the revered so a black
cat in this instance would be thought of a positive force.
Further speculation indicates that Egyptians considered black cats of importance for their ease of moving through the night. Black cat
abilities were several, although being able to see both sides of life “as it were”, were the leading element that made them sacred. For
this and other unknown reasons it is thought that killing a black cat in these times resulted in a death penalty.
Witch hunt
Black cat history continued its ambivalence toward a resolution of a black cat’s status for centuries. The next real challenge for the
black cat came in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Catholic Church weighed in with their particular take on the issue. To the church
Black cats were considered to be evil, and were also associated with black magic or witchcraft. Those who were caught with a black cat
were considered to be witches and hung. At one time black cats were thought to be a lucky symbol in Europe, and now they were considered as
taboo, an evil omen of the devil.
North America
Unfortunately, this particular view was spread to the North American continent where, over time, it became an even more sinister
representative of dark magic. As the continent filled with differing races and religions the black cat began to be associated with
black magic. Black cat magic was found in the dark woods of the southern bayous’ (bie-ues) and purportedly involved voodoo and other
worship practices.
Invisibility
In a particularly gruesome display there was talk of an invisibility potion that black cats were a part of. In this particular instance
a cat was done away with in a particularly grizzly manner so that the top bone remaining would enable a person to become invisible when
the bone was placed under their tongue.
Today
Around the world today the debate continues with the thought ranging across all spectrums of thought. Scandinavians continue to believe
in good luck from the cat god Freya while others run in the opposite direction when they see a black cat. One may believe in whichever
way of thought works for their personal beliefs but if a positive outlook is maintained the tarot cards may hold the best look. They
indicate a black cat lying below the queen of Wands indicating “a domesticated instinctual energy and playfulness anchored closely to
the conscious mind.” Black cat families may have their detractors but the positive appears to be a bit more productive.
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