What does it mean to meet a black cat? Spiritual meaning and symbolism
It is hard to find an animal with which the color black would play a more evil trick. Neither black crows nor blackbirds are so bypassed as black cats. The stereotypical meaning of black cats is one: of misfortune and trouble. But where did it come from and is this one-sided interpretation of the meaning of meeting with black cats?
You'd be surprised to learn that many cultures did not associate black cats with witches, but rather the opposite. The black cat's meow used to bring good luck, but let's take things one step at a time.
What you need to know about the significance of black cats
Stereotyping has led to black cats being the last creature people want to take away from catteries. Afraid of attracting bad luck and black magic into their homes, uninformed people pass by dying black cats, throwing anything at them just to keep the black cat from crossing the road. Everything changes dramatically as Halloween approaches. That's when black cats get into the TOP and again in a bad way for themselves. Animals are used for PR or decor, or worse for rituals, and then dumped on the street or taken into the woods. Animal welfare associations have started sounding the alarm and you will most likely be denied the desire to adopt a black cat before All Saints Day. The stereotypical meaning of black cats is supported by the movie industry and writers. A witch turning into a black cat is more of a dogma already than a fantasy – don't let the myth be imposed on you.
The Italian Association for the Protection of Animals has declared November 17 as Black Cat Day to illuminate the actual meaning and symbolism of the animals. The medieval approach to understanding the spiritual significance of black cats is time to change and we will draw on the experiences of different cultures and beliefs.
Omen associated with black cats
Let's see how black cats are perceived in everyday life in different nations:
- England: coming into the house of a black cat to the arrival of soon great love in the house;
- Mexico: black cat to good news;
- Ireland: Black cat in the house – protection from evil spirits;
- Europe: A black cat crossing the road – to bad luck;
- Sailors of Britain and Ireland: Black cat on the ship to a successful and safe voyage.
As you can see not everything is not as bad as it seems at first glance.
What black cats symbolize
Cats are strong spiritual animals, their sensitive sensors can pick up any rustle and whisper, and they feel your mood and even your state of health. Black cats, as well as many felines, are attributed to psychic abilities. The symbolism of black cats goes far beyond witchcraft:
- Spiritual protection;
- Success in love;
- Transformation;
- Fertility and sexuality;
- Reincarnation;
- Intuition;
- Healing;
- Wealth;
- Mystic Connection;
- Black Magic;
- Elegance;
- Strength of spirit.
This versatility makes the meaning of black cats deeper and turns the meaning of your encounter in a completely different direction.
Spiritual meanings of meeting a black cat
The spiritual meanings your encounter with a black cat will carry depend on the situation at hand, your ability to understand the spiritual animal by feelings rather than stereotypes, and the upcoming events in the coming days. Frequently asked questions about meeting a black cat:
- If a black cat crossed your path – what does it mean?
If you at least once crossed to the other side of the street at the sight of a black cat, then the myth didn't pass you by, firmly lodged in your head. Ancient cultures revered black cats and considered them their allies in defense against bad otherworldly forces. To meet a black cat on the road meant good luck and wealth, which were about to appear on your way. If the black cat goes with the traveler on the road, it means that he will bypass the trouble, and financial prosperity will be long and stable. Now you should not go to the other side.
- If a black cat came to the house – what does it mean?
The appearance of a black cat near the house can mean that you need spiritual protection or that soon in your house will come good, grace, and prosperity. How can you tell the difference? If a black cat enters the house and feels completely calm and harmonious, rejoice. However, if the cat is nervous, huddles in a corner, hisses, and stomps its tail, you should be more careful.
- Black cat on board a ship – what does it mean?
The nautical tradition was quite common. On ships, it was believed that black cats could protect against maritime calamities. This was partly straightforwardly true. The cats caught rodents on board that were carriers of disease, including the plague. When approached from the spiritual side black cats have strong energy and trust their senses and feelings 200 percent. They could sense a storm or danger hours in advance, all they had to do was trust the black cat and be ready.
Black cat – magical evil meaning
Black cats are quite loyal and caring creatures. Taking a black cat to himself a person received an excellent guardian from otherworldly interference. Who needed such protection the most? Of course to people who have infiltrated the spirit world and are trying to control it for their own purposes. Therefore, it is not surprising to meet a black cat at the magician or witch. However, the cats themselves do not represent evil, rather they will carry loyal service to their master and will attack only if they feel threatened by you. Remember that cats live in balance between the spiritual worlds and what is bad or dangerous for you, for them the norm and not a reason to stay away.
Totem animal black cat
Black cats are usually given at birth to those whose energy is content to be open to spiritual development and communication with the universe. Such people need heightened intuition and protection to fulfill their destinies.
If your spiritual guides are a black cat, you will be acutely aware of the energy of others, you will be drawn to the knowledge of spiritual worlds and the mysteries of life. Your life energy is strong and you need to be able to master it. The black cat totem can teach you to "land on your four paws" and smell danger. Your love line will be full of experiences and keen feelings, as you are very attached to people. The power of the black cat is in its independence and you need to learn that. Trust the intuition of the black cat to guide your actions and decisions.
What do black cats dream about?
It is worth remembering that the arrival of spiritual animals in a dream is only a way to warn. The universe protects you and more often sends a clue in a dream when you do not see it during the day. The appearance of a black cat in a dream can speak of the arrival of spiritual trials in your life and that you should be prepared. It may also refer to a favorable outcome of upcoming decisions. Carefully remember the behavior of the black cat in the dream and your feelings about it.
A dream about a black cat can also be a sign of a spiritual transition to a higher level. Transformation allowed you to communicate with animal spirits and they came to bless and approve your path. Black cats are spiritually wise, they can be harmonious, although their knowledge of the spiritual worlds both positive and negative could easily bring chaos into their lives. To see a black cat in a dream is considered a good sign of your inner harmony if the animal is peaceful enough and quite the opposite if the black cat feels anger and aggression towards you. To see yourself in a dream in the body of a black cat means that your spiritual development is ready to expand, your energy is intensifying, and your body is trying to accept its new possibilities.
Meaning of black cats and ancient cultures
To be convinced of the good intentions of the black cat can be deepened into the myths and legends of ancient peoples, where the Middle Ages are only part of the transformation of the spiritual, which keeps its mark to this day.
Egypt
The veneration of cats and black cats was hyperbolized to deities. Cats were worshipped, tombs were built for them, and gifts were presented to them. Egyptians, Greeks, Norse, and Romans believed that black cats could bestow powerful protection and great wealth.
Celts
Celtic tribes described black cats as good fairies ready to grant wishes and share supernatural powers.
China and Japan
While dogs are capable of guarding homes physically, cats give the home spiritual protection. They warned of the introduction of bad energy and could recognize a person's serious illness. Some, particularly strong black cats were attributed healing properties. It was believed that the cat could take a person's illness upon itself.
Western countries
In Europe, more importance is attached to the connection of black cats to the world of magic. Western cultures believed that it was witches who turned into black cats to infiltrate homes.
Reinforce freedom from black cat stereotypes with movies and cartoons
The best thing you can do before adopting a black cat from a shelter is to tune in to its positive meaning with the help of successful movie adaptations:
- "Cats and Dogs" (all parts);
- Cartoon "Soul";
- "The Secret Life of Pets" (all parts);
- "Once There Was a Cat" (Japan);
- "Nine Lives";
- "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever";
- "A Cat's Life" (France);
- "The Cat" (USA);
- "That Darn Cat".