Familiars | Cats
Artwork by Kristen Hudson Nichols/ThePaganista, available as a digital download
I am an unapologetic cat lover. I share my home with five older rescue cats, and my husband and I care for several ferals in our community. My fascination with cats began over forty years ago, and my earliest memories are filled with admiration for my paternal grandmother’s cat collection, which I inherited after her passing in 2020. These figurines now adorn my altar space and home, carefully placed out of reach from my curious real-life companions, who have a penchant for knocking things off shelves. My obsession with cats is deeply ingrained—so much so that the Tsalagi word for “Cat” is inked on my left wrist. Cats, from ferocious tigers to playful tabbies, are personal totems in my spiritual practice. They are one of the most enduring animals associated with "Familiars," deeply tied to witchcraft, mysticism, and folklore. Throughout history, cats have woven their way through myth and magic, simultaneously revered and persecuted. Cats have been cherished for their spiritual significance across cultures and continents. From ancient temples to modern homes, these enigmatic creatures embody the very essence of the supernatural.
Cats, from the ferocious tiger to the playful tabby, are often seen as spiritual guides and totems, particularly as familiars. With their long-standing associations with witchcraft, mysticism, and folklore, they have become enduring symbols of the supernatural. Revered for their mystical powers, cats have navigated their way through centuries of myth and magic, balancing roles as both protectors and feared companions to witches. The association between cats and witches became particularly pronounced during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Europe. Cats, especially black cats, were believed to be familiars of witches—supernatural entities that assisted in magic. Many believed that witches could transform into cats to carry out dark deeds, or that cats themselves were possessed by spirits or demons. This belief grew stronger during the witch hunts, when the Church sought to root out paganism and heresy. Cats, with their nocturnal habits and mysterious nature, became natural scapegoats in this climate of fear, representing the unknown.
Cats have also long been linked to the concept of the Divine Feminine, especially its darker, shadowy aspects. Unlike dogs, which are often associated with Light-Masculine traits like loyalty and protection, cats embody the independence, mystery, and autonomy that characterize the Dark Feminine. The feline’s nocturnal nature, its ability to move between the physical and spiritual realms, and its air of aloofness all connect to archetypal themes of intuition, personal power, and the unseen. This duality—of nurturing protector and enigmatic guardian of secrets—makes cats potent symbols of the Shadow, a concept in Jungian psychology that encourages us to explore and embrace the parts of ourselves that are often hidden or repressed.
In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja, a powerful deity of love, beauty, and war, was closely linked to cats. Freyja’s chariot was said to be pulled by two large, magical cats. These felines symbolized fertility, protection, and the mystical realm. Cats under Freyja’s care were believed to bless homes and fields. Over time, as Christianity spread across Europe, these symbols of the divine feminine became intertwined with witchcraft, further demonizing cats. In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered as divine protectors. The goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or domestic cat, embodied the power of home protection, fertility, and maternal care. Egyptians believed that cats could ward off evil spirits, and killing one—even accidentally—was punishable by death. Cats were also mummified and buried with their owners to ensure protection in the afterlife. The deep reverence for cats in Egypt highlights their role as spiritual guardians, protecting both the living and the dead. Asian cultures also hold significant feline folklore. In Japan, the Bakeneko and Nekomata were supernatural cats that could shape-shift, speak, and control the dead. The Maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat,” became a symbol of prosperity and protection, commonly placed in businesses to attract good fortune. In China, cats were seen as spiritual guardians capable of protecting homes and crops. The Li Shou cat was revered as a deity, believed to ward off both physical and spiritual threats. The influence of Buddhism further elevated cats, with monks keeping them to protect manuscripts from rodents.
In Celtic lands, the Cat Sidhe, a fairy creature, was believed to be a large black cat with a white spot on its chest. It was said to steal souls before burial, leading to rituals to guard the dead. Despite its eerie reputation, the Cat Sidhe was also associated with good fortune, particularly during Samhain, when offerings were left out to appease these mystical creatures and ensure a good harvest. By the Middle Ages, cats’ association with witchcraft solidified, especially in European folklore. Black cats were seen as symbols of dark magic, believed to be witches’ companions or even witches in disguise. This belief led to widespread persecution during the witch hunts. Black cats were often killed alongside those accused of sorcery, cementing their reputation as symbols of malevolence. Ironically, in some cultures, black cats were viewed as symbols of good luck. In Scottish lore, a black cat’s arrival signaled prosperity, while in Japan, they were considered good omens for single women, believed to attract suitors. Despite the dark associations of the Middle Ages, cats have remained symbols of independence, mystery, and spiritual protection. Their role as familiars reflects a profound ability to traverse the realms of light and dark, offering guidance and companionship to those who embrace both the mystical and the mundane. Cats have long been associated with the mystical for several reasons: their nocturnal habits, ability to see in the dark, and seemingly independent nature. These traits led to the belief that cats could commune with the spirit world, acting as intermediaries between the human and the divine. Their graceful movements, silent treading, and inexplicable behaviors—such as staring into empty space—fueled their mystique as supernatural beings. In many cultures, cats were seen as protectors of both physical spaces and spiritual realms, able to ward off malevolent forces and bring good fortune.
So, next time your cat gazes into the darkness, remember—they might just be watching over you with ancient, magical eyes. Whether in myth or modern-day life, cats remain our mystical companions, ever watching, ever guarding, and always enchanting. Embrace their teachings, both in the light and the shadows, and appreciate the profound lessons they offer in consent, boundaries, autonomy, and independence.