Today, the images of witches and black cats probably related to the Halloween decorations, but not so long ago, the duo of fear was considered with a mixture of fear and anxiety. Woe to anyone walking alone on a dark night, if you see a black cat lurking in the road. And worse, a witch may be lurking, trying launch a hex on unwary travelers!
Such concerns are the stuff of fairy village, superstition and folklore, although it was considered serious serious at the moment. Since the Middle Ages, black cats have been treated differently than the rest of their feline brothers. This is due to the folklore surrounding black cats still exists in some communities today.
Some European cultures considered a black cat to be a bad omen. The superstition of a black cat crossing your path is bad Luck is very well known throughout North America and elsewhere. Irish culture believes that the emergence of a black cat under the condition of the moonlight large predicted. Similarly, the Italians believed that a sick person visit from a black cat would soon die.
Alternatively, some cultures believe the contrary, a black cat walks towards you or the appearance of a black cat that portends good luck. Other cultures, particularly the religion of Hoodoo South Africa believes that a particular bone inside a black cat can be used to provide someone with invisibility or special powers.
The black cat in the most afflicted areas of Europe, involving in the horrible practice of witch trials and witch burning. The black cat was considered a witch's familiar, ie, an animal that shares a particular spiritual bond, with a witch. Other animals also considered family: the frogs and toads, owls, crows and other animals considered mysterious or looked unfavorably. But it was the cat black who received the most attention, perhaps because cats have a unique and particular.
Through a relative, a witch could spy to others, and perhaps even use the familiar to cast spells and curses. It is also believed that a black cat may even be the witch, the attempt to dress as she wanders dark night and instilling fear among those who may be unfortunate to look into it.
In 1233, Pope Gregory IX, he even consider the evil cat black, Satanic creatures, leading to widespread destruction of black cats. Subsequently, animals deemed a witch's family were also burned or dead, along with a witch captured.
Of course, we now know that most women believed that witches were accused falsely, or were simply women well versed in the tradition of herbal and other remedies, which was sometimes considered witchcraft by people too superstitious. Family members have even been described in a much more positive light in the Harry Potter films, where owls and other animals with the casters young couples form a special bond.
We also now know that modern witchcraft is not bad, and many witches operate in a professional capacity. Witchcraft has become a widespread movement throughout Latin and Europe and is more commonly known as Wicca, though in fact there are several different traditions of Witchcraft and Wicca is only one classification.
Although witchcraft is being denounced by the Church, there is little harm in proclaiming oneself to be a witch, and the lucky black cats can roam freely without fear of being persecuted and killed. Some modern witches also claim that their pets are more than animals, that are familiar in fact, in the true sense of the word, as assistants and helpers, and to protect an evil witch. Families are no longer seen as intrinsically evil, but rather as a servant of the well and share increased awareness.
So the next time I see a black cat appears to stare at you with a particular intensity, do not panic. It will not spread a bad omen or bad luck in its wake. However, you can never be sure if it is just a curious cat, or close relative of a witch!
Considered a Gythia (Asatru High Priestess) among her Coven, Julia Roslyn Antle is a master of divination and dream interpretation. Her wisdom is sought-after by her peers, her colleagues as well as the public. http://www.7witches.net
Tim Curry in The Worst Witch
