• Examines spiritual and occult beliefs connected to cats from Mayan, Aztec, and Native American mythology as well as from ancient India, Samaria, Babylon, Japan, and Egypt
• Looks at spiritual behaviors attributed to cats as well as modern biological research into cat behavior and their highly sophisticated sensory systems
• Reveals the similarities between cat and human emotions and the deep connection between cats and meditation
We have been connected to cats for more than 30 million years. To our prehistoricancestors cats were deadly predators of the night, and because of this ancient memory etched onto our DNA, cats epitomize our fear of the dark. Yet in addition to their connection to the dark and the shadows, their intelligence, sophisticated physical abilities, and finely tuned senses also led many cultures to view cats as connected to the spirit world.
Exploring the spiritual nature of cats, John A. Rush looks at humanity's fascination and fear of cats through the ages. He examines spiritual and occult beliefs connected to cats from Mayan, Aztec, and Native American mythology as well as from ancient India, Samaria, Babylon, Japan, and Egypt, including how ancient Egyptians used cats to send messages to the gods. He reveals why the Catholic Church demonized cats and how cats are symbols of both Good and Evil. Examining cat evolution, the author looks at spiritual behaviors attributed to cats as well as modern biological research into cat behavior and their highly sophisticated sensory systems, which, unlike most other animals, have changed very little over millions of years. He explores their "psychic" ability to sense what humans cannot and the origins of their glowing eyes, which has connected cats, through myth, to both the Underworld and the World of Light. He also explores similarities between cat and human emotions, cat communications with us, and the deep connection between cats and meditation.
Revealing the spiritual journey of the cat from fearsome predator to occult symbol to household companion, the author shows how, in many ways, cats are mirrors of us, reflecting our conflicting dual nature that is at once loving yet distant, magical yet vengeful, and, above all, deeply connected to the spirit world. John A. Rush, Ph.D., N.D., is a retired professor of anthropology and naturopathic doctor. He is the author of many books, including Spiritual Tattoo, The Twelve Gates, and The Mushroom in Christian Art, as well as the editor of several books, including Entheogens and the Development of Culture. He lives in Orangevale, California. Preface 1.
Sleeping Kittens, Crouching Tigers
Connecting to Cats
Defining Worship, Spirit, Spiritual, and Sacred
Animals as Symbols of Nature, Both Good and Evil
2. Cat Evolution
The Myth of Random Mutations and Life without Purpose
The Myth of Natural Selection
Endocellular Selection: Decision-Making and Purposeful Evolution Cat Evolution and Our Human Ancestors
A Change in Beliefs
3. Cat Behaviors and Physiology
Power
Noise
Talking
Corralling
Making Bread or Pawing
Territoriality
Bonding
Independence
Rejection
Staring into Space
Stretching
Hidden Places and Escape Routes
Mating Behavior and Fertility
Grooming Behavior
4. Animal Worship
Few and Far Between
What Is a God?
Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism
Uses of the Cat in Ancient Egypt
5. Issues of Cat Identity and Behavior in Spirituality
Cave Art and Shamanism
Writing and Early Concepts of the Cat
Cats and the Italian Witch
Characteristics of Cats
Power
Gate Guardians
Fertility
Night Vision
Stealth, Cunning, and Wisdom Bringers of Good Luck
Cat Talk, Purring, and Chanting
Staring
Tracking the Visible and Invisible
Acrobatic Abilities
Maintenance of Juvenile Characteristics
Sleeping
Vomiting
Cats as Shamans, Tricksters, and Monsters
More About the Monster-Cat T
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