The Cat as a Magickal Ingredient

• Ruler: Bastet and/or Freya
• Type: animal
• Magickal Form: alive, whiskers, hair

This animal is the most common of the witches' familiars. They are very sensitive to occult workings and wise in the ways of the goddess. In order to make the cat a familiar, it must taste the blood of the witch. The correct way to do this is to let the cat become your familiar in his or her own time. You will know when this occurs, as he or she will take a good hard bite out of your hand, cheek, or leg and draw blood. Voila! You are now bonded for eternal life.

When a cat drops a whisker, place it on the altar for good luck. It is very bad luck to cut or pluck a whisker from a cat. Cat hair may be obtained by rubbing the back against the grain. Add the hairs to gamblers' luck potions to increase your chances of winning.

• Black cats are very lucky indeed and you will be blessed when one crosses your path.
• Red cats and calico cats bring money.
• A Gray cat will protect you.
• A Siamese cat will bring laughter into your life.

Found in: The Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients