dolio.ru » Feng Shui » Black cat figurine: meaning and methods of use according to Feng Shui
Among the many different interior items, the black cat figurine is especially popular among modern designers. Its characteristic features are: an exorbitantly long neck, a proud posture and a stern look. Because of this, those around her often associate her with a strict and dangerous beast, who at any moment can attack anyone who approaches him. But is this really so? Should you be wary of such decorations or, on the contrary, should you definitely bring them into your home?
Beliefs associated with cats
The history of these small predators originates in Egypt, where cats have long been worshiped. These animals were considered sacred, as according to legend they originated from the goddess Bast. In Greek tradition, cats were identified with the goddess of the hunt, Artemis, for their speed and agility.
During the Middle Ages, the name Artemis became synonymous with the words “witch,” “witch,” and therefore cats began to be associated with certain dark forces that could negatively influence humans. At the same time, a tradition arose of decorating your home with figurines of these animals. It was believed that the cat figurine protects its owners from the misfortunes of fate and brings joy and prosperity to the house.
Norwegian folklore tells of the goddess of fertility Freya, whose chariot had an image of a cat. That is why in this country a cat figurine is a symbol of the emergence of everything new, especially new life. It is an amulet for newborns.
Where should a cat stand according to Feng Shui?
It is best to place a figurine or image of a cat in the living room. The southeast is suitable for attracting wealth. For success in career and business - north, northwest or northeast. A cat couple in love will harmoniously fit into the Feng Shui love zone, which is located in the southwestern part of the room. But according to Feng Shui, the bedroom, toilet and bathroom are unfavorable for the talisman, since in these rooms it begins to exude negative energy, causing troubles.
Igor Schubin/Pixabay
Signs associated with cats
A special place in Russian folklore is occupied by sayings about black cats as a symbol of misfortunes and troubles. A well-known sign says that if such an animal crosses your path, then a series of failures awaits you.
However, not all statements about these graceful and mysterious creatures are so gloomy. There are many weather superstitions associated with cats. Because these animals have a special sense of changes in their environment, people have long observed them to predict metamorphosis in weather conditions. For example, if a cat buries its nose in its own fur while sleeping, it means cold weather will soon set in.
It is also believed that the cat figurine has a set of amazing properties. A black figurine, for example, will help scare away thieves from the house and bring prosperity to the house.
As mentioned above, these animals have a special relationship with the other world. A cat figurine located in the apartment will not allow the brownie to play pranks, as well as various entities from entering the home.
Correct placement of the figurine in the house
A figurine of Maneki-neko is usually placed in a home. The Japanese say that the amulet must be placed near the entrance to the house. In this case, the figurine symbolizes the hospitality and goodwill of the owners. In addition, it attracts positive energy. This also applies to material well-being.
Sometimes you can see the figurine mounted on a red rug or pad. This is done in order to enhance the magical properties of the talisman.
A small figurine of Maneki-neko can be placed in the workplace, for example, on a desk. Only the kitten’s muzzle must be directed towards the owner. The cat will attract good luck and promote career growth.
Those who want to increase their level of knowledge place a figurine in the north-eastern part of the house. The cat's face should be turned towards the entrance.
In the southeast, the figure is set by owners who dream of forgetting about money problems. Maneki-neko activate the cash flow going to the home of the figurine owner.
The Japanese believe that if you write down your innermost desire on a piece of paper and place it in the foot of a figurine, the dream will certainly come true. That's why in Japanese homes you often find figurines with notes in their paws.
Charms that attract wealth and good luck are used not only in residential buildings. This is a good symbol for organizations. The company will prosper and bring stable income to the owner.
Merchants believe that if the figure is located near the cash register, this will affect profits. Revenue will certainly increase several times.
The meaning of the figures
Depending on their appearance, these figures symbolize various phenomena. Thus, a cat with its tail raised up represents optimism and joy, a cat with kittens is a symbol of happy and long-awaited motherhood. A composition of several animals represents friendship, support, mutual assistance or love. Of course, there is no clear system of interpretation of what the cat figurine symbolizes. The meaning of each figure can only be approximately interpreted.
Such figurines play a special role in attracting good luck. Their owners are often lucky, thanks to which their most cherished dreams come true. Another meaning of such figurines in the house is that they help develop intuition and supernatural abilities in their owners.
Why does the cat have one paw raised?
The question of why the cat is depicted with its paw raised interests many people. Explanations for this fact are found in legends. But there is no clear answer to the question.
Some esotericists associate this with an inviting gesture (legends about a rich man caught in a downpour and a courtesan).
Other experts are inclined to be of the opinion that the figurine is still connected with the ban on visiting brothels. To attract men, courtesans began to use special ceramic figurines - a kitten raising its paw invitingly.
The special aesthetics of black cats
There are a large number of signs associated with these creatures. It is believed that a black cat is an indispensable attribute of a witch, present as a guide to the other world during all mystical and witchcraft rituals.
In the English tradition, by the way, these animals are treated without any fear, and if a black cat crosses the road, this will make a person even luckier and happier. In Japan they hold the same opinion. In China, these creatures are treated with particular caution and are considered harbingers of poverty and hunger. In most European countries, as in Russia, black cats are treated with fear and trembling.
Surprisingly, all nations unanimously agree that a black cat figurine brings good luck to the house and protects its owners from misfortunes.
Such different sphinxes
Sphinxes with the heads of a man (androsphinx), a hawk (hyeracosphinx) and a ram (cryosphinx) are also found in the cultures of the Assyrians, Persians and Phoenicians, personifying solar deities. All animals, whose body parts were borrowed from these fantastic creatures, also symbolized the cardinal directions in Indo-European cults dedicated to the sun.
Hieracosphinx
Criosphinx
Greek female androsphinx
Cat figurine as interior decoration
Many people who do not believe in any otherworldly forces and mysticism perceive cat figurines as a stylish and trendy interior decoration. A figurine of an Egyptian cat is a special souvenir that not only reminds you of a trip to this amazing country, but also adds a special sophistication to the surrounding environment.
There are cases where people have been collecting such figurines throughout their lives. Thus, the Frenchwoman F. Groff keeps at home more than 2 thousand 100 copies of figurines from different countries of the world, as well as more than 9 thousand other things with the image of a cat on them. At the same time, she keeps four live cats at home. The woman is rightfully considered the owner of one of the world's greatest collections associated with these amazing graceful and mysterious creatures.
The Legend of the Sphinx in Ancient Greece
The Greek monster is different from the Egyptian one. It has the wings of a griffin, the body of a dog, the paws of a lion and the head of a woman. It is believed that this creature is the brainchild of Typhon and Echidna. In the first version of the legend, his parents were Chimera and Orff. The entity destroyed males.
According to the myth, Hera sent the creature to Thebes as punishment because one townsman had blasphemed. The monster asked questions to anyone who passed by. No one was able to answer them, after which it killed the victims. People died from the clutches of the Sphinx, but Oedipus, the future king, decided to fight him. The Sphinx asked:
Who walks on four legs in the morning, on two at noon and on three in the evening, and walks worse on four and three than on two?
Oedipus did not hesitate to say that this is a man - at first he moves on all fours, when he grows up, he stands on two legs, and when he is old he moves with the help of a stick. The monster was upset and asked a second riddle:
Name two sisters, one of which gives birth to the other, and she in turn gives birth to the first.
Oedipus said that it is day and night - and this answer annoyed the monster. It lost. And then the entity rushed into the abyss.
There is another version of the legend. It says that a half-girl, half-lioness with wings destroyed people, and did not ask them riddles. And Oedipus defeated her directly in battle.
A little history
Almost every one of us knows about the relationship of ancient Egyptian mythology to cats. They were considered sacred animals, they were buried next to their owners, and if suddenly a person killed a cat, it was considered a terrible crime, the punishment for which was the most severe: the death penalty!
The ancient Egyptians considered maus to be symbols of such great deities as the Supreme Ra and the goddess of happiness Bastet. Recently, archaeologists made an amazing discovery: they discovered the Bastet Temple, and found a huge number of cats that were mummified and buried with their owners! Moreover, the pilgrims who came to the site of these excavations offered scientists money for these mummies in order to give them to the priests. It was believed that thanks to this the gods would have mercy on people and send happiness and prosperity to their homes.
At that time, about 4 thousand years ago, the Egyptian Mau cat was bred, which immediately became the favorite of the inhabitants of the state. The animals actively caught snakes and mice, which was the main reason for their relocation under the roofs of houses. People were attracted not only by their benefits, but also by their calm, homely temperament. Archaeologists have repeatedly found rock paintings and pictures depicting this breed of cat. Mau captivated the Egyptians with her beauty and character then, and continues to do so right now!
Egyptian cat: let's get to know each other better!
Mau is a breed that will make you fall in love at first sight. This cat has an average height, a well-developed, muscular body, which absolutely does not prevent her from looking elegant. Her weight indicators are quite typical for animals of medium breeds: an adult cat will weigh approximately 4-6 kg, the weight of a cat fluctuates between 3-4. You will recognize these bright green eyes even from afar; with the appropriate incidence of light, they will sparkle with the color of unripe gooseberries.
A distinctive feature of cats is their color. When choosing an animal, carefully examine its head, because it is by this that it is very easy to determine the authenticity of the Mau. Even if you see a cat in a photo, you can easily recognize it by the patterns on its head. There are several trademarks that distinguish this breed from many others:
- Pay attention to the area above the eyes. It must have a pattern on it that is shaped like the letter M.
- If you have verified its presence, make sure that on the top of the Mau’s head there is a signature pattern in the shape of the Latin letter W.
- On each side of the muzzle there should be two lines that run along the cheekbones and just below eye level.
In addition, cats can vary significantly in their color. If you want to buy a purebred cat that will participate in various exhibitions, then when choosing, you need to pay special attention to this nuance. In particular, Mau of the following colors will be allowed to participate:
- silver;
- bronze;
- smoky.
If you are looking for an animal exclusively for your home, you should also like a marbled or black Mau, but you will not be able to travel with them to exhibitions, since they will not be allowed to participate. Many people confuse this breed with another Egyptian breed, the Sphynx. These are completely different animals, and if you want a hairless cat, the Mau is not for you.
