Many individuals often question whether black cats are inherently linked to witches, and it’s easy to understand that perspective. Historically, black cats have been perceived as the familiars of witches. For those who identify as Wiccans, it’s understood that not just cats can be familiars, but not everyone shares that belief (not everyone is as cool as that)!

This association carries a darker connotation. Those who harbor fears of witches often also view black cats as symbols of misfortune. Anyone who has welcomed a cat into their home knows the happiness and positive vibes that a black cat can bring. Honestly, there is no AVERAGE or NORMAL black cat. Each one is unique in a way that cannot be compared to any other animal or familiar.

So, what is the origin of this fear and connection?

Christianization of Rome

With the rise of Christianity in Rome, anything associated with pagans and Paganism was demonized. This spawned the idea of the Devil.

Pagan traditions were frequently passed down by women, which contributed to the belief that women were more vulnerable to evil than men. Additionally, women typically shared a closer bond with black cats, likely because they often remained at home. Women cherished cats as companions, nurturing them and engaging in conversation.

Cat Familiar Amulet from The Moonlight Shop

The Middle Ages

This belief endured throughout the Middle Ages. Cats are creatures of the night. Witches honor the Moon Goddess and conduct their rituals and spells illuminated by her glow. This likely reinforced the connection between black cats and witchcraft.

Salem Witch Trials

During the Salem Witch Trials, owning a cat was seen as proof of allegiance to the Devil, which was equated with practicing witchcraft. Consequently, witchcraft became synonymous with Devil Worship. Cats were regarded as harbingers of evil or manifestations of the Devil in feline form, leading to severe punishments for them: often being burned alive.

Bad Luck

A lingering Christian belief persists that if a black cat crosses your path, you should either select a different route or circumvent its path. This belief is still widespread today, likely due to the extensive influence of Christianity.

Black Cats and Witches

So, what’s the link between black cats and witches? Why do we seem to complement each other so well? It’s because we recognize that the black cat actually symbolizes the Divine. We understand that goddesses like Egyptian Goddesses Bast and Isis often took the form of black cats. Priestesses would pamper these cats, viewing them as embodiments of the goddess. This might explain why cats are seen as “royal.”

The black cat is also connected to goddesses of the Moon such as Hecate, Diana, and Luna. The priestesses of Diana would don black robes crafted from the fur of black cats due to their spiritual ties to the goddess.

The Egyptian Cat Goddess Necklace from The Moonlight Shop

If there is one creature that shares a similar fate to witches, it would be the black cat. We share a profound understanding of one another. Both black cats and witches were once integral to the natural world until tales and superstitions cast us in a negative light.

Like black cats, witches became marked as embodiments of evil when fear of the Devil prevailed. The Church grouped black cats and witches together in their campaign against Pagan customs.

Black cats serve as our familiars because a black cat and a witch are closely intertwined. Often, it is the black cat that establishes a psychic connection with us witches, assisting us in our magical practices and rituals.

Do you have a black cat in your life? We’d be excited to hear about you and your feline companion in the comments below! 🙂