Cat Spells: Cat Magic Through the Ages

The household cat, one of our best-loved domestic pets, is the most mysterious of animals. Worshipped as a god in the culture of ancient Egypt, this beautiful and aloof creature has long been associated with magic and mythology, from the obligatory black cat featured in fairy tales and childhood stories to the more obscure folklore connections between cats and good luck or misfortune. Drawing on and inspired by the manuscripts of her great-grandmother, a Victorian wisewoman, Claire Nahmad explores the historical links between cats and spell-weaving, transcribing over fifty charms - some familiar, some more obscure - passed down through generations to form part of traditional English folklore. Some of the spells featured here bring good luck, and health and happiness in love; others enlist the help of cats to predict the weather and foretell the future; and there is even a section for the naming of cats and the qualities a particular name will encourage in the pet.