Cats: Keepers of the Spirit World

• 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.

Table of Contents:
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 he Americas—Real and Imagined Cats 6. The Cat in Popular Culture Shape-Shifting The Trickster Connection to the Underworld Matchmaker Adventure, Companionship, and Bonding Prop Warning Food and Oil/Fat Commercials Local Interest Cars, Cats, and Power 7. Felines and the Cosmos Ancient Maya and Aztec Middle East Chinese Astrology and Astronomy Ancient Egypt Divination at Home with Your Cat Cats, Spirituality, and the Quantum World Conclusion Fear and Adaptation Folklore and Myth Bibliography Index About the Author

About the Author :
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.

Review :
“John A. Rush has created both a whimsical and deeply thought-provoking book about the mysterious creatures that humans refer to as cats. He thoughtfully explores the evolution of these highly intelligent psychic beings and their parallel journey with humans.” “John Rush writes about the diverse array of cat realms from a place of delightful passion and knowledge. One can never quite see cats the same way after reading this book. He weaves together mythology and science, history and spirituality, and cosmic and pop culture in order to aid the mass consciousness. Everyone who cares about drawing into complete harmony with the strength of a feline’s essence—or any living creature—should own a copy of Cats: Keepers of the Spirit World.” “Shamanic shapeshifters of human consciousness—these wondrous four-legged demi-gods weave in and out of the astral plane influencing evolutionary growth on levels humans have yet to comprehend. Cats are the gatekeepers into our unconscious world, capable of entering into dimensions to impart magic and healing medicine in those spaces where wounds hide. They carry the secrets of the universe within their souls; lineages of many worlds rooted in tradition pass through them and onto their human caretakers. Their distinct meow is heard by every angel, as they walk through their existence embodying love and hope. They absorb darkness so that our light can shine over and over again and ask for nothing in return. May we honor them with the respect they truly deserve.”