shirleytwofeathers
A Curious Anecdote
In the epic poem known as “The Kalevala” (composed by Elias L”nnrot and first published in 1835, though based on traditional folktales), you will find this curious anecdote…
It seems that a witch decided to one day invite herself into a house that happened to be filled with people. Upon entering this house the witch began to dance around while muttering bizarre incantations, much to the chagrin of all who were present.
All at once, the people found themselves transported onto a sleigh drawn by a giant magical cat. This mysterious cat pulled the sleigh at fantastic speeds until it finally came to “Pohjola”, a place where evil resides in everlasting night, located deep within the hinterlands of Finland.
Why? How come? What did those people ever do to the witch? How did a cat get mixed up in all this, anyhow? And why decide to ask such questions NOW?
Actually, the Finns believed that cats led the souls of the departed through the obstacles of hell onto the glories of heaven.
This motif of “cat-as-guide-to-the-beyond” is rather common. In Egypt there is the story of Bast the cat goddess bringing souls to the underworld. Babylonians believed that the souls of priests were whisked to paradise by the agency of a benevolent cat. So perhaps the Finnish folktale of the witch and the cat-sleigh isn’t so odd after all.
Why the Ashanti Cat Sleeps Inside
…And because of the cat’s loyalty, and the dog’s jealous vindictiveness, the Chief of the tribe uttered these words:
“From this day on cat, you shall sleep inside upon my finest mats, while you, dog, shall continue to sleep out of doors upon the dust of the earth. And when the time comes that we feast, O cat, thou shall eat of the same food as we, being a worthy and noble being. But you, dog, shall learn to be content and satisfied with what scraps we choose to toss you.”
Paraphrased from an Ashanti legend.
Spell for the Ancient Magickal Art of Naming
When you have chosen your kitten from the kindle (litter), being sure that this little mite is the one upon whom you wish to bestow your friendship and protection, know that this is a magickal pact, for you are guardian of the spirit of your cat, and he or she in like manner is invested with the occult power to guide and guard your spirit. You must think next of the naming ceremony, which is best done after some little acquaintance with the nature of your new friend.
Choose a pet-name for the cat’s child-spirit, and it is better if this be a folk-name, for these names have been magickally sealed with power and tradition through the ages, and the flavor of the earth is in them, and of the spirits of the earth, and of hearth and home.
Your friend may retain no more than a child-spirit for all his or her life long, but let it be given a secret, occult name also, in any event, for such a name will nurture the mysteries in the cat’s soul. It will protect the creature from malignant forces, will throw the Devil askew, and aid in the unfolding of his or her heart so that in the next life the animal may return with a spirit more gracious, bright and fair.
And if it should be that, after a year’s passing, you discover unto yourself that your cat has indeed already achieved seniority of soul, then it is meet that the animal should be given a grander name, a Name of Distinction, to inspire, foster and encourage the qualities that are beginning to reveal themselves, so that this treasure-hoard may grow and grow, and come to shine with divine brilliance like the stars of the night.
Do not hesitate to give your cat three names, for there is the inspiration of the Holy Trinity in it, and cats especially are animals of the Soul of All Things.
To name a cat three times whispers too of the uniform nature of the moon, for does not the night Goddess appear to us with either a full round face, or waxing with horns towards the east, or yet waning with horns towards the west? And in her pretty crescent or her majestic fullness, do we not see a likeness when we study the cat’s eye, for does not the contraction and dilation of its pupil speak to us of Bride and Artemis, goddesses of the new moon and the full? The cat is ever the creature of the night and goddess of the night.
- For a long list of cat names see this post on Magickal Cat Names
To name your kitty, it is well to choose one of the Egyptian days of our calendar, and to gather valerian to make into a few drops of oil, so that you may anoint him or her just on the tip of the nose and behind the ears.
An old manuscript says:
Three days there are in the year which we call Egyptian days, and this is so because they were days of great divinity and consequence to the astrologers of ancient Egypt. These three days fall on the last Monday in April, the second Monday in August, and the third Monday in December.
All of the Egyptian days are Mondays, that is, days of the moon, and so we may call upon Butis, the Goddess of Night, Diana, the Goddess of the Ascended Moon, Isis, the Goddess of the Moon at her Rising, and Sekhmet, the Lady of Flame, for she is of vital power, a seer by night, and a goddess of might whose inspiration fires the mind and elevates it to acts of heretic magick and wmoan’s wisecraft.
On such an Egyptian night, take your kitten in your arms and stand in some sequestered place, wild and lovely, where you may see the moon as she rides the skies. Have a little vial of Valerian oil ready in your pocket, and scatter a few drops around yourself upon the turf to make a magick circle.
Call upon the four angels, Kokaviel, Ghedoriah, Chokmahiel and Savaniah, for these angels are of Mercury’s messenger spirit, and he is Lord of Naming. Call down the blessing of the goddesses of the night, and imagine yourself to be standing in a pure white temple, framed by magick’s skill.
Anoint the kitten, and tell the baptismal name to the stars, afterwards proclaiming thus:
Your name I set upon your brow
And to four shining angels bow
This mark of grace your guardian be
And make your name a magick key
Goddesses of Moon and Might
Bless my spells this Egypt’s night.
The spell is now worked. After thanking the angels, spirits and goddesses who worked with you, and bowing three times to the moon and the stars, you may homewards wend your way, deservedly satisfied with the night’s enterprise and your weaving of woman’s mysteries.
From: Catspells
Magickal Cat Names
There is an old tradition of naming that belongs to wisecraft, and in the following post a list of names for cats is offered, each of which is believed to create it’s own “naming spell” if it is used in conjunction with the magickal working given here: Spell for the Ancient Magickal Art of Naming.
The list is not comprehensive, but should serve rather as a starting point for your own ideas and research concerning the delicate question of naming your cat.
Each name is supposed to impart a distinctive and individual quality:
- Names of Distinction ~ lend dignity and encourage “seniority of soul”
- Folk Names ~ foster a cat’s “child spirit”
- Magickal Names ~ bring a certain energy, effect, or magickal influence
And so, according to wiselore, a subtle three fold influence will be exerted over your feline friend when naming is celebrated as a magickal act. Alternatively, these names and their various meanings may reveal your cat’s true name, and give a bit of insight into the true nature of your feline friend.
Do not hesitate to give your cat three names, for there is the inspiration of the Holy Trinity in it, and cats especially are animals of the Soul of All Things.
To name a cat three times whispers too of the uniform nature of the moon, for does not the night Goddess appear to us with either a full round face, or waxing with horns towards the east, or yet waning with horns towards the west? And in her pretty crescent or her majestic fullness, do we not see a likeness when we study the cat’s eye, for does not the contraction and dilation of its pupil speak to us of Bride and Artemis, goddesses of the new moon and the full? The cat is ever the creature of the night and goddess of the night.
Names of Distinction
To honor the dignity of your feline companion, and to bestow consequence.
Feminine Names of Distinction
- Adeline ~ Noble Serpent
For a queen who is shy, sensitive, easily offended, quiet and unobtrusive. - Agatha~ Goodly
For a queen who is primarily reserved and proud, over whose spirit move vivid flashes of brilliance, who in rare and intimate moments is lively and kittenish - Alberta ~ Nobly Bright
For a queen who is retiring, independent, graceful, who has a pensive, dreamy air as though she lived half in the spirit world, who distrusts men. - Angelica ~ Angelic
For a queen who loves the moon and whose behavior accurately foretells the weather, who must be stirring at night, who seems to see fairies, during the day she is languid and voluptuous, her affections run deep. - Aubrelia ~ Golden
For a queen who is haughty, flighty in her affections, beautiful in appearance, adores home comforts and luxury, she is disdainful of other cats. - Awne ~ Swan Maiden
For a queen with a sparkling, humorous air, as though she were ever laughing joyously at her human friend, her affections are sentimental, she has grace and beauty, she is an ever faithful companion to one member of the family, whom she herself selects. - Beatrice ~ Blesser
For a queen who is lively, bold, intelligent and gay, she is enterprising and determined, she often finds herself in trouble, but is cheerful and imaginative in her attempts to extricate herself from it. - Berenice ~ Bringer of Victory
For a queen who is full of vanity and selfishness, yet is the soul of constancy and who unconsciously brings much laughter and amusement to her human friend. - Bridget ~ Virgin Bride, Strength
For a queen who is peaceful, homely, domesticated and devoted, she cherishes motherhood and is fiercely protective of yer young, her owner has her heart above all else, however, from whom she will accept even abuse quietly and meekly. - Clementina ~ Merciful
For a queen who is a good mother, affectionate, loyal and placid, she is sleepy, but not indolent, she will catch prey, but only for food, she is attracted to water. - Columbine ~ Dove
For a queen who is timid, resourceful, hesitant and solitary, her trust can be enticed from her, and if you are worthy, it is yours for good. - Diana ~ Goddess
This queen is a strong, proud, vital animal, her passions and affections are deeply rooted, and will never fail, she is never fickle, but always valorous and bold, she may seem to have magickal powers and to be in communion with spirits, it is easy, and instructive to converse with the soul of this cat. - Elfrida ~ Elf Threatener
Solitary, proud, dignified, this queen prefers her own company, the human friend is sometimes graciously allowed to engage her affectionate attention, she is elegant, delicate, graceful, reserved, she needs to know you will before she will place her trust in you. - Ernestina ~ Eagle Stone
For a queen who is animated, coquettish, ardent in her affections, her air is one of vulnerability, surprise and timidity, she can show great courage, however in the face of danger, and suffers pain or injury with reticence and forbearance. - Griselda ~ Stone Battle Maid
This queen is resourceful and determined, she possesses an abundant, muscular beauty, she is fearless and graceful, her soul is remote and strong, but she is deeply faithful. - Petronella ~ Rock
For a queen who is jealous in her affections arrogant, restless and alert, she is intelligent, passionate and regal, she is a conscientious though excitable mother. - Rosamund ~ Rose of the World
For a queen who is spiritual, refined and delicate in her habits, pensive, dreamy, beautiful and proud of carriage, in her affections she is gentle, yielding and ardent. - Selene ~ Moon
For a queen who is secretive, drawn to the night, dark and mysterious in her aspect, majestic, gracious, condescending, she is serene and inert during the day, her habits are luxurious and extravagant. - Sibyl ~ Wise Woman
For a queen who seems to be possessed of an ancient, steadfast soul, sagacious, calm, refined, sweet natured, she prefers quiet seclusion in the company of her owner, to whom she is passionately devoted, although she has a strong, independent, resourceful personality. - Theodora ~ Divine Gift
For a queen who is sweet of temperament, graceful, wistful, she is intuitive emotional and timid, her human friend will often dream of her, her dream-likeness is wise and full of strange prophetic powers. - Virginia ~ Maidenly
For a queen who is serious, attentive, silent and graceful, she is unassuming, but can be tempestuous when aroused, she is generally timorous and of subtle, changing moods. - Zerah ~ Rising of Light
For a queen who is whimsical, seeming to dwell in a world of visions, she is intelligent, proud and austere, her personality is daring, captivating, she can be impetuous and intrepid.
Masculine Names of Distinction
- Alfred ~ Wise Elf in Council
For a tom who is prudent, keen, cunning and wise, he is strong and bold, solitary and pensive, he does not make enemies but is held in deep respect, even dogs flee him. - Ambrose ~ Immortal
For a tom who is affectionate, trustful, languid, voluptuous and extravagant in personality, he loves the night, seeks a mate, but avoids fights, he is a first rate hunter, but will kill only for food, he is deeply crestfallen and subdued if he loses his dignity. - Aubrey ~ Elf Ruler
For a tom who seeks the company of the moon and the night, he may be away for days, yet always returns faithfully home, with a sagacious air, as though his travels have imparted much experience and wisdom, if he has a feline companion, he will become deeply attached to his friend, his owner can be sure of his affection and loyalty. - Bertrand ~ Bright Raven
For a tom who is wise and noble in his bearing, whose eyes hold great depth, who seems to hold counsel with himself as though he could gaze steadily down the highways of time and garner wisdom from ages past, he will walk with you, and guide you to strange and lovely places where the fairies dwell, he is always gentle and affectionate and devoted to his owner, although he can be fearless when the need arises. - Caradoc ~ Beloved
For a tom who is bright, humorous and agile, he displays a sweet kittenish temperament although his human friend is not fooled, for this cat is wise and gifted, he can enter your dream as a guiding beneficent spirit, he is not afraid of losing his dignity, and seems often to seek to do so, as though he had some lesson to impart to his delighted observers. - Carmichael ~ Friend of Michael
For a tom who is erratic, noble, ubiquitous, he is agile and intelligent, his temperament is like quicksilver, full of surprises and quirks, he is affectionate, though reserved. - Dominic ~ Sunday’s Child
For a tom who is lovable, changeable, though unswerving in his loyalty to his owner, he distrusts men and adores women, almost as if he would pay court to them, he chooses certain stations in his environment which become his indisputable domain, for this principle to be challenged causes him the deepest consternation, and such effrontery will cause him to leave home for a period as a chastisement to his owner. Yet being loyal, he will always return, expecting to be petted and made much of. - Egbert ~ Formidably Bright
For a tom who is sensitive, intelligent, proud of his status among his fellows, he has no sense of humor, and mishaps and misjudgments cause him agonizing humiliation and embarrassment, if his owner is party to his fall from dignity, he will sulk for hours. Being a noble tom, he is delicate and honorable in his habits and behavior. - Jabez ~ Sorrow
For a tom who is gentle, affectionate, loyal and placid, his is a solitary soul, but he will never stray far from home, as though he were cognizant of life’s shadows, he is contemplative, meek and unobtrusive, nice in his habits. - Jerome ~ Holy Name
For a tom who is impulsive, rash, haughty, he loves to dice with death, especially when he has an audience, he loves the night and the moon, but is very companionable at home, his enemies fear him, he loves human companions of the feminine gender and generally will not allow caresses from men, he is honorable in battle, and will allow vanquished foes to escape without harm, he is very jealous and possessive with his human family. - Llewellyn ~ Lionlike
For a tom who is sleek, muscular, noble and upright of carriage, he is never furtive, he loves company, but is reserved and watchful therein, strangers make him shy, rare moments find him adoringly affectionate towards his human friend, he has ever a warm heart beating beneath a cool and poised exterior. - Marmaduke ~ Sea Leader
For a tom who is a traveler, an adventurer, who seems to wish to walk the wide world, he seeks many lady loves, for whom he would fight to the death, after many wanderings, he will come home to enjoy the peace and company of the domestic fire, fully expecting to be cosseted, fussed over, petted and fondled as if he were a warrior home from the battlefield. His owners generally meet his expectations, for they sense a spirit of expansiveness and nobility in him. - Otto ~ Rich
For a tom who is fond of capers and games, he is athletic, enthusiastic, innocent, valorous and cheerful, he will seldom allow his owner to be idle, demanding constant attention and active companionship, he likes to shadow his human friend, he will, by and by, settle and grow placid and redolent for a little while, he dreams vividly, and can step into the dreams of his human companion. - Randolph ~ Wolf of the House
For a tom who is exuberantly loyal, affectionate, sweet natured and sociable, he is noble, wise, strong, intelligent and physically majestic, has moments of gravity and contemplation, but is more often absurdly kittenish, lovable and playful. - Solomon ~ Peaceful
For a tom who is languorous, luxurious, proud, extravagant and delicate in his habits, he presents an air of aristocratic refinement, as though he were cultured and high-bred, he adores his human family, who alone can induce him to relax his dignity and become playful. - Theodoric ~ Ruler
For a tom who is passionate in his freedom and independence, who is individualistic, eccentric, phlegmatic, and wise, he has periods of domesticity, when he is abundantly and overtly affectionate.
Folk Names for Feline Child Spirits
- Billy Winker
For a tom who is winsome, mischievous, easily frightened, often foolish, he stalks prey assiduously, but will turn around and run when he gets too close to his quarry. - Kitty-Witch
For the queen who is pert, capricious, frolicsome, moody, she plays the coquette to gain human attention, frisks at weather changes and thunder, becomes irritable and demanding if she cannot remain the center of attention. - Melsh Dick
For a tom who is swift and silent as a sprite, always appearing unexpectedly or spying on his human friends from hidden peepholes, he is disobedient, cheerful and heedless, he causes many minor calamities, he loves the night, and he loves to be vocal in it. - Pegsy
For a queen who is timid, frisky and shy, she dislikes company and will flee at the sight of strangers, her owner will be able to win her trust only with great effort and patience, she needs to be steadied and brought down to earth. - Pisky
For a queen who is of shifting moods, she will assume a regal air, then wax kittenishly playful, she will sulk for an hour or two, fall asleep, and wake wide-eyed and innocent, forgetful of presumed insults. - Wiggin
For a tom who is playful, foolish and unable to acquire the usual feline skills, he cannot climb, unless it be to the window ledge, where he spends most of his time, he is prone to absurd mishaps and accidents which are seldom serious, he cannot hunt, but will run after butterflies. - Wilkie
For a tom who is phlegmatic, plodding, patient, he will insist on attempting what he knows he is incapable of and has often to be rescued from treetops and other heights, he will always flee from a fight, though other toms seek to waylay him. - Yarthkins
For a queen who is playful affectionate and kittenish all her life, although she kindles many kittens, these she hides with great mystery in odd places, presenting them afterwards to her human friend with a show of triumph and pride in her achievement.
Magickal Names for Magickal Cats
Magickal names for magickal cats can encompass a wide variety of energies and ideas. If you wish to bring a certain energy, effect, or magickal influence into your life through your magickal cat, you can use the power of a name to do so.
The Earth Element
In ancient Celtic symbolism, the Earth is a unifying force. The Earth consecrates. It anchors, reunites, and re-establishes all things in need of her balancing effect.
- Earthy Names
Alluvia, Arroyo, Beck, Bare, Cairn, Chalcedon, Clay, Crag, Crystal, Dolman, Dune, Gemma, Greenwood, Grove, Jet, Ley, Mesa, Moraine, Obsidian, Onyx, Ravine, Savanna, Shale, Stone, Sylvan, Sylvana, Tarn, Telluria, Topaz, Tor, Vale.
The Air Element
Carefree, light and fast, the element of Air speaks of our distant and transparent nature, and prepares us to jump into the wind and fly. The element of Air gives us room to breathe, widens our lungs, and with them, opens our Soul to personal freedom.
- Airy Names
Aether, Anemone, Argon, Boreas, Cardea, Gale, Hurikan, Keen, Khamseen, Mesembria, Miasma, Myst, Notus, Scirocco, Skye, Tempest, Typhon, Vortex, Windflower, Zephyr.
The Fire Element
The fire element is all about transformation. The Element of Fire has great power for forging will and determination. It is our inner light as well as a living symbol of the Divine fire that burns in every soul.
- Fiery Names
Agni, Ardent, Baelfire, Blaze, Candelifera, Censer, Chandelle, Dittany, Ember, Firefly, Flame, Glint, Gorge, Magma, Phoenix, Prometheus, Pyrrha, Salamander, Scorch, Smoke, Smolder, Sylph, Tallow, Taper, Torch, Vesta, Vulcan.
The Water Element
Water is a cleansing, healing, psychic, and loving element. It is the feeling of friendship and love that pours over us when we are with our family, friends and loved ones.
- Watery Names
Amberella, Amphora, Aquamarine, Avalanche, Brine, Brook, Cascade, Chalice, Delta, Deluge, Dylan, Hailstone, Hoarforst, Llyr, Maelstorm, Moonsoon, Niagra, Nile, Oasis, Oshun, Pearl, Rain, Riverine, Scald, Serac, Storm, Telechine, Tide, Torrent, Trill, Tsunami, Wave, Weir.
Names from the Deva Kingdom
- Any flower, herb, or tree can be used for magical names:
Agrimony, Aloe, Amaranth, Anise, Betony, Buckthorn, Chervil, Damiana, Elecampane, Gentian, Germander, Lovage, Mastic, Medlar, Melilot, Oleander, Pomergranate, Savin, Samphire, Tamarind, Tarragon, and Yarrow.
- Plants that are considered especially magickal:
Aconite, Belladonna, Blackthorn, Bryony, Galangal, Hellebore, Mandrake, Nightshade, Rowan, Vervain, or Wolfbane.
Names from Myth and Legend
- Male power names:
Anu, Cernunnos or Kernunnos, Shango, Cuchulain, Gilgamesh, Hercules, Marduk, Poseidon, Samson, Taranis and Thor.
- Female power names:
Ambika, Boadicea, Cartimandua, Dellah, Durga, Galiana, Kali, Macha, Mong Ruadh, Morrigan, Myrine, Nessa, Onomaris, Oya, Scathach and Vashti.
- Female Amazon Names:
Aella, Antandre, Antianira, Antiope, Clymene, Evandre, Harpe, Hippolyta, Lyce, Melanippe, Myrian, Omphale, Otrere, Pantariste, Penthesilea, Polydora, Thalestris, Thoe, Xanthe.
- Male Centaur Names:
Ancius, Argius, Centaurus, Chiron, Crotus, Dexamenus, Elatus, Eurytion, Hippotion, Hylaeus, Nessus, Oreus, Phrixus, Thereus.
- Satyr Names:
Astraeus, Gemon, Lamis, Leneus, Lycon, Napaeus, Orestes, Pan, Petraeus, Phareus, Pithos, Poemenius, Satry, Satyrion, Satyrius, Satyros, Silenus.
- Nymphs:
Abrya, Andrastea, Anthracia, Asteria, Asterodia, Chian, Chreyse, Crannae, Dryope, Echo, Harmonia, Leuce, Marica, Menthe, Moria, Mytoessa, Neda, Nephele, Orphne, Perdix, Phiale, Philyra, Phyllis, Pitys, Rhene, Thisbe.
- Male Fairies:
Aillen, Amadan, Dubn, Brown Man, Cluricaun, Credene, Donn, Gachan, Ginvarra, Ghillie, Kelpie, Luchtar, Melwas, Oberon, Puck, Rhys Dwfen, Tamerlane, Trow, Tylwyth, Urisk, Wichtlein.
- Female Fairies:
Aeval, Aine, Airmed, Aoibheal, Banshee, Bendith, Caer, Clethard, Cliodna, Donagh, Eri, Glaistig, Uaine, Grania, Mab, Summer, Titania, Una.
From: Catspells and other sources
Fancy Feline Portraits
Here’s a great collection of fancy feline portrait art.
How Pussy Willows Got Their Name
Many springtimes ago, according to an old Polish legend, tiny kittens were chasing butterflies along the edge of the river and fell in. The mother cat, helpless to save them, started crying. The willows at the river’s edge swept their long, graceful branches into the water towards the kittens. The kittens gripped the branches tightly and were rescued.
Each springtime since, goes the legend, willow branches sprout tiny fur-like buds where the tiny kittens once clung.
Dreaming Cats
- To dream of a black cat is lucky.
- To dream of a tortoiseshell cat means luck in love.
- To dream of a ginger cat means luck in money and business.
- To dream of a white cat means luck in creativity, spiritual matters, divination and spellcraft.
- To dream of a black-and-white cat means luck with children; may also mean the birth of a child.
- To dream of a tabby cat means luck for the home and all who live there.
- To dream of a grey cat means to be guided by your dreams.
- To dream of a calico or multi-colored cat means luck with new friends and old ones.
- A dream of two cats fighting means illness or a quarrel.
More about cat dreaming can be found here: Dreaming About Cats
The Prophetic Cat Sneeze
Some Italians believed that a cat sneeze meant good fortune for all who heard it.
In other parts of the world, a cat sneeze on the morning of a wedding meant the couple would have a happy marriage. On any other day, however, it signaled rain.
If a cat sneezed three times in a row, some were convinced that everyone in the house would come down with a cold.
(At my house, a cat sneeze is prophetic of the need to dust!)
OMG
OMG
Cat shaped shampoo bottles!
LOL
How Cats Got Their Purr
There once lived a king and queen who longed for a baby daughter. Finally, just as they were giving up hope, the queen bore a girl child and the king and queen were the happiest people on earth. Only one thing marred their contentment. A gypsy witch had read the queen’s fortune in return for some food from the royal kitchen and she had predicted that the child would be a girl. The gypsy had given the queen a dire warning and in anger the king had driven the old crone from his land. The old woman’s warning weighed heavily on their hearts.
The old witch had said: “You will bear a daughter and she will be strong and healthy. However, she will fall dead if she ever gives her hand in marriage to a prince. Heed my advice. Find three pure white cats, with not a single white hair upon them, and let them grow up with your child. Give the cats balls of two types to play with – balls of gold and balls of linen thread. If they ignore the gold and play with the linen, all will be well, but should they ignore the linen and choose the gold, beware!”
The king sent out a royal decree and his subjects offered him cats and kittens of all types – tabby cats, ginger tomcats, tortoiseshell mother cats still nursing their kittens; he was offered black kittens, grey kittens and ginger kittens. All of these he sent away again, being only interested in three pure cats. After years of searching, three white cats without a single white hair were duly found and though they came from different places, they became good friends. The three cats loved their young mistress and she adored them. As the months turned into years, the linen balls continued to be the only toys the cats chose to play with. The gold balls lay dusty and forgotten.
When the princess grew old enough to learn how to spin the cats were happy as she was. They leaped at the wheel as it turned and at the thread as the princess spun it, behaving like kittens. She begged her playful cats to leave things alone but they ignored her and continued to play gaily. The queen was so happy that the cats played only with the linen balls and never with the gold balls that she simply laughed at their antics and frolics.
At sixteen years old, the princess was very beautiful. Princes from neighbouring kingdoms and further afield asked her hand in marriage, but she remained indifferent to them all. She was content to live with her three beloved cats. One day, however, a prince arrived who was good and charming, wise and handsome, kind and virtuous and the princess fell deeply in love with him. Though he brought her gifts and visited often, he never once asked for her hand in marriage. One day she could bear it no longer and she confessed her love for him. Delighted and surprise, he expressed his own love for her.
The three white cats were in the tower room playing with the linen balls, but no sooner had the prince and princess professed their love for each other, than the cats seemed to notice the gold balls for the first time ever and began to play with them. In horror, servants reported the dire news to the king and queen. However, it wasn’t the princess who was struck down but the prince. He became gravely ill and nothing the physicians did could ease or cure whatever malady had struck him down.
In desperation the princess sought the gypsy who had made the prophecy about the cats and balls. The gypsy witch told her that there was only one way to save the prince. The princess must spin ten thousand skeins of pure white linen thread before midwinter’s day. It was an impossible task – only 27 days remained before midwinter’s day. No hand but hers could spin the thread and if she span but one skein too few, or one too many, the prince would die at midwinter. The princess rushed to her spinning wheel and worked steadily day after day, but after only a few days she knew she could never spin ten thousand skeins. She burst into tears and her three cats sat by her feet to comfort and console her.
“If you only knew what was wrong I know you’d help me if you could,” she said to the three silent white cats at her feet.
To her amazement, one of the three placed its front paws on her knee, stared into the princess’s face, opened its mouth and spoke to her: “We know what is needed and we know how to help you,” it said. “Cats have no hands, only paws, so we can do the spinning for you and it will not break the terms of the prophecy. Now we must get to work for there is little time left.”
And so it was that the three white cats began to spin, each at a wheel provided for it. Each spun rapidly and beautifully. All day the three wheels hummed and when they were silent as evening came the princess looked into the room to find her beloved cats sound asleep next to hundreds of skeins of thread. The days passed and the skeins increased in number. Each time a skein was finished, the prince’s health improved and the princess grew more hopeful. On midwinter’s eve ten thousand skeins were ready and the prince was almost well.
The gypsy was amazed and please at the cats’ work though she had been cheated of a life. She told the princess to be sure and show her gratitude to her faithful cats. The princess loved her cats well and wisely and she gave them all her glittering jewels, which they had always loved to play with. On her wedding day, they sat in places of honour on magnificent velvet cushions, each cat with a necklace of precious stones around its neck.
As the feast continued, the three cats curled up contentedly on their cushions and – as cats are wont to do – fell asleep. From all three came loud, contented purring. This was the reward the cats had received for their work. Though no cat would ever again speak, all cats would purr like the whirr and hum of a spinning wheel. From that day to this cats have continued to purr whenever they feel contented.
Traditional British Fairy Tale
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