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Old myth and Hollywood distributed folklore. Witches were supposed to have an animal, a familiar, that somehow enchanced their ability to use magic and to communicate with the devil.
A witch's familiar was thought to be a demon or imp who most often appeared in the form of a small animal: cats, rabbits, toads and mice were all commonly assumed forms of the witch's companion spirit, who was believed to trade favors to witches in return for milk from the witch's breast (or, from a "third teat" or extra nipple). Old women living alone often had a cat for company (and still do) and therefore the cat was most often thought to be the familiar if the woman was accused of witchcraft.The cats were usually burnt at the stake with the witch.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoWitches do not carry black cats on brooms. A black cat simply sees that a witch is about to ride her broom stick and hops on to go for a ride.
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Which animals are most commonly associated with witches?
The black cat
Are black cats dangerous?
i don't think they are Haunted.because I have a black cat at my house. its just a "superstition" (did i spelled it rigth) they say that because in the old times of witch crafting witches used to have black cats as pets and witches casted a spell of bad luck on the cat so it go roaming around people causing "BAD LUCK" its a "Superstition" just like stepping on cracks...Answer 2: No it's not true it's only a superstition.Mudstar of meadowclan speaking: Just a superstition, I have two all black cats and one black and white cat.But it is a superstition so it depends on what you think
What does a black cat mean in Britain?
The same it means anywhere else. But in Victorian times black cats used to be bad luck if you saw one, i guess because some widows who were named as witches had cats for company because their husbands were deceased, and i guess some of them were black. But who really believes any of that junk, i mean they believed in witches back then! Anyway i am British and i own a black cat called Cookie, shes lovely, the best cat anyone could wish for! So don't judge by folktales, i mean, we live in the 20 century not the 15th! Hope this helps :-)
Why do black cats have hunchbacks?
If you want to know why do black cats have hunchbacks, Go to www.ask.com , then you can get an answer for that.
What are white cats with black paws called?
White cats with black paws... you said it...
Do all witches ride brooms and have cats?
The connection between black bats, black cats, and witches is all based on old myths and fears, and now on advertising dollars.
Are black cats witches?
black are not witches becaues when you run over one you get bad luck.
What coloured cat do witches usually have?
they keep black cats only
How did cats and brooms become associated with witches on Halloween?
Witches of the middle ages were more often than not thought to be women, and a disproportionate number of those condemned as witches were in fact female. Women of the time did the work of running the household and part of that included the cleaning. Brooms were part and parcel of their "equipment" so when looking for "proof" that a woman was a witch, the accusers could point to the broom and say, "There is proof". This dose not mean modern day witches don't use brooms (we call them Bessoms) as part of some of our Rituals. The Bessom is used to ritually cleanse the area we use for our Circle (Sacred space) and as a common part of Hand-fasting Rituals (weddings).
Why are black cats known as suspicious or inauspicious?
People used to think that all black cats caused bad luck because they were either transformed witches or the servants of witches and demons. Of course they are just cats that have only black fur.
Why do witches have Black cats?
Most Modern Witches don't have black cats. A real Witches' familiar can be an animal of any kind and any color. The black cat is a stereotype, but there is a true association with black cats and Witchcraft however. Many cultures have superstitions about black cats, often ascribing either "good luck" or "bad luck" to them. Folk Magick teaches that the black color is a strong antecedent for magickal properties. Black cats have played a major role for centuries in folklore, superstition, and mythology. Black cats in the middle ages were believed to be witches' familiars, and some people even believed them to be witches' incarnate. Many of these old superstitions about black cats exist to this day. (Here is one you may be familiar with: In Yorkshire, England, it may be lucky to own a black cat, but it is unlucky to have one cross your path. Many People [including Pagans!] maintain this superstition to this day.])Black Cats and WitchesBlack cats have long been associated with witches and witchcraft to the extent that during October, the Month of Halloween, black cats and witches are favorite icons used for costumes, home decor, and party themes. This trend is so embedded in modern society that we've forgotten that the modern holiday we celebrate as Halloween has ancient beginnings as well as names: Samhein (pronounced Sow-en) and All Hallows' Eve. Despite these religious beginnings of Halloween, old beliefs about black cats and witches still play a large part in this holiday.Black Cats as Witches' FamiliarsIt was largely in the Middle Ages that the black cat became affiliated with evil. Because cats are nocturnal and roam at night, they were believed to be supernatural servants of witches, or even witches themselves. Folklore has it that if a witch becomes human (but, hmmmm... aren't real Witches already human?), her black cat will no longer reside in her house. Some believe that black cats are witches in disguise, or witches reborn (this of course, is not always necessarily the view that a Witch would have.... but many Witches do believe in reincarnation of soul energy.) Others believe black cats are witches' familiars (beings that aid witches in performing their craft)(This is the view an average Witch would have.) Not all familiars were black cats though; some were cats of other colors, dogs, pigs, or other animals. For several centuries "witches" were rounded up, tried, and killed by burning or other violent methods; often their familiars were killed along with them.
What animals do witches use to protect their powers from negative forces?
black cats
In 'The Black Cat' by Edgar Allan Poe the narrator's wife says that all black cats are witches in?
In 'The Black Cat', the narrator's wife believes that all black cats are witches in disguise due to superstitions and folklore associating black cats with witchcraft and bad luck. This belief ultimately contributes to the unfolding events in the story.
Why were black cats so important to witches?
well in movie i saw the black cat cause bad luck well the reason why the black cat was important to SOME witches was because they were a symbol of bad luck to evil witches. But to other witches they r just soothing compony.
Why were 19 people accused of being witches?
Because they had broomsticks and black cats you thicko!!
Which animals are most commonly associated with witches?
The black cat
What animal was known to protect witches?
Black cats are known as companions and protectors of witches. Black cats were said to be empathic with the witch and would warn her telepathically of danger. Owls and Ravens also seemed to have occult, mystical powers in folk lore associated with witches. Frogs were handy to have around, but mostly for their use as ingredients in witches' brews.
