Cat-Sth | ScottishFolklore

Cat-Sìth | Scottish Folklore

If you have ever wondered why black cats are associated with Halloween, the cat-sìth/cait-sìth may be the reason.

They are described as giant black cats with a spot on their chests, an arched back, and long hair always standing upright and bristly.

“Elfin cats (cait shìth) are explained to be of a wild, not a domesticated, breed, to be as large as dogs, of a black colour, with a white spot on the breast, and to have arched backs and erect bristles” “Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland” by John Gregorson Campbell (1900)

On Samhain(the early version of Halloween), when the cat-sìth was said to roam around, many families would leave out a bowl of milk to keep in the cat-sìth‘s good favour. If you did that, you would be blessed, if you forgot, you would be cursed. 

As well as that, some people in the Scottish highlands were often fearful of the cat-sìth stealing the souls of the recently dead and carrying them away to the otherworld, so people would stand watch over their loved one until they could be buried. This was called Feil Fadalach or Late Wake. Essentially, this involved a large number of activities to distract the cat-sìth, such as games, dancing, contests, riddles, and even catnip spread over the house. All the fires in the room with the body would be put out, since cats like warmth (though this would also help keep the body from decomposing as quickly).

Eventually, a change of beliefs changed the cat-sìth from a fairy, into a witch. The myth that cats have nine lives is said to come from the fact that a witch could transform to a cat exactly 8 times. If she did it a 9th time, she would be a cat forever.

High-landers commonly explained the cat síth as a transformed witch, not a fairy.  A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology

The cat-sìth is not to be confused with Big Ears, the demonic god of the cats. He was said to be even bigger and more ferocious.

“But Big Ears was a monstrous demon cat who had only a slight connection with the Cait Sith.” “A Encyclopedia of Fairies” by Katharine Briggs (Published in 1976)

That is a story I won’t be covering, because I think it will be too troubling for people. Putting it bluntly, there was a belief that if you brutally tortured a certain number of cats to death in a certain way(known as the taghairm), Big Ears would appear, and grant you wishes in return for your soul.

((My first post :>>))

Next month is Yule!! Time to learn, my beautiful lovelies,

What is Yule?

Yule is one of the first holidays celebrated, originating from Pagan Traditions, things such as the Christmas Tree, Yule Log and Yule singing were originally Yule celebrations. Christmas is a Christian-ized version of Yule, it's celebrated same time, depending on who you ask, or your opinion, it can be celebrated same day as Christmas, from the 21st-23rd, or from the 21st-1st of January. There's no specific reasons on these different dates, besides most witches in the Broom Closet (meaning they hide their craft, rather for personal reasons or because of where/how the they live) when a witch is in the broom closet it might be easier to celebrate more across more days, for those who have to keep their craft and celebrations a secret. With more Wiccan traditions it celebrates the Oak and Holly King belief, that the Oak King takes half of the year (Spring and Summer) and the Holly King takes the other half (Autumn/Fall and Winter) some say they battle all year, and Summer and Winter Solstice is when each respecting brother is the strongest. Some say they're battling for the Goddess, other say they're fighting for their part of year, other's say it's just them being rivals. In more Pagan Traditions it celebrates Odin, as that's also were Santa Claus originated from. Odin lead the Wild Hunt through the Sky

"As far as practitioners of nature spiritualities are concerned, the Wild Hunt offers an initiation into the wild and an opening up of the senses; a sense of dissolution of self in confrontation with fear and death, an exposure to a 'whirlwind pulse that runs through life'. In short, engagement with the Hunt is a bid to restore a reciprocity and harmony between humans and nature."

— Susan Greenwood.

Not only this, but it also celebrates the new year (if you go by traditional new year) it's about preparing for the new year, a fresh start

How to celebrate Yule?

There's many ways to celebrate Yule, I recommend you do your own research or ask your family or friends (if you have any) about their beliefs and celebrations, but here's some ways

You can have a Christmas like tree, but instead put orange peels on the tree for celebration of a new year, and the close return of the Oak King. You can write wishes or spells on bay leaves and put it on the tree as well, the star originated from putting candles on the tree, BE CAREFUL though, obviously can be dangerous if you light the candles. You can also put bells on the tree to let Spirits know it's a safe place to stay, and to make their presence aware (not all spirits are bad) you can decorate your altar with things like colors associated with Yule or Christmas if you have experience with Christmas, like red, green, Gold, Silver and maybe even white. Pine cones, snow water, or pine needles from your tree(s) it's also common to make Vision Boards for the new year and do shadow work for the new year on Yule. It's also common to make a bonfire, write all you want to release on paper or bay leaves and throw it into the bon fire. If you can't have a bonfire you can also just a fire safe container and candle, I recommend a Yule colored candle if possible. You can also make the very famous Yule Log, rather it be the actual thing, a tiny version using a stick, or making a Yule Log pastry/dessert.

(Image not mine) I always provide an image with information in case of those who are into Witchcraft, Paganism or Wicca, and have select internet options or they lose this post. They can download this image and have portable knowledge even if they're in a place without internet, or they lose their Tumblr account, or many other things.

That's all for now!!

Let's clarify some common misconceptions and provide insights into what is true or false for beginners in witchcraft:

1. Witchcraft is a religion: False. Witchcraft is not inherently a religion. It is a practice, a craft, or a set of skills used by individuals. Many practitioners of witchcraft may follow different spiritual or religious paths, including Wicca, Paganism, or even atheism.

2. Witchcraft requires you to worship a specific deity: False. While some forms of witchcraft, such as Wicca, involve the worship of deities, many witches do not adhere to any specific religious beliefs. Witchcraft can be entirely secular, and practitioners can choose to work with or without deities.

3. You need an initiation or a coven to become a witch: False. There is no formal initiation or requirement to become a witch. Some practitioners may choose to join covens for guidance and community, but many practice as solitary witches, learning and crafting on their own.

4. Spells are like magic in books and movies: False. Real witchcraft does not resemble the magic portrayed in fiction. Spells are not instantaneous, and they do not involve flashy special effects. Witchcraft is a practice grounded in how the spells impact you and your mental being as a person.

5. All witches perform rituals and ceremonies: False. Not all witches engage in elaborate rituals or ceremonies. Witchcraft is flexible, and some practitioners may prefer simple acts of intention or everyday magical practices.

6. Witchcraft is dangerous and can cause harm: False. Witchcraft is not inherently harmful. It depends on the intention and ethics of the practitioner. Many witches adhere to the "harm none" principle and use their craft for healing, personal growth, and positive change.

7. You need expensive tools and materials to practice witchcraft: False. Witchcraft can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. You don't need expensive tools; many everyday items can be used in your practice. It's more about your intention and focus than the cost of your materials.

8. Witchcraft is all about casting spells: False. While spellcasting can be a part of witchcraft, it's not the only aspect.

9. A witch's power is inherited or genetic: False. Witchcraft is a learned practice, and anyone can become a witch through study, practice, and dedication. It's not linked to one's family or genetics.

10. All witches have psychic abilities: False. Psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance or mediumship, are not inherent to all witches. Some may develop new skills, while others may focus solely on other aspects of witchcraft.

It's important for beginners to approach witchcraft with an open mind, to study, practice, and develop their craft in a way that resonates with their beliefs and values. Witchcraft is highly personal, and each practitioner can shape it into a unique and meaningful practice.

Seasonal Divination: Halloween/Samhain

I do divination throughout the year. Occasional single-card draws to see how a day will go, three-card spreads to answer questions, spirit communication with all sorts of methods, readings for others... Divination of all sorts (particularly tarot) is a pillar of my practice.

For some holidays, though, I like to do extra divinations that are specific to that holiday. New Year's Eve and Day, the Equinoxes, Midsummer, and the day of the first snowfall are examples of days I mark with special divinations.

The biggest one for me, and for many witches, is Halloween. Like a lot of others, my practice was born (and reborn!) around this time of year. Something about the atmosphere and the changing season encourages introspection and connection to the realm of magic. Whether you believe in the thinning veil or not (personally, I'm dubious about it), there is an energy to the days surrounding Halloween that can't be denied.

In my practice, I don't do Samhain or consider this to be my new year. Rather, this is the turning point where the weather tips into cold. It's a time of anticipation. Preparations for the dark half of the year start at the Autumn Equinox, but they become more urgent and real around Halloween as we take in the last fruit and vegetable harvests of the year.

Halloween is a big day for spirit work for me. This is the day when I call on my spirits to give me guidance and advice -- whatever they want to say. I don't ask any questions. I just draw and interpret using a standard spread.

The Spread

You can technically use this at any time of year, but I recently redesigned this spread specifically for Halloween and spirit work purposes.

This is an eight-card spread intended to receive general advice and guidance from spirits. In particular, I'm looking for advice I either missed, ignored, or didn't understand previously.

The cards, in order, are:

Me (or the querent), one card (1)

Opportunities, two cards (2 & 3)

Areas of growth, two cards (4 & 5)

Obstacles or warnings, two cards, one to modify opportunities, one to modify growth (6 & 7)

Wild card, the certified "yell at me" card, intended to let my saucier spirits say whatever they want within the spread (8)

So, the spread ends up looking something like this:

Using the Spread

Often, even divination is pretty casual for me. But this, like other special holiday spreads, requires a bit more involvement. Note that it doesn't really matter what time of day this reading is done, but I typically do it after nightfall.

First, I light at least one candle. Several is ideal, but one will do in a pinch. I prefer to do this at an altar or in a space that's been set up specifically for spirits to visit and use. I'll set out an offering such as whisky, coffee, bread, or cookies for the spirits in return for their wisdom. Remember: Even if your relationship isn't purely transactional, it's respectful to give something in return for a spirit's efforts.

Next, select a deck. Any deck will do, but I prefer ones that my spirits are particularly attached to. For me, this is usually my Deviant Moon Tarot, which you can see pictured above.

Now, we shuffle. I like to shuffle for jumpers, but you can do it however you like best. If no jumpers pop out, that's usually a sign that there's no message for me right now, and I ought to try again later. But sometimes, I'll feel called to stop and draw or pick a card from somewhere random in the middle of the deck. It all depends on which spirit sets their influence in the moment. Set the cards down in order as they jump or are drawn.

Once all the cards are down, interpret as usual.

The self card represents me (or you, as the case may be). It's where I am right now in the moment, how I'm feeling, and my current status.

The two opportunity cards are just that -- opportunities. These are things coming up that I should take advantage of. They could pertain to relationships, money, or life in general.

The growth cards are more personal. These are areas of focus to improve myself and grow as a person. Whether it's in relationships, spirituality, self-love, or something else, these cards represent the path of development.

The obstacle cards correspond to the opportunities or growth areas they sit between, representing the things that stand in their way. They show possible conflicts, problems, and things that will prevent growth or opportunities from reaching me, or things that will prevent me from taking those opportunities.

The wild card is a bit different. This card is intended to be a sort of "free space" for the spirits to use to say whatever they want. It could have to do with literally anything. Often, this card ends up being a message I missed or misinterpreted at the time I originally saw it, redelivered with a bit of attitude.

Take notes on your observations. I write down everything, whether I think it's relevant or not. I'll also take a picture of the spread to paste into my digital grimoire. Everything speaks. This reading looks at the next several months. Every so often, I'll come back to these notes to see how accurate it was and draw on the wisdom offered.

Once your reading is complete, thank your spirits. Sit with them for a while before blowing out the candles (or snuffing them, whichever you prefer) and cleaning up the space.

I hope this spread is useful to you! If you enjoyed this post or use this spread, please consider dropping a tip in my tip jar. Every contribution helps me keep making posts like this!

Also, if you have time, please check out my Divination Theory Survey! I'm studying sentiments surrounding digital divination and the efficacy of digital divination tools (like shufflemancy, tarot apps, and the like). Every response helps the research!

Happy Halloween!

ORANGE GARLAND

Take 4 or 5 oranges and slice them into circles; thinner slices make it easier to dry

Place slices in rows on a baking sheet

Place sheets into 200° F oven

Check and flip slices every hour until dry

Let cool, then use a needle, chopstick, or something similar to push two holes through the flesh of the orange (NOT THE RIND! It will fall apart)

String the oranges onto a piece of string or jute

You now have a complete Yule orange decoration! String it on a tree, hang in front of a window, or use as an altar decoration. You can also save it for next year, compost, or give to the birds when the season is over!

If you're seeing this, it's a sign to claim your energy ✨️ hit like & claim your manifestations ☆