Pagan humans, that is, not Pagan cats. 
They had a ritual focused on
cats and cat-adoration. I found out about it from a friend, who is more
tied into the Pagan community than the cat-loving world. As for me, I'm
agnostic and not a Pagan, but I'm kind of a hanger-on, as Some Of My Best
Friends Are Pagan.
You couldn't possibly question my cat-lover cred, though.
So when I first got there, I looked around and saw what appeared to me to be the absolute worst of the cat-loving world - a bunch of middle-aged women, dressed down in that sort of "cosmic" way that Berkeley folk tend to do, with lots of color, especially purple. A few guys, too. I wasn't sure what I was in for. But it turned out to be quite nice, and appearances can be deceiving, because I definitely warmed up to the people once the cat stories and photos started circulating.
There were the usual Pagan ritual components, which some of you will recognize: calling in the directions and the relevant deities - Bast, of course, plus Sekhmet, Freya with her chariot pulled by cats, and even Kali riding on a tiger. (I wasn't so sure about that last one!). Then we "raised energy" by having a group meow and purr.
After the formalities, we called out the names of Rainbow Bridge kitties we have known and loved (including, for me, some cats whom I have never actually met, but have known through this NG). And then we called out names of living cats we currently know and love. I had quite a list. Then came the recitations of poems, favorite sayings, and songs. (I sang a very silly song called "Kitty Ditty".) Folks passed around photos of their cats. You have no idea how much all this cheered me up. I had arrived, all cranky from work and driving, to a bunch of cat stories and pictures. Automatic pick-me-up!
Oh, and someone actually brought her cat to the ritual. Not something you'd generally expect a cat to enjoy, but this cat was very mellow and just hung out in his cat carrier. His human had removed the door, so he could have come out if he'd wanted to, but apparently he felt safer and more comfy inside. He was quite friendly, considering that a bunch of confirmed insane cat-lovers descended on him!
Last, were the cat stories, which were very entertaining. All in all an interesting evening.
Copyright © Joyce W.
October 4, 2007
