ANDY WHITELEY: “10 Life Lessons You Can Learn From Your Cat”

As we grow to adulthood, we humans learn to override many of our natural tendencies. We “socialize” our children, and teach them to “behave” and resist many of their natural impulses. By the time we’re adults most of us are so disconnected from nature, and from our own nature, that we accept “adult” roles and responsibilities that pay the bills but stifle us, rub us the wrong way and even cause harm to each other and our environment.

Somewhere along the line, we lose touch with the simple wisdom of our natural instincts.

Needless to say, there are many spiritual lessons we can learn from observing nature. Just under the surface, our animal instincts are still there, just waiting to be tapped into, and reactivated, and honored — and what better role models than the animals we love and share our lives and homes with?

Here are 10 life lessons you can learn from your cat:

 

1. Keep a curious spirit and approach uncertainty with a positive attitude.

2. Physical touch is natural, and vital for our well-being.

3. Get plenty of rest, and spend time soaking up the sun.

4. Show gratitude. All it takes is a purr, or a squinty smile.

5. Stretch regularly. It’s good for body and soul.

6. Live in the moment. There is only now.

7. Play. Play. Play. Play. Play!

8. A happy life is a simple life. All we really need is love, a full belly, and a quiet place to rest.

9. Let the inner wisdom of instinct and intuition guide you. If it doesn’t feel good, walk away.

10. Be fearless. Live like you’re on your ninth life.

 

~Dedicated to Gracie the cat, whose simple, loving approach to life inspired this article.

 

Artwork by Ascension Avatar 

“Foozie” (1976)

 

~via WakeUp-World.com

HIGHER PERSPECTIVES: “The Secret Powers Of Cats”

Cats may be famous on the internet for being funny and adorable, but there may be a deeper reason why we feel an inordinate fondness for felines.

What if cats serve not only as objects of our affection, but also as protectors of our home?

Guard dogs may be effective at keeping away unwanted intruders, but cats fulfill a far more important purpose of protecting the home from a different kind of uninvited houseguest.

Cats and Negative Energy

Recall a time when you noticed your cat staring tensely towards a seemingly empty space or spending a suspicious amount of time around one particular spot in the house.

It’s likely that your cat is sensitive to a concentrated amount of negative energy and is attempting to protect you and your home from possible infiltration by evil spirits and ghosts.

This is because cats bear a uniquely powerful aura, also known as astral force, that works to repel negative energy.

It is possible that this negative energy remains left over from some traumatic experience in the past before you came to live in the home, or the entity could come from outside the home and try to force its way in.

The cat serves as a valuable line of defense for you and your loved ones by attempting to trap the evil spirit in its powerful energy field and lead it out of the house.

Be sure not to disturb your cat if you notice that it is purposefully wandering around your house.

Cats are skilled at discerning the intentions of astral entities and could be following some source of negative energy in the attempt to ambush it and remove it from your immediate environment if it senses a threatening aura.

Russians used to allow a cat to enter a house first before they moved in due to its extraordinarily strong aura.

In that way, the cat could take immediate action in warding away any excess negative energy left behind from previous inhabitants while also providing powerful positive energy if the house was new or had merely neutral energy.

Ways to Remove Heavy Negative Energy

There are ways that you can assist your cat in removing evil spirits and ghosts from your home.

In the case that your cat takes interest in a certain spot in the house, you can read a prayer and perform a cleansing ritual of your choice.

Alternatively, you can burn some White Sage at the spot to eliminate any unwanted energy, as the smoke will attach itself to heavy negative energy and convert it back into light energy.

You can also simply rub fresh White Sage leaves between your thumbs and forefingers, as this can also be effective way to release the plant’s cleansing energy.

You can notice later if your cat continues to return to that spot with any regularity or if the cleansing ritual succeeded in burning away the negative energy.

Protection from Curses and Evil Eyes

Cats also work to protect you and the house from any curses or evil eyes.

Like talismans and necklaces worn in many cultures around the world to protect the wearer from evil eyes, you must be holding your cat for it to be effective in shielding you from the malevolent thoughts of others.

The correct way to hold your cat to enjoy the full power of its force field is to use your left hand to gently stroke its neck while simultaneously using your right hand to stroke across its tail.

This enables you to keep in full contact with the cat and harness the maximum amount of available protective energy.

Cats can also fulfill an important function for their masters through their healing powers.

If you are suffering from serious emotional stress, simply lying down and stroking your cat can go a long way in releasing you from the burden of the stress.

Protection from Geopathogenic Zones

Cats can provide energy protection if you happen to have the misfortune of living in a Geopathogenic Zone.

Geopathogenic Zones are so named because they are locations that adversely affect the health of a person living in them for extended periods of time.

In such locations, there is a dense and steady flow of negative energy for cats to combat.

The Specialties of Cats of Different Colors

All cats provide the protective healing energies described above, although there is some variation between the benefits they may bestow upon their owners.

Read the following description of the specialties of each type of cat and, if in the need of a particular kind of benefit or healing energy, choose the one most suitable for your situation.

Black Cats

They provide the most comprehensive magical protection against occult powers and curses. These cats are most adept at nullifying powerful negative energy that may be dwelling inside a home.

Calico Cats

They combine the benefits of black, white and red cats and provides your home with significant protection from harm. These three-colored cats are often associated with good luck and prosperity.

Blue-Gray Cats

They exert calming influences of emotional stability and bring joy and love to the lives of their owners. The tranquil energy embodied in such cats is often associated with happiness and good luck.

Colorpoint Siamese Cats

They are the most playful breed of cat and help bring fame and success to their owners, as well benefit them with a longer life.

Two-Tone Cats

They carry with them energy that enhances wisdom and common sense.

Tortoiseshell Cats

They specialize in their healing powers and benefit from clairvoyance. This color pattern usually only appears in female cats, giving them a pure energy.

Golden Cats

They are often associated with ancient wisdom due to their status as objects to be revered in temples. They also embody solar energy and grace.

Tabby Cats

They lighten the mood of an environment and provide a buzz of humor and entertainment.

No matter which type of cat you choose, you can be sure to enjoy the benefits from its powerful aura and sensitivity to the presence of evil spirits.

 

~via HigherPerspectives.com

Photo by Ascension Avatar

(“Love is Thicker than Wicker”)

ANNA LEMIND: “Your Cat Can See Things That Are Invisible To You”

Cats are considered by many as symbols of mysticism because of their elegant and flexible body, as well as their gaze that can “magnetize” anyone…

Indeed, as recent scientific data show, there is another reason why cats have a title of ‘mysterious’ creatures. It’s all because cats see things we cannot see with our eyes!

Cats, like some other animals, have the ability to see psychedelic stripes on flowers or fancy patterns on the wings of birds, which are invisible to human vision.

The secret behind the super vision of our four-legged friends is the UV light. According to a recent study cats, as well as dogs and other animals, can perceive this type of light which humans can’t.

“There are plenty of things that reflect UV radiation, which some sensitive animals are able to see, while we are not,” said Ronald Douglas, professor of biology of the City University of London and co-author of the study. “For example, these may be certain patterns on flowers that show where the nectar is, or traces of urine of an animal. Also, reindeer can and see polar bears as the snow reflects UV radiation, while white fur does not.”

Therefore, cats, dogs and reindeer can detect with their eyes animals with white fur, while most people will only see… white snow.

Douglas, who specializes in optics, and Glen Jeffery, professor of neuroscience of the University College London, argue that cats, dogs, hedgehogs, rodents, bats, weasels and the okapis can detect significant levels of ultraviolet radiation.

“For decades, we have known that many invertebrates such as bees see ultraviolet light,” continued Douglas, saying that even birds, fish and some reptiles were recently added to the same list.

“However, scientists believed that most mammals cannot see ultraviolet light because they have no visual pigment with maximum sensitivity to ultraviolet light, but instead have lenses like those of humans, preventing ultraviolet light from penetrating into the retina,” he said.

The professor explained that the visual pigments are those that absorb light and turn it into electrical activity, which, in turn, is transmitted through nerve cells. It seems that it is not always necessary for sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Instead, transparent parts of the eye such as the cornea and the crystalline lens in some animals transmit wavelengths of ultraviolet light.

This ability allows more light to pass to the retina, “something that would be very useful for a nocturnal cat“, he continued.

It could also explain why cats show so much interest to ordinary objects, such as a piece of paper. Sometimes chemical substances are added to paper, textiles, laundry detergents, shampoos and cosmetics in order to make objects look brighter. Once these optical brighteners absorb the ultraviolet light, they may look differently in the eyes of animals that are sensitive to UV rays.

Some people, for example, those who have undergone cataract surgery, also can see some of the UV light, but most cannot.

“We all know that ultraviolet radiation can be harmful,” said Jeffery in Discovery News. “I work a lot in the Arctic, where the UV radiation levels are too high as there is much snow and ice. The surfaces reflect 90% of UV radiation, with the result that animals are exposed to it. If you do not wear goggles, your eyes will hurt within the first 15 minutes.”

However, studies on reindeer have shown that repeated exposure to ultraviolet light does not bother them at all.

It is possible that cats, deer and some other animals that can detect UV rays have a protective mechanism. Also, scientists believe that UV light tends to create more blur.

“Humans are good at one thing: they can see more details,” added Douglas and concluded:

“Maybe that’s why we have a lens that ‘blocks’ ultraviolet light. If you do not have it, the world might appear more blurred.”

 

 

~via BodyMindSoulSpirit.com

AVIA VENEFICA: “Native American Animal Symbols Of The Zodiac”

native-american-zodiac-signs-2

Native American Animal Signs Otter

OTTER:  Jan 20 — Feb 18

A little quirky, and unorthodox, the Otter is a hard one to figure sometimes.  Perceived as unconventional, the Otter methods aren’t the first ones chosen to get the job done.  This is a big mistake on the part of others — because although unconventional, the Otter’s methods are usually quite effective.  Yes, the Otter has unusual way of looking at things, but he/she is equipped with a brilliant imagination and intelligence, allowing him/her an edge over every one else.  Often very perceptive and intuitive, the Otter makes a very good friend, and can be very attentive.  In a nurturing environment the Otter is sensitive, sympathetic, courageous, and honest.  Left to his/her own devices, the Otter can be unscrupulous, lewd, rebellious, and isolated.


wolf

WOLF:  Feb 19 — Mar 20

Deeply emotional, and wholly passionate, the Wolf is the lover of the zodiac in both the physical and philosophical sense of the word.  The Wolf understands that all we need is love, and is fully capable of providing it.  Juxtaposed with his/her fierce independence — this Native American animal symbol is a bit of a contradiction in terms.  Needing his/her freedom, yet still being quite gentle and compassionate — we get the picture of the “lone wolf” with this sign.  In a nurturing environment the Wolf is intensely passionate, generous, deeply affectionate, and gentle.  Left to his/her own devices the Wolf can become impractical, recalcitrant, obsessive, and vindictive.


Native American Animal Symbol Falcon

FALCON:  Mar 21 — Apr 19

A natural born leader, the Falcon can always be looked upon for clear judgment in sticky situations.  Furthermore, the characteristics for this Native American animal symbol never wastes time, rather he/she strikes while the iron is hot, and takes action in what must be done.  Ever persistent, and always taking the initiative, the Falcon is a gem of a personality to have for projects or team sports.  The Falcon can be a little on the conceited side — but he/she is usually right in his/her opinions — so a little arrogance is understood.  In a supportive environmental the Falcon “soars” in his/her ability to maintain passion and fire in relationships, and always remaining compassionate.  Left to his/her own devices, the Falcon can be vain, rude, intolerant, impatient, and over-sensitive.


beaver

BEAVER:  Apr 20 — May 20

Take charge, adapt, overcome — this is the Beaver motto. Mostly business, the Beaver is gets the job at hand done with maximum efficiency and aplomb.  Strategic, and cunning the Beaver is a force to be reckoned with in matters of business and combat.  One might also think twice about engaging the Beaver in a match of wits — as his/her mental acuity is razor sharp.  The Beaver has everything going for him/her—however tendencies toward “my way or the highway” get them in trouble.  Yes, they are usually right, but the bearer of this Native American symbol may need to work on tact.  In a nurturing environment the Beaver can be compassionate, generous, helpful, and loyal.  Left to his/her own devices the Beaver can be nervous, cowardly, possessive, arrogant, and over-demanding.



Native American Animal Symbol Stag and Deer

DEER:  May 21 — Jun 20

This Native American animal symbol is the muse of the zodiac.  The Deer is inspiring lively and quick-witted.  With a tailor-made humor, the Deer has a tendency to get a laugh out of anyone.  Excellent ability for vocalizing, the Deer is a consummate conversationalist.  This combined with his/her natural intelligence make the Deer a must-have guest at dinner parties.  Always aware of his/her surroundings, and even more aware of his/her appearance, the Deer can be a bit self-involved.  However, the Deer’s narcissism is overlooked because of his/her congeniality and affability.  In a supportive environment the Deer’s natural liveliness and sparkly personality radiate even more.  He/she is an inspiring force in any nurturing relationship.  Left to his/her own devices the Deer can be selfish, moody, impatient, lazy, and two-faced.


Native American Animal Symbol Woodpecker

WOODPECKER:  Jun 21 — Jul 21

Woodpeckers are usually the most nurturing of all the Native American animal symbols.  The consummate listener, totally empathic and understanding, the Woodpecker is the one to have on your side when you need support.  Of course, they make wonderful parents, and equally wonderful friends and partners.  Another proverbial feather in the Woodpeckers cap is the tendency to be naturally frugal, resourceful, and organized.  In a nurturing environment the Woodpecker is of course caring, devoted, and very romantic.  Left to his/her own devices the Woodpecker can be possessive, angry, jealous, and spiteful.


Native American Animal Symbol Salmon

SALMON:  Jul 22 — Aug 21

Electric, focused, intuitive, and wholly creative, the Salmon is a real live-wire.  His/her energy is palpable.  A natural motivator, the Salmon’s confidence and enthusiasm is easily infectious.  Soon, everybody is on board with the Salmon — even if the idea seems too hair-brained to work.  Generous, intelligent, and intuitive, it’s no wonder why the Salmon has no shortage of friends.  This Native American animal symbol expresses a need for purpose and goals, and has no trouble finding volunteers for his/her personal crusades.  In a supportive environment, the Salmon is stable, calm, sensual, and giving.  Left to his/her own devices, those that bear this Native American animal symbol can be egotistical, vulgar, and intolerant of others.


Native American Animal Symbol Bear

BEAR:  Aug 22 — Sep 21

Pragmatic, and methodical the Bear is the one to call when a steady hand is needed.  The Bear’s practicality and level-headedness makes him/her an excellent business partner.  Usually the voice of reason in most scenarios, the Bear is a good balance for Owls.  The Bear is also gifted with an enormous heart, and a penchant for generosity.  However, one might not know it as the Bear tends to be very modest, and a bit shy.  In a loving environment this Native American animal symbol showers love and generosity in return.  Further, the Bear has a capacity for patience and temperance, which makes him/her excellent teachers and mentors.  Left to his/her own devices the bear can be skeptical, sloth, small-minded and reclusive.


Native American Animal Symbol Raven

RAVEN:  Sep 22 — Oct 22

Highly enthusiastic, and a natural entrepreneur, the Crow is quite a charmer.  But he/she doesn’t have to work at being charming — it comes easily.  Everyone recognizes the Crow’s easy energy, and everyone turns to the Crow for his/her ideas and opinions.  This is because the Crow is both idealistic and diplomatic and is quite ingenious.  In nurturing environments this Native American animal symbol is easy-going, can be romantic, and soft-spoken.  Further, the crow can be quite patient, and intuitive in relationships.  Left to his/her own devices, the Crow can be demanding, inconsistent, vindictive, and abrasive.

Native American Animal Symbol Snake

SNAKE:  Oct 23 — Nov 22

Most shamans are born under this Native American animal symbol.  The Snake is a natural in all matters of spirit.  Easily attuned to the ethereal realm the Snake makes an excellent spiritual leader.  Also respected for his/her healing capacities, the Snake also excels in medical professions.  The Snake’s preoccupation with matters intangible often lead others to view them as mysterious, and sometimes frightening.  True, the Snake can be secretive, and a bit dark — he/she is also quite sensitive, and caring.  In a supportive relationship the cool Snake can be passionate, inspiring, humorous, and helpful.  Left to his/her own devices, the Snake can be despondent, violent, and prone to abnormal mood swings.


Native American Animal Symbol Owl

OWL:  Nov 23 — Dec 21

Changeable and mutable as the wind, the Owl is a tough one to pin down.  Warm, natural, with an easy-going nature, the Owl is friend to the world.  The bearer of this Native American animal symbol is notorious for engaging in life at full speed, and whole-hearted loves adventure.  This can be to his/her detriment as the Owl can be reckless, careless, and thoughtless.  Owls make great artists, teachers, and conservationists.  However, due to his/her adaptability and versatility — the Owl would likely excel in any occupation.  In a supportive, nurturing environment the Owl is sensitive, enthusiastic, and an attentive listener.  Left to his/her own devices, the Owl can be excessive, overindulgent, bitter, and belligerent.


Native American Animal Symbol Goose

GOOSE:  Dec 22 — Jan 19

If you want something done — give it to the Goose.  Persevering, dogged, and ambitious to a fault, the Goose sets goals for accomplishment, and always obtains them.  The goose is determined to succeed at all cost — not for the approval of other — but those with this Native American animal symbol competes with his/her own internal foe.  Driven is the watchword for the Goose’s dominating personality trait — which makes them excellent in business and competitive sports.  When tempered with supportive, nurturing family and friends, the Goose excels in all things he/she attempts.  In a loving environment the Goose can be very passionate, humorous, gregarious, and even sensual.  However, lead to his/her own devises, the Goose may fall into obsessive or addictive behaviors that will inevitably be his/her demise.

 

 

 

~Special thanks to In5D.com — via Whats-Your-Sign.com

CHRISTIAN COTRONEO: “Cat No One Would Touch Is So Grateful Someone Finally Hugged Him”

The Cat No One Dared To Touch.jpg

Everything about Valentino suggested people not give him the one thing he needed more than anything: human contact.

The cat’s hardened fur was riddled with grime.  He suffered from sarcoptic mange, a condition that’s highly contagious to both cats and humans.  His eyes were so caked and swollen, they were sealed shut.

And Elaine Seamans didn’t care.

While passing by his cage at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter last week, she heard his faint cry for help.

“He reached out with his little paw and made the tiniest meow,”  Seamans tells The Dodo. “It was like he was screaming without verbalizing it:  ‘Please help me.’”

“There are times when it’s not an option to keep walking,” she adds. “You just have to stop.  This was one of those times.”

And she opted not to wear gloves, but to press Valentino directly to her heart.

“When I picked him up, he put his little head on my shoulder,” Seamans says. “That was it. I had to get him out.”

Then Seamans, founder of the At-Choo Foundation and a regular visitor at the shelter, let Valentino make the call for help himself.

While still holding the cat, she dialed her friend, Toby Wisneski, founder of Leave No Paws Behind.

“When I was talking to Elaine on the phone and she let me hear his little meow, I said, ‘That’s it.’” she tells The Dodo. “I could hear him. That sealed the deal.”

Wisneski picked up Valentino over the weekend, taking him directly to a veterinary clinic where — although he couldn’t see the staff — Valentino could feel his world changing for the better.

“He couldn’t move and he couldn’t see. But God love him, he’s a fighter.” Wisneski says. “Everybody just adores him and they’re very protective of him. His prognosis is excellent and once he gets through this, he’s going to have a long life ahead of him.”

“His heart is good.” she adds.

But then again, that’s one thing that a veterinarian didn’t need to confirm.

Seamans knew that as soon as she took every risk in the world to hold a mange-ridden cat close to her own heart — and let him know he wasn’t alone.

“He’s so loving,” Wisneski says. “You can tell he is very grateful. He will purr for them and try to rub up against the veterinary staff. He knows he is safe.”

When Valentino finally opens his eyes, it will be to a brand-new life. One with a family.

Maybe that could be you.

 

cat-no-one-dared-to-touch-2

Get in touch with Leave No Paws behind here.

And if you would like to help support Valentino’s recovery, consider making a donation

You can also get updates on Valentino’s progress through the group’s Facebook page.

~via thedodo.com