John A. Rush, Ph.D., N.D. (1943–2024), was a retired professor of anthropology and naturopathic doctor. Author of many books, including Spiritual Tattoo, The Twelve Gates, and The Mushroom in Christian Art, he also edited several books, including Entheogens and the Development of Culture.
Preface 1.
Sleeping Kittens, Crouching Tigers
Connecting to Cats
Defining Worship, Spirit, Spiritual, and Sacred
Animals as Symbols of Nature, Both Good and Evil
2. Cat Evolution
The Myth of Random Mutations and Life without Purpose
The Myth of Natural Selection
Endocellular Selection: Decision-Making and Purposeful Evolution Cat
Evolution and Our Human Ancestors
A Change in Beliefs
3. Cat Behaviors and Physiology
Power
Noise
Talking
Corralling
Making Bread or Pawing
Territoriality
Bonding
Independence
Rejection
Staring into Space
Stretching
Hidden Places and Escape Routes
Mating Behavior and Fertility
Grooming Behavior
4. Animal Worship
Few and Far Between
What Is a God?
Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism
Uses of the Cat in Ancient Egypt
5. Issues of Cat Identity and Behavior in Spirituality
Cave Art and Shamanism
Writing and Early Concepts of the Cat
Cats and the Italian Witch
Characteristics of Cats
Power
Gate Guardians
Fertility
Night Vision
Stealth, Cunning, and Wisdom Bringers of Good Luck
Cat Talk, Purring, and Chanting
Staring
Tracking the Visible and Invisible
Acrobatic Abilities
Maintenance of Juvenile Characteristics
Sleeping
Vomiting
Cats as Shamans, Tricksters, and Monsters
More About the Monster-Cat T
he Americas—Real and Imagined Cats
6. The Cat in Popular Culture
Shape-Shifting
The Trickster
Connection to the Underworld
Matchmaker
Adventure, Companionship, and Bonding
Prop
Warning
Food and Oil/Fat
Commercials
Local Interest
Cars, Cats, and Power
7. Felines and the Cosmos
Ancient Maya and Aztec
Middle East
Chinese Astrology and Astronomy
Ancient Egypt
Divination at Home with Your Cat
Cats, Spirituality, and the Quantum World
Conclusion
Fear and Adaptation
Folklore and Myth
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
