"Yes... I see a cat in your future... "

Pet horoscope predictions... a way to intuitively understand your cat

Cats in Magic Folklore
Cats have long been associated with magic, spells, witches, and of course your pet horoscope. All of this could have started in ancient Egypt when cats were first domesticated to protect grain supplies from rodents. I suppose we can only speculate how the very first cat discovered domestication by exchanging rodent hunting expertise for warmth and shelter. Cats are very intelligent beings. That first farmer the cat approached might have thought he heard the cat make him an offer he couldn't resist. The cat may have shown up at a crucial moment and saved the farmer's harvest. Or maybe it was the farmer, knowing the nocturnal hunting successes of small wild cats, decided he would use them to protect his grains and give the cat what it needed to live comfortably in exchange. Who knows, but it wasn't long before cats were being worshiped as gods. An improbable beginning for the pet horoscope forecasting business.

Now, farmers couldn't be the ones who determined who the gods, or any of their incarnations were. At some point it was decided that it was the lions whom the early Egyptians shared their land with, who protected Ra, the sun god whose light blessed the world in Egyptian mythology. As the story goes, each day when Ra set in the west, he descended into the underworld where he was vulnerable to his enemies. But then, each morning he would rise in the East and resume his position of power in the sky. It was said the fire in the eyes of the lions, which they acquired during the day by staring into the sun, allowed them to see at night where they were thought to roam preying on the foes of Ra. That gave lions an esteemed role in the culture of the times. All of the important gods of Egypt were symbolized with having the body of a lion and the head of a Pharaoh (as in the Sphinx) or they had the head of a lion and the body of a human (presumably of a Pharaoh). But lions were, as they are today, resistant to being domesticated. After all, how could a mouse replace a Gnu as a dinner entrée.

For our farmer friend, as well as the Pharaohs, it was the goddess Bast, who incarnated as a domestic cat. She was the protector of the home and brought with her the gifts of joy and pleasure. Beauty, also a gift of Bast, was inspiring for women who would accentuate their makeup to reflect that of a cat. Cats were so revered that killing a cat, even accidentally, resulted in being put to death.

By the Middle Ages, things changed dramatically for cats. Witches were thought to keep black cats, reputed to be helpers ('familiars' as they were called) of the Devil. Pope Gregory IV in 1233 denounced black cats as Satanic, not a promising pet horoscope prediction for cats. Consequently they were rounded up and exterminated. Many were burned alive thinking that was going to ferret out the Devil. I'm not quite sure what they thought they'd do with the Devil if they found him, but, I'm sure they had a well thought out plan to match that of incinerating helpless cats. One thing was not planned on. With the mass extinction of cats came the proliferation of rats which resulted in the decimation of people's grain storage's (what's that about history repeating itself?), and then came the spreading of the Black Plague. Whoever it was that first made that connection should get a big pat on the back.

Cats in magic folklore has resulted in many superstitions such as a black cat being a bad omen for some, and a sign of good luck for others. I remember my grandmother throwing her arms in the air and railing about the cat's dark macabre nature of sneaking into a young child's bedroom or baby's crib, especially at night, and sucking their breath away. It was with great trepidation that I acquired my first cat. And, it was with great joy to find what wonderful companions they are. Our greatest fears are always couched in ignorance.

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Hey, there Kitty.... What's Your Sign??
Sun signs are used by astrologers to identify basic characteristics and influences on all things in the universe. As the bodies of the universe move through the heavens, forces are exerted that affect everything from rocks, rivers, and people, to pets including cats. If you don't know the birth date of your kitty, here's an easy way to calculate her pet horoscope sun sign. To do this you will need to observe some basic personality characteristics carefully and record what you see. Of course cats, just like people, are complex creatures with multi-layered personalities. If you want to get a complete astrological understanding through the pet horoscope of your cat, you will need to know the day, hour and minute she was born as accurately as possible to have a full chart drawn up by an astrology specialist. Here, at least, you can make a good guess to her sun sign if her birth certificate happens to get lost.

1. Determine a personality sign for your kitty: Fire, Earth, Air or Water.


Fire	She is proud, demonstrative and /or adventurous
Earth	She'll be sensuous, self-centered or comfort seeking
Air	Maybe she's observant, talkative and/or aloof
Water	She might be sensitive, impressionable or temperamental

2. Next you will need to decide your cat's approach toward life: Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable.


Cardinal	Does she like to get things done, is insistent and assertive
Fixed	Could she be persevering, obstinate and dogging
Mutable	Or maybe she's manipulative, flexible or capricious

3. Now take your selections and plug them into the chart below to decide what her Sun Sign might be. Sun Sign definitions appear in the next section.


☼	Fire	Earth	Air	Water
Cardinal	Aries	Capricorn	Libra	Cancer
Fixed	Leo	Taurus	Aquarius	Scorpio
Mutable	Sagittarius	Virgo	Gemini	Pisces

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Pet Horoscope Definitions
You'll find some familiar characteristics of your cat in the fun Sun Sign pet horoscope definitions below. Be sure to read them with your cat on your lap... she's curious too, you know.

ARIES - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
The Aries Cat is adventurous and energetic. Always exploring new areas, dashing about, and checking out their surroundings. Their pioneering nature is always leading them in new directions. Their confidence and impulsiveness sometimes gets them into precarious situations, whether it's following a mouse into a corner that's a little too tight or chasing that ball a little too fast on hardwood floors. But, the Aries cat will always tenaciously and boldly assert herself and dive headfirst into another escapade, especially if it entails jumping on top of the refrigerator.

TAURUS - Apr. 20 to May 20
The Taurus Cat is loving and cuddly. Taurus cats need their owner's laps and will put up with almost anything just to sit in them. They also love to lay in front of a fire, or curled on a blanket. The Taurus cat relishes time with his owner, but will ignore the owner from time to time just to keep a little mystery. Taurus cats are quiet and peaceful and are most comfortable when all is well in their world, especially if there's a scratching post, or sofa nearby.

GEMINI - May 21 to June 21
The Gemini Cat is a lively cat that's comfortable just about anywhere and gets along with most other cats. Gemini cats love to involve their owners in every aspect of their lives, which often includes sharing a recent prize catch from the back yard. At any age, Gemini cats are youthful and exuberant, inquisitive and a bit devilish. They are versatile, adaptive and absolutely love a good romp.

CANCER - June 22 to July 22
The Cancer Cat is protective and caring. When no one's looking, Cancer cats practice arching their backs and hissing. Cancer cats are also emotional and intuitive; they know what's on their owner's mind even if they don't care. Cancer cats can be sensitive and tender, intuitively understanding all that's going on around them. Except that thing swinging back and forth on the grandfather clock, which they'll stare at for hours wondering "why".

LEO - July 23 to Aug. 22
The Leo Cat is powerful and faithful. They are enthusiastic, full of energy and come when they're called. Which makes them the topic of gossip among other cats. Leo cats head pell-mell into everything they do. From chasing shadows and dust bunnies, to batting around squeaky toys. These are active dynamic cats. Leo cats are convinced they're the masters of all they survey. The Leo, after all is a member of the lion family. Above all, Leo cats are faithful and loyal... except when a little catnip is at issue.

VIRGO - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
The Virgo Cat is modest and demure. While the Virgo cat knows she's attractive and handsome, she's reluctant to show off. She knows those frequent baths pay off. The Virgo cat is also reliable and diligent, able to stare at a vent for hours without moving a muscle and then dash off without waiting for a single word of praise. Of course, the Virgo cat overcomes her natural shyness at the mention of salmon treats.

LIBRA - Sept. 23 to Oct. 23
The Libra Cat is easy going and sociable. Libra cats are relaxed in any situation, except maybe those that involve rambunctious children. They love when their owners entertain, rubbing against the legs of guests, adding an extra touch of hospitality. Libra cats also mingle with the other cats in the neighborhood, and they accept whatever comes their way with a smile and a soft purr. They don't get worked up over anything, except for really bad cat food commercials.

SCORPIO - Oct. 24 to Nov. 22
The Scorpio Cat is determined and focused. Whether it's a mouse that needs to be chased or a sunbeam that needs to be laid in, the Scorpio cat will perform the task with unrelenting resolve. Scorpio cats are also passionate and they enjoy everything they do. They are as intense playing and having fun as they are giving themselves a bath. They'll focus on whatever they're doing, or, on the object of their desire with unbroken concentration... until they hear a can of tuna being opened.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 23 to Dec. 21
The Sagittarius Cat is carefree and loves her freedom. Open spaces and open doors are irresistible invitations to wander and explore. Sagittarian cats are happy, have boundless energy, and are happiest when they out in the open. It's nice if their owners would come out to play, but if not, there're plenty of activities and adventures to keep the Sagittarian cat busy and happy for hours. Of course, being inside getting a special cat treat also ranks pretty high on their list as well.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
The Capricorn Cat is patient, careful and deliberate. They don't seem to mind waiting for what they want. They know that eventually, they'll get it. They'll sit quietly and calmly in the living room, just waiting to pounce once that curtain moves again. Capricorn cats are also committed to their routines. They like certain parts of the house, certain toys and certain people. Any kind of fish, however, is perfectly acceptable. The Capricorn cat is also very disciplined, she wants her owner to know she can be counted on. Especially when the scratching post needs a good workout.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
The Aquarius Cat is friendly and loyal. Aquarian cats love to just hang out with their owners no matter what they're doing, unless it involves bathtubs and water. Aquarian cats enjoy a warm sunbeam, a soft blanket or a fluffy pillow as long as her owner is close by. Aquarian cats are also independent and inventive, always looking for new and different ways to hiss at dogs, spook the goldfish, or unravel the yarn in the knitting basket. The Aquarian cat is a true friend in every way, even if there hasn't been any catnip around for awhile.

PISCES - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
The Pisces Cat is a kind and loving cat, even around water. They are caring and giving cats, willing to share a toy, a lap or a bird brought in from the yard. Because of their selfless nature they come when they are called, hoping for a treat, but happy with some strokes along the back. Change never upsets them and they adapt to whatever their owner wants. They also enjoy quiet time, comfortable with themselves and content with their lives. The Pisces cat is willing to take anything that comes along, especially if it tastes like salmon.

Thanks to Beauregard J. Beauceron for these pet horoscopes

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Reading a Pet Horoscope
Many pet horoscopes are prepared tongue in cheek. They seem to be more for entertainment than anything. If you find a serious pet horoscope, it's possible that it could be something of value for you. In a world ruled by the 'Scientific Method', it's hard to reconcile folklore, myth, intuitive understanding and a pet horoscope with what is accepted as the 'truth', 'real', or the 'norm'. The brightest minds of the scientific community who debate over the composition of our Universe include many disciplines whether it's myth, folklore and even the mantic art of astrology. They are all given at least some credence. The debates are more over the role these concepts play, rather than whether they are valid or not. Still, there are plenty of ill-tempered and humorless detractors who would completely downplay a pet horoscope as being nothing more than pagan fantasy.

But, let's give any pet horoscope the benefit of the doubt. Reading a pet horoscope is one way to understand your cat's behavior. The nuance activities of any pet certainly identify the unique character that you recognize as belonging to your pet. Why she acts in certain ways is sometimes a mystery. There are many influences that contribute to the development of each of us. Environmental, hereditary and social conditions all affect our growth and how we not only view, but interact with the world around us. The 'pulse of the planets' is a huge force in physics and it stands to reason that metaphysics also shapes our lives, as well as that of our kittens. So, why not delve a little into the mantic arts and discover a little pet astrology? It's easy and fun. Who knows... when you read a pet horoscope, you might find something interesting about yourself, too.

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Cats. Go Figure
Alexander, our reflective Abyssinian, was thinking of his "pet horoscope" reading which came to him with his regular email this morning. "What's on your mind?", Ling-Ling, his new, well-balanced Siberian friend, asked. As they sat in the light of the full moon, the evening was warm and a gentle breeze wafted gently through their shiny fur coats. Each had cleaned themselves for hours in expectation of their anxiously awaited rendezvous. "Well... ", he shyly mewed, "I was thinking about how compatible we are and how much I enjoy our singing together. But, I barely know you and I was wondering... uhh, how we might get to know each other in terms of the other's personality trait's".

"Huh,??" she purred curiously. "What are you talking about? ... Pet horoscopes?"
Alexander knows himself to be a Leo cat. He rules and runs the house, but, with undeniable charm... always somehow getting his way. He knows this makes him a bit spoiled, but he does keep himself busy making sure everything is well protected and safe. And, he must have a little Virgo in him as well because he doesn't like messes or unannounced changes of plans. Of course, his breed is known for its penetrating intelligence.

"When is your birthday?", he coyly asked.

"Isn't a bit late for that kind of back alley, 'what's your sign' come-on." She quizzed. "If it makes any difference, I'm a Scorpio. And according to my pet horoscope, I like to explore new territories, sometimes just by myself. But, not to worry... I'll always come home". Alexander thought of the many expensive vases and delicate knick-knack that adorned his house. "Don't worry," she intuitively cajoled, "I am very agile and can leap great distances without disturbing even a silk tassel hanging from a mantle. Let alone an expensive, ancient Chinese vase". Her Siberian lineage is pretty smart, too.

Alexander could see that if he wasn't careful, he might get in a little deeper than he wanted to.

"So, do you know anyone who might be good company for that brother of mine, when he comes to visit?" he asked, quickly changing the subject from her pet horoscope to his wandering brother in the African bush.

"I'm not sure... maybe you should take a look down that 'back alley'. I'm sure you might find someone who can handle ole' Gnu breath'", she calmly yawned, musing over her own pet horoscope for today.

Cats. Go figure. Sometimes they'll be sitting there as calm as a summer afternoon. Suddenly, almost without warning, the sparks begin to fly. Then they go back to acting like nothing even happened. Where is that pet horoscope chart anyway?