Perhaps not a -true- family issue, but ...

[Aventurine]

Perhaps I should have filed this one under "Just Talk", but it definitely feels like a family issue to me!

The house I live in is populated with animals. Four cats, four humans, a dog, a turtle and a variety of fish. The dog, turtle and fish tend to be on the outside, but my cats ... I've always viewed them as part of my family. Not extended family, just -family-. I talk to them, and I do believe they know a great many more words than those cats whose humans don't talk to them routinely. Perhaps I've spoiled them a bit; I allow them to investigate everything I bring home, and pretty much let them accompany me wherever I go in the house or in the yard ...

But what do I do with them when it comes to rituals?

During only ritual I've ever done at home, indoors, I locked them all away. I felt horribly guilty about it, but I didn't see any other solution. And now that I'm looking at the possibility of doing a great deal more indoor rituals, I don't know ... do I keep them locked up, or what?

On one hand, I know that if I let them wander they'd keep their distance while I worked if I told them to, and I wouldn't go into rituals feeling guilty for trapping them in rooms.

On the other ... they aren't afraid of candles because I light so many so often, and I'm afraid if they come across candles low to the ground, they'll knock something over and start a fire. Three of the cats, especially the kitten, always have to sniff everything - and I don't want them getting into oils or herbs that are toxic when consumed! Plus, there's always the possibility that the time I've picked for a ritual will be the time they've picked to play, which means absolutely nothing will get done if I let them wander.

Thoughts?

- Aventurine

[reanna]

That' a tough one. I would go with whatever feels right to you.
Animals are attracted to the energies within the circle by nature.

At least(i will check for sure) but this is what she mentioned to me, if my memory serves me correctly.
My friends cats are included in every ritual she does. At first, she would tuck them away so they didn't get hurt or get into anything, but they would whine and cry to the point where she just couldn't concentrate, so she gave in and let them join her. They are very active in circle. They help cast even. They walk around the circle with her until it is all cast, then they will hang out under the altar.

I thought it was just too cute.
I will find out how she protects them from fire or toxics and get back to you. It would be interesting to find out:):):):)

[Yvonne Belisle]

Cats are often included in rituals. The family forum is a logical place for that question to most of us I think. There may already be a thread on this in the magic and rituals forum.

[Mairwen]

When we had our handfasting last July, the Gwyddon who performed the ceremony had driven all the way from Washington state with a friend and her black lab (Lazy). I'm not that keen on dogs, but I could have kept Lazy as mine and been quite happy. During the handfasting rites, she was quite content to lie right at our feet. It was awesome! :D And the cat that I have now, she loves ritual night; she curls up exactly at the South Point and sleeps! ;)

[Sunday's Child]

I think this is a family issue. I think of my pets as part of the family. My cats always use to be around when I did rituals. But, I don't have them any more....so.. What will I do when I get more cats? hummmm... I guess it depends on the cat and our relationship. Only you can know what to do.. try it out both ways and see what works for you.

[Lilu]

I think you should try doing a ritual, (perhaps even write it around the idea of introducing your cats to ritual?), and perform one to see how your cats react to the situation. If they are scattery and don't behave accordingly you can put them away. If they react well, you could let them hang around when you do other rituals.

My cat used to love the circle, she would hang out next to me the whole time. And they have a very passive energy that doesn't seem to interupt any magickal energies if they choose to leave the circle and what-not.

As for locking them up, it's only going to be an hour, maybe a little more max. I'm sure they can live through that *grin* You need a break from your "children" sometimes too.

Good luck!
Lilu

[Myst]

I have a dog, and 2 cats - one of whom I'd consider my familiar. They are ALWAYS mucking about when magick is happening. It's gotten to the point where I have to keep moving my altar because they won't stay off it. The puppy is about 6 months old and had usually been crated while I was doing magickal work, but recently she was out and showed keen interest. Why not include your animals in ritual? I usually introduce them to it by doing a special ritual for them; to bless them and ask the Gods to protect my pets. There are good examples in Everyday Magic by D. Morrison to try :)

MP;
Willow

[AutumnFire]

I agree that this is a family issue, not only because I regard my animal friends as family and not pets, but also if children are involved they can be very sensitive to issues like locking up pets, ect. I have 3 cats, a dog, a rabbit, and3 tarantulas and they are every bit as much a part of my family as my 8 kids and grandkids. I find that sometimes the dog will get a li exited and I just let her outside, bt most of the time she just lays back and watches the show so to speak. Cats are very psychic and are wonderful during ritual. All 3 of mine crawl up in my lap or sit beside me during ritual. One big ole boy named Thor even walks around circle behind me as I dance...lol.
It may take a ll time and patience with kittens. They need time to learn. Good luck and Gods bless. I find your love and concernfor your animal family members touching. Blessed Be, Autumn-Fire