Beware the Black Cat!

One summer, just before I'd turned seven, I returned home from visiting my aunt, to find my parents had gotten me a kitten. A pet of my very own that didn't have to be kept in an aquarium or a cage. And the best part of all, she was black. I've never been afraid of black cats, but I know many people avoid them if they see one on the street. Not me.

There is much written about the black cat being a witch's familiar (would enhance her/his powers). Though, I've also heard the same thing about a dark grey cat. And because of the tales of witches, black cats quickly became associated with evil. Some people even believe that black cats are actually witches in disguise. 

Just as I shared broom lore last Halloween, here is some other black cat lore:

• In some places, it is considered lucky to own a black cat, but unlucky to have one cross your path.
• A strange black cat found on the porch brings properity to the owner of the house.
• Wives of fishermen on the Yorkshire Coast believe their men will return safely if a black cat is kept in their house.
• In the English Midlands, a black cat as a wedding present is thought to bring good luck to the bride.
• In Germany, if a black cat crosses your path from right to left it is considered a bad omen, but if it crosses from left to right, favorable times are ahead for you.
• In Italy, if a black cat lies on the bed of someone who is sick, death will follow.
• In China, some believe black cats are harbingers of famine and poverty.

Do you know any other lore about black cats? And what do you think? Lucky or unlucky?

Happy Halloween!

~Jessica

Author Bio:

The Power of Three
-Gargoyles, Witches & more in this
paranormal erotica story.

Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to sexy. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.


When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

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From the Archives: Broom Lore: How much do you know about your broom?

Veronica Scott sez: We thought you might enjoy this post from our archives!

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I'd share some interesting broom lore. Some of the lore I've heard of, and some are new to me.

• Two brooms crossed and hung on a wall or nailed to a door, or a broom placed on the ground by the main door is a sign of protection. 
• Brooms should be placed bristle up, not only to help them last longer, but also for good luck. 
• People place brooms outside their main door to ward off evil. 
• Placing a small broom under your pillow will keep away nightmares. 
• Yorkshire belief states that if a young girl accidentally steps over a broom handle, she will become a mother before a wife. 
• If you drop a broom, you will have company. (I've heard this for dropping cutlery, too.) 
• To bring rain, stand outside and swing a broom around your head. 
• It is bad luck to loan your broom to anyone, even friends. 
• If you place a broom on the floor with guests over, it indicates they have been there long enough. Yet if you sweep right after they leave, it will bring them back. 
• It is bad luck to move a broom. A new house requires a new broom. 

Do you know of any other broom lore, or wives tales that I've missed??

"Indeed, most magicians catch the bug as kids. My first audience was my family in Long Island. My first 'assistant' was my mother, whom I levitated on a broom in our living room."
Criss Angel 

"A new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows the corners” Old Irish Saying Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I always go all-out with my costumes. Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow on Once Upon A Time)

Author Bio:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

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