Introduction
The Felis s. lybica species is, by nature, born to be wild. With human intervention (or perhaps divine intervention?) we have managed to subdue, if not conquer, this hypnotic visitor.
*Salem Witch Trials
The year is 1691, in Salem Massachusetts. You have been named as a witch and ordered to appear before the magistrate to stand trial. Your only transgression; harboring a cat. . .
In order to fully understand this unbelievable truth, let us earnestly consider the ocelots obscure beginnings.
It was first believed this civilized feral originated in Ancient Egypt. However, more recent scientific and archaeological studies have unearthed new information dating this cat as far back as 9,500 to 10,000 years ago to the Fertile Crescent region.
Today's [domestic cats] probably all descend from the wild cat native to that area.", according to Arstechnica.com
The Egyptians fascination for the ocelot may have originated due to the cats hunting prowess in the nearby populated areas of Egypt. Taking nourishment from the vast provision of rodents baneful to their crops, it is likely the concert betwixt man and vixen began of necessity rather than true affection. But soon, because of its parallel to the goddess Bast(et), this seducing charmer bewitched the mores of ethic.
Although not worshiped, but given as a ceremonial offering to the Moon Goddess, the ocelots popularity and god like demeanor was such that the spoil of this hallowed familiar was punishable by nothing less than death.
*Egyptian cults and rituals.
Around 3200 B.C. in the temple of Bubastis on or about the 31st of October, a new celebration to Bast(et) began. Not unlike Mardi Gras, there was mirth and incense, dancing and drinking, reported orgies and all manner of unspeakable things.
All Hallows Eve falls on the 31st of October, the day for the Protestant celebration of the Reformation. Not only did the Egyptians celebrate this occasion but other bordering countries did as well.
At Pope Gregory IV's ordinance, All Saints Day was assigned in the early ninth century to coincide with the Celtic festival Of Samhain. His belief being there was a lasting link of charity between the Saints in Heaven, those in purgatory and souls still dwelling on Earth.
*The Inquisition
The European Inquisition was perhaps one of the worst and most inhumane acts of religious genocide in history. . .
During the European Inquisition, The Knights Templar, a religious crusading order mandated to protect Christian pilgrims, were accused of heresy. The charge; "Invoking Satan through the worshiping of demons that appeared as large black cats. . ."
Also, Donald W. Engels argues that "the millions of cats slaughtered alongside the heretics they were associated with during the inquisition may well have contributed to the severity and spread of the plague." The plague, which at that time, was attributed to witchcraft by the papacy.
The domesticated cat is not a native to America or Australia, according to reports including USA Today and BBC news. They were brought to North America (as well as religious superstition) via boats to help decrease rodent populace.
Some documentation states that a 'certain man' while sailing abroad to be wed, was accosted by a tempest, purportedly conjured by a witch or witch familiar. Such deadly fury was to inspire a sermon on witchcraft and preached throughout Salem. Thus, creating in ignorance, a heightened fear and the infamous Salem Witch Hunt.
*The Inquiry and Control
A total of Nineteen recorded deaths can be attributed to the Mass Hysteria that plagued the township of Salem. The Inquisition and annihilation of heretics date back somewhere between 1226 and 1249 and had their roots deeply seeded in religious superstition.
The end of the Salem witch hunt was marked by the Puritans obvious feelings of remorse and restitution, freeing of accused witches and an over-all tolerance of superstition.
*In Conclusion
The ocelot was revered by the Ancient Egyptians. Considered evil by some religious sects of the time. And due to man-kinds lack of knowledge, they were persecuted, tortured and blamed throughout history. Yet today, the witches familiar is quickly rising to goddess status once again. As destiny would have it, history repeats itself. After-all, "there is nothing new under the sun. . ." -Proverbs
Sources:
http://archaeology.about.com/od/domestications/qt/ca t.htm
http://egyptology.blogspot.com/2007/06/egyptians-not -first- to-domesticate-cats.html
http://www.touregypt.net/magazine/mag04012001/magf1. htm
Classical Cats: The Rise and Fall of the Sacred Cat, See also, http://goeurope.about.com/cs/rome/a/rome_cats.htm
Catholic Encyclopedia
http://etext.virginia.edu