My name is Spirit and I am a black cat. I am never allowed outside on Halloween night. This used to make me very angry until one Halloween morning a few years ago. I had a dream that changed my entire outlook regarding Halloween. My human had been carving silly facial features on a pumpkin. She was getting ready for all the fun she would have that night. She was also telling me how it was for my own good that I not go outside, because people sometimes did bad things to black cats on Halloween. I became annoyed with her, and went to take a nap. I began to dream almost immediately.

In my dream a beautiful cat appeared to me. Actually, at first I thought it was a cat but after taking a closer look, I realized it was Bastet, the Cat Goddess! She was very sad because I was angry with my human, who only wanted to protect me. “Spirit,” she began. “I am sad that you are angry about not being allowed outside on Halloween. You must know that Cats are the Protectors of all that is Good and the Guardians of all Mankind. Cats themselves must be protected always. Your human is one of the Enlightened ones who cares for you and all other cats very much.”

I was silent, although in my heart, I still thought it was unfair that I couldn’t go out on Halloween. Bastet read my thoughts, because she continued. “I am going to show you what happened many, many years ago, during a very sad time for cats. Many humans told lies about cats and other humans believed the lies. Many cats died because the humans were very mean to the cats. Now take a look at what happened as a result.” Suddenly images began to form around me. I saw rats! Hideous, grotesque rats that were hurting people very much! I hissed, and a low growl began to rise in my throat. My fur puffed up so that I appeared larger than I was, although I was still tiny compared to Bastet. The images faded and She spoke to me again, “So many innocent cats died during that dreadful time, that Evil almost took over the world in the form of these rats! There weren’t enough cats to hunt them all! If it hadn’t been for the Enlightened ones, men and women who protected the remaining cats, Mankind would have been destroyed by Evil. It continues to this day. Halloween is the night when Evil tries to overpower Good forever. Evil can never overcome the cat, who is the Protector of all that is Good, and the Guardian of Mankind. The cat must especially be protected on Halloween night, when some humans are influenced by Evil and hurt cats. The Enlightened ones, like your human, have the task of protecting you. This is why you remain indoors on Halloween, Spirit. You must remain safe. You are one of the Guardians and the Good of Mankind depends on you.”

I woke then, feeling very happy and peaceful. I never complained again about having to stay inside on Halloween. So to all of you cats, here is some advice. Next Halloween, when your human doesn’t allow you outside, just think of me and my dream. Think of Bastet’s message to us, and how important we cats are to all humans. Happy Halloween!