Magic signs obtained from animals

 For years, initiates of magical knowledge have attributed the transmission of magical signs to the animals they meet; here are the most important of these:

The lamb. - Encountering a single lamb is a harbinger of peace, happiness and love.

Hedgehog. - This animal is a good omen. To catch up with a hedgehog is an auspicious sign, and to encounter a hedgehog coming from the opposite direction augurs even better.

Horse. - Encountering a grey horse brings good luck, especially to a gambler, but when the observer first notices the animal's tail - misfortune will befall someone dear to him. When a couple in love meets a white horse, they may take it as an omen of future luck.

Cat. - It is widely believed that a black cat brings misfortune, although there are people who firmly insist on the opposite opinion.

Goat. - An auspicious sign, foretelling good luck and material benefits. marten. - Meeting a marten is a sign that success will accompany any venture you are considering.

Weasel. - To see a weasel portends domestic discord and worry related to family matters.

Mule. - This is an unkind sign, foreshadowing financial losses and treacherous partners in business.

Mouse. - To receive a white mouse as a gift is a sign of success and happiness in love, unless the giver realises the significance of their gift. A brown or reddish mouse is similarly a good omen, though to a lesser degree; whereas a gift of a grey mouse brings evil and the threat of danger.

Bat. - To hear the squeaks or cries of a bat flying is a harbinger of misfortune.

Donkey. - Encountering a donkey is an inauspicious sign, especially if the animal is coming from the opposite direction.

Sheep. - An unexpected encounter with a flock of sheep is a good sign, especially when the sheep are heading your way.

Dog. - If a dog howls at the moon or outside the house, it foreshadows death in the neighbourhood. Eastern folklore often regarded the black dog as a figure assumed by the devil, and those who study the classical era will remember a passage from Horace containing the statement that the sight of a black dog and its puppies was a sign of Satan to the ancients. Some people believe that killing a dog foretells the same misfortune as killing a cat.

Rat. - This is one of the animals that were providers of omens for Roman diviners. A white rat signifies an auspicious omen, while a black rat augurs very unfavourably. Looting by rats is a very bad omen for those whose property is being attacked. A Roman historian tells us that defeat in battle was once predicted by rats chewing on an army's shields. If you find that your personal belongings have been bitten by rats, you had better postpone any business you may be considering.

Pig. - This is a very bad sign, and meeting a pig foreshadows serious worry. If a wedding retinue returning from church comes across a stray pig, the bride and groom are in danger of having an unhappy marriage.

Squirrel. - Encountering a squirrel heralds imminent good fortune.

Ox. - A chance encounter with an ox on the road brings with it a foretelling of good luck and monetary gain.

Hare. - It is generally believed to be an ominous animal; it was once even believed that witches lived in the bodies of hares. If a hare crosses someone's path, it means disappointment and misfortune. If you see a hare running past a house in the countryside, you should take precautions against a fire. In some parts of the world, the belief in the ominous power of hares is so strong that people with an errand to run or important plans to carry out will immediately turn away from their path when they see the animal, because they believe that if they go any further they will meet with failure.