Shakun and ApshakunCat crossing your path: meaning
What it is said to mean in tradition, what is really happening and a sensible way to think about it.
In popular belief
In many parts of India a cat crossing your path from right to left is read as a sign of a delay or an obstacle. The usual response is to wait for a moment, for someone else to cross first, or to say a short prayer before going on. In other regions the belief is weaker or reversed.
What is really happening
A cat is a silent animal that moves fast and appears suddenly, which startles people, especially in the dark. The belief that it brings bad luck is found in many countries and probably started with that sudden start.
A sensible way to think about it
If you are anxious about starting a task, take a breath, wait a few seconds and begin. Do not cancel a real appointment because of a cat.
See also
- Crow cawing on the roof A guest or news from far is said to be coming. Crows are also linked with the an
- Dog howling at night Popularly said to mean trouble near, though most people see it as a sign that th
- Owl The owl is the vehicle of Lakshmi, and in some regions it is a good sign; in oth
- Cow Seeing a cow, especially on leaving the house, is considered auspicious in most
- Peacock Linked with Krishna and Kartikeya, and considered a good sign.
- Mongoose crossing Seen as a good sign for a journey in some regions.
Questions people ask
What does cat crossing your path mean?
In many parts of India a cat crossing your path from right to left is read as a sign of a delay or an obstacle. The usual response is to wait for a moment, for someone else to cross first, or to say a short prayer before going on. In other regions the belief is weaker or reversed.
Does it predict anything?
No. It is a tradition and there is no evidence that it predicts anything.
This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Omens do not predict anything, and nothing here is advice. Please do not cancel anything important, such as a medical appointment, an exam or a journey, because of an omen.