Cathari
(See Gnostics.) Catoptromancy, or Enoptromancy is a species of divination by the mirror, which Pausanius describes : "Before the Temple of Ceres at Patras, there was a fountain, separated from the temple by a wall, and there was an oracle, very truthful, not for all events, but for the sick only. The sick person let down a mirror, suspended by a thread, till its base touched the surface of the water, having first prayed to the goddess and offered incense. Then looking in the mirror, he saw the presage of death or recovery, according as the face appeared fresh and healthy, or of a ghastly aspect." Another method of using the mirror was to place it at the back of a boy's or girl's head, whose eyes were Cellini bandaged. In Thessaly, the response appeared in characters of blood on the face of the moon, probably represented in the mirror. The Thessalian sorceresses derived their art from the Persians, who always endeavoured to plant their religion and mystic rites in the countries they invaded.
Cats, Elfin : These are to be found in the Scottish Highlands, and are said to be of a wild breed, as large as dogs, black in colour, with a white spot on the breast, and to have arched backs and erect bristles. By some, these cats are said to be witches in disguise.