The iconic Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, is a common good fortune figurine from Japan, that you may have spotted loyally sat in windows, on cash registers, and enshrined in temples.
But, what you might not know is that you can actually harness this ornament's ability to welcome prosperity into your own home by placing it to face your front door.
Here, our Feng Shui practitioner, who has recently been travelling in Japan, explains the origin of this mystical cat, and how you can use one in to create good Feng Shui in your home.
What is the Maneki Neko?
Preetibala Sharma, Feng Shui consultant at Feng Shui for Life and lifestylebypreetibala has been a Feng Shui practitioner for more than 25 years, and had noticed this "lucky cat" in many Asian stores, restaurants and homes. Her recent trip to Japan highlighted the significance of this item for her.
'Even though I am a dog person, I did find this "beckoning cat" very fascinating, especially since I was it everywhere I turned in Japan,' Preetibala says.
After beginning to delve a little deeper, Preetibala found that the origin of the Maneki Neko, believed to beckon good luck and fortune, boasts a rich cultural history, shrouded in the mists of time.
This solar powered beckoning cat will move without traditional batteries, drawing it's power from the sun so be mindful of placement opportunities near natural light when purchasing. There are also USB rechargeable ones on Amazon.
She explains, 'The tale of the Maneki Neko unfolds sometime in the 16th century, within the serene grounds of the Gotokuji Temple, just outside of Tokyo.'
As the story goes, although versions vary, a lone traveler (some say a priest) stumbled upon a beckoning cat, with its paw raised in an inviting gesture.
'Intrigued, the man follows the cat,' continues Preetibala. 'Moments later, a bolt of lightning strikes the very spot he was standing just a few seconds ago.'
Grateful to the cat for saving his life, the man became convinced that the cat was lucky and divine, and the Maneki Neko we know and recognize today was born, associated with good fortune from then all the way up until modern day.
As Preetibala points out, there are different kinds of Maneki Neko, raising either their right or left paws, which have different meanings and powers when using Feng Shui in the year of the Wood Snake.
'The myth says that when the cat has its right paw up, it will bring good fortune or money,' she says. 'When the left paw is raised, it will attract more people or customers. This is why you'll often see a Maneki Neko at the entrance of a restaurant or retail shop with its left paw raised, and with its right paw raised in homes.'
Where to place a Meneki Neko to maximize positive energy
The most common way to use a Maneki Neko at home is for entryway Feng Shui, placed by the entrance of your home, facing your front door to welcome in good fortune, prosperity and happiness into your life, says Preetibala. 'This is where it can see people come and go, which makes the cat a happy cat, and even more lucky.'
Other than that, you might want to use one for office Feng Shui and desk Feng Shui, to 'enhance success and knowledge,' she advises.
Where you place the cat matters, too. 'A few things to consider when you place the lucky cat is to always have it in an elevated position,' says Preetibala. Additionally, 'The cat likes to be social, with people around it. Hence, do not place it inside a closet or a room which has no activity.
'Also, don't forget to pet it once in a while because yes, the cat loves that too! And yes, I did buy one tiny lucky cat for my home, and also gave my children one as well!'
All prices correct at time of publication.
This lucky cat is battery operated with a waving arm, to beckon in good fortune wherever you place it.
This ceramic, fired Maneki Neko is crack-proof, with underglaze to stop the vibrant colors from fading, and a battery or USB-powered waving arm.
A black Maneki Neko is believed to protect from illness and ward off bad spirits. This one also doubles as a money box.
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