You've probably seen the happy, waving beckoning Maneki Neko, but have you heard of her cousins, the bakeneko? Bakeneko are demon cats. If a cat lives longer than 13 years in Japan and has not been treated like a god, it is likely to turn into a demon cat. It may kill its owner and shapeshift to take their place. If you have an old cat, beware. Every October in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, there is a bakeneko parade. I visited, through the magic of YouTube.

Original painting, prints, and merch available in shop or through RedBubble or Fine Art America.

The Ophanim are listed by ancient Jewish scholar Maimonides as the highest of God's angels. In the Bible, the Ophanim are described as sets of nested wheels, covered in eyes, that move next to the Cherubim angels, beneath the throne of God. They never sleep, but along with the Seraphim and Cherubim, guard the throne. Ezekiel, in the Bible, describes the Ophanim as sparkling like topaz, high and awesome, full of eyes all around.

Original painting, prints, and merch available in shop, or through RedBubble or Fine Art America.

Read more about Jesus the Child on my blog.

Original painting, prints, and merch available in shop, or through RedBubble or Fine Art America.

The two deities are remarkably similar. I think they would have a lot to talk about at a barbecue. Read more about their similarities on my blog.