Bastet, also known as Bast, is a prominent deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, revered as the goddess of home, fertility, protection, and cats. Her worship dates back to the Second Dynasty (c. 2890 BCE), and she was originally depicted as a lioness, symbolizing her fierce and protective nature. Over time, as domestic cats became more prevalent in Egypt, Bastet’s image softened, and she was portrayed with the head of a cat, embodying grace and affection.
Name: Bastet (also known as Bast, Ubasti, or Bubastis)
Role: Goddess of home, fertility, protection, and cats
Mythology: Ancient Egyptian
Symbols: Lioness, cat, ointment jar, sistrum, solar disk
Parents: Ra (the sun god) and Isis (in some myths)
Consort: Ptah (in certain traditions)
Offspring: Maahes (in some accounts)
Major Cult Center: Bubastis
Origin and Background
Bastet’s worship began as early as the Second Dynasty, with her initial depiction as a lioness, highlighting her role as a warrior and protector. As the domestication of cats increased around 1500 BCE, her image transitioned to that of a cat-headed woman, reflecting the Egyptians’ reverence for cats and their protective qualities. She was closely associated with the city of Bubastis in the Nile Delta, where her temple attracted pilgrims from across Egypt.
Appearance and Symbols
Bastet is often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a domesticated cat, signifying her dual nature of ferocity and nurturing. She is frequently shown holding a sistrum (a musical instrument) and an ankh (symbol of life), emphasizing her connections to music, joy, and life. Cats were sacred to Bastet, and many were mummified in her honor, reflecting the deep cultural significance of felines in ancient Egypt.
Powers and Abilities
As a goddess, Bastet possessed the power to protect homes and families from evil spirits and disease, particularly those affecting women and children. She was also associated with fertility and childbirth, offering blessings to mothers and infants. Her role as the “Eye of Ra” linked her to the sun god, where she served as a fierce protector against his enemies.
Personality and Traits
Bastet embodies a dual nature: she is both a gentle, nurturing mother figure and a fierce warrior when provoked. This duality reflects the Egyptians’ understanding of the balance between nurturing and protection, as seen in the behavior of domestic cats. Her festivals were joyous occasions, celebrating music, dance, and community.
Famous Myths
Protector of Ra
In one myth, Bastet is depicted as the “Eye of Ra,” a fierce protector who defends the sun god Ra from his enemies, including the serpent Apophis. She is known for decapitating Apophis to protect Ra during his nightly journey through the underworld.
Bastet and Sekhmet
Bastet and Sekhmet were sometimes seen as two aspects of the same goddess, with Sekhmet representing the warrior lioness and Bastet the nurturing cat. This duality showcased the balance between ferocity and gentleness in the Egyptian pantheon.
Worship and Legacy
The primary center of Bastet’s worship was in Bubastis, where her temple was renowned for its grandeur and beauty. Annual festivals in her honor attracted thousands of devotees who participated in music, dancing, and feasting. Bastet’s influence extended beyond Egypt; in ancient Greek religion, she was known as Ailuros, meaning “cat.” Today, Bastet remains a symbol of protection, femininity, and the enigmatic nature of cats, continuing to captivate the imagination of people worldwide.