Bastet, also known as Bast, is one of ancient Egypt’s most beloved and intriguing deities, Bastet was the daughter of Ra, sister of Sekhmet, the wife of Ptah, and the mother of Mihos. Often depicted as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, Bastet was revered as a goddess of protection, fertility, and the home. In this blog, we explore Bastet’s role in Egyptian mythology and her connection to other significant deities such as Anubis, Sekhmet, and Hathor. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this iconic Egyptian goddess cat.
?What Is Bastet the Goddess Of
Bastet is essentially the goddess of protection, fertility, and motherhood. She was also considered a protector of the household and a defender against evil spirits and diseases, especially those of women and children. Cats are sacred animals in ancient Egypt; they symbolize her protecting and nurturing features. Her role was extended to that of a goddess of music, dance, and joy because of the duality in her character-fierce and tender at the same time.
Is Bastet a good or bad deity?
Bastet is a good and protective deity, but she had a dual nature, like many Egyptian gods and goddesses. In her earlier form, she was depicted as a lioness, symbolizing ferocity and the power to destroy threats. This made her a formidable protector, much like Sekhmet, the lioness goddess of war and vegeance. Yet, in the transformation of Bastet into a cat-headed goddess, her nurturing, maternal qualities were accentuated. This duality reflects the ancient Egyptian belief in balance and harmony.
Why Was Bastet Feared?
On the other hand, Bastet inspired fear because of her association with cats, a very unpredictable and mysterious animal. The ancient Egyptians believed that Bastet could wreak her anger on those opposing her and against every threat to her worshippers. This fierce reputation partly derived from her earlier form as a lioness, a creature associated with war and destruction. As with Sekhmet, the violent aspect of Bastet recalled the punishments of the gods and their protection.
What Are Bastet's Powers?
Bastet had various powers that made her a highly regarded goddess, including the following:
Protection: She protected the home, family, and individual against evil spirits and diseases.
Fertility and Motherhood: Bastet granted fertility to women and protected childbirth.
Punishment: She punished those who threatened her worshippers or upset the balance of Ma'at.
Cat-Like Grace: Bastet was as agile, independent, and mysterious as cats; thus, the animals were considered sacred for her.
Who is the cat goddess in Egypt?
Bastet is the supreme Egyptian cat goddess. Cats were sacred for her and symbolized protection, grace, and mystery. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was a grave offense in ancient Egypt. The temples dedicated to Bastet often kept hosts of cats, and these animals were regarded as living embodiments of the goddess herself.
Bastet and Other Egyptian Deities
Within Egyptian mythology, the role of Bastet also places her in correlation with various other well-recognized deities.
Anubis: Egyptian god of death and embalming, Anubis guided souls into the afterlife. While Bastet focused on living, particularly families and homes, Anubis's role was fixed in the transition into the next world.
Sekhmet: Bastet and Sekhmet have sometimes been coupled as if to represent the duality of sides on one coin. While Sekhmet articulated the lioness in its destroying capacity, the feline form that was Bastet expressed nurturing and protection.
Hathor: Similarly, the deity of love and music and joyful expression, as Bastet represents happiness and joyful time, Bastet's most delicate planes find much in common with Hathor's realm.
Bastet’s Cult and Origins
Bastet’s primary cult center was the city of Bubastis, located in the southeastern Nile Delta, where archaeologists uncovered thousands of cat mummies and numerous cat statuettes. However, her worship extended far beyond Bubastis, .as statuettes depicting her as a cat or cat-headed figure became some of the most popular offerings during the Late and Ptolemaic Periods.
The earliest evidence of Bastet’s worship, however, predates her association with Bubastis. It comes from the galleries beneath the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, near Memphis, where thousands of fragments of stone vessels from 2nd Dynasty burials (circa 2800 BCE) were discovered. Some of these vessels bore inscriptions mentioning deities, including Bastet, depicted as a lioness-headed goddess. These findings suggest that Bastet may have originally been a deity linked to the royal residence.
The Legacy of Bastet
Today, Bastet remains an iconic figure in Egyptian mythology, captivating people around the world with her timeless symbolism of power, grace, and protection. Her image, often represented in statues and jewelry, continues to inspire admiration and a deep connection to ancient Egyptian culture. Owning a beautifully crafted Bastet statue not only celebrates this legendary goddess but also brings a touch of her protective and nurturing energy into your home. Explore our collection of exquisite Bastet statues and discover the perfect piece to honor her legacy and add a sense of history and elegance to your space.