Bastet
When I was in middle school, I chose Bastet as my subject for our mythology unit. I have always been—and forever will be—an unapologetic Cat Lady, so naturally, when we were introduced to Ancient Mythology, I gravitated towards this enigmatic cat goddess. Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of home, fertility, music, and joy, embodies a fascinating duality: a gentle protector of domestic life who also wields formidable power. In some texts, she is referred to as the “Lady of the East” and the “Eye of Ra,” titles that emphasize her roles as both a loving nurturer and a vigilant guardian—qualities that resonated deeply within ancient Egyptian society. It is believed that Bastet and Sekhmet are either related or different aspects of the same goddess.
Bastet’s worship evolved significantly over the centuries, moving from her early representation as a lioness goddess—aligned with fierce protection and warfare—to her later association with domestic cats, embodying grace, comfort, and a serene, watchful nature. Initially, Bastet was depicted similarly to her counterpart Sekhmet, another lioness-headed goddess associated with war and destruction. As a manifestation of the Eye of Ra, she represented the sun god’s ferocious protective power, defending against any threats to Egypt or the divine order. In this role, Bastet symbolized the primal, untamed aspects of femininity, embodying the fierce, lion-like spirit of a mother defending her young. However, as Egyptian society evolved and became more settled, her role shifted toward protection, fertility, and domestic joy—qualities that suited a civilization increasingly focused on family and social harmony.
Her transformation from a lioness to a domestic cat, reflected in art and myth, mirrors this shift. By the time of the New Kingdom, Bastet was most commonly depicted as a woman with the head of a domestic cat, or sometimes simply as a seated cat. This adaptation aligned her with domestic life and positioned her as a protective, comforting deity who watched over families, the home, and the hearth. In ancient Egypt, cats were vital to society and were revered for their speed, prowess, and mysticism, with eyes that seemingly glowed in the dark. These small but mighty animals kept grain stores safe from rats and other rodents and were even known to take on venomous asps, reinforcing her status as a fierce protector. The reverence for Bastet in this form grew, and in her city of Bubastis, she was honored as a central figure in everyday Egyptian life. Bubastis became a thriving center for her worship, with its grand temples attracting pilgrims from across Egypt.
In ancient Egypt, cats were seen as much more than mere companions—they were sacred protectors and powerful symbols of balance and grace. Revered for their natural ability to hunt rodents and even fend off venomous snakes like the asp, these elegant creatures were believed to safeguard the bounty of the land and the home. Their mysterious, independent spirit and graceful presence captured the hearts of the Egyptians, who saw in them a reflection of the divine order—a living embodiment of the protective, nurturing energy that ensured prosperity and harmony. Today, that same sense of wonder endures, inviting us to appreciate how the timeless magic of cats continues to inspire our connection to nature and the mysteries of life.
Bastet’s mythology encompasses both her gentle and fierce aspects. It’s worth noting that some scholars believe that Bastet evolved from or shares a common origin with Sekhmet, the lioness goddess of war and destruction. Over time, Bastet came to be associated with a more domesticated, benevolent form while still retaining the capacity for fierce vengeance. As a warrior goddess, she is one of the divine protectors of Egypt, safeguarding its people and the royal family. In her role as the Eye of Ra, she serves as a vigilant guardian against evil, maintaining cosmic balance by warding off the forces of chaos. This dual nature made her especially venerated as a goddess who could protect against both physical and spiritual threats. Ancient Egyptians believed she was capable of fierce vengeance when wronged, yet that she would protect and heal those under her care.
In her gentler guise, Bastet presided over music, dance, fertility, and home life. The annual Festival of Bubastis, celebrated in her honor, became one of Egypt’s most popular festivities. Pilgrims traveled by boat to Bubastis, singing and dancing in joyous procession, honoring the goddess with offerings and ceremonies. The festival was a time of unrestrained celebration, marked by music, laughter, and feasting, and it underscored her connection to the pleasures of life, love, and community.
One of Bastet’s most recognized symbols is the sistrum, a musical instrument associated with celebration and the divine feminine. As the goddess of music and dance, she was often portrayed holding a sistrum, highlighting her connection to pleasure, harmony, and the rhythmic flow of life. Her presence brought happiness and vitality to the home, embodying the Egyptian ideal of “hetep”—peace, rest, and satisfaction.
Cats, her sacred animals, became enduring symbols of her spirit. Egyptians revered cats not only for their natural prowess as hunters but also for their mysterious, aloof grace. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a serious offense against Bastet. In homes, cats were cherished as family members, often adorned with jewelry as offerings to the goddess and given elaborate burials upon death. Bastet’s affinity with cats symbolized her watchfulness over the household, extending her protection over children, parents, and pets alike.
In ancient Egypt, Bastet held profound significance as a mother goddess and guardian of life’s softer pleasures. Her worship provided solace and protection, especially for women, children, and families. To the Egyptians, she was a goddess of fertility, invoked during childbirth and regarded as a divine force in maintaining the continuity of family lineage. Her dual nature reflected the Egyptian understanding that true strength could be both nurturing and fierce—a belief that influenced their family structures and views on femininity.
Beyond her role as a mother figure, Bastet’s influence extended into the spiritual realms of joy and personal well-being. Her connection to music, dance, and sensuality spoke to the Egyptians’ appreciation of beauty, leisure, and the arts. Her devotees saw her as a source of inspiration in all forms of creative expression, embodying the idea that a joyful life is a well-rounded life—a reminder that even in a world focused on survival and stability, there was space for laughter, art, and celebration. The colors most closely associated with Bastet are green, gold, and black. Green symbolizes fertility, renewal, and the life-giving force of nature, reflecting her role as a goddess of abundance and family. Gold represents her divine status, the prosperity she brings, and her connection to the sun god Ra. Black, a color linked to both mystery and protection, aligns with her connection to the unseen spiritual world and the reverence of cats, who roamed both physical and mystical realms as guardians.
In modern spiritual practices, Bastet continues to inspire as a symbol of the divine feminine, balance, and protection. Those drawn to her energy are encouraged to embrace the balance between strength and tenderness in their own lives. Bastet’s spirit is called upon to safeguard homes, foster a sense of well-being, and nurture a joyful, harmonious environment. As a mother goddess, she speaks to those in need of comfort, and as a warrior, she offers courage to stand guard over what we cherish. Her energy also resonates with themes of independence, wisdom, and resilience. In her cat-like form, Bastet is graceful, intuitive, and self-assured—qualities that inspire modern followers to trust their instincts and inner strength. She embodies the idea that one can be gentle and fierce, peaceful yet unbreakable, guiding those who seek to establish healthy boundaries while nurturing meaningful connections.
Bastet embodies the wisdom that true strength lies in balance. She reminds us that it is possible to be both a gentle nurturer and a fierce protector, to value both solitude and community, and to find beauty in simplicity. Through her, we see the importance of honoring all facets of life—the mundane and the sacred, the fierce and the tender.Bastet remains a testament to the enduring power of the divine feminine, a beacon of light, protection, and joy that guides us to live fully and protect what we hold dear.
