Bastet… Egypt’s Sacred Cat
She is one of the most famous and beloved goddesses in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolizing protection, beauty, and fertility. She embodies the sacred relationship that ancient Egyptians had with cats, symbols of gentleness, intelligence, and caution.
The Origin of the Goddess and the Evolution of Her Appearance
▪️The cult of Bastet originated in the city of Bubastis (Tell Basta), located in the Nile Delta in what is now the Sharqia Governorate. Her name meant “She of Basta.”
▪️The Powerful Beginning (The Lioness)
Originally, Bastet was depicted as a fierce and powerful lioness, associated with the goddess Sekhmet (goddess of war and destruction). She represented the fierce and angry aspect of the Eye of Ra, the destructive power of the sun.
▪️The Gentle Transformation (The Cat)
Over time, and after the domestication of cats in Egypt, Bastet’s image changed to that of a woman with the head of a cat or a gentle domestic cat. This transformation made her a symbol of gentleness, femininity, and security, highlighting her nurturing and protective side instead of her destructive one.
Her Attributes, Symbols, and Roles
Bastet combined subtle strength with serene femininity, granting her a special place and multiple roles in Egyptian belief:
▪️ Protection and Happiness
She was the protector of homes, families, and children from evil spirits and diseases, and was associated with joy, music, dance, and merriment.
▪️ Fertility and Motherhood
She was considered the goddess of fertility, love, and tenderness, the protector of pregnant women during childbirth, and the patron of motherhood and compassion.
▪️ Her Symbolism
The cat symbolizes gentleness, intelligence, and caution, while Bastet retains her strong side, defending her loved ones against evil.
▪️ Her Icon
Bastet is usually depicted holding a sistrum, a musical instrument symbolizing music and joy, or a small basket symbolizing home and family.
Her Place in Egyptian Mythology
▪️ Daughter of Ra and Protector of the Sun
Bastet was the daughter of the sun god Ra, defending his light against the forces of darkness.
It is said that she fought the serpent Apophis, who tried to swallow the sun every night, to maintain the cycle of light and life.
▪️ Protector of the Pharaoh
Bastet was also associated with protecting the Pharaoh, as she fought against evil spirits, magic, and diseases that threatened him. She became a symbol of protective power and the watchful eye on the security of the kingdom.
The Cat… The Sacred Animal in Ancient Egypt
▪️ The cat held a prominent place in Pharaonic civilization, becoming a sacred symbol representing purity and positive energy.
▪️ Abode of the Goddess’s Spirit
The Egyptians believed that Bastet’s spirit resided within cats; therefore, the cat was a sacred, spiritual creature that could not be harmed.
▪️ Protecting Homes
Cats were kept in homes to protect granaries from mice and snakes, and their presence was associated with good fortune and prosperity.
▪️ Respect and Punishment
It was forbidden to harm or kill a cat, and anyone who did so faced severe punishment, out of respect for its sacred status.
▪️ Mummification Rituals
When a cat died, the ancient Egyptians mummified it with great care and buried it in special tombs, just as they honored a human being, in recognition of the spirit of Bastet, which it represented.
◾️Article by Eman Sayed..