Bastet: The Cat Goddess of Ancient Egypt

If there is one ancient goddess who proves that cats have been running the world for thousands of years, it may well be Bastet (pronounced BAS-tet). Goddess of cats, protection, the home, women, fertility and pleasure, Bastet had a wonderfully varied role in ancient Egyptian life.

Bastet began her history as a more formidable goddess. In early Egyptian tradition she was closely associated with the lioness and with the fierce protective power of the sun. Over time, however, her character softened, and she became increasingly represented as a domestic cat or as a woman with the head of a cat. Rather than losing her protective nature, she simply became a little more approachable!

Goddess of Protection and the Home

Bastet was associated with protecting the household. Cats were highly valued in ancient Egypt because they helped control mice, rats and snakes, and their fierce hunting abilities made them natural symbols of protection.

Bastet therefore became a goddess who watched over homes and families, particularly women and children. She was also connected with fertility, motherhood, music, dance, perfume and pleasure. In other words, Bastet wasn’t just about keeping trouble away — she represented the enjoyment of the good things in life too.

The Great Festival of Bastet

One of Bastet’s most important centres of worship was the city of Bubastis in the Nile Delta. Her temple there became famous throughout Egypt, and large festivals were held in her honour.

These celebrations were anything but solemn. Ancient writers described music, dancing, feasting and plenty of merriment. Pilgrims travelled to Bubastis carrying offerings and celebrating the goddess’s joyful side.

Thousands of cat statues and other offerings dedicated to Bastet have also been discovered, showing how popular her worship became.

Bastet and Cats

Cats were sacred to Bastet, although ancient Egyptians did not necessarily think of every cat as literally being the goddess herself. Instead, cats were animals associated with her divine qualities — independence, watchfulness, grace and fierce protection.

Cats were so closely connected with Bastet that large numbers were bred and ritually offered to the goddess. Mummified cats have been discovered at several Egyptian sites, including vast cat cemeteries.

It seems that Bastet’s reputation for loving cats was well deserved!

Bastet Today

Today, Bastet remains a popular figure among people interested in Egyptian mythology, paganism and modern witchcraft. She can be viewed as a symbol of protection, independence, feminine strength, sensuality, the home and the simple pleasures of life.

For modern practitioners, Bastet can offer a particularly appealing reminder that spirituality doesn’t always have to be serious and solemn. There is room for laughter, music, good food, comfort, affection — and perhaps a cat curled up beside you while you practice your magic.

After all, if the ancient Egyptians were right, the cat may have been supervising the whole thing all along.