Bast: Connecting with the Egyptian Goddess of Protection and Joy

Published on 12 July 2025 at 10:42

Today, we're going to delve into the captivating world of one of ancient Egypt's most beloved deities: Bast, often known as Bastet.

More than just a pretty face with a feline head, Bast is a powerful and multifaceted goddess, embodying protection, joy, dance, music, and the warmth of the home.

For many, the image of Bast immediately conjures up sleek black cats and ancient temples. While these are certainly part of her allure, connecting with Bast goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about tapping into her vibrant energy and inviting her benevolent presence into your life.

Who is Bast?

Originally depicted as a lioness or sand cat, Bast's imagery softened over time to the more familiar domestic cat. This evolution reflects her changing role from a fierce warrior goddess to a protector of the home, women, and children. She is a goddess of:

  • Protection: Guarding against evil spirits and disease.

  • Joy and Celebration: Associated with music, dance, and all forms of revelry.

  • Fertility: Both of the land and of women.

  • The Home: A nurturing presence that brings comfort and security.

  • Cats: Unsurprisingly, she is the patron goddess of felines!

Why Connect with Bast?

In our often-chaotic modern world, Bast offers a unique blend of energies that can be incredibly beneficial.

  • Seeking Protection? If you feel vulnerable or need a sense of security in your home or personal space, Bast can be a powerful ally.

  • Craving Joy? For those who feel life has become too serious, Bast reminds us to embrace lightness, laughter, and the simple pleasures.

  • Nurturing Your Home? She helps foster a warm, loving, and safe environment.

  • Embracing Your Inner Wildcat? Bast encourages confidence, grace, and an independent spirit.

How to Begin Connecting with Bast

Connecting with a deity is a personal journey, and there’s no single right way. However, here are some accessible starting points to invite Bast's energy into your life:

  1. Create a Sacred Space: Dedicate a small area in your home to Bast. This could be a shelf or a tabletop. You might include:

    • An image of Bast: A statue, a print, or even a drawing.

    • Cat imagery: Anything that reminds you of felines.

    • Offerings: Bast enjoys offerings such as:

      • Fresh water

      • Milk (a small amount, placed in a separate dish)

      • Honey

      • Sweet wine

      • Incense (especially frankincense, myrrh, or anything with a warm, comforting scent)

      • Catnip (for real cats, or a symbolic offering)

      • Music or musical instruments (even a small bell)

  2. Embrace Music and Dance: Put on some joyful music and allow yourself to move freely. Bast revels in celebration, and this is a wonderful way to honour her. You don't need to be a professional dancer – just enjoy the rhythm!

  3. Spend Time with Cats: If you have a cat, appreciate their independent spirit, their purrs, and their playful nature. If you don't, perhaps consider volunteering at an animal shelter or simply observing neighbourhood cats with a sense of reverence.

  4. Practice Self-Care and Joy: Bast is about enjoyment. Take a luxurious bath, listen to your favourite tunes, indulge in a delicious treat, or simply bask in the sun like a contented cat. Honouring your own joy is honouring Bast.

  5. Seek Her Protection: Before leaving your home, or if you feel uneasy, you can quietly invoke Bast for protection. You might say something simple like, "Great Bast, protect this home and all within it," or "Bast, fierce one, shield me from harm."

  6. Learn More: Read books, articles, or reliable online resources about Bast and ancient Egyptian mythology. The more you understand her lore, the deeper your connection can become.

Connecting with Bast is about inviting warmth, joy, and a sense of fierce but gentle protection into your everyday existence. It’s a reminder to find the sacred in the mundane and to celebrate the simple pleasures of life.

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