The Name of Bast means "Devouring Lady," and She is one of the oldest Names of Netjer. An inscription with Her title of "Lady of the Life of the Two Lands" goes back more than 4500 years. The hieroglyphs of Her Name contain the symbol for an ointment jar, as you can see below.
Hieroglyphs of Bast's Name
In ancient times She was depicted as a lion-headed woman, a lioness, or a wild desert cat. Later, in the time of the New Kingdom, She became associated with the house cat. She can appear as a cat-headed woman or as a full cat, often with the Eye of Ra around Her neck.
[insert picture of Bast]
Bast is a warrior, a protectress, and a defender of the King and the nation. Her image was put on the shields of soldiers going into battle and She rode next to the King's chariot to protect Him. She kills the enemies of Ma'at so that those who do live in Ma'at can be safe.
Bast's symbols are the shield, the ointment jar, the sistrum, and the green stone malachite. Her city in ancient times was Per-Bast (Bubastis in Greek). It contained a beautiful red granite temple with an unusual design. Instead of the usual columned hall and dark sanctuary, it had a grove of trees surrounded by a wall. Many temple cats lived there.
Bast is concerned with happiness, and She will fight to defend it for the King and the people. She is Lady of Pleasure and Joy, like Het-hert. In later Kemetic history, Bast's festivals were great celebrations, with boat processions, music, and dance.
Bast has many of the characteristics of a cat. Sometimes She can be loving, and at other times She can be slightly cruel. She is both distant and close, invisible but present. She also has a great sense of humor. If you pray to Her, She'll help you, but in Her own way. Usually, She will give you what you need to solve a problem, but will let you find the solution for yourself.
Here is a prayer to Bast, written by Kai-Imakhu Antybast:
[insert prayer]
Test your knowledge!
[click on question to see answer]
1. Name three ways that Bast has been depicted throughout history.
2. What was the name of Bast's sacred city in Kemet?
3. Name two of Bast's areas of interest.
Read more about Bast here: The Domain of Bast
