23 April 2011

The Egyptian Goddess: Bast

Bast (also known as Baset or Bastet), was said to be the daughter of Ra who was first known as the Sun Goddess but after contact with the Greeks was changed to the Moon Goddess. Bast was so loved by the Egyptians that the city of Bubastis, a trade major center, was named in her honor. There was also a temple to Bast located in the harbor.

Usually portrayed as a woman with a cat's head, she is often shown holding loaves of bread, perfume bottles and accompanied by kittens, Bast represents feminine qualities including cosmetics, perfume, oils, fine art and jewelry.