Description

Bastet Invocation And Altar Guide

 

History of Bastet

Bastet Invocation And Altar Guide, Bastet, also known as Ubasti or Bubastis, is one of the most significant deities in ancient Egyptian religion, with a rich history that spans thousands of years. Her worship can be traced back to the Second Dynasty (around 2890 BC), indicating her long-standing importance in Egyptian culture.

Origins and Early Depictions Initially, Bastet was depicted as a lioness, symbolizing her fierce and protective nature. She was associated with the sun god Re, embodying both the nurturing and destructive aspects of motherhood. As a lioness, she represented strength and ferocity, which were essential traits for a goddess tasked with protection and warfare. Over time, as cats became domesticated around 1500 BCE, her image evolved to include the more gentle and nurturing aspects of a domestic cat, reflecting the changing relationship between humans and felines.

Transition to a Domestic Goddess As the worship of Bastet developed, her character softened. She became associated with home, fertility, childbirth, and women’s secrets. This transition marked her dual nature: while she retained her fierce protective qualities, she also embraced the nurturing aspects of domestic life. This duality is evident in her titles, such as The Lady of Dread and The Lady of Slaughter, which highlight her fearsome reputation alongside her role as a protector of the home and family.

Cult and Worship Bastet’s cult flourished particularly in the city of Bubastis (modern-day Tell Basta), where her temple became a major center of worship. The Ptolemaic era saw a peak in her veneration, with large festivals held in her honor that attracted thousands of worshippers. The Greek historian Herodotus described the temple at Bubastis as a magnificent site, emphasizing the importance of her worship in ancient Egyptian society.

Symbolism and Representation Bastet is often depicted as a woman with the head of a lioness or as a domestic cat, symbolizing her protective nature and her association with home life. Cats were revered in ancient Egypt, and their connection to Bastet further elevated their status. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense, reflecting the deep respect for this goddess and her feline manifestations.

Legacy Bastet’s influence persisted throughout ancient Egyptian history, and she remains a symbol of protection, fertility, and domesticity. Her worship reflects the complexities of ancient Egyptian beliefs, where deities embodied both nurturing and fierce qualities. Today, Bastet is recognized not only as a significant figure in ancient mythology but also as a cultural icon representing the deep bond between humans and cats.In summary, Bastet’s history is marked by her evolution from a fierce lioness goddess to a beloved protector of the home and family, illustrating the changing dynamics of ancient Egyptian society and its reverence for the natural world. 

 

Bastet Invocation And Altar Guide

 

Bastet Invocation And Altar Guide – Bos Pages, In witchcraft and various pagan and occult traditions, Bastet is often recognized as a goddess associated with cats, protection, fertility, and the moon. She originates from ancient Egyptian mythology, where she was a prominent deity in the pantheon. Bastet, also spelled Bast or Baast, was originally depicted as a lioness-headed goddess associated with the sun, war, and protection. Over time, her image transitioned to that of a domestic cat-headed or fully feline goddess. In this form, she became associated with fertility, motherhood, sensual pleasure, and the home.

In modern witchcraft and pagan practices, Bastet is revered as a powerful and benevolent goddess. She is often invoked for protection, especially related to matters of the home, family, and relationships. Bastet is also associated with feminine energy, intuition, and lunar magic, making her a popular deity for those who work with moon cycles and feminine spirituality.

 

8 page set, Comes with 2 sets

1 x white

1 x vintage

Example of pages: