The Egyptian goddess Bastet, her connection to cats and her significance
The goddess Bastet stands out because of her special connection to cats, but there is much more to her than that. She stands for grace, protection and joie de vivre and can also be a source of inspiration for you in our modern times. But first, let's find out more about its origins:
The origins of Bastet: Goddess of joy and protector
Bastet, also known as Bast, was originally a lion-headed goddess associated with war and protection. In later eras, however, she became associated with domestic harmony and the joy of everyday life. This change in her representation led to her often being depicted with a cat's head - a symbol of grace, vigilance and security.
In ancient Egypt, Bastet was worshipped as the daughter of the sun god Ra. She represented protection from evil forces and was also a goddess of light. Bastet protected the home and the family, brought good luck and was also the patroness of fertility.
The importance of cats in Bastet's mythology
Bastet is often associated with cats, and in ancient Egypt cats were considered sacred animals. They were considered protectors against snakes and other threats and were worshipped with grace and intelligence - qualities also attributed to Bastet.
The connection between Bastet and cats symbolizes not only protection, but also self-determination and elegance. Cats were seen as the embodiment of Bastet in ancient Egypt and it was customary to keep them in temples to the goddess. Killing a cat was considered a serious offense, which shows how closely the goddess was associated with these animals.
Goddess Bastet and her significance in the everyday life of the ancient Egyptians
Bastet was not only a goddess of protection and cats, but also of joy, music and dance. Festivals in her honour, such as the Bastet festival in Bubastis, attracted numerous pilgrims and were characterized by singing, dancing and festivities. These aspects made her a goddess who celebrated life in all its facets.
Bastet in modern times: a symbol of inner strength
The symbolism of Bastet is still relevant today. She stands for the balance between gentleness and strength, for protection and self-determination. At a time when many people are searching for inner harmony and stability, Bastet can serve as an inspiration. Her connection to cats reminds you of the importance of maintaining your instincts and independence.
Many of us are more focused on thinking, analyzing, planning, etc. in our everyday lives and have lost access to our intuition and empathy to some extent - even though it is actually there all the time. What if Bastet's essence could inspire you to reconnect more with your sense of yourself and what is important to you?
My picture: Bastet in modern times
In my painting "Bastet" I have tried to capture the essence of this goddess in a contemporary way. Her head is painted half as a cat to emphasize the connection between her mythological role and the symbolism of the cat.
The modern elements of the picture, such as the graffiti-inspired ankh, are intended to illustrate the connection between tradition and the present. The ankh, an ancient Egyptian symbol for life, has been implemented here like modern street art - as a sign that the messages of the ancient gods can remain alive even in the present day.
To emphasize Bastet's elegance and divinity, I used gold leaf to adorn her jewelry. The gold reflects her divine grace and at the same time brings a luxurious sheen to the image, emphasizing her importance as a revered goddess.
Bastet teaches us that strength and grace can go hand in hand. She reminds us how important it is to find the balance between protection and joie de vivre. In a world full of challenges, Bastet invites us to enjoy life to the fullest while maintaining our inner strength.
My image of Bastet is intended to convey precisely this message: The combination of the old and the new, the unity of gentleness and strength that we carry within us. Bastet is not only a goddess of the past, but also a symbol of the challenges and joys of our time.
German