Gems of the Goddess
BAST
Do you ever find yourself thinking about how you would rather be lounging around somewhere else, engaging in something luxurious? Bast would always and forever encourage you to do so. She is the Egyptian cat Goddess of passion, pleasure,and the sun to name just a few. She loves to dance, and remembers to never take things too seriously. Who wouldn’t want her around? Especially if she can help you with love issues as well as self doubt obstacles. She has that special nocturnal cat vision, that allows her all seeing eyes to see through the darkness in physical circumstances and emotional ones, so we can become our true selves. Bast herself is one strong and loving personality, which attracted her many followers. She was worshiped around 3,000 B.C.E, and was known for her protectiveness of households and of women. Her worshipers of Ancient Egypt attended her shrine in Baubastis, that was made of pink granite and was considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in the world. The temple grounds also held Bast’s cat followers who were mummified within the cemetery in her honor.
When she wasn’t being worshiped for the exquisite goddess she is, she would ride with her father Ra, the sun god, in his chariot to pull the sun across the sky. She lived a life of ease and luxury, but always made sure to help her fellow Egyptians by giving them fertile crops to plant, and water to fill the rivers. So in this case she is also a fertility goddess.
With all these attributes, also came her addiction to love. This wasn’t a negative addiction, mind you, but Bast had a way with both men and women. She had many lovers and affairs, all involving her special ingredient of seductive passion.
A very playful goddess, but also very motherly and on her guard about those whom she loved. This intense warrior side came in handy when she found her father in danger of the god Apep, who was his largest enemy. Ra’s followers tried everything they could to protect him, but in the end it was his daughter Bast who killed Apep within the darkest hour of the night with her all-seeing cat eyes, that shone as brightly as the moon itself.
CONNECTING WITH BAST
Do what Bas would want you to do and party it up! Stop the stress, and know that your true essence is perfect. So, turn up your music, spray on your perfume, and wear the prettiest thing in your closet (preferably red if you have it). You can also burn some of Bast’s herbs in her honor, and don’t forget to ask her to dance with you. Don’t be afraid to add luxury to your life in whatever form you want. You deserve it. Always remember that if you feel you need a “you” day, be sure to take advantage of it. Those days are vital to you and those around you, as well as part of the road to enlightenment. Sometimes you need to spend some time with yourself to get a better hold on whats going on in your life. Bast would urge this, and would be willing to protect you if a moment of crisis strikes.
SYMBOLS AND THINGS TO PUT ON YOUR ALTER
Cats, perfume, clay pots, music, dancing, red, gold, cypress, barley, catnip, mint, yew, cinnamon, frankincense, lavender, cat’s eye, sunstone