This ancient Egyptian Cat Goddess bestows upon us the ability to traverse in between. As a Mercurial Goddess, she is a bridge that allows us to communicate through all things considered liminal. This daughter of Ra and Isis has empowered many of us within Dark Goddess Collective to find the full spectrum of our own experiences and greet them fully in the moment.
A beautiful shout out to everyone who made this Anthology possible, you are Sovereign BadAsses!
This amazing art can be found here! The object being held is a Sistrum, a Sacred Rattle used in ancient Egypt during ritual!
Correspondences
Lineage: Egyptian
Parentage: Ra and Isis
Stone: Tiger’s Eye
Element: All
Zodiac: Virgo, Gemini
Planetary: Mercury
Places: Bubastis, Saqqara
Animal: Cat
Symbols: Ankh, Sistrum, Ointment Jars
Sekhmet and Bastet: The Lioness vs. the House Cat by Ainsley
The duality of the Goddess, especially as seen in Sekhmet and Bastet, offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the duality of power: those who wield it versus those who, like a cat on the windowsill, prefer to keep it to themselves, quietly judging everyone from a distance.
Loud vs. Subtle
Sekhmet, the lioness goddess, is the ancient Egyptian version of, “Don’t make me angry—you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” She’s fierce, she’s powerful, and she’s ready to bring the heat, literally, with her associations with the scorching sun. Sekhmet is the goddess you call when you need someone to lay down the law, smite some enemies, or just remind everyone who’s boss. Her power is loud, proud, and capable of sending people running for the hills (or pyramids, as it were).
On the other hand, Bastet is the original “cat lady” of the divine realm.
As the softer, cuddlier side of the lioness, she represents everything cozy and comforting—think purring cats, warm hearths, and the smell of freshly baked bread. Bastet’s power isn’t about smiting your enemies; it’s about keeping your home mouse-free and making sure your life is filled with just the right amount of contentment and cat hair. Her influence is subtle, like a cat kneading your lap until you give up trying to move. Dare I say, “Demure and Mindful”! 😊
The Presence of Power
The duality between those who take power and those who are sovereign unto themselves is perfectly captured by the lioness and the house cat. Sekhmet, the lioness, is all about “take no prisoners” power. She’s the one leading the charge, claiming what’s hers, and maybe what’s yours too, if you’re not careful. Her power is like a lion’s roar—impossible to ignore and definitely something you don’t want to mess with. It’s the kind of power that demands attention, whether through force or sheer presence.
Bastet, however, is like the cat who owns the house. You might think you’re the one in charge, but let’s be honest, the cat knows better. Her power is sovereign, self-contained, and doesn’t need to be taken from anyone because she’s already got everything she needs. She’s the queen of her domain, whether that’s a grand palace or a cozy corner of the house. And unlike Sekhmet’s in-your-face authority, Bastet’s power is more like a gentle nudge that somehow makes you rearrange your entire schedule around her nap time.
Where We Find Them
In ancient Egypt, the big cats—lions and lionesses—were reserved for the Pharaohs and the elite. They symbolized royalty, power, and the ability to (literally) roar your demands and expect to be obeyed. If you were a lioness like Sekhmet, you didn’t just protect your territory; you dominated it. This is power at the top of the food chain, where everyone knows who’s in charge, and stepping out of line might get you swatted down (or worse).
For the general population, especially women, it was the house cat that reigned supreme.
Bastet, the gentle cat goddess, was the one you turned to for protection in the home, fertility blessings, and maybe a little help with the mice problem. Unlike the lioness, whose power is all about exertion and control, the house cat’s power is more about comfort, companionship, and the quiet confidence that comes with knowing you’ve got everything under control, even if it’s just your cozy little corner of the world.
Power Dynamics
The split between those who take power and those who are sovereign unto themselves is like the difference between a lioness on the prowl and a house cat lounging in a sunbeam. Sekhmet’s power is about taking what’s yours (or theirs, if you feel like it). She’s the warrior, the enforcer, the one who gets things done—even if it means breaking a few bones or hearts along the way.
Bastet’s power, however, is the epitome of self-sovereignty. She doesn’t need to take power because she already has it, in the form of a well-stocked food dish and a prime napping spot. Her power isn’t about dominating others; it’s about owning her space, her comfort, and her life. It’s the kind of quiet confidence that says, “I could chase that mouse, but why bother when I know someone else will do it for me?
Shifts in Power
The journey from lioness to house cat symbolizes a shift from fierce, outward-facing power to a softer, more inwardly focused strength. The lioness, like Sekhmet, is all about being the apex predator, the top dog—err, cat. Her power is about survival, dominance, and making sure everyone knows not to mess with her.
The house cat, like Bastet, is about a different kind of power. She doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. Her power is in her self-assurance, her ability to make you rearrange your entire day around her, and her unwavering belief that the world revolves around her (and, let’s be honest, it kind of does). This is power that doesn’t need to be fought for; it’s simply owned.
In the duality of Sekhmet and Bastet, we see two very different approaches to power. Sekhmet, the lioness, is all about taking power, wielding it, and maybe smashing a few heads along the way. Bastet, the house cat, is the master of self-sovereignty, quietly ruling her domain with a flick of her tail and a knowing purr. Whether you’re channeling your inner lioness or embracing your inner house cat, there’s power in both approaches—and sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply claim your spot in the sun and enjoy the warmth.
~ Ainsley
A Stone of Bastet – Tiger Eye
A huge shout out to Jane Shaw for sharing the magic of Tiger Eye with us!
Tiger Eye comes in many colors. Brown yellow, reddish, blue, blue black, black and they occur in a two-color combination that causes a gleam like a cat’s eye. The ancient Egyptians used tiger eye for the eyes of their statues of their gods. They feared anyone that wore a tiger eye around their neck. For they believed that person could see their deeds good or bad. Even if they were far away or tried to conceal them. It is believed that Tiger Eye protects a wearer from the evil eye. This stone is associated with the goddess Bastet.
The different colors fall with the chakra colors in the body.
Physical Healing Properties
Tiger Eye is used to strengthen the bones of the spinal column, strengthen vision (it is believed that Tiger Eye reinforces under water vision), treating reproductive system and sexual dysfunction, as well as throat issues.
Astrological and Zodiacal Properties
This stone is in tune with Gemini. Some people believe that wearing Tiger Eye to may lead to negative reactions due to planetary incompatibility.
It is ruled by the Sun and Mars.
Libra, Taurus, Capricorn and Aquarius are ruled by planets that clash with the star and planets that rule Tiger Eye. If your sign clashes with the Tiger Eye and you wear or touch it, it may make you feel strange. Even disturbed, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed.
Even though I am an Aquarius I will still use Tiger Eye. I find this stone mysterious and captivating. I just do not hold it for long periods. But let me tell you to sit with the stone in candlelight and meditate is enlightening to say the least.
Effect On the Emotional and Mental Layers
Tiger Eye links the two hemispheres of the brain, the right and the left side. It helps to attain mental clarity and carrying a Tiger Eye can help to stimulate the awareness of essential needs. This connection can direct a person’s attention to others’ needs.
This stone is good for group meditations.
Money, Profession
Tiger Eye is considered to be a stone that brings success and wealth. It can be used when increased prosperity is needed.
Cleansing
I use Palo Santo and Sage to cleanse. I also under moonlight to cleanse.
~ Jane
My references include WIKI, my own BOS, and Crystals by Connie Islin.
Aikat’s Experience with The Nocturnal Salve
Don’t forget to make your own Decadent Day Salve of Bastet by Juliette and one for a Nocturnal Salve of Bastet by Kaycee. Below, Aikat shares her experience with Bastet and one of the salves!
I did a little ritual of taking a bath and called upon Bastet. When I got out I anointed myself with the salve.
I rubbed quite a bit into my heart space for various reasons, however, one big reason was my chest hurt from that heart chakra energy that came through the night before and kicked my ass!
It was like asking Bastet to calm me, rejuvenate, and ease the opening of my heart space since the universe was so damn rude about it the night before.
I slept so good!
I dreamed of me standing outside watching hundreds of flying cats migrate in the sky, as if it was a normal migration, but of course in awe because I was excited in the dream that I finally got to see it happen.
My chest doesn’t hurt.
The heart space has been eased.
While still tired, I feel much better!
And NeverMore slept with me all night, he hasn’t done that in a long time!
Catnip: Purrfectly Magical by Juliette
Believe it or not, the cats in the neighborhood leave my catnip alone. I have read, however, that they will navigate to cuttings and transplants. The Catnip this year was so hardy, it crowded out my Lemon Balm. Thankfully, even through the drought we had here in July, the Catnip is still going strong. My cats go wild for catnip when I give it to them, and it is so fun to watch them immerse themselves in it.
The picture above shows one of the bunches of Catnip I harvested earlier this summer and dried in my dehydrator for teas. Notice how square the stems are which tells me Catnip is part of the mint family. Catnip can be pruned hard and will grow back. Did you know you can take some of the bigger leaves and dry them to use as bookmarks in your magical books? I love to press leaves and flowers in my notebooks and can’t wait to see if this is something that I resonate with and feel how it deepens my magic.
Correspondences
Planetary Ruler: Venus
Elemental Ruler: Water
Zodiacal Ruler: Cancer, Libra, Pisces, Taurus
Goddess Associations: Bast, Sekhmet
Spiritual Properties:
- Emotions and States: Acceptance, Anger, Happiness, Stress, Peace
- Relationships and Social: Friend/ship, Love (attract), Harmony
- Health and Well-being: Sleep, Energy, Fertility, Strength, Psychic Ability
- Personal Growth and Mindfulness: Courage, Dreamwork, Magic (animal), Nightmare
- Home and Environment: The Home, Animals
- Fortune and Luck: Luck (attract), Problems
This remarkable herb, known for its spellbinding effects on our feline friends, holds secrets beyond its charming allure. From captivating cats with its irresistible aroma to its surprising benefits as a natural pest repellent, catnip is truly a marvel of nature. Catnip also offers intriguing benefits for humans, from soothing properties to its role in traditional remedies. For those within the community, enjoy the Catnip Monograph filled with some extra goodies like Moon Cycle tea and an excellent podcast recommendation here!
The Experience within Community
The way the Goddess shows up in community is wild! Much like the way we learn and grow as humans, as practitioners of magic we stitch together a magic growing wild with our sharing of experiences.
We are only limited by the restrictions we put upon ourselves and Bastet has an amazing subtlety:
She found new ways to claw my self-imposed restrictions to shreds through a dream at Bubastis.
How subtle you ask?
It took me days to piece together that the barriers to my own sensual power, the power that comes with feminine sexual energy, was my own doing as a safety mechanism. It took this dream, and only the women within it, to shatter the barrier to a power I somehow kept just beyond it.
And Bastet purrs softly:
What will you do now that you cannot unknow it?
That’s the thing with those who seek and find their wild magic growing as barriers fall:
I do what I want.
Hear Kaycee discuss some of the community experiences of finding Bastet (or Bastet finding us!) here!
A Candle & A Key,
Kaycee
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