bastÃc

Bast c, also known as Bastet, is an ancient Egyptian goddess. Originally depicted as a lioness, she later transformed into a domestic cat or a cat-headed woman. Her name is thought to be derived from the word for "she-cat" or "woman."

Bast c was the goddess of home, domesticity, fertility, childbirth, women's secrets, and the protective spirit of the home. She was also associated with protection from evil spirits and disease, as well as pleasure and music. Her cult center was at Bubastis in the Nile Delta, where large cemeteries of mummified cats have been discovered, indicating her importance and the reverence with which cats were held.

The ancient Egyptians viewed cats as sacred animals, and harming one was considered a grave offense. Bast c was a benevolent deity, often depicted holding a sistrum, a musical instrument, symbolizing joy and celebration. She was also seen as a nurturing and protective figure, particularly for women and children. Over time, her imagery and attributes sometimes merged with those of other goddesses, but her core identity as a feline protector remained.