Homonym: Bastet (Cat)
Bastet is an ancient Egyptian goddess often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness. She is associated with home, fertility, and domesticity, as well as protection against evil spirits and disease. Bastet was worshipped primarily in the city of Bubastis, where her cult center was located.
Originally, Bastet was a fierce lioness goddess, symbolizing the protective aspects of motherhood. Over time, her image softened, and she became more associated with the nurturing qualities of a domestic cat. Cats were sacred to her, and they were often kept in homes as symbols of her protection and grace.