Bastet: Difference between revisions
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==Earth Mythological References== | ==Earth Mythological References== | ||
Originally, Bastet was depicted as a woman with the head of a lion to show her war-like side. In the New Kingdom, her image was ‘softened’ with her head being changed to that of a housecat and she was generally perceived as a goddess of happiness and carried a sistrum (a musical instrument). Bastet considered cats to be sacred and killing a cat – even accidentally – was an offense punishable by instant execution. Cats were mummified in her honor. She personified the beneficial, fertilizing power of the sun. Her festivals were among the most popular in ancient Egypt, boasting record attendance and consumption of wine more than at any other time of the year. Her cult center was in Bubastis, and she was worshipped in all of Lower Egypt. | |||
==Stargate References== | ==Stargate References== | ||
Revision as of 19:21, 29 September 2004
Earth Culture of Origin
Egypt
Alternate Names / Spellings
Bast (‘she of the perfume jar’), Also Sekhmet, although there is some confusion as to Bastet and Sekhmet being one in the same. She is also connected to Hathor, Tefnut, Atum (her father), and Mut.
Presides Over
Love, sex, fertility, music, dance; patroness of pregnant women and secrets; protected humans against disease and evil spirits. She is also said to preside over Lower Egypt.
Personal Symbols
Cat, woman with a cat’s head, perfume
Earth Mythological References
Originally, Bastet was depicted as a woman with the head of a lion to show her war-like side. In the New Kingdom, her image was ‘softened’ with her head being changed to that of a housecat and she was generally perceived as a goddess of happiness and carried a sistrum (a musical instrument). Bastet considered cats to be sacred and killing a cat – even accidentally – was an offense punishable by instant execution. Cats were mummified in her honor. She personified the beneficial, fertilizing power of the sun. Her festivals were among the most popular in ancient Egypt, boasting record attendance and consumption of wine more than at any other time of the year. Her cult center was in Bubastis, and she was worshipped in all of Lower Egypt.
Stargate References
Episodes
Related Characters
Related Articles
Further Reading
Actor
--Article Started by: DeeKayP 12:02, 28 Sep 2004 (PDT)
--Article Completed by: