HOME | DD

Description
In ancient Egypt murdering a cat resulted in a guaranteed death sentence for the human offender.

Based on the finding of cats buried with humans in the ancient Jericho archeological dig, we can assume cats have been domesticated for over 9,000 years.

The worship of Bast in Egypt began about 2890 B.C. (if not earlier) and lasted for about 3000 years. Bast is one of several names known as the "Eye of Ra", this title denotes a protector, destroyer or avenger. She was a daughter of the sun god Ra and her initial role as the king's protector eventually spread to include children and pregnant women. She then became a symbol of maternity and fertility.

Early Egyptians worshipped the lion headed goddess Bast. It was not until about 1000 BC that she was represented with a cat's head and the domestic cat also became an object of reverence.

In Egypt male cats were called Mau and females Mait. Cats knew the words to vanquish the powers of darkness and would whisper them to people who loved and befriended them. The black was believed to carry particularly potent magical powers.

The Greeks identified Bast with Artemis. Artemis (or Diana) often appeared in cat form. The legend of cats having nine lives probably stems from Artemis as the mother of the nine muses or from the nine primal great Deities of Egypt; a male and female pair for each of the 4 elements plus their mother.

Description
In ancient Egypt murdering a cat resulted in a guaranteed death sentence for the human offender.

Based on the finding of cats buried with humans in the ancient Jericho archeological dig, we can assume cats have been domesticated for over 9,000 years.

The worship of Bast in Egypt began about 2890 B.C. (if not earlier) and lasted for about 3000 years. Bast is one of several names known as the "Eye of Ra", this title denotes a protector, destroyer or avenger. She was a daughter of the sun god Ra and her initial role as the king's protector eventually spread to include children and pregnant women. She then became a symbol of maternity and fertility.

Early Egyptians worshipped the lion headed goddess Bast. It was not until about 1000 BC that she was represented with a cat's head and the domestic cat also became an object of reverence.

In Egypt male cats were called Mau and females Mait. Cats knew the words to vanquish the powers of darkness and would whisper them to people who loved and befriended them. The black was believed to carry particularly potent magical powers.

The Greeks identified Bast with Artemis. Artemis (or Diana) often appeared in cat form. The legend of cats having nine lives probably stems from Artemis as the mother of the nine muses or from the nine primal great Deities of Egypt; a male and female pair for each of the 4 elements plus their mother.