Bastet is the Egyptian goddess of the home, domesticity, womens secrets, cats, fertility, and childbirth. She was worshipped as early as the Second Dynasty (2890 BCE) and was originally a fierce lioness warrior goddess of the sun, worshipped throughout most of ancient Egyptian history. Later, she became the cat goddess that is familiar today. Bastet was thought to be the physical form of the goddess and was the daughter of Ra, sister of Sekhmet, the wife of Ptah, and the mother of Mihos. Her form and powers changed over the years, and she was nicknamed the Lady of the East, Goddess of the Rising Sun, and the Sacred and All-Seeing Eye. She is also known as the Goddess of the Moon and was thought to be the eye of the moon and the eye of Ra. Some of her key attributes and aspects include:

• Protector of the home from evil spirits and disease, especially diseases associated with women and children.
• Patron goddess of cats and firefighters.
• Goddess of perfume, and was called the "perfumed protector".
• Protector and guardian of Lower Egypt.
• Goddess of fire, war, fertility, music, and celebration.

Bastets name evolved over the years. Originally it was Bsst, becoming Ubaste, then Bast, and finally Bastet. The meaning of her name is not known or, at least, not universally agreed upon.