Baltimore and Bastet

The city of Baltimore holds a lot of significance to my family.  My daughter and husband are graduates of Johns Hopkins University.  My father and I both had lifesaving measures performed by the exceptional medical staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  My Dad's cancer was successfully treated at JHH in the early 1950s and I received my kidney transplant there in 2010.  These days, we enjoy visiting Baltimore for the cultural aspects.  There are many sights to see and museums to visit.  One of our favorite stops is the Walter's Gallery.  It houses a generous bequest of art and archaeological artifacts and is open to the public free of charge.

On our last visit to the Walter's gallery earlier this year, I purchased a small replica of a graceful cat statue made to represent Bastet and I learned a bit more about my purchase afterwards.

 

The domestic cat was revered in Ancient Egyptian civilization.  The cat was regarded as an animal of awe and wonder.  Families owning cats made certain their feline companions were well cared for and respected.  Killing a cat in those times, even by accident, was punishable by death.  Deceased cats were often mummified and buried in tombs with their owners.

 

Bastet, or Bast, was an Egyptian deity said to be the daughter of the highest deity Ra, the Sun God.  This deity was represented in the form of a cat or a cat's head on a woman's body.  Among the Walter's Gallery archaeological collections are stunning original statues from ancient times depicting Bastet.  An entire hall in the gallery is dedicated to archaeological finds from early Egyptian society.

 

Bastet's primary role was as a protectress of women, children, and domestic cats.  She was also the goddess of the sunrise, music and dance, family, fertility, and birth.  She was a benevolent deity and a highly beloved goddess.  Even today, there are those who continue to acknowledge and pay homage to Bastet and there are many, the world over, who deeply love their cat companions!

 

 

 

I'm so happy to post the shining eyed face of our beautiful cat Pacey, a photograph I snapped just yesterday.  Several months ago, Pacey was near death due to severe stomach issues. The efforts of her incredible veterinarian, who was willing to work closely with us and try several approaches to get her back to good health, were successful and Pacey is not only still alive, but thriving. 

Maybe Bastet sitting on our window ledge helped her out, too :)