Goddess Bastet Slaying Apep

8.25 x 11 inch print of the Egyptian goddess Bastet, or Bast, slaying the snake demon Apep. According to myth, she protects her father Ra by sitting at the helm of his barge as he journeys through the underworld at night, encountering the demon of darkness Apep and fighting him in defense of the Sun God. Because of this act, Ra makes his journey safely and is able to rise again as the life-giving sun the next morning! 

Bast is known as the goddess of cats, the rising run, fire, light, joy, fertility, and dancing. She represents the life-giving properties of the sun and is seen as a protector of women, children, and the household. Her battle is one of triumph of light over darkness. 

Cats were highly revered in Ancient Egypt for their association with Bast and their hard work as mousers and snake-catchers, protecting the family from disease and starvation from grain ruined by vermin. Goddess Bast is thought to guard against disease and protect the household from harm due to these traits found in domestic cats. 

Bast speaks to me because she remains light, fun-loving, and dancing even though she knows she has a hard battle ahead of her each night. She doesn’t let fear rule her! 

I hope you enjoy this print as much as I enjoyed making and researching it!