Long before she became a name in modern witchcraft, Bastet was worshipped in the warm sands of Ancient Egypt. She is a goddess of many faces—fierce protector, gentle mother, and playful cat spirit. To work magic with Bastet is to honor her complexity and to invite her balance of strength and softness into your own life.
Bastet is often shown as a sleek black cat or a woman with a lioness head. Cats were sacred to her, not just because they were skilled hunters, but because they embodied mystery, independence, and sensuality. To the people of Egypt, she was both protector of the home and bringer of joy, music, and pleasure. Her presence meant safety, beauty, and spiritual insight.
In modern practice, Bastet is still called on for protection, healing, and empowerment. She can help with everything from shielding your energy to opening yourself to self-love. Her magic is gentle but powerful, wrapping around you like a purring cat that also has sharp claws ready to strike if danger comes too close.
Working with Bastet means opening your heart to her dual nature. She invites you to find strength in softness, courage in pleasure, and power in play. Her magic is both grounding and uplifting, reminding us that being strong doesn’t mean closing ourselves off—it means moving through the world with confidence, grace, and magic in our stride.
Magic with the Goddess Bastet
Who Is Bastet
Bastet is one of the most beloved goddesses in Egyptian mythology. At first, she was depicted as a lion-headed warrior, fierce and untamed. Over time, her image softened into the sleek domestic cat, a symbol of grace, beauty, and hidden strength. This transformation shows her layered nature—she is both the roaring lioness and the gentle cat, fierce protector and loving nurturer.
Her role wasn’t just symbolic. Ancient Egyptians believed she actively guarded their homes and families. Amulets and statues of cats were placed in households to honor her and invite her protection. To this day, when witches call upon her, they often feel that same comforting shield, a sense that she is watching and warding off harmful energies.
The Story of Bastet
Bastet’s story stretches back thousands of years, to the temples of Ancient Egypt where her name was whispered with reverence. In her earliest form, she was known as a fierce lioness goddess, daughter of Ra, the sun god. She fought at his side, defending him from Apophis, the serpent of chaos that tried to swallow the sun each night. Bastet’s roar was the sound of divine power, keeping darkness at bay and ensuring the rising of the morning light.
Over time, Bastet’s image softened. From lioness, she became the sleek black cat, symbol of mystery, grace, and hidden strength. As Egyptian life shifted toward home, family, and pleasure, she became a goddess of joy, beauty, sensuality, and protection. But her lioness side never disappeared—it lingered, reminding everyone that she could be gentle, but also fierce when needed.
Cats were sacred in her name, and harming one was unthinkable. Families would keep cats to protect their homes from snakes and pests, and these animals were treated as divine gifts from Bastet herself. When cats purred, Egyptians believed it was her blessing, filling the home with calm, healing, and protection.
Temples of Bastet once rang with music, dance, and offerings of sweet perfumes. Festivals dedicated to her were some of the most joyful in Egypt, filled with celebration, laughter, and passion. To worship Bastet was not only to seek her protection, but also to embrace life’s pleasures and honor the sacred balance between strength and tenderness.
What Bastet Can Help You With
Bastet’s magic stretches across many areas of life. She is most known for protection, especially for women, children, and the vulnerable. But she also rules over pleasure, sensuality, beauty, and joy. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your body or too weighed down by stress, Bastet can help you rediscover simple pleasures—like laughter, dancing, and self-care.
She is also a powerful ally in shadow work. Bastet encourages you to embrace your wild, instinctive side while also keeping balance. She reminds us that both the soft purr and the sharp claw are sacred. Her energy helps you honor boundaries, cultivate confidence, and claim your power without fear.
Inviting Bastet Into Your Practice
The easiest way to honor Bastet is through cats themselves. If you share your home with a cat, you’ve already felt her presence. Treat your cat with care, and you honor Bastet. If you don’t have one, images or statues of cats work beautifully. Place them on your altar, light a candle, and speak her name with reverence.
She enjoys offerings like perfumes, sweet-smelling oils, music, and dance. In fact, dancing as an offering is one of the most powerful ways to connect with her. Movement, joy, and rhythm carry your devotion directly to her. You can also offer wine, honey, or flowers—gifts of beauty and pleasure that resonate with her essence.
A Simple Protection Ritual with Bastet
Here’s a small but powerful ritual to call on Bastet’s protection. Find a quiet place and light a black candle. Place a small cat statue or image before you. Close your eyes and imagine a sleek black cat circling around you, her golden eyes glowing with warmth. Feel her presence guarding your space.
Say aloud: “Bastet, guardian and goddess, protect me with your claws and comfort me with your purrs. Let no harm come near, let only joy remain.” Sit in silence, feeling her shield around you. When you’re ready, thank her and blow out the candle. This ritual may be simple, but it leaves a lasting energetic protection that lingers like her watchful eyes.
Healing with Bastet
Bastet is not only a protector but also a healer. Her energy is soothing, much like the calm you feel when a cat curls in your lap and begins to purr. She helps ease anxiety, reduce stress, and bring peace after emotional turmoil. Her magic can feel like a warm blanket wrapped around your soul.
To work with her healing energy, hold a piece of rose quartz or amethyst while invoking her name. Ask her to fill you with peace and restore your inner balance. You may feel a gentle warmth in your heart or even hear the faint echo of a purr within your spirit. That’s Bastet reminding you that healing doesn’t have to be hard—it can be soft, slow, and loving.
Bastet and Sensuality
One of Bastet’s most beautiful gifts is the reminder that pleasure is sacred. Ancient Egyptians celebrated her with music, dance, and festivals filled with joy and sensuality. She blesses intimacy, fertility, and the celebration of the body. To deny pleasure, in her eyes, is to deny the magic of being alive.
You can honor Bastet by celebrating your own sensuality. This doesn’t have to be sexual—it can be anything that makes you feel alive in your body. A warm bath, dancing under the moon, enjoying a delicious meal, or wearing something that makes you feel radiant. Bastet’s energy helps you reclaim pleasure as sacred magic.
Signs Bastet Is Near
When Bastet is close, you might notice cats acting unusually affectionate or watchful around you. You may find cat imagery popping up—statues, jewelry, artwork—even if you weren’t looking for it. Sometimes she announces herself with synchronicities, like repeatedly hearing her name or feeling sudden comfort in moments of fear.
Dreams are also one of her favorite ways to reach you. A dream of a cat with glowing eyes, or of being protected in the night, is often her way of saying she’s near. When you feel her, take a moment to whisper thanks. A little acknowledgment goes a long way in deepening your bond with her.
Building a Relationship with Bastet
Like any goddess, Bastet responds best when you treat her as a living presence, not just a symbol. Speak to her daily, even if it’s just a quick “thank you” before bed. Keep her in your thoughts when you care for animals, enjoy beauty, or create moments of joy. She is a goddess who loves consistency and genuine connection.
Over time, you’ll feel her more strongly. She might send you comfort when you’re down, or energy when you need to stand tall. With Bastet, it’s not just about calling on her in ritual—it’s about weaving her magic into your daily life, allowing her strength and sweetness to shape the way you live.
9 Signs Bastet Is Calling You
1. Cats Are Drawn to You
If cats always seem to notice you—following you on the street, curling up at your side, or staring deeply into your eyes—it may be Bastet sending her messengers. Cats are sacred to her, and she often uses them to let you know she’s near. These moments are more than coincidence; they’re whispers of her presence, guiding you toward her path.
You might even find cats behaving strangely around you—acting protective, bringing you small “gifts,” or staying close when you’re sad. This isn’t random; it’s Bastet’s way of showing you that you are under her watch. When cats gravitate toward you, take it as her subtle invitation.
Next time it happens, pause and whisper a thank you to Bastet. That acknowledgment opens the door to a deeper relationship, and you’ll likely feel her protective warmth wrap around you more often.
2. You See Cat Imagery Everywhere
Bastet loves to catch your attention through repetition. You may suddenly start noticing cat statues, jewelry, artwork, or even tattoos everywhere you go. Sometimes you’ll stumble upon Egyptian-style cats with golden eyes, other times it’s simply cat faces staring out at you when you least expect it.
This isn’t just your imagination—it’s her way of tapping on your shoulder. The goddess often uses symbols to get our attention when she wants us to listen. When cat imagery keeps appearing in your life, it’s time to pay attention and ask what she’s trying to tell you.
Consider journaling each time you notice these symbols. Patterns may appear, revealing how she’s trying to connect with you.
3. You Feel Protected in the Night
Bastet was long seen as a guardian who fought off evil spirits and protected homes after dark. If you’ve ever felt a comforting shield around you in your sleep—or dreamed of a cat guarding your bed—she may be near. Nighttime protection is one of her oldest gifts.
Some people even notice they stop having nightmares after calling on her, or they feel a cat-shaped weight curl beside them in bed though no cat is there. This is Bastet at work, offering comfort in the hours when fear is strongest.
If this happens to you, light a candle at night and thank her for her guardianship. She thrives when you acknowledge her presence.
4. You’re Drawn to Perfume, Oils, and Music
Bastet’s festivals were famous for their perfumes, dancing, and music. If you’ve suddenly become fascinated with scented oils, incense, or rhythmic music, it could be her influence. She draws you into her world through joy, pleasure, and beauty.
The urge to dance for no reason, or to wear perfume that makes you feel alive, may be her whisper. She doesn’t just want to protect you—she wants to remind you that joy and beauty are sacred.
Follow those instincts. When you move your body or anoint yourself with scent, you’re unconsciously stepping into her magic.
5. You Feel Both Fierce and Gentle at Once
Bastet is both lioness and cat—fierce protector and gentle nurturer. If you’ve been feeling torn between being soft and being strong, she may be calling you to embrace both. Her lesson is that you don’t have to choose—you can be powerful and tender at the same time.
This dual energy may show up as sudden bursts of confidence paired with deep compassion. You may feel protective of those you love while also craving peace and affection. These shifts are her way of guiding you to balance.
Notice when this duality arises—it’s Bastet shaping your spirit in her image.
6. You’re Healing Through Cats or Their Energy
The sound of a cat purring is believed to have healing properties, and Bastet embodies this soothing power. If you’ve been leaning on cats for comfort during hard times—or even listening to purring sounds to calm anxiety—you’re connecting with her.
She is the goddess who heals through warmth, presence, and peace. If you notice your heart easing or your mind quieting whenever you’re near cats, that’s her working through them.
Honor this healing by inviting her into your practice. A simple prayer of gratitude magnifies her comfort.
7. You Have Strong Boundaries Forming
Bastet is a protector, and when she calls you, you may suddenly feel stronger about saying “no” or setting limits with others. You’ll feel a lioness awakening inside, sharpening her claws. This shift in energy isn’t random—it’s her blessing.
At the same time, you may notice you’re drawn to protect others—friends, family, or even strangers. This protective instinct reflects her influence. She is guiding you to stand tall and shield yourself and those around you.
Pay attention to this empowerment; it’s her gift to you.
8. Dreams of Cats or Egyptian Symbols
Bastet often comes in dreams, sending messages through cats, glowing eyes, or symbols like the ankh. If your dreams have recently been filled with cats—especially protective ones—it’s a strong sign she’s reaching out.
These dreams may leave you waking up with a sense of calm or empowerment, even if they were brief. They’re her way of slipping into your subconscious to guide you without resistance.
Keep a dream journal to track her visits. Over time, the messages will become clearer.
9. A Pull Toward Egyptian Magic
If you’ve suddenly found yourself fascinated by Egyptian mythology, symbols, or rituals, it’s no accident. Bastet may be guiding you to explore her roots. You might feel drawn to ankhs, pyramids, or hieroglyphs without knowing why.
This magnetic pull is her way of saying she wants to be part of your path. She is inviting you to step into her ancient magic and bring it into your modern practice.
Follow the pull—it’s the start of a powerful connection with her.
9 Ways to Work Magic with Bastet
1. Create a Bastet Altar
Dedicate a small space in your home to Bastet. Place a statue or picture of her, along with candles, flowers, and perfumes. This becomes a sacred space where her presence is strongest.
An altar helps you focus your energy and build a relationship with her. Each time you light a candle or leave an offering, you’re strengthening your bond.
Over time, this altar becomes a gateway to her magic—an anchor that brings her energy directly into your daily life.
2. Offer Perfume and Incense
Bastet loves sweet scents. Offer perfumes, incense, or essential oils in her honor. Let the fragrance fill your space as you call on her.
Scents act as a bridge to her, carrying your devotion into the unseen. She responds warmly to gifts of beauty and pleasure.
This practice also brings joy and sensuality into your own life, aligning you with her magic.
3. Dance for Her
Dance was one of Bastet’s favorite offerings in Ancient Egypt. Moving your body to music is a direct way to honor her.
You don’t need formal rituals—just put on music and let yourself move freely. Dance with joy, sensuality, or even fierce strength, whatever feels right in the moment.
As you dance, visualize her watching, purring with approval, and blessing you with her radiant energy.
4. Call on Her for Protection
When you feel unsafe, light a black candle and ask Bastet to surround you with her shield. Visualize her as a sleek cat, circling you with golden light.
Her protection is both spiritual and emotional—she guards your energy as fiercely as she guards your home.
Make this a regular practice, and you’ll feel her claws ready to strike against anything that threatens you.
5. Meditate with Cats
If you share your home with a cat, spend quiet moments meditating beside them. Their calm, steady energy is Bastet’s blessing.
Even if you don’t have a cat, visualize one sitting beside you as you meditate. Imagine its purr vibrating through your body, bringing peace and healing.
This practice connects you to her healing side and strengthens your ability to sense her presence.
6. Use Cat Symbols in Magic
Cat imagery is powerful in spells and rituals for Bastet. Draw a cat symbol, wear cat jewelry, or place a cat charm in your home.
These symbols act as her signature, calling her energy into your work. They’re especially useful in protection and empowerment spells.
With time, you’ll find cat symbols naturally weaving into your magic, always tied to her blessing.
7. Celebrate Joy and Pleasure
Bastet teaches that pleasure is sacred. Celebrate joy through good food, laughter, sensuality, or self-care. Each act of pleasure is an offering to her.
When you honor your body and spirit through joy, you’re living in alignment with her energy. She thrives in spaces where laughter and beauty are present.
Treating pleasure as sacred transforms your daily life into a living ritual for Bastet.
8. Work with Moonlight
Bastet is often connected with the moon, mystery, and nighttime protection. Sit under the moonlight and call her name. Imagine her sleek form glowing with lunar energy.
You can charge crystals, dance, or simply bask in the moon’s glow while honoring her. This strengthens your connection and taps into her mystical side.
The moon makes her presence feel especially strong—use this time to deepen your bond.
9. Speak to Her Daily
Bastet loves consistency. Speak to her often, even casually, as though she’s a trusted friend. Share your thoughts, gratitude, or requests.
Daily communication keeps her close. You’ll start to notice synchronicities, dreams, and feelings of her presence more often.
With time, your relationship with her becomes natural—like walking through life with a divine cat always at your side.
Walking with Bastet’s Blessing
To walk with Bastet is to carry both grace and strength within you. She reminds us that joy is just as important as courage, and that our softness does not make us weak—it makes us whole. Her presence shields, heals, and empowers, wrapping you in both comfort and protection.
When you honor Bastet, you step into a path of balance—where magic is playful, sacred, and strong all at once. Whether through rituals, offerings, or the simple act of honoring a cat’s mystery, you invite her blessing into your world. And once Bastet has walked into your life, she rarely leaves. She stays, watching with golden eyes, guarding your heart, and whispering magic into your soul.
