Bastet was worshiped in Egypt as a deity since at least the Second Dynasty. She was the Goddess of pleasure, protection, and the bringer of good health, as well as Goddess of the Rising Sun.

Called the Lady of the East, and known as the Sacred and All Seeing Eye, it is said she would accompany her father Ra on his daily ride through the sky. At night she was his protector, Goddess of the Moon, taking the form of a cat to protect him from the serpent Apep. She is shown here with a Sistrum, and ancient musical instrument and representation of her Goddess of pleasure role, as well as an Ankh, representing her connection to Life and the Afterlife.

All types of wild and domesticated cats have been associated with Bastet throughout the ages, believed to be her earthly form, and given high status due to their ability to protect humans and crops from pests, and thus, disease. They were commonly mummified and presented as offerings to Bastet in her temple, or buried alongside a person to gain her protection in the afterlife. She is associated with gemstones Lapis Lazuli and Carnelian and in modern times, Tigers Eye.