Bast or Bastet, the famous cat goddess of ancient Egypt. Depicted as a lion headed or cat headed woman often carrying an ankh or papyrus wand. She is associated with the all seeing eye (the utchat) and a rattle (the sistrum). Bastet was considered the goddess of pleasure, her sistrum linking her to music and dance. She was also the goddess of protection, child birth, nurturing and motherhood. (www.goddess-guide.com)
