Pakhet

In Egyptian mythology, Pakhet (also spelled Pachet, Pekhet, Phastet, and Pasht, Egyptian Pḫ.t), a solar deity with a desert cat's head. Her name means “The Tearer” or “She Who Scratches.” One of the titles of Pakhet was “Night Huntress With Sharp Eyes and Pointed Claws.” The protectoress of mothers and little children, Pakhet was one of the most ancient goddesses of Egypt. She was believed to give inner strength to people, especially to women. Thought to be a daughter of Ra, Pakhet was also associated with fierce desert storms. Pakhet was said to wander the desert alone at night, searching for prey. She was honored in an underground temple or cave, and mummified cats have been found buried there. Some theories state that Pakhet symbolized the mystery and power of women’s menstrual cycles. Pakhet was pictured as a woman with the head of a lioness or as a desert wildcat, often killing snakes with her sharp claws. She is believed to be the forerunner of both Bast and Sekhmet.

Her most famous shrine is known by the Greek name Speos Artemidos ("Cave of Artemis"—the Greeks considered her to be a form of that goddess), which was built by Hatshepsut.

External link

• Encyclopedia Mythica: Pachet
• Per-Bast.org: About Pakhet and Pasht//