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Bastet, The Cat GoddessThe ancient Egyptians worshipped the goddess Bastet, who was the daughter of the sun god Re. Until about 1000 B.C., she was portrayed as a lionness. It then became more common to portray her as a human being with the head of a domesticated cat. She is the goddess of fire, the home and, of course, cats. Some legends consider the cat goddess to be the personification of Isis, one of the more important goddesses in Egyptian mythology. Isis was said to be both a giver of life and judge of the dead. The Cat Goddess was considered gentle and protective as well as more aggressive and even vicious when necessary. Pharoahs believed that she aided them in slaughtering their enemies in battle, while women called on her to protect them and their homes.
The Lioness SekhmetIn Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet is the sister of Bastet. She is a warrior and a huntress that rules the sunset, destruction, and death. She is also the goddess of rebirth and wisdom which follows death and despair. Legend has it that the sun god Ra created Sekhmet from the fire in his eyes to punish people for their sinful behavior.Sekhmet later became protector of the righteous and the sister-goddess of Bastet.
She has the head of a lioness and is usually depicted with black skin and orange or red hair and eyes.
Freya and her Chariot of FireThe Nordic goddess Freya was said to have ridden a chariot of fire that was pulled by a pair of Norwegian Forest Cats.
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