Bastet - Worship and Offerings Guide
If you're reading this, it may be because you've been chosen by Bastet. Congratulations! Bastet is a wonderful deity to work with. She is warm, kind, and protective.
If you're a cat person, then she is more likely to choose you. In ancient times, the city in which her temple lie was filled with cats. In fact, it was considered a crime punishable by death to harm or kill any of the cats. And when the cats passed away, they would be mummified and left in Bastet's temple.
Of course, nowadays you don't need to have a mummified cat to please her! She's quite easy to cater to, and willing to accept nearly anything as an offering as long as it was presented in good faith.
Well, like any relationship with a deity, it begins with a cup of tea. She seems to prefer fruity teas like hibiscus, as well as spicy teas like chai.
So, we know the basics of an altar. Depiction of the deity, candles, an incense holder.
Some things that Bastet would specifically appreciate are:
Fabrics (natural, cotton and silk)
Perfumes (not the cheap, artificial stuff mind you)
Jewelry (pretty much any kind is fine, as long as it's not plastic)
Glass, namely colored glass
Now that we have our altar set up, it's time to start with the offerings!
For food and drink, Bastet likes:
Fruits, namely tart fruits like pomegranates, raspberries, grapes, ect.
Flowers (not necessarily a food item, but it's organic in nature I guess)
Chocolates (milk or mildly dark)
Hibiscus, chai, and other fruity or spicy teas
Blue, green, red and purple crystals (some jaspers, amethyst, agates, ruby, serpentine, jade)
Glass, colored or otherwise
You can also honor Bastet by being kind to cats. You can give your cats special treats or toys, feed the stray cats or build shelters for them, or volunteer at an animal shelter.
All in all, working with Bastet is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. I hope your relationship with this deity is long and prosperous!
