Bast (or Bastet or Pasht) was the Egyptian goddess who appeared in cat form. The Egyptians highly revered cats; the word for cat, mau, also denoted light and was cognate with the word mother. The cat is a lunar animal and also a solar animal representing the power of the sun as reflected in nature. Since the cat is an earth animal, Bast is also an earth mother goddess, a giver of life and abundance. In touch with her wild, instinctual nature, she also is a protector of women in childbirth. Like a cat, she is fiercely independent and belongs to no one but herself. Bast is one of the more joyful goddess, her elaborate festivals in the town of Babustis were renowned for their joyful dancing. Embodying a cat's gentler aspects, Bast is a personification of life and fruitfulness. The quint essential life-affirming mother, she reminds us to be playful and relaxed like a cat and to find occasion to celebrate life.