The Devouring Lady

It is difficult for me to write about spirituality without feeling both naked and flaky. But, because I believe this subject is very important, especially now, I'm going to try.

My nom de plume means "beloved of Bast" in the Egyptian language. Bast is the cat-headed goddess; her name means "Devouring Lady." I do not follow the Egyptian religion, but I am drawn to Bast, and not just because I am a cat lover.



Bast is also known as "the eye of Ra," a protector and avenger as fierce and hot as the sun. She is the protector of women, especially expectant mothers, and children. She is also a protector of the home.

I imagine how she would react to a bruised wife, a bullied girlfriend, a frightened child, an ashamed and injured man. And how would she confront one who hurts the vulnerable and shatters the home's peace?

I imagine her, in cat form, comforting the hurt ones by curling up in their laps and purring soothingly. I imagine her soft paws dabbing away tears and her raspy tongue kissing hands and cheeks. I imagine peace and pure love radiating from her beautiful green eyes.


Gaze into her pupils and see yourself there. See how loved you are.

I imagine her, with a bloodcurdling yowl, flinging herself upon the abusers in a frenzy of slashing claws and sharp, shining teeth, burning them with the fire of her righteous anger, ears flattened, eyes blazing like the sun. I imagine her fierce joy in avenging the innocent.

With certain stories in the news these days, I know that some survivors of domestic abuse have had bad dreams and feelings of panic, depression, and helpless anger.

No one deserves to be called names, manipulated, controlled, robbed, deceived, forced into sex, threatened, struck or injured in any way. No one.

If you or someone you know is being hurt by someone close to her or him, know that there is help available. It can be scary to reach out, but you are strong and brave. You can get out, you can get away. You can thrive.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
http://www.ncadv.org/

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
http://www.ndvh.org/

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
http://www.rainn.org

The Emancipation of Artemis: Artists United to End Violence Against Women (Facebook group run by Jennifer Fields-Summer, a phenomenal photographer and a dear friend)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=54366834389

Cassiopeia photographed by Allisonmariecat.