Bast and Sekhmet: Eyes of Ra

by Storm Constantine, Eloise Coquio

A unique work on the history and magic of the Egyptian feline goddesses, "Bast and Sekhmet", from the ancient land of majestic splendour and long-held secrets. Practising pagans Storm Constantine and Eloise Coquio discuss the important role cats - who have been both worshipped as gods and reviled as demons - play in many people's lives, not just as pets but as spiritual totems. A manual for magic incorporates all the rituals the authors' circle have used, with suggestions for creating one's own, whether working solo or in groups. Also discussed are such aspects as temple creation, attuning with your own cat familiar, and ritual techniques. Finally, the authors suggest ways in which you can work in Bast's name in this world, such as by 'adopting' a lion or helping animal charities. "Bast and Sekhmet Eyes of Ra" was written in response to the ever-increasing popularity of and demand for information about these powerful and mysterious deities - ancient goddesses for the new millennium.

Genres: Egypt, Mythology, Nonfiction, Spirituality

Hardcover

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

Storm Constantine was a British science fiction and fantasy author, primarily known for her Wraeththu series.

Since the late 1980s she wrote more than 20 novels, plus several non-fiction books. She is featured in the Goth Bible and is often included in discussions of alternative sexuality and gender in science fiction and fantasy; many of her novels include same-sex relationships or hermaphrodites or other twists of gender. Magic, mysticism and ancient legends (like the Grigori) also figure strongly in her works.

In 2003 she launched Immanion Press, based out of Stafford, England. The publishing company publishes not only her own works but those of new writers, as well as well-known genre writers, mainly from the UK.

Reviews

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve yet to pick up a book by Stom Constantine which I haven’t found a rich, stimulating read. This was no exception. It offered a fascinating taste of Egyptian history, mythology, religion, and magic, along with how to incoporate elements of all of these into modern rituals today, focusing around the goddesses Bast and Sekhmet. A variety of other writers added their words to Storm Constantine’s, sharing their experiences, how they were drawn to these particular goddesses. The stories varied from heartbreaking tales of cat abuse and murder, with those left behind searching for someone to champion the poor felines who fall prey to the cruelty of children and sadists to fascinating accounts of curious events happening just down the street from the British Museum and its ancient guardians. Recipes for making your own incense and oils were included, giving a modern liveliness to a belief that’s old, ancient, and overwhelming which has played a vital part in civilization for centuries. All of these elements come together, creating a bridge between ancient Egypt and the modern world, a bridge that various people have built in different ways.

I read this with an eye not to practice the ritual described, but to learn from them. As a reader with an interest in history, a writer wishing to create worlds with systems of magic and belief of her own, a human with two cats figuring prominently in her life, and an avid fan of Storm Constantine’s work, I decided to buy and read this book. To say it was well worth reading is an understatement. Storm Constantine has a way of relating matters of religion, magic, and practices in an open-minded, philosophical manner which leaves the reader freedom to creatively interpret these matters for herself. I learned a great deal from this book about Ancient Egypt and magic, which stimulated my imagination, giving me renewed energy for my own projects. Storm Constantine, you’re a burst of intellectual and creative vitality in the literary world. Don’t ever stop.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

would have been nice for the rites and rituals to have been changed for solitary worship. they also referenced Budge, which showed its age. I appreciated it, but it's still not that *miracle book* on bast that im looking for.

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read – although a bit too eclectic for my tastes. Yet still, I'd recommend to those who are keen to embark on a magical exploration and who are starting out on this sort of path. I do find this enriches my own ideas of practice.

[Pixie Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased when it first came out in the last century and when books on Sekhmet were few and far between. A favourite which I still dip into many years on. A must have for lovers of these two goddesses.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great compilation of what's known about the two Egyptian goddesses, Bast(et) and Sekhmet. I have long been fascinated by ancient Egypt and have recently taken up reading a wide variety of books about the topic again. These writers assembled the information and took it one step further in covering how contemporary Pagan traditions are renewing experiences of these two femal deities. I'd recommend it for both those interested in esoteric knowledge about Egypt and those interested in comtemporary pagan movements.

[HRM Maire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to read about what other people have experienced with the Goddess (in two of Her aspects, here). Makes me feel inspired to find out what I can by myself. I originally bought the book intending to read about Bast, but ended up reading all the Sekhmet material, instead. Easy to read, with an engaging style, with no claims to being the only "authentic" source. They've done their research, gathered up others' knowledge and their own experiences and offer the results with generous hearts.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Surprisingly disappointed in this book. A good half of this book has nothing to do with Bast or Sekhmet and should not have been included. The authors clearly favor Bast, which I wouldn't begrudge, but they often talk about Sekhmet as if the only reason they include her is because they're afraid of her.

[Patricia Tinkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous! A must read for anyone who loves ancient Egyptian dieties and the cats of the ancients! Meow meow puurr

[Rosea Bellator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatos incríveis, semelhantes ao que passei. Adorei a maneira como ensinam a magia e como nos fazem enxergar com a imaginação. <3

[Louise Coquio · Rating 5 out of 5]

i might be biased!