Pakhet - Tearer
A small summary of Her attributes - but please keep in mind that I cannot vouch for how correct these are.
Also known as
Pachet, Pekhet, Phastet, Pasht, Hor-Pakhet, Paket, Pekheth, Pekhit, Pakht
Titles
Eye of Ra, Night Huntress (with sharp eye and pointed claw), Goddess at the entrance/mouth of the Wadi, Lady of Sopdet, The Great
Roles
Patron of inner strength (especially that of women) and motherhood. Huntress of the night. Warrior goddess, protectress against vermin. Goddess of the eastern desert. Protectress against evil spirits and enemies of Egypt. A defensive, loving mother.
Celebrations
Feast of Pakhet
Signs & symbols
Lioness, cat.
Associations
Colours: black, dark blue, dark grey, silver. Scents: patchouli, musk. Gems: obsidian. Nature: desert storms.
Offerings
Cool water, hunting equipment, things connected to the night, desert sand, weapons.
Cult center
Near Beni Hassan. (Underground cave above Tell el-Amarna at Speos Atrimedos.)
Relations to other netjeru
Possibly a combination of Bast and Sekhmet. Daughter of Ra. Later equated with Artemis. Associated with Heru, Aset, Hethert and Weret-Hekau.
Depictions in art
Lion- or cat-headed woman.
My personal impressions
I have much affection for Pakhet, perhaps because of Her close association with my Mother Bast. She feels very different though. She is, if possible, even more stealthy, and there is much less joy in Her. While I think She is loving toward those who honour Her, She is more serious and reserved than I expected. She dwells in the shadows, and She keeps an eye on you, staying just out of sight. She has an ancient vibe about Her, as if She was the first huntress of the night who stalked the earth.
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