Often becoming merged together in mythology of ancient Egypt - both Sekhmet and Bastet have their own unique strengths.
Sekhmet (Sakhmet) is one of the oldest known Egyptian deities. Sekhmet's name comes from the Ancient Egyptian word sekhem, which means "power or might". Sekhmet's name is thus translated as "the (one who is) powerful or mighty". Sekhmet is a warrior goddess as well as goddess of healing. She is depicted as a lioness, the fiercest hunter known to the Egyptians. It was said that her breath formed the desert. No Question, Sekhmet is a warrior goddess, capable of destruction; but she was also a compassionate and powerful healing goddess.
Connection to Sekhmet: As you connect to Sekhmet you can to awaken her attributes in yourself—and her power. Although she brings a wildness that requires self control, there is also ample unconditional love and compassion, true balance and confidence, pure freedom, and the ability to own your true identity and purpose.
Bastet: Goddess of protection, She personified the playfulness, grace, affection, and cunning of a cat as well as the fierce power of a lioness. In depictions of wars on the walls of palaces and temples, Bastet was portrayed as a lion, and in homes she was a cat.
Kitten and Killer: There is an ancient tale of Bastet destroying the enemy of Ra, Apophis, by slicing off his head with her paw. In time, as Bastet became more of a familial companion, she lost all trace of her ferocious form, and is now more likely to be depicted as a house cat or a woman with the head of a cat. She is sometimes rendered in art with a litter of kittens at her feet but her most popular depiction is of a sitting cat gazing ahead. Her form may have softened to a beautiful cat, but her inner power is still as strong as it has always been. Never underestimate the goddesses power!
