ASKING BAST FOR GUIDANCE–
BY DIVINATION

The Egyptians were masters in divination, which took up a very important place
in their religion. One can just remember Joseph interpreting the Pharaohs’ dream
in the Bible, or Moses who is said by some to have got his mysticism from
Egypt, or Alexander the Great who stopped for guidance at Amun’s oracle, and
the famous "mummy curses". Now here is a safe ritual, taken from the Leyden
Papyrus, with which one might ask Bast for guidance. One may also ask Bes or
Hathor instead, but should limit oneself to one deity.

First of all a divining bowl is needed. In Ancient Egypt these bowls were made
for that purpose, but a common bowl of pottery (be careful that it is not toxic
in any way) would be quite as good, provided it is consecrated to the purpose
of divination.

The second thing needed is green ink, preferably a vegetable ink, which can be
prepared by grinding herbs and leaving them in water (comfrey, mint and/or
lettuce, which was aphrodisiac according to the Egyptians, are all excellent), or
bought directly in shops.

Now write a question(s) at the base and at the inner sides of the bowl using the
vegetable ink. Then, while contemplating the deity being invoked write his/her
name three times. (Bast’s name is in hieroglyphics on this page.) Pour water in
the bowl, preferably water consecrated by the person completing the ritual, and
let the request be dissolved. Then drink the water and go sleep on the problem.
In Ancient Egypt this would have probably been done in a temple. Upon waking
record any dreams, either by use of writing or by use of a tape recorder. After
some time listen/read the dream again and analyze it. More than likely the answer
will be contained there, waiting to be found out!

The pictures are two words in hieroglyphics, the one at the top is the name of
Bast, the second one is "cat" in Egyptian (pronounced "mau").