The Egyptians held magicks, sorceries, and other aspects of the occult in high reguard. Witchcraft was taken from a scientific approach using astrology, astronomy, alchemy, and knowledge of herbs and plants. Many problems were solved by magick; marital problems, health problems, evil spirits, etc. Cats were often used in spells and incantations. Cats were considered sacred since they were the reincarnation of the goddess Bast. Spells, potions, and other magicks were done very carefully and precisely. Spoken spells had to be very precise to work. The Egyptians are considered by some to be the first true "witches" in history.