Hekate is the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy. She is depicted as a triple goddess, with three faces (maiden, mother, crone) looking in different directions, which leads to her association with crossroads. Hekate is the only daughter of the Titans, Asteria and Perses. A guide and protector to many.
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On this blog, I will reblog posts about Hekate and leave digital offerings in her honor.
it's been one year, Lady Hekate. you brought back something very special and important, which opened a new road in my life. thank you forever and always.
guardian of the gates - key holder - queen of witches
Hekate’s Deipnon is a monthly celebration, and is the first day of the three day ritual that includes Noumenia & the Agathos Daimon! Hekate’s Deipnon always takes place on the last day of the month of the Attic calendar.
This is a day for cleansing, purification, and wrapping up the month to prepare for the next month!
And remember, on the Attic calendar all days actually begin at sundown!
☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ Goddess Worship: An Introduction of Hekate ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾
Note: Hey guys. I am indeed very late for the calendar but. life lately has been erratic and complicated. Today we have the last introduction of deities I work with/worship. This post is to provide some information about the deities but also how I work with them personally. Everyone has their own methods with the Gods, and you should do whatever feels right with you while also respecting the bases of the religions.
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Historical Background:
Hecate (or Hekate) is a goddess from the Greek pantheon associated with magic, witchcraft, the moon, night, necromancy, and crossroads. Her origins are debated, but she appears in Greek mythology as a powerful and ancient deity, sometimes associated with the Titans or as a daughter of the sky god Perses and the star goddess Asteria. She is also linked to the pre-Greek civilizations, potentially from Thrace or Asia Minor, where her worship may have originated based on the most recent archeologic studies. As the deity of crossroads with the power of navigating between worlds, we find several counterparts on other mythologies/religions: Exu, Papa Ledga, Janus, Odin, Hubal, ect
Atributes and Symbols:
Torches: Hekate is often depicted holding two torches, symbolizing her ability to illuminate the unseen or unknown. Hekate is the goddess of magic, she is believed to be able to cross both the dead and living realm
Keys: Mostly linked for her to be a guardian and also to hold secrets.
Dogs: Dogs are sacred to her, especially black dogs who seem to be her loyal companions
Snakes: they symbolize her connection to the underworld.
Crossroads: Hekate is associated with the liminal spaces where three roads meet, symbolic of her power over transitions and the boundaries between worlds.
Moon: Her magic is tied to the moon phases, which is why most people who worship her will perform rituals during the moon phases.
Worship and Rituals:
Deipnon: The Hekate's Deipnon was a monthly offering made at each new moon, where supplicants left food offerings (bread, cheese, eggs, garlic, and fish sometimes wine as well and basically what they had to offer in her honor) at crossroads to appease her and ask for her protection.
Crossroads Shrines: Small shrines or altars to Hekate were frequently placed at the boundaries of homes, gardens, or towns, especially near crossroads. Worshipers would leave sacrifices like incense, honey, and eggs.
Witchcraft and Magic: Hekate is invoked in spells, particularly those related to protection, divination, necromancy, and curse work. Her role as a liminal goddess gave her the power to grant access to the underworld and the unseen forces. However Hekate is a very strong presence and not for begginers as your spells can turn against you if you aren't experienced enough.
-> When worshipping Hekate, it is fundamental to make offerings during every moon phase to apease her energy and allow it to flow through you during your spells. An altar/shrine is mostly necessary if you want to work with her. Offerings can be given to her at her altar for three days before you can remove them and dispose of them in a crossroad for the wandering spirts.
"Greek Religion" by Walter Burkert
"Hekate: Liminal Rites" by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine
Marquardt, P. A. (1981). A Portrait of Hecate. The American Journal of Philology, 102(3), 243–260. https://doi.org/10.2307/294128
Boedeker, D. (1983). Hecate: a transfunctional goddess in the Theogony?.
Transactions of the American Philological Association (1974-), 113, 79-93. Daşbacak, C. (2008).
Hecate cult in Anatolia: Rituals and dedications in lagina. Anados 6-7/2006-2007 Studies of the Ancient World
