#witch hecate

[doodledue]

[2019] Witch Hecate

[the-witch-of-the-wood]

Worshiping Artemis, Selene and Hecate as a Triple Moon Goddess

Starting out my research on witchcraft, I found a fascination and pull towards the concept of the ‘Triple Moon Goddess’ often found in Wiccan and other neopagan practices. The triple moon goddess refers to the three forms the moon takes during her lunar cycle; the maiden when she is new, the mother when she is full, and the crone when she nears the end of her cycle. 

The triple moon goddess is worshipped primarily in Celtic witchcraft, the type of craft my family originates from and what I learned first. Moving from Celtic deities to Greek ones, I found Artemis, Selene, and Hecate (Hekate) can form a similar concept of the triple goddess as they are seen as the Greek lunar goddesses. This was also popularized by the Romans when the three goddesses Diana (artemis) Luna (selene) and Hecate were worshipped in the same triade.

For one, all three are associated in some way with the moon and the night. Selene was the Ancient Greek primordial goddess of the moon, the personification of the celestial body, and sister to Helios, the sun god. Artemis adopted the title of ‘moon goddess’ when she was later moved into the Roman pantheon in the form of Diana, a combined goddess of Artemis and Selene, like her twin brother Apollo and the sun god Helios. Hecate (Hekate) is the closest to the concept of the triple moon goddess, often depicted as such as she is the goddess of witchcraft and crossroads. Her mother, the Titanide Asteria was the goddess of falling stars, which is likely Hecate’s connection to the night and the moon. 

It’s quite easy to place the three goddesses into the roles of the triple moon; Artemis as the maiden, forever chaste and young, Selene, the older and wiser Titanide, mother of many other gods, and Hecate (Hekate), the crone, the secluded and all-seeing goddess of magic. I worship each of them during their respective cycles, although as a maiden myself, I feel a stronger connected with Artemis. 

How I worship:

Moon rituals and spells are the easiest way of honoring the triple goddess and most of my readings / spells are performed at night during the appropriate phase of the moon. I also incorporate moonstone and silver jewelry into my everyday worship and study the cycle of the moon and stars from month to month. (Some personal things I have found is that Artemis loves dancing under the moon as a form of offering, Selene is helpful during tarot readings and Hecate comes to me during meditation.)

That is only my interpretation of the triple moon goddess and the goddesses I feel most connected to. Interact with this post if you worship these beautiful lunar goddesses too :)

[mylnalbum]

~ Completed Suits ~

Pigeon: Witch Hecate

[blackmagic-viola]

𝕳𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖊

goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy.

[dariumarneus]

[fyon-me]

Some of my favourites suits from Love Nikki. Worthed every goddam diamond spent on them ❤❤❤

[incorrect0hicsqueak]

Dimity: I saw you walking home with Pippa yesterday.

Hecate: Of course, we are friends

Dimity: You were holding hands..?

Hecate: We were crossing the street!

[moved202347]

Hecate, the Queen of the Night, emerged in what is now modern Turkey. She is most famous as the companion of Demeter in her quest to find her kidnapped daughter, Persephone. Hecate is believed to be the unseen witness to every crime; she can be appealed to for justice, particularly when the crime is of a sexual nature against a woman or female child. Hecate would eventually serve as Persephone's handmaiden in her capacity as Queen of the Under world. Freya and Hecate would serve as the models for European stereotypes of witches, Freya as the dangerously seductive witch, Hecate as the wizened crone. Hecate holds dominion over life, death, regeneration and magic. She rules wisdom, choices, expiation, vengeance and travel. Hecate guards the frontier between life and death. She serves as intermediary between the spirit world and that of humans. Hecate holds the power to grant or deny any human's wish. Hecate most typically manifests as a mature woman or as a black dog. Dogs are her sacred creatures. Cerberus, the threeheaded hound who guarded the gates of the Greek underworld, may or may not be Hecate in disguise. Hecate has a particularly strong bond with her familiar animal; even when manifesting in human form, Hecate is rarely without canine companionship. On the rare occasion when she turns up alone, there will be some sort of dog reference so that you'll recognize her; she often circles in the manner of dogs. Her attributes include a toad, a pomegranate, a key, a cauldron, a broom, torch or knife. Hecate is most powerful during the dark moon phase. She only accepts offerings and petitions after dark, the only acceptable illumination being candles or torches. The last day of each month is dedicated to her and is the best time to ask for favors, inspiration or instruction. In addition, Wiccans celebrate November 16th as Hecate Night. Midwives, herbalists and magical practitioners may consider themselves already among Hecate's initiates. Garlic, honey and lavender are favored offerings. Traditionally, offerings for Hecate are placed on a stone or small plate and left at a crossroads after dark. Do not return for the plate or any part but consider all of it part of the sacrifice. (In other words, if you don't want to lose a plate, use a paper one.) Traditionally, Hecate's followers held dinners in her honor. Devotees feasted and shared their magical knowledge. Leftovers were placed outside the door or at a crossroads for Hecate and her hounds. Cynics scoff that these leftovers were actually consumed by feral dogs or homeless people without realizing that this was Hecate's intent, this is one way she accepts of ferings. Her ancient devotees also stained their palms and soles with henna in her honor. She recognizes herself in this gesture. Any action on behalf of dogs, Hecate's sacred messengers, is probably the offering she appreciates most.

~ Pure Magic, by Judika Illes | pg144