Hecate
She Who Manifests Her Will
Hecate (pronounced HECK it) is a pre-Olympian goddess. Because she is more ancient than the Olympians or even the Titans, Hecate is free from the constraints that bind other gods, as their powers are often bound to the realms in which they serve. Hecate, on the other hand, is free to wield her powers in all realms. This ability to travel so freely has given her the magic over transitions and liminal space. Thus, Hecate is most often honored at gateways, thresholds, crossroads, or boundaries of any variety. Zeus is said to have honored Hecate above all others. With her, Zeus shared the right to grant or withhold gifts from humankind. In all the early Greek representations of Hecate she is depicted as a beautiful young woman. Sometimes referred to a triple goddess, she actually served the role of the maiden, while Persephone was the mother and Demeter the crone. These three women had a close friendship and it is only much later that she is mistakenly moved to the position of the crone. Still, it was difficult for a lovely woman of such power to retain the position of innocent. For she is comfortable on both sides of the veil. She rules over all useful herbs, those that are magical, healing or poisonous and governs their secret knowledge. Crossroads became seen as ominous and dangerous places while this goddess of abundance and eloquence became dark and old and foreboding. I wonder, however, if it is simply the vast quantity of her powers that have inspired fear while giving her this dark depiction.
Magic of Hecate
General
Chakra:
Element: Water, Fire
Sabbat: Samhain
Planet: Moon
Zodiac Sign:
Color: Black
Day:
Herb: Yew, Garlic, Aconite, Belladonna, Dittany, Mandrake
Totem: Wolfhound, Polecat, Toad, Dragons
Stone: Moonstone, Jet, Onyx, Black Obsidian
Offering: Garlic, Eggs, Fish
Power
Transition
Wisdom
Power
Protect
Luck
Banish
Heal
Death
Aromatherapy
Sandalwood
Cypress
Peppermint
Glossary
Deipnon
A deipnon is the evening meal, often the largest meal of the day. Hekate’s Deipnon is a monthly meal served to the goddess Hekate and the restless dead. Taking place during the dark moon, this is a time of reflection, an opportunity to release the baggage from the month and request that the goddess light your path ahead. Traditional offerings include cake, bread, garlic, fish, eggs, and cheese.
Crossroads
Crossroads are located wherever two or more roads intersect. In mythology, they often represent a transition between worlds and a place that is neither here nor there. In Greek mythology, shrines and ceremonies for Hecate take place at these intersections. She is sometimes called the goddess of the crossroads.
Keys
Hecate is the keeper of keys. Symbolic of unlocking mysteries and removing barriers, keys have been used in amulets and charms in many folk practices. Because they are often made of iron, they can also be protective against harmful magic. Hecate’s keys unlock secrets and knowledge. They open portals into other realms. They keep thresholds and gates protected.
Dog
The animal most commonly associated with Hecate is the dog. It is said that she could shapeshift into a black dog while the sounds of barking would announce her approach when she was in her human body. The dog is also well known as a guardian, defending the home and the people that it loves. This ties in nicely with Hecate’s role as protector of hearth and home.
Torch
Hecate often appears holding a torch or two. This symbol represents the strength of will as well as the flame of knowledge. Fire shares the power of Hecate to bring illumination as well as destruction, thereby traveling the realms of life and death alongside her.