So I heard a lot of messages from Hekate during 2023. First I was advised that Hekate could assist me with a project, and I had been thinking about this for a while because I wasn't sure I wanted to work with Her but at the same time, there are plenty of coincidences that are leading me to think that She might just be someone with whom I could work.
It was during the 3rd Annual Cauldron of Wisdom conference that I discovered that Hekate really does want to work with me but I'll talk about that later because I'd like to give some information about Hekate first.
Hekate is the Greek goddess of magick, sorcery and wisdom but She started out as a goddess of fertility and childbirth, being called on during puberty and when girls were starting their monthly cycles. As time passed, She became associated with magick and sorcery while also seen as a mother goddess. Between 305 and 30 BC, She was elevated to goddess of ghosts and the spirit world and can be seen depicted as carrying the keys to the spirit world.
But Hekate has other sides to Her because She's the guardian of three-way cross-roads and can be symbolised by a spinning wheel. But Hekate is also a liminal goddess who can cross from this world into the Underworld where spirits reside. She's also associated with Diana in her aspect as a light-bearer which is known is Diana Lucifera.
The Dark or Waning Moon is ruled by Hekate, Cybele and Ceridwen. This Moon is the time when things can be cast away, let go of and released. It's also the time when insights can be gained. This Moon is really powerful for healings as well but there is a caution about these three goddesses: they are powerful! Hekate is known as a protector of the vulnerable but not in a nurturing and mothering way - She's vengeful, exacting vengeance on those who harm those She protects.
Within magick, the Dark Moon could be used for "black" or baneful magick (curses, hexes and such) but it's the most powerful time for gaining understanding. In my personal opinion, this time should be spent in contemplation, meditation and preparation, much like the winter time when things retreat into themselves to rest before spring draws them out again but remember that if you feel you need to do the opposite, then do so.
Traditionally, the Dark Moon is not the time for action, unless you are banishing something, and even then, this is best done during a Waning Moon while there is still some moonlight shining down. But the Dark Moon is also called the New Moon so there are conflicting opinions about this. What I have found is that the three days where the power of the "New" Moon is strongest - the day before, the day of, and the day immediately after - can be seen as the Dark Moon because there is no light available from the Moon and it only becomes New when the first sliver of the Waxing Crescent can be seen.
Even in the Greek mythology, Hekate is given the highest honour because she was a Titan, a goddess from pre-Olympian times. Zeus would give her splendid gifts, and a share in the earth and sea, as well as honouring Her in the starry skies. But here's an interesting part: Zeus would never do anything to wrong Her or take anything away from Her. Hekate is the only child of the Titan Perses and the nymph Asteria, and She was given honour not just for this but even more because Zeus Himself honoured Her.
So with all this information about Hekate, how is She relevant to my Craft? Well, the funny thing is that where I live is literally nothing but three-way crossroads! I'm surrounded by them and this is rather scary for me as I was previously afraid to build a relationship with Hekate, mainly because I didn't really know much about Her. But now that I know more about Her, I'm starting to think She may have been trying to get my attention for a while.
One of my favourite animals is an Owl - this is one of the animals associated with Hekate, along with dogs, horses, black female sheep, bats, snakes and boars. White sheep are the most common sheep to be found but I have to admit that I do like a black sheep, maybe because I've always felt like the "black sheep of the family". However, I have always loved owls and how majestic they are - to me, they are one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. I don't really have any personal phobias of any of the animals associated with Hekate so it may be time to really think about how I can work with Her.
Hekate is associated with any dark-coloured animal so she could also be associated with black cats which I love the idea of because my black cat loves to be around me when I'm working my magick.
During the Goddess Archetype Rituals workshop of the 3rd Annual Cauldron of Wisdom virtual conference, Angelina Caporele led a meditation to meet with a goddess who was calling to me. I was open to whomever appeared but it was actually Hekate who came to me. She gave me three items: a cauldron, a book that was more than just a book, and a staff. I have a small obsession with cauldrons and recently received a small cast iron one in the April 2023 Witch Casket. I always love books and I do believe that they hold more than just the words and images on their pages. What's really interesting about the staff is that I didn't feel that it was a newly finished staff, it felt more like it had been used before and was now being passed on to me. Statuettes of Hekate can show Her carrying torches or a magical staff. So whether She gave Her staff to me or a different staff, I'm sure I'll discover this while working with Her.
I'm sure you will have noticed that even when I don't mention Hekate's name, I still capitalise the word I use when referring to Her. I do this to honour Her as a goddess, to show that She is more than me and that I am honoured to have this opportunity to work with Her.
I hope you've found this as interesting as I have and that it inspires you to consider how you can either work with Hekate yourself or with another deity. I hope to do a tarot reading to connect with Hekate and see what messages She has for me.
Peace and love to all!!
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