Some gods come into sharper focus the more you learn about them, while others become ever more mysterious and beguiling. Hecate, the patron goddess of witches, is among the latter, at any rate for me.
She is renowned for her knowledge of herbs, poisonous plants, and communication with the dead. Associated with snakes, keys, and dogs she moves between the worlds.
Hecate, also spelled Hekate, is a complicated woman associated with light and darkness, crossroads, and her association with dogs. She is smart and powerful!
I will explore both who this goddess was to the ancient Greeks, and how she is celebrated today. Plus some easy ways to honor her and a protection spell. Keep reading!
Correspondences
Pantheon: Greek - she probably originated in Anatolia, Turkey as an agricultural deity and some scholars feel she originated in Ancient Egypt
Abode: She resided in Hades or the Underworld
Animals: Dog, frog, horse, polecat, and snake
Color: Black, Red, White
Divination: Scrying, Tarot
Elements: Earth, fire
Offerings: Bread, cheese, fish, garlic, honey, leaks, onions, wine
Herbs/Spices: Bay, Garlic, Jasmine, Lavender, Myhrr
Plants: Azalea, Belladonna, Cyclamen, Datura, Dittany, Henbane, Lavender, Mandrake, Monkshood, Willow, Wolf’s Bane
Planet: Moon
Crystals: Hematite, Jasper, Moonstone, Obsidian
Metals: Silver
Symbols: Crossroads, Keys, Torches
Numbers: 3, 7, 13
Wood: Cyprus, Yew
Who is Hecate?
Is she an old crone or a radiant youth?
Is she a virgin or, as a different tradition holds, the mother of the famous witches Circe and Medea?
Is she a protector of our homes, or does she roam crossroads and graveyards like a bloodthirsty ghost?
The simplest—and most difficult—answer to such questions is all of the above. For good reason, then, the pagan scholars of old interpreted her name as Hekatera, meaning “Both” in Greek.
Hecate standing at the crossroads.
Three realms
Greek mythology provides conflicting answers to the question of Hecate's origins, but the most common answer is that she is the daughter of an obscure Titan called Perses, “the Destroyer.”
It wasn't by birthright but because Zeus paid special honor to her that she became a co-ruler of the three realms: the sky along with Zeus, the sea with Poseidon, and the earth and underworld with Hades.
Since her power extends to all things, it's always good to invoke her, no matter who else you pray to and what you are praying for. For me, this usually means nothing more than adding “... and Hecate!” somewhere in my invocation.
Three goddesses
Hecate's threefold rulership is often symbolized by portraying her as a goddess with three bodies—or in other words, as three goddesses.
As the moon goddess Selene, with the power of birth, she rules above the earth.
On the earth, she is Artemis, who preserves life.
Below the earth, she holds sway as Persephone, the bride of Hades, and controls death.
All three goddesses are aspects of the one Hecate, and she not only has these three powers but a hundred (Hekaton in Greek), according to my favorite Roman antiquarian Servius. The Romans referred to Hecate as Trivia.
Triple Hecate in Louvre Museum, France. Photo by Christelle Molinié.
Ghosts and Specters
Of her three main aspects, Hecate is most strongly associated with the underworld, and also with its denizens.
Demons and ghosts are therefore often called “the dogs of Hecate,” in analogy to earthly dogs, which are sacred to her. She can send her “dogs” against people who offend her and call them off if those in danger invoke her.
The ghosts she sends show themselves as shifting apparitions that seem to be made of mist, and which dissolve into shadows only to reappear in a different shape the next moment. Some think that such apparitions aren't just sent by Hecate, but manifestations of the goddess herself.
Step By Step Guide
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What Do I Love About Hecate?
Hecate lives on the fringes of society. She did not desire to be a “central” deity in the Greek pantheon. Instead, she is most happy with her plants and animals.
There have been several cults dedicated to Hecate including the witches of Thessaly. She moves in between the worlds and is not easily defined.
This beautiful butterfly was named for her.
Hecate's Night
November 16th This is called Hecate’s Night. On this night she roams the earth with her hounds. This is also the night that new initiations are made for Witches who follow her.
Deipnon
At the ancient Deipnon festival, a meal (Greek deipnon) would be offered to the goddess.
Hecate's Deipnon is an ancient festival that honors the goddess Hecate, traditionally held on the night of the New Moon. The Deipnon (meaning "supper" in Greek) was a time to honor Hecate as the goddess of the crossroads, the underworld, and magic, and to purify one’s household and spirit.
Traditionally, a meal or food offering, called the "Hecate’s Supper," was left at a crossroads to honor Hecate. Common offerings include eggs, garlic, leeks, fish, bread, cakes, and wine. Modern practitioners can leave food offerings outside at a crossroads or at the threshold of their home. Hecate then blesses those inside.
Charity
Another important aspect of the Deipnon was charity, such as feeding the poor and taking care of your neighbor. This practice symbolizes gratitude and compassion, as well as an acknowledgment of Hecate’s role as a protector of the downtrodden and lost souls.
This is a philosophy that can be applied to animals as well. Another important aspect of the Dapenon was charity, such as feeding the poor or stray dogs, which were sacred to Hecate. This practice symbolizes gratitude and compassion, as well as an acknowledgment of Hecate’s role as a protector of the downtrodden and lost souls. Donate to your local humane society or wildlife rescue.
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Days We Honor Her
On August 13th Hecate is honored in Greece as an Earth and Agriculture goddess. Offerings would be left at the Crossroads ( honey cakes, mushrooms, wine) hoping to appease her so she wouldn’t bring crop-destroying storms.
January 31st is her Feast Day
Hecate was honored monthly in Rome on the 29th the day of Hacate’s Moon.
Although she has been historically celebrated at various times, in modern Western culture, Hecate is naturally associated with the time around Samhain. We also connect her to the season of fall in general, which is analogous to the waning moon.
Make A Food Offering To Honor Hecate
Offerings were supposedly often removed and eaten by the poor in ancient Greece. Today’s Hellenic Polytheists now take the Deipnon as an occasion to give to a homeless shelter or a food pantry instead of making a food offering in the strict sense.
Host a Feast For Hecate
Setting the Ambiance
Creating the right atmosphere is essential when preparing to honor the goddess Hecate. Consider incorporating the following elements into your feast:
Candles: Illuminate the space with an array of candles, as Hecate is often depicted carrying a torch. Place them strategically around the room to evoke a mystical, ethereal ambiance.
Altar: Designate a special place for an altar. Adorn it with symbols of Hecate, such as keys, black stones, or an image of the goddess herself. Surround the altar with dried herbs like lavender or rosemary to enhance the divine energy.
Incense: Burn incense to purify the space and to create a sacred atmosphere. Jasmine, myrrh, or sage are popular choices that align well with Hecate's energies.
Decorations: Incorporate black and silver elements into your decorations to represent Hecate's association with the night. Use fabrics, tablecloths, or napkins in these colors to enhance the visual appeal.
Creating the Menu
As you plan your feast meal, keep in mind that Hecate is often associated with herbs and spices. To truly honor her, consider incorporating these flavors into your dishes. Here are some suggestions:
1. Starters:
Charcuterie Board: cheeses, dried apricots, meats, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and crackers
Bruschetta with roasted garlic and a sprinkle of oregano.
2. Main Course:
Grilled fish seasoned with rosemary and thyme.
Grilled eggplant drizzled with a lemon and dill sauce.
3. Sides:
Quinoa salad with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and mint.
Marinated mushrooms
4. Desserts:
Greek honey cakes
Gingerbread cookies spiced with nutmeg and cloves.
Remember to incorporate seasonal ingredients and local produce into your menu to celebrate the bountiful offerings of the Earth.
Ritual and Invocation
To honor Hecate during the feast, consider including a ritual or invocation. As part of the ceremony:
1. Invoke Hecate: Begin by respectfully invoking Hecate, acknowledging her as the goddess of magic, crossroads, and wisdom. Express your gratitude for her presence in your life and her guardianship over your spiritual journey.
2. Offerings: Prepare offerings such as wine, honey, or pomegranate seeds, which are associated with Hecate. Place these offerings on the altar as a symbol of your devotion and respect.
3. Toast and Share: Raise a glass to Hecate and share a heartfelt toast with your fellow participants. Reflect on her significance in your life and the blessings she has bestowed upon you.
4. Divination: As a deity associated with witchcraft and magic, consider incorporating divination into your ceremony. Use tarot cards, scrying, or any other preferred method to seek guidance from Hecate or to gain insight into your spiritual journey.
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How to Celebrate
As the name “Hecate's Night” suggests, celebrations for this festival take place after sunset (remember that Hecate is a goddess of the Underworld and Otherworld)
Indoors
When celebrating indoors, you can make the offering at your household altar. Set out a plate with foods like eggs, garlic, onions, or pastry, and leave it until the next day.
For the invocation, use either of the hymns below or a self-written prayer. Regardless of the length, repeating the invocation (even it's just Hecate's name) three times will render it especially efficacious.
Outdoors
If you can celebrate outdoors, especially in a group, the offering is placed at a crossroads or, ideally, a fork in the road (i.e., a three-way split in the path). Use your judgment as to what kinds of offers can decompose without annoyance or risk to humans and other animals.
The way to the crossroads should be a torch-led procession, and in addition to communal prayers directed to Hecate herself, the Homeric Hymn to Demeter may be read in full or abbreviated form, so that all three aspects of the Triple Goddess are honored simultaneously.
Sacred Plants
Are you a Kitchen or Green Witch or interested in herbal remedies? Then Hecate is the goddess for you!
Hecate is associated with plant knowledge, herbal medicine, as well as poisons from plants. She is sometimes depicted with oak branches in her hair and the yew was said to be sacred to her.
Dittany
Dittany is another very witchy herb associated with Hecate. Used frequently in love spells it’s felt to be an aphrodisiac. It is also reputed to heal wounds and is the herb Hermine gave Ron when he was splinched.
Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) has a long history of use in magical practices, especially in casting circles, due to its strong associations with protection, astral travel, and connecting with spiritual realms. Here's how it is typically used in circle casting:
Protection: Dittany is often burned as incense or placed at the edges of the circle for protection. Its strong, aromatic scent is believed to create a barrier that wards off negative energies and spirits, ensuring a safe space for ritual work.
Enhancing Psychic Abilities: When used in a circle, dittany can aid in raising energy and heightening intuition. It is thought to help with connecting to the spiritual realms and is sometimes combined with other herbs like mugwort to enhance divination practices or communication with spirits.
Astral Projection: Dittany has a special role in supporting astral travel or journeying, making it a valuable herb in rituals where the practitioner seeks to travel beyond the physical realm. In these cases, it can be burned as incense within the circle to help facilitate the process.
Anointing Tools: Infusing oil with dittany can be used to anoint ritual tools like wands or athames before casting the circle. This is believed to bless and empower the tools with protective and spiritual energy.
Healing and Grounding: Since dittany is also connected to healing, it can be used to close the circle at the end of a ritual, helping to ground the participants and heal any energetic imbalances that may have arisen during the working.
Yew: As a tree of death, rebirth, and the underworld, yew is strongly associated with Hecate’s role as a goddess of transitions, particularly between life and death.
Willow: Willow trees are connected to moon magic and the underworld, both of which are domains of Hecate. It is used for spells of intuition, divination, and protection.
Cypress: Another tree associated with death and mourning, cypress is linked to Hecate’s role as a guide for souls. Cypress is often used in rituals concerning death, transition, and protection.
Mandrake: Known for its potent magical properties, mandrake is associated with Hecate for its use in spells for protection, fertility, and connecting with the spirit world.
Mugwort: A herb commonly used for divination and protection, mugwort is linked to Hecate’s role as a goddess of witchcraft. It is often used to enhance psychic abilities and in dream work.
Garlic:
Historically used for protection and purification, garlic is sacred to Hecate. In ancient times, garlic was offered to her at crossroads to seek her protection.
Garlic has been revered for its magical and protective qualities in various spiritual and magical traditions for centuries. Here are some of its key magical properties:
1. Protection:
Garlic is primarily known for its protective powers. It is often used to ward off negative energies, malevolent spirits, and psychic attacks. In folklore, garlic was believed to protect against witches, vampires, and other supernatural forces.
Hanging garlic in doorways or windows is a common practice to protect the home from evil influences.
2. Purification:
Garlic has strong cleansing properties and can be used to purify spaces, objects, and even people. Burning garlic or using garlic-infused water in a ritual can help dispel negative energy and cleanse the environment.
It's often used in banishing rituals to remove unwanted energies or influences from your life or space.
3. Healing:
In addition to its medicinal uses, garlic is believed to have healing properties in magical practices. It can be incorporated into spells or rituals to promote physical and emotional healing, especially when related to protection or purification.
4. Courage and Strength:
Garlic is sometimes used to bolster personal strength, courage, and willpower. Carrying a clove of garlic or using it in a charm is said to increase resilience in the face of fear or adversity.
5. Exorcism and Banishing:
Due to its potent protective qualities, garlic is often used in exorcisms or rituals to banish negative entities or spirits. It’s burned, placed at thresholds, or carried to prevent spiritual harm.
Fermented garlic makes a great offering staple. One of my favorite ways to preserve garlic is to ferment it in honey. Just fill a canning jar with peeled garlic cloves and pour raw honey over them. Cover the jar and put it in a dark place for about a month. ~ Ame
6. Fertility and Love:
In some magical traditions, garlic is associated with fertility and virility. Though less common, it may be used in spells aimed at increasing fertility or strengthening a relationship.
7. Binding and Breaking Curses:
Garlic can be used in rituals to bind harmful individuals or to break curses and hexes. Its power to repel negativity makes it a key ingredient in uncrossing or curse-breaking spells.
8. Protection on the Road:
In folklore, carrying garlic when traveling was believed to ensure a safe journey, protecting the traveler from accidents or harm.
9. Dream Protection:
Garlic placed under a pillow or near the bed is said to prevent nightmares and ensure restful sleep, guarding the dreamer from negative entities during sleep.
Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade):
Though poisonous, belladonna is tied to Hecate's darker aspects, used in spells for invisibility, protection, and spirit communication.
Belladonna is in the nightshade family just like tomatoes and eggplants. The berries are extremely toxic and cause hallucinations. Folklore says that witches have used belladonna to anoint their brooms so that they could fly.
Atropa belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is a potent and toxic plant with a long history of use in witchcraft and magic. While its use is dangerous due to its toxicity, belladonna is associated with various magical practices, particularly those involving the spirit world, transformation, and protection. Here’s how it has been traditionally used in witchcraft:
1. Spirit Communication and Divination:
Belladonna is often associated with connecting to the spirit realm and is used in rituals aimed at communicating with spirits, deities, or ancestors. Some practitioners use it to enhance psychic abilities or in rituals where contacting otherworldly forces is the goal.
The plant is sometimes used in divination, helping the practitioner gain insight or guidance from spiritual sources, especially regarding death, transitions, or hidden knowledge.
2. Astral Projection and Shamanic Journeying:
Belladonna has been historically linked to astral projection and shamanic journeying. Its mind-altering properties were sometimes used by witches to travel between worlds or enter trances. However, modern practitioners typically avoid ingesting the plant due to its extreme toxicity and instead use it symbolically or in magical tools.
3. Protection and Banishing:
Belladonna’s toxic nature makes it a powerful protective herb. It can be used in banishing rituals to ward off malevolent spirits, negative energies, or psychic attacks. Some witches place it near entry points of the home to block harmful forces.
In protection spells, it is sometimes used as a component in sachets, charms, or ritual offerings to create a shield against harm.
4. Transformation and Change:
Belladonna’s association with death and rebirth makes it a potent symbol of transformation. It can be used in rituals that focus on personal change, letting go of old patterns, or transitioning between phases of life. This aligns with its connection to the underworld and the afterlife.
5. Dark Moon and Underworld Magic:
As an herb linked to death, night, and the underworld, belladonna is often associated with dark moon rituals and working with deities of death or transformation, such as Hecate, Persephone, or Hel. Witches may use belladonna during rituals for shadow work or to honor underworld deities.
6. Cursing and Hexing:
In some traditions, belladonna is used in curses or hexes. Its toxic properties make it a fitting symbol for dark magic aimed at causing harm or influencing others in negative ways. However, due to the ethical concerns surrounding cursing, this use is often approached with caution or avoided by some practitioners.
7. Flying Ointments:
Historically, belladonna was believed to be an ingredient in "flying ointments," concoctions used by witches to enter altered states of consciousness or astral project. While these ointments were said to give witches the ability to "fly" to spiritual realms, the use of belladonna in such a way is extremely dangerous and is not recommended due to the high risk of poisoning.
8. Dream Magic and Nightmares:
In some traditions, belladonna is used to influence dreams or protect against nightmares. For example, small amounts might be placed under the pillow (though safely contained and never ingested) to ward off bad dreams or invite prophetic visions.
Caution and Ethical Considerations:
Toxicity: Belladonna is highly poisonous, and even small amounts can be fatal if ingested. It should not be used internally or in ways where it could be accidentally consumed. Witches who work with belladonna do so with extreme care, often limiting its use to external or symbolic applications.
Symbolic Use: Due to the risks involved, many practitioners use belladonna symbolically, either by placing dried leaves or roots on their altar, using belladonna imagery, or incorporating the plant into spells without physical contact.
Aconite (Wolfsbane): Another poisonous herb linked to Hecate, aconite is used in rituals involving banishing or protection, reflecting her connection to the underworld and guarding against harm.
Aconite is referred to as hecateis, and is also known as wolfs-bane is a poisonous plant. Historically aconite has been placed on the tips of arrows to kill prey and humans in war.
Lavender: While often known for its calming effects, lavender is also associated with purification, protection, and psychic abilities, making it another herb linked to Hecate.
Hecates Sacred Animals
The Black Dog: A Loyal Guide through the Twilight
The most prominent and recognizable animal associated with Hecate is undoubtedly the black dog.
Often depicted at her side, this mysterious creature symbolizes protection, guidance, and the ability to traverse the realms of the living and the dead. In ancient times, these dogs were believed to be manifestations of Hecate herself or her familiars.
In Greek mythology, the black dog is associated with the night and the underworld, accentuating Hecate's role as a goddess who governs these realms. This loyal companion is said to aid Hecate in her duties as a psychopomp, a guide of souls transitioning from the earthly plane to the afterlife.
The black dog, with its profound loyalty and shadowy presence, embodies the essence of Hecate's power and her connection to the mysteries of death and rebirth.
The Owl: The Wise Messenger of the Night
Another creature closely associated with Hecate is the owl. Known for its nocturnal nature and penetrating gaze, the owl has long been revered as a symbol of wisdom and insight.
In Greek mythology, the owl is considered sacred to Hecate, representing her ability to see through illusions and perceive hidden truths.
The owl's association with Hecate extends beyond its wisdom. As a creature of the night, it perfectly aligns with Hecate's dominion over darkness and the moon.
Just as the owl takes flight in the cover of night, so does Hecate, guiding those who seek her guidance through the dark and mysterious paths of magic and divination.
The Serpent: A Symbol of Renewal and Transformation
Lastly, the serpent holds a significant place in the pantheon of Hecate's sacred animals. In ancient Greek mythology, serpents have long been associated with rebirth, transformation, and the mysteries of the earth.
As a symbol of healing, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life, the serpent represents Hecate's power over transformative magic and her ability to bring about change.
Furthermore, the serpent's shedding of its skin serves as a metaphor for the transformative journey of the soul and the shedding of old patterns or beliefs. As Hecate governs the crossroads, the serpent also embodies the choices individuals must make when navigating through the different paths of life.
Embracing the Power of Hecate's Sacred Animals
In modern Pagan practices, followers of Hecate often incorporate these sacred animals into their rituals and devotional practices. Meditating on the qualities of the black dog can help one tap into their inner strength and protective power.
Drawing inspiration from the owl, practitioners seek wisdom and clarity, especially in the realms of magic and divination. And finally, working with the energy of the serpent can aid individuals in embracing their own transformative journey and harnessing the power of change.
Orphic Hymn to Hekate (translated and sung by Melissaofthebees - see video below)
I call Hekáte of the roadside, lovely god where three roads meet.
In sky, on earth, and in the ocean, yellow gown upon her form.
At tombs she celebrates the Bacchic rites with souls of those long dead.
Daughter of the Titan Persēs, fond of solitude and deer.
By night, protectress of the dogs, she is a most enchanting queen.
Barking dogs announce her passing. She's unbound and fair of face.
On her head the bull-horn headdress, lady, priestess of the world.
Ruler, damsel, and our nursemaid, wandering the mountainsides.
With her worshippers, she's present, maiden at the holy rites.
Always gracious when one worships with a god-like bull-horned zeal!
Refrain: I call Hekáte of the roadside, lovely god where three roads meet
You can also listen to the Ancient Greek version.
The Wiccan View
The Triple Goddess
Of course, beliefs aren't static, and modern pagans have developed an understanding of Hecate that is in some ways different and even contrary to the ancient tradition.
She is still particularly associated with death, but not only because she has power over it, but also as a representation of the stage of life that is closest to death. In Wicca, Hecate is often referred to in her third and final aspect, the Crone or older woman.
She is seen as the moon in its waning phase, while the Maiden is her waxing phase and the Mother the full moon.
An altar for Hecate. Photo by Sosanna.
Hecate as a Goddess of Protection
One of Hecate’s most revered qualities is her role as a protector. She is often invoked in spells and rituals when seeking to safeguard oneself or loved ones from harm, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Hecate’s energy is particularly strong when working with the powers of the night, the moon, and shadow work, making her an ideal goddess to call upon in protection spells.
Her associations with darkness, crossroads, and the underworld mean that she can guard those who seek her favor from malevolent spirits, negative energy, or psychic attacks. Hecate’s protection is fierce and reliable, but it requires that the practitioner be ready to embrace change and confront their own fears—two of the key lessons she teaches.
Protection Spell with Hecate, Obsidian, and a Black Candle
This spell calls upon Hecate’s protective energy using simple but powerful tools: an obsidian crystal and a black candle. Obsidian is a stone known for its grounding and protective properties, while black candles are often used in rituals to absorb and banish negativity. Together, they create a strong shield of protection, with Hecate guiding and guarding you through the process.
Tools You’ll Need:
A black candle (symbolizing protection and Hecate’s connection to the night)
An obsidian crystal (for grounding and warding off negativity)
Matches or a lighter
A small dish or fire-safe plate for the candle
Salt (optional, for creating a protective circle or boundary)
A quiet space where you can focus without interruption
The Spell:
Prepare Your Space:
Begin by creating a sacred space where you will perform the spell. You can do this by cleansing the area with smoke (such as sage, mugwort, or incense), sprinkling salt around you to form a protective circle, or simply spending a few moments in meditation to focus your intention.
Place the black candle on a fire-safe plate or dish and set the obsidian crystal nearby. You may also want to place images or symbols of Hecate on your altar or workspace, such as a key or small figurine of a dog (one of her sacred animals).
Light the Candle:
As you light the black candle, focus on your intention of invoking Hecate’s protection. Visualize her presence surrounding you, a powerful goddess of the night, standing at the crossroads, holding torches that light your way.
Say the following invocation or something similar that resonates with you:
Hecate, goddess of the crossroads and queen of the night,
I call upon your power, your wisdom, your light.
Protect me now, as you’ve done before,
Shield me from harm, forevermore.
With this flame, I summon your might,
Keep me safe through the day and the night.
Let the candle burn for a few moments as you envision a protective barrier forming around you.
Hold the Obsidian Crystal:
Pick up the obsidian crystal and hold it in your hands. Close your eyes and focus on its grounding energy. Feel its strength as it absorbs any negative energy or harmful intentions directed toward you.
Imagine the obsidian creating a shield around you, deflecting negativity, psychic attacks, and unwanted influences. Visualize the shield as a dark, impenetrable wall that only allows in positive and healing energy.
Speak Your Intention:
While holding the obsidian, speak your intention aloud:
By the power of obsidian, strong and pure,
I am protected, I am secure.
No harm can reach me, no ill can stay,
This shield of Hecate keeps danger away.
As I walk through the crossroads of life,
Hecate’s protection is my guiding light.
Let the Candle Burn:
Allow the black candle to burn completely (if time allows), letting the flame carry your intentions to Hecate. If you need to extinguish the candle early, do so respectfully by snuffing it out (never blow it out). You can relight it when you wish to reinforce the spell.
Close the Spell:
Thank Hecate for her presence and protection. Say something like:
Thank you, Hecate, for standing by my side,
Your wisdom and strength are my trusted guide.
I walk in your light, fearless and free,
Protected by your power, so mote it be.
Visualize the protective energy solidifying around you, keeping you safe in the days to come. Keep the obsidian crystal with you as a talisman of Hecate’s protection. Place it on your altar, carry it in your pocket, or sleep with it near your bed to reinforce its protective energy.
Persephone
This Wiccan interpretation is based particularly on the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, in which the goddesses Persephone, Demeter, and Hecate (identified as Maiden, Mother, and Crone respectively by modern pagans) play key roles.
In the story the hymn tells, Demeter's daughter Persephone is abducted by Hades. The mother soon realizes that her daughter has been taken away, but doesn't know why or by whom.
Hecate, who hears Demeter's cry of despair, joins her and becomes an important ally. She assists in the search, carrying a torch, and helps her find out that Persephone has been taken to the underworld.
When, at long last, mother and daughter reunite—but only for a moment, as Demeter must return to earth and Persephone stay below—Hecate becomes Persephone's companion and helper.
Here, Persephone, Demeter, and Hecate can be interpreted as representative of the social roles of daughter, mother, and (loosely) grandmother, which women often take on over the course of their lives, either freely or through coercion from male authorities like Hades.
The Ancient and the Modern
Although the triad Persephone–Demeter–Hecate as triple goddess is a modern innovation, it has its own validity and is also true to some of the more positive aspects of the ancient view of Hecate.
Namely, Hecate is understood as a feminine guardian of the household and its entrance against intruders, and as a psychopomp, a deity that safely guides souls from the world of the living to the realm of the dead.
In both respects, as well as in her role as universal ruler, she can be described as “the one who holds the key” to all doors.
Family
AKA: Phosphoros, Trivia, Trioditus, Hekate, Enodia
Father: Titan Perses
Mother: Nymph Asteria
Siblings: None
Hecate originated in Thrace, an area that today covers parts of Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. However, some schoolers have her originating in Egypt or possibly the Carians of Asia Minor.
Author, Erik Olson, Erik recently graduated from college in Spring of 2022 with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Scandinavian Studies. He did a study abroad in Norway. While in school he completed an internship with the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History which led him to his current position as museum assistant curator. Erik desires to be a Viking when he grows up and has worked in Outdoor Adventure leading hikes and rafting trips. He is the author of a new book “Complete Guide To Become A Norse Pagan”
Pine forests are some of the oldest on earth. And with that age comes great wisdom and energy. They are found throughout North America, northern Europe and Asia. The entire pine tree is magical including the evergreen branches, the resin, and the cones.