Hekate in Magna Graecia: Akrai

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Akrai

Akrai was a colony located in the province of Syracuse in Sicily (in or near modern-day Palozzolo Acreide). The ancient ruins of this once-thriving colony are now part of an archaeological park and are home to many important archaeological remains.

One of the most notable remains of this area are that of the temple remains dedicated to the cult of “Magna Mater”, Latin for “Great Mother”, dated to approximately 4th or 3rd  century BCE. There, you will find the Santoni, a great collection of carved statues set into a rock face near this temple. There are twelve large reliefs; eleven of them depict a seated/enthroned woman, surrounded by other figures. The twelfth carving, found on the level beneath the one containing the eleven seated representations, is a life size depiction of a woman standing. All of these are believed to be Cybele. In all of these carvings, Cybele is depicted with lions. Some of the carved images show Cybele holding offering bowls or drums/tambourines.

In the carvings of the enthroned Cybele, she is depicted with other deities, including Hekate, Hermes and the Korybantes, among others. Hekate and Hermes are closely linked as they are both “Psychopomps” (guides of souls) and are known to guard roadways/travelers. Most curious is the inclusion of the Korybantes; their counterparts are known as the Kouretes/Kharites – nine dancers known to venerate Rhea. Interestingly, there is a 3rd century BCE Attic statue depicting a triple-bodied Hekate surrounded by the Kharites holding hands. This statue is known as a “Hekataion”; triple-bodied Hekate is against a central column with the Kharites surrounding Her. This statue is currently in the Glyptothek Museum in Munich, Germany.

In the Santoni relief carving that includes Hekate, She is carrying what is believed to be a long torch in one hand. This carving connects to another relief depicting Cybele, Hekate, and Hermes together. Demeter and Persephone are also believed to be depicted among the various Santoni reliefs.

The Santoni are found before the Templi Ferali, otherwise known as the “Feral Temples”, dedicated to chthonian deities. It is also believed that the great temple for the cult of Magna Mater is dedicated to Cybele, a great mother Goddess with Anatolian origins. Her Greek counterpart is Rhea. It is widely known that Hekate and Rhea/Cybele are very closely related. Hekate and Cybele are believed to be Anatolian in origin, and both have been depicted with lions. Hekate’s temple in Lagina had friezes depicting Her flanked by lions. Hekate’s association with lions is also documented in the Greek Magical Papyri (also known as the PGM) in the “Prayer to Selene for any spell”, PGM IV.2811-12. In the Chaldean Oracles, Hekate is described as appearing in lion form.

The Feral Temples also was a place for honoring the dead, in conjunction with chthonian deities. The stone walls are filled with niches to hold votive offerings. Nearby, there are stone grottoes containing dozens of oval shaped tombs. Other archaeological finds at this site include painted plaques, pottery lamps, and libation bowls.

As with many ancient cults, not much information is known about the cult of Magna Mater in Akrai. All that remains are the archaeological finds that lends some clues as to the purpose of the temple sanctuary. Akrai is also home to remains of temples belonging to Aphrodite, Artemis, and Kore-Persephone.

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Cybele – Temple of Magna Mater at Akrai – from Wikimedia

I hope you enjoyed this essay on Hekate in  Magna Graecia: Akrai.

© Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Sources:

Hekate in Magna Graecia: Syracuse

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Syracuse/Siracusa

Syracuse (also known as Siracusa) was a major Greek colony on the southeast coast of Sicily. One of Hekate’s connections to Syracuse is through the goddess Artemis. Artemis was worshipped at Syracuse under the cult title of Artemis Angelos. “Angelos” is a title or epithet meaning “messenger” (or “angel”).  In Greek mythology, Angelos was the daughter of Zeus and Hera who eventually became a chthonic goddess. Writer Sophron explains:

“Angelos was raised by nymphs to whose care her father had entrusted her. One day she stole her mother Hera’s anointments and gave them away to Europe. To escape Hera’s wrath, she had to hide first in the house of a woman in labor, and next among people who were carrying a dead man. Hera eventually ceased from prosecuting her, and Zeus ordered the Cabeiroi to cleanse Angelos. They performed the purification rite in the waters of the Acherusia Lake in the Underworld. Consequently, she received the world of the dead as her realm of influence, and was assigned an epithet katachthonia (“she of the underworld”)

The title “Angelos” is also associated with Hekate; a votive found among the archaeological remains at the Temple of Demeter Malophoros in Selinunte was inscribed with Hekate’s name along with the title “Angelos”. References to Hekate bearing the title “Angelos” may also be found in the Chaldean Oracles and the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM). There are some spells in the PGM that call for Hekate’s aid, in addition to Her angelic assistants.

There are remains of the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse, and this temple was also attributed to Artemis. The temple was later converted to a Byzantine church; then converted to a mosque; then again reverted to a church; and it is now, sadly, in ruins.

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Temple of Apollo/Artemis – Syracuse – from Wikimedia

Syracuse is also another location  where the Thesmophoria, a female-centered rite in honor of Demeter and Persephone, had taken place, as well Eleusinian rites. According to mythology, Syracuse is linked to these mysteries via the nymph/Nereid Arethusa (daughter of Nereus). Arethusa fled from her home in Arcadia; The goddess Artemis transformed Arethusa into a stream when trying to flee the river god Alpheus. According to myth, she traveled underneath the sea and emerged as a fountain in Ortygia.

While Demeter was searching for Persephone after her abduction, Arethusa pleaded with her to end her punishment of Sicily:

“Then that fair Nympha [Arethusa] whom once Alpheus loved rose from her pool and brushed back from her brow her loved dripping hair, and said: world hast sought thy child, mother of crops and harvest, ‘O thou, divine Mother, who through the cease at last thy boundless toil and end they savage rage against land that has kept faith with thee. The land is innocent; the against its will it opened for that rape. Nor is it mine, this land I for–I, a stranger here. My land is Pisa and plead I trace my stock from Elis [in Greece]. Here in Sicania (Sicily) I dwell an alien, but in all the world is dearer now to me. I, Arethusa, have no land here my home, my heart. This land, I pray, goddess most cherish and preserve. Why I forsook my home and fared so gentle, far ocome to tell, when cares are lightened and thine eyes are ‘er the vast ocean to Ortygia, a fitting time will bright. The earth opened a way for me and I was borne deepest caverns, until here I raised my head and saw the below its stars again. And so it was that, while beneath the earth I my Stygian stream, I saw, myself with my own eyes, glided in your Proserpina [Persephone]. Her looks were sad, and fear still in and yet a queen, and yet of that dark land Empress, and yet her eyes; with power and majesty the consort of the Sovereign lord of Hell.” – Ovid, Metamorphoses

Hekate always plays a part in rites honoring Demeter and Persephone; she was one of the first to hear Persephone’s cries as she was abducted, and Hekate was her guide during her travels to and from the Underworld.

I hope you enjoyed this essay on Hekate in  Magna Graecia: Syracuse.

© Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Sources:

  • Fischer-Hansen, Tobias (editor). Poulson, Birte (editor). From Artemis to Diana: Goddess of Man and Beast (Acta Hyperborea). Denmark: Museum Tusculanum Press, 2009
  • “Angelos (mythology)”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelos_(mythology)
  • Farnell, Lewis Richard. The Cults of the Greek States Vol. 2.  London: Oxford University Press, 1896
  • Fischer-Hansen, Tobias (editor). Poulson, Birte (editor). From Artemis to Diana: Goddess of Man and Beast (Acta Hyperborea). Denmark: Museum Tusculanum Press, 2009
  • Mead, G.R.S. Chaldean Oracles Vol. 2. London: The Theosophical Publishing Society, 1908
  • Betz, Hans Dieter. The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation. London: The University of Chicago Press, 1996
  • “Temple of Apollo, Siracusa”, http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/siracusa-temple-of-apollo
  • “Arethusa (mythology)”,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arethusa_(mythology)

 

Hekate and the Spring Equinox – #hekatelight

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Hekate

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

The Equinox is a time of balance and mediation; the day is marked by equal light and equal dark. Whether you are in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, you are experiencing the turning of the season from Summer to Autumn or from Winter to Spring.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox is almost upon us. Trees and shrubs are just now beginning to show the tiniest of buds beginning to form, slowly bringing what was once dormant back to life with renewed growth.

In my neck of the woods (northern New York), we still have a decent amount of snow on the ground; remnants of the few recent snow storms, with more on the horizon (the above photo is from last year; it will be more than a month, maybe not until May, before my daffodils once again are blooming!).

The month of March, for us anyway, has certainly been roaring like a lion. We’ve experienced three Nor’easters in less than 2 weeks, bringing with it significant snow and wind. Winter is not quite done with us yet, but, signs of spring are emerging. Birds have returned with their melodious morning bird song, and I can make out tiny buds forming on the tips of the branches on the massive oak trees on our property.

I find Hekate’s presence throughout the turning of the seasons, and the Spring Equinox is a time of renewal and rebirth. Persephone is returning to the world, after spending her allotted time in the Underworld with Hades. Hekate, with Her illuminating torches, assumed the role of Propolos and became Persephone’s guide on her return trip, bringing Spring, and life, with her.

Ever since the Winter Solstice, light has been slowly returning to the world. Little by little, we are being brought out of the darkness and into the light. Hekate as Phosphorus is calling and showing us out of the dark. We finally reach the point of the Spring Equinox where we have a balance of light and dark. Hekate, being a liminal goddess, is standing on that threshold and keeping things in balance.

This is another facet of Chaldean Hekate – Soul of the World, Anima Mundi (please see February’s #hekateworldsoul posts for more information on Chaldean Hekate). Hekate is the Creatrix of Light – the primordial flame that illuminates all. That sacred flame dwells deep within our souls and all creation, and is brought to life with Her call.

 

Community celebration of the Goddess Hekate and Light. #hekatelight www.hekatecovenant.com

© 2018 Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

The Epiphany of Hekate – #hekateworldsoul

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voiceofthefire

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Fragments 146, 147, and 148 of the Chaldaean Oracles, as revealed by Hekate:

Having spoken these things, you will behold a fire leaping skittishly like a child over the aery waves;

or a fire without form, from which a voice emerges;

or a rich light, whirring around the field in a spiral.

But that you will see a horse flashing more brightly than light,

or a child mounted on the swift back of a horse,

a fiery child or a child covered with gold, or yet again a naked child;

or even a child shooting arrows, standing upon a horse’s back.

If you say this to me many times, you will observe all things growing dark,

For the curved bulk of the heavens disappears and the stars do not shine; the light of the Moon is hidden and the Earth does not stand steady. All things are revealed in lightning.

But when you see the sacred fire without form,

Shining skittishly throughout the depths of the Cosmos,

Listen to the voice of the fire.

Source:

“Hekate Soteira” by Sarah Iles Johnston

Hekate in Magna Graecia: Akragas / Agrigento

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Agrigento/Akragas

Another major area that was settled by the Greeks in Sicily is Agrigento (also known as Akragas or Agrigentum), and the area is named “Valley of the Temples” due to the many temples that have remains in this area. The Valley of the Temples is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Agrigento was a very prosperous city, which rivaled that of Syracuse’s power and prosperity. Agrigento is located on the southern coast of Sicily, situated between two rivers. This area boasts many temples, including temples to Zeus, Hera, Heracles, Concordia (one of the best preserved temples in Magna Graecia), Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri), Hephaestus, Isis, Asclepius, Athena, and of course – Demeter and Persephone, which was part of a temple to Chthonic deities.

The temple in Agrigento dedicated to chthonic deities, namely Demeter and Persephone, will also include Hekate, though Hekate’s associations may be a bit obscure. This trio of goddesses was frequently worshipped together due to their Eleusinian connections.

Today, the temple itself is actually partially buried under ground, with the church of San Biagio now standing above it. San Biagio – how he is known in Italy – is in other areas of Europe known by the name of Saint Blaise, and was known for being a “physician of souls”. Curiously, icons representing Saint Blaise depict him bearing two crossed candles. Other icons representing him show him in a cave surrounded by wild beasts. His feast day falls on February 3rd, the day after Candlemas (also known as Imbolc). Some areas of Europe also honor him on Candlemas itself. Hekate, as it is known, is most often depicted carrying a torch in each hand and is sometimes celebrated on Imbolc, due to Her epithet of “Phosphorus”, which means “light-bearer” or “light-bringer”.

The remains of Demeter’s temple dates back to approximately 470 BCE. The base of the original structure of the temple is still preserved and partly visible, and it measures approximately 30 by 13 meters. Other remaining, visible parts of this temple have been incorporated into the church, such as water spouts in the shape of lions’ heads that can still be seen today. Some of these may be found in the regional Agrigento museum. If you are familiar with the Chaldean Oracles, then this piece of architecture would be of great interest, as Hekate was said to at times appear in “lion form” in the Oracles. Other interesting archaeological finds from this temple include ritual vessels (kernoi) linked to Persephone (likely used for offerings), remains of oil lamps used for ritual processions, and remains of stone busts possibly depicting Demeter, though that has not been confirmed to indeed be Demeter.

Next to the Temple of Demeter, you will find a series of connected caves used for ritual purposes. The walls of this subterranean complex contain grooves for holding ritual offerings and votive statues. A connecting rock wall between the caves reveals an aqueduct, utilizing the natural underground waterway found there. This is an exciting find, because this ritual cave complex is believed to have been connected to Demeter’s temple and would likely have been considered a “gateway to the underworld”, similar to other temple sanctuaries found in Greece, most notably Eleusis itself. It is known that many cults belonging to Hekate in Greece used caves for rituals honoring Her, such as the Zerynthian caves in Samothrace.

Separately from Demeter, it is believed that Artemis was worshiped in Akragas as “Artemis Soteira”. “Soteira” is another epithet belonging to Hekate and means “savior”. Hekate is referenced as savior in the Chaldean Oracles and Sarah Iles Johnston has devoted an entire book on the subject, titled Hekate Soteira: A Study of Hekate’s Roles in the Chaldean Oracles and Related Literature. 3rd century coins depicting the head of Artemis as “Soteira” have been found.

Hekate and Artemis do share a couple of other epithets, including “Phosphoros” (“light-bearer” or “light-bringer”); “Propylaia” (“at the gate” or “before the gate”).

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Agrigento – Church of San Biagio on foundation of the Temple of Demeter – Wikimedia

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3rd century BCE coin depicting Artemis Soteira, found in Akragas

I hope you enjoyed this essay on Hekate in  Magna Graecia: Akragas/Agrigento.

© Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Sources:

Hekate as Cosmic World Soul: A Devotee’s Duty

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For my final February 2018 #hekateworldsoul post, I will leave you with this:  A Hekate Devotee’s duty to the world that is manifest through Hekate.

Personally I believe that as the Cosmic Soul, Hekate permeates everything. At the risk of sounding nerdy and  putting my Star Wars obsession on display, think of Her as the “force” that moves through and within every living thing on this magnificent planet that we call home, and beyond.

Care For the Earth

Because of my belief that Hekate moves through everything as the Cosmic World Soul, I feel that it is the sacred duty of Her devotees to do what we can to care for our planet and those that inhabit it. Your acts of devotion to Earth and human/animal kind can start with making every day “Earth Day”. Don’t litter. Volunteer to clean up litter where you live. Be eco-smart and reduce, reuse, and recycle. Limit or eliminate use of plastics that harm the oceans and those creatures that live within it. Reduce energy and fuel consumption as best as you can manage. Bring your own reusable shopping bags when going to the store. Support your local farmers by sourcing your food through them as much as possible. You get the idea.

Care For Animals

Hekate is known as a Protectress of Animals. If you can, donate your time or money to local organizations that work to protect and care for wildlife. Or animal shelters, rescue organizations, and the like. Ocean conservation is something that is important to me personally, and I support efforts whenever I can through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and other Northeastern US based conservation groups.

If you are not a vegan or vegetarian, try to source your animal products as close to home as possible and know where it is coming from so you can determine if the farm treats their animals humanely.

Care For Humans

As for humans, there is a whole lot that can be done to care for and support our fellow people. Hekate is known for caring for and protecting those who are marginalized in society due to their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, immigrant status, and so on. Be kind. Be supportive. Be an ally and a voice for those whose voice is lost among the noise of those who scream the loudest against them. Human Rights Watch, Human Rights Council, and Amnesty International are 3 organizations out of many that are worth supporting and working with.

In 2016, a team of members from the Covenant of Hekate wrote a petition to Hekate calling for the protection of refugees fleeing war-torn countries. It was written to accompany the Rite of Her Sacred Fires that year, and it is a powerful and beautiful inclusion that is very fitting for a Goddess that protects those who cannot protect themselves.

A quote from the petition:

“Hekate we pray to you, for those walking the roads of escape, keep these wanderers safe
Hail Enodia, Hekate we honour you”

If you are willing, there is much that can be done to support war refugees that are being settled in your area. Reach out to local charitable organizations that are assisting them to see what is needed by way of clothes, household items, money, or your time.

The 5 Virtues

Several years ago, a team of members from the Covenant of Hekate created the 5 Virtues for Devotees within the CoH to follow; these virtues are the foundation for ethical behavior that we should strive to follow in our everyday lives, both within the CoH when interacting with others and outside. The 5 Virtues are as follows:

  • Compassion
  • Courage
  • Temperance
  • Justice
  • Wisdom

More information about the 5 Virtues may be found at the Covenant of Hekate’s website.

rohsf_2016

2016 Rite of Her Sacred Fires – © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Honoring Hekate in February

As mentioned earlier, the Covenant of Hekate is celebrating and honoring Hekate as Cosmic World Soul for the entire month of February. A hashtag of #hekateworldsoul is being added to all public projects, so if you are on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other medium that utilizes hashtags, you may find these other works by searching #hekateworldsoul . Also, if you feel inspired to share your own experiences, be sure to include the hashtag so others can find you.

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

© 2018 The Torch and Key / Melissa McNair

Hekate’s Cosmic Womb

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floweroffire

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

In keeping with the Covenant of Hekate’s February theme of celebrating Hekate as Cosmic World Soul, here is another short post about Hekate’s Cosmic Womb in the Chaldaean Oracles.

In a nutshell, Hekate’s role in the Chaldaean Oracles is that of mediatrix between the Paternal Intellect – the Father – and the sensible / physical world. The passage in fragment 35, quoted in the above photo, suggests that the Father (intellect, thought) “impregnates” the Cosmic Womb of Hekate with ideas (thunderbolts), and creation bursts forth from Her fiery womb to the universe.

This sort of reminds me of the biblical passage from John 1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The “Word” as described in the Bible is philosophically similar to the Paternal Intellect of the Chaldaean Oracles. “Word” is translated from “Logos” (λόγος), which is Greek for reason, or thought. The Paternal Intellect of the Oracles is thought, reason, the word. The foundation for creation.

Hekate, as the Cosmic Womb, receives the ideas from the Paternal Intellect, and births these ideas through Her womb, which then helps form the physical world.

Fragment 34 of the Chaldaean Oracles states:

“From here springs forth the genesis of varied matter;

From here the sweeping lightning obscures its flower of fire

As it leaps into the hollows of the Cosmoi; for from here all things

Begin to stretch forth towards that place beneath the wondrous rays.”

Fragment 38 explains further:

“These are the thoughts of the Father, after which is my enwrapping fire”

Hekate is known as a liminal goddess; one who oversees the boundaries in life, whether they are physical or beyond. It makes sense that She mediates the ideas of the Paternal Intellect, forming boundaries and helping to separate these ideas into the physical world.

Further reading:

“Hekate Soteira” by Sarah Iles Johnston

“Chaldaean Oracles” – http://gnosis.org/library/grs-mead/grsm_chaldean.htm

 

Honoring Hekate in February

As mentioned earlier, the Covenant of Hekate is celebrating and honoring Hekate as Cosmic World Soul for the entire month of February. A hashtag of #hekateworldsoul is being added to all public projects, so if you are on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other medium that utilizes hashtags, you may find these other works by searching #hekateworldsoul . Also, if you feel inspired to share your own experiences, be sure to include the hashtag so others can find you.

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

© 2018 The Torch and Key / Melissa McNair

Hekate Phosphoros — #hekateworldsoul

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Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Hail, Hekate Phosphoros!

Hail, Bright Goddess of the Mysteries!

Hail, Radiant One!

Your golden radiance encompasses all, bathing us in your warm and loving glow;

Light-bearing Mother, bright-shining creatrix,

Illuminate our souls and purify us with your primordial flames;

Hekate Phosphoros, resplendent in your luminous crown,

May your brilliant light encircle the whole of the universe

and kindle within ourselves the sacred flame of love, knowledge and devotion;

En Erebos Phos, In Darkness There Is Light

___________

Honoring Hekate in February

As mentioned earlier, the Covenant of Hekate is celebrating and honoring Hekate as Cosmic World Soul for the entire month of February. A hashtag of #hekateworldsoul is being added to all public projects, so if you are on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other medium that utilizes hashtags, you may find these other works by searching #hekateworldsoul . Also, if you feel inspired to share your own experiences, be sure to include the hashtag so others can find you.

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

© 2018 The Torch and Key / Melissa McNair

Hekate as Cosmic World Soul: Purification and Cleansing

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In keeping with the Covenant of Hekate’s February theme of celebrating Hekate as Cosmic World Soul, here is another short post about ritual purification & cleansing. This is more of a personal post which includes my own purification incense blend recipe for all to use.

As most reading this will know, ritual purification of yourself and your sacred space is key when performing devotional or formal rituals. Theurgists believed in ritual purification, as evidenced in these excerpts from the Chaldean Oracles:

“The oracles of the gods declare, that, through purifying ceremonies, not the soul only, but bodies themselves become worthy of receiving much assistance and health: “for (say they) the mortal vestment of bitter matter will, by this means, be preserved.” And this, the gods, in an exhortatory manner, announce to the most holy of Theurgists.”

“The Theurgist who presides over the mystic rites of Apollo, begins his operations from purifications and sprinklings. “The priest, in the first place, governing the works of fire, must sprinkle with the cold water of the loud-sounding sea,” as the oracle says.”

I think it is incredibly important to ensure that yourself and your sacred space is purified before presenting to the gods you are honoring. I created an incense blend for purification purposes. The ingredients are basic and easily found, but the result is powerful and achieves my goal of purifying my sacred space. Plus I love the way it smells, that’s always a bonus! This incense may be burned before formal rituals, or it may be used on a regular basis for routine cleansing of your sacred space. Or both; this incense may be used however you prefer to cleanse your sacred space.

Basically, this blend consists of frankincense resins, myrrh resins, dried lavender flower buds, and dried rosemary (I included a photo below). That’s all. 4 basic ingredients. Nothing fancy, or top secret. It’s very simple to obtain and blend.

Using top-quality ingredients is very important to me personally. Frankincense and myrrh resins are readily available just about anywhere; do an internet search and the results are endless. The quality of these resins, though, can be suspect depending on the source. I personally prefer to purchase my resins from Mountain Rose Herbs. The price per pound may be a little higher than most places, but I know 100% without a doubt that they will be premium quality resins. They know where their stuff is harvested from, and that’s important, too. I am not affiliated with them in any way – I just like their offerings, and have been shopping with them for years. But use a supplier you know and trust. When buying myrrh, be sure to purchase pure myrrh resins – not the opopanax variety. It’s a slightly different variation of myrrh that is less expensive and (in my opinion) a lesser quality. For the rosemary, you can find that easily in your local market where the fresh herbs are or you can buy them already dried. Same for the dried lavender, though there are plenty of online resources for those too (such as bulk spice importers, or Mountain Rose as well).

 

incense

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

To create this blend, crush the frankincense and myrrh resins with your mortar and pestle until they are in small pieces and try to have them uniform in size as best as you are able to manage. Use equal amounts of both. Once the resins are crushed to your liking, add the lavender and blend well. Then add the rosemary and blend well. I don’t measure anything when making incense… it sounds odd, I know, but I just eyeball everything and if it feels right, then I will leave it. Or, I will add a little more if I feel it needs a bit more. I never start out with too much, because you can always start with a little and add as needed, but you can’t take away if you add too much at first. You will just end up adding more of everything else to compensate and then end up with an enormous amount of incense that you won’t know what to do with. (been there!) Also, lavender has a pretty powerful aroma – try not to use too much of it.

Once you are satisfied with your blend, store any extra in a glass jar or an airtight container, out of sunlight.

I hope you enjoyed this little essay and if you decide to try this incense – I hope you enjoy that, too!

Honoring Hekate in February

As mentioned earlier, the Covenant of Hekate is celebrating and honoring Hekate as Cosmic World Soul for the entire month of February. A hashtag of #hekateworldsoul is being added to all public projects, so if you are on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other medium that utilizes hashtags, you may find these other works by searching #hekateworldsoul . Also, if you feel inspired to share your own experiences, be sure to include the hashtag so others can find you.

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

© 2018 The Torch and Key / Melissa McNair

Hekate in Magna Graecia: Selinunte

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Selinunte

Selinunte (also known as Selinus or Selinous) was a major settlement on the southwest coast of Sicily, and was believed to have been settled in the mid-6th century BCE, though the exact date remains unknown. The acropolis of Selinunte was situated between two rivers, and a major sanctuary dedicated to Demeter Malophoros was located there. This sanctuary contained several buildings within it, the largest one being Demeter’s temple. “Malophoros” (or Malophorus) is an epithet meaning “fruit-bearer”, which correlates to Demeter’s role as goddess of fertility and agriculture. The lands surrounding Selinunte were very rich and fertile, perfect for farming. Some interpret the epithet “Malophoros” as meaning either “apple bearer” or “pomegranate bearer”. “Pomegranate bearer” makes sense to me personally, considering the pomegranate fruit featured prominently in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, which tells the story of the Rites at Eleusis. Persephone, Demeter’s daughter, ate seeds of the pomegranate fruit, which forever bound her to the Underworld.

Votive remains depicting Hekate, Demeter, and Persephone together have been found within these sanctuary remains, which is not surprising considering these three goddesses are the focus of the Eleusinian Mysteries, with Persephone’s abduction said to have taken place in Sicily according to various Sicilian cult beliefs. The worship of Hekate, Demeter, and Persephone together in Sicily is a result of Greek migration to this area, and a continuation of religious and ritual practice dating back centuries before.

The temple sanctuary featured a very large altar, stone temenos walls, and a “propylaia”, and this temple is the only one in Sicily that was constructed in such a manner and is believed to pre-date the temple style that features the tall Doric columns. One of Hekate’s many epithets is “Propylaia”, a Greek term which translates to “before the gate”. Hekate is widely known as a liminal Goddess, guarding crossroads, entryways/doorways, and other areas with a defined border, such as where grass meets forest or where sand meets the sea. The enclosed propylon had to be entered from the East, and was dedicated to Hekate, based on engraved votives found in the vicinity.

Sadly, this city was destroyed by the Carthaginians around 400 BCE and was eventually resettled, with the temples being reused. Approximately 12,000 remains of female votive figurines and defixiones (curse tablets) were also recovered in excavations of this site.  These defixiones, often referred to as the “Getty Hexameters”, specifically mention Hekate by name (as well as identifying Her as Enodia), along with Persephone and Demeter. An excerpt of the words on these defixiones describes Hekate as shouting in a terrifying voice, bearing torches:

“…down from the shadowy mountains in a dark gleaming land a child brings from Persephone’s garden for milking, by necessity, the four-footed holy servant of Demeter, a nanny laden with an unceasing flow of rich milk, and she follows, trusting in the bright goddesses…torches, and Hecate Enodia, shouting a foreign-sounding shout in a terrifying voice…”

This temple appears to have been a major worship area for Selinunte, even eclipsing the Temples of Hera and Zeus, also in the same area. Archaeological evidence also suggests that Demeter’s temple was a hub of sorts for funerary rites, which fits with Hekate’s role as Psychopomp (guide of souls) and the reincarnation theme of the Eleusinian Mysteries, with Hekate, Demeter, and Persephone at the center of them.

Many of the archaeological finds from Selinunte are currently housed in the museum in Palermo, Sicily.

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Propylon of Hekate at Temple of Demeter Malophoros – image source: Wikimedia commons

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Relief of Demeter, Persephone, & Hekate – Selinunte – Palermo Archaeological Museum

I hope you enjoyed this essay on Hekate in  Magna Graecia: Selinunte.

© Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

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