One of Hekate’s roles is that of Phosphoros – “Lightbringer” or “Lightbearer”. Hekate’s torches illuminate that which is dark. She leads the way, torch in hand, for those who have heeded Her call to immerse themselves in Her mysteries. Hekate’s torches also illuminate Truth by banishing ignorance and fear that breeds in the dark. That illumination can sometimes be a difficult and life changing process. There is a saying among many Hekateans: “En Erebos Phos” – “In darkness, there is light”. Darkness cannot exist without light, and light cannot exist without darkness. For me, Hekate Phosphoros embodies that concept.
On this Equinox and another turn of the wheel, we in the Northern Hemisphere are celebrating Spring and the ever-growing light as we progress to brighter and longer days. In the Southern Hemisphere, Autumn has descended and the days are growing shorter and darker. Wherever you are in the world, we are all experiencing that balance of light and dark in this moment. Hekate as Anima Mundi stands at the crossroads of the universe – a place of balance.
Today, I celebrated the return of Spring in a simple yet meaningful ritual. I made a beeswax candle using an ethically crafted beeswax sheet and rolled it up with dried organic lavender buds and a eco-friendly cotton wick. I decided to burn this candle completely in my mini cast iron cauldron, and I’m glad I did because once it neared the bottom, the sacred fire came alive, becoming enlarged and beautiful (see above photo). I sang praise to Hekate, honoring Her role as Phosphoros and Anima Mundi.
“The Return of Persephone”, Attic vase dated circa 440 BCE
Spring is traditionally a time of rebirth and renewal. The Earth is awakening from her winter slumber, and life is beginning to stir in both flora and fauna. The return of Spring also brings the return of Persephone from the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Rites of Eleusis were initiatory mysteries taking place in the autumn and spring, marking the descent of Persephone into the realm of the dead with her consort Hades (autumn), and Persephone’s return to the mortal world above to be reunited with her mother Demeter (spring). (see related blog post regarding Enna in Sicily).
Hekate had an integral role in these mysteries, acting as Persephone’s companion and guide during both her descent and return. Much isn’t known about the Eleusinian Mysteries, but scholars agree that it centered on the concept of life, death, and rebirth. The Eleusinian Mysteries were tied to the agricultural season of the Mediterranean region, and the mysteries were used to help explain the seasonal changes of growth and life, death and decay, and regeneration of that which died.
Hekate is a liminal goddess that straddles the realms of these forces with ease. Demeter represents life, Persephone represents death and rebirth, and Hekate as Creatrix weaves these energies together. All three goddesses were honored during these rites.
The image above is from a vase dated back to 440 BCE. It shows Persephone, on the left, returning from the realm of Hades. Hermes is standing next to Persephone, and Demeter is on the far right holding a scepter. Hekate is in the center, bearing two torches while guiding Persephone’s return.
Once in a while, I revisit a favorite book and read it again for a renewed perspective. Recently, I decided to delve into “Drawing Down the Moon” by the late (and great) Margot Adler. I first read this book 14 years ago and it had a huge impact on me. Back then, I was beginning my “pagan awakening” and this book validated a lot of feelings I was having at the time and it helped me feel as if there were possibilities, and hope for my new journey into the unknown. It also was (and still is) an invaluable resource for learning about the rise of paganism in the United States. I decided to revisit this beloved book because I have been feeling a disconnect with myself and my path. I am not sure why, but I suspect “COVID fatigue” may be a factor. This has certainly been a challenging year for my family, as well as for countless others. It has impacted all of our lives in different, yet similar ways. I have this strong desire to get back to my “pagan roots” – whatever that may be; and I figured this book is kind of where it began so it was a logical choice for a re-read.
One passage in the beginning of the book really struck me with a force of recognition and comfort, and it moved me enough to want to write about it. It was about the simple, fulfilling ritual of honoring the full moon. Here is the quote:
“Do it, perhaps, on a full moon, in a park or in the clearing of a wood. You don’t need any of the tools you will read about in books on the Craft. You need no special clothes, or lack of them. Perhaps you might make up a chant, a string of names of gods and goddesses who were loved and familiar to you from childhood myths, a simple string of names for earth and moon and stars, easily repeatable like a mantra.
And perhaps, as you say those familiar names and feel the earth and air, the moon appears a bit closer, and perhaps the wind rustling the leaves suddenly seems in rhythm with your own breathing. Or perhaps the chant seems louder and all the other sounds far away. Or perhaps the woods seem strangely noisy. Or unspeakably still. And perhaps the clear line that separates you from bird and tree and small lizards seems to melt. Whatever else, your relationship to the world of living nature changes. The Witch is the changer of definitions and relationships”
Reading this passage awakened something in me. When I first read this book all those years ago, I really didn’t know anything about magic or ritual or what tools were best used. I was a beginner and had just set foot on a path that was completely unknown to me. I was an avid reader at first (I still am!) and I devoured any book I could get my hands on that interested me. I began with the often recommended titles from Scott Cunningham, Raymond Buckland, Starhawk, etc. My practice eventually evolved into Hellenic polytheistic worship with Hekate as my goddess and guide. But one thing that always worked for me over the years and stirred my soul like no other was the simple practice mentioned in the excerpt above. Of course, I performed formal rituals when needed. But most of the time, my rituals were wild, unscripted, and under the night sky.
I love stepping outside when the sky is dark and the stars are twinkling. The moon may or may not be in the sky, depending on the phase. That first look at the night sky always takes my breath away. I love to gaze at the stars, imagining what they look like up close and if they communicate with each other. The wonder of it all is awe-inspiring to me. We on Earth are but a grain of sand in a vast, infinite universe where the possibilities are endless.
After being out there for a little while, I begin to focus. My breathing becomes steady and measured. My third eye awakens, and my body begins to tingle. Often, the words roll off my tongue and flows like a river. I lift my arms in praise of nature, the moon and stars. I sing a song of love and wonder. I don’t often plan ahead any of the words I speak. They are raw and spontaneous and honest. Sometimes I don’t “feel” in control; the words are coming out of my mouth but I often feel like a vessel or an oracle.
As I speak, the tingle in my body that I felt earlier grows stronger until my whole body is humming with energy. I can feel the energy shift within myself and my surroundings. The sky grows darker, and the moon and stars grow brighter. The creatures of the night may increase their sounds or become still and silent, depending on the time of year. In the winter, there aren’t many animals out in the cold nights. I live in northern New York, and our winters are cold and snowy. I may hear the distant call of an owl during the winter, or a wolf howling. During the summer it’s different. There is a small pond just beyond my backyard, and it is often alive with creatures when it’s warm out. The chatter of the frogs can become very intense, as does the snapping turtles and Canadian geese. Sometimes a soft breeze will rustle the tree limbs of the massive oaks and maples that fill my backyard, whispering their secrets. Lightning bugs will be visible, sometimes dozens at once, when it’s really hot. When this happens, it feels like these wondrous creatures are joining in my chorus of praise. It is an amazing, unifying feeling, and I feel a kinship with the land and those that share it with me.
Whenever I am singing my song of praise and wonder, I acknowledge those creature sounds as the goddess making her presence known. Especially if it was silent before I began. I always get chills down my spine when I am speaking praise of Hekate in the still, silent night and a wolf begins howling in the distance. Sometimes, I will see a shooting star as I am chanting.
When these informal, raw moments occur it is just me and nature. I don’t light a candle, or use any tools or burn incense. I stand barefoot on the earth and ground myself, and I always touch the ground when I am finished and return that energy I raised to the earth. Often, my dreams that night may be very vivid and I keep a dream journal to record them.
Reading that excerpt from “Drawing Down the Moon” inspired me to share my experiences with bare-bones rituals that can be done literally anywhere and any time you are moved to do so. Connecting to nature this way is so raw and primal and empowering and at the same time intimate. I hope that you may be moved to try this as well whenever the opportunity presents itself.
☆☆☆
Source:
Adler, Margot. “Drawing Down the Moon: Revised and Expanded Edition”. Penguin Books. 2006.
The epithet “Soteira” is an important title of Hekate. Soteira means “Savior” and for me personally it is used in conjunction with Hekate’s role as “Cosmic World Soul”. An excellent book to read from scholar Sarah Iles Johnston titled “Hekate Soteira” delves into Hekate’s role as Savior and Cosmic World Soul within the Platonic / Chaldean philosophy.
What does “Cosmic World Soul” mean?
In the Chaldean Oracles, Hekate is irrevocably defined as the Cosmic World Soul – the Great Mother, the Anima Mundi, Creatrix of All. The source of primordial fire.
I have experienced many different sides to Hekate over the years, but the one that I “feel” the most is Hekate as this Great Mother; as one who facilitates life, death, rebirth, and everything in between. This excerpt from the Chaldean Oracles sums it up well, and the accompanying text (version from G.R.S. Mead), describes Hekate as “Great Mother/Magna Mater”, “Life of the Universe”, “Mother of Souls”, “Inbreather of Life”.
45
“About the hollows beneath the ribs of her right side there spouts, full-bursting, forth the Fountain of the Primal Soul, all at once ensouling Light, Fire, Aether, Worlds.”
47
“After the Father’s Thinkings, you must know, I, the Soul, dwell, making all things to live by Heat.”
In the Chaldean Oracles, the “Father” is described as existing as intellect or pure thought, while Hekate, as the Anima Mundi, puts forth his thoughts through creation.
During my personal devotionals, I often feel Hekate’s presence as this warm, glowing light. It’s hard to describe – but I when I feel Her presence in this way, I feel an abundance of Love. It is so pure; it’s hard to put into words. There were a few times where I actually witnessed a warm, golden glow appear around me. It is a very emotional and powerful experience; and very real. It doesn’t always happen. But when it does, I will most definitely bask in this sacred glow and honor Her radiance.
Today is September 22, 2020, and once again the Autumn Equinox is upon us. I love the changing of the seasons; I am blessed to live in an area where these changes are very much felt and seen. Autumn is my favorite time of year; it marks the beginning of the Season of the Witch. I love observing nature’s changes during this time: frosty mornings, leaves changing colors, squirrels hoarding acorns, spiders spinning their massive webs outside… my love for this time of year is endless.
The Equinox is the seasonal tide that brings balance, and reflection. We are reaping the last of our harvests from the summer growing season, and preparing for the winter ahead. Our own backyard vegetable garden actually saw it’s last harvest about a week ago, and we are prepping for what may be a long, cold winter here in Upstate New York. Today is a balance of light and dark, and I eagerly await the longer nights and shorter days. I love cocooning myself in the dark and nurturing my inner self. Samhain marks the Witches New Year, and today’s ever important seasonal change before then is a day for reflection on the days past. We traditionally use this time to look back on the last several months and celebrate and give thanks for our blessings, and we mourn what we lost. We try to balance those energies and feelings in order to harmonize ourselves and use those energies in the coming year.
The events of this year thus far has thrown the world into UNbalance, and right now I am feeling anything but balanced. I’m sure many feel the same. COVID took over the world, and threw us into a state of fear, despair, and hopelessness. We saw millions fall ill, nearly 1 million tragically die worldwide, millions more economically impacted by the pandemic. However, what we also saw were countless heroes in our communities helping anyone they were able to help whether it was financial or health assistance, or some form of community outreach. My own community formed groups to help homebound/vulnerable people go grocery shopping or otherwise help them with daily tasks that they were unable to do on their own. We saw birthday parades for children in our town, drive through graduation celebrations for our high school and college graduates. I spent much time searching for positive news stories during this dark time and learned that communities across the US and abroad came together in very similar ways and it was very uplifting to my soul.
Here in the U.S., we are in the middle of a volatile presidential election season. I have never witnessed anything like this in my life. We are literally fighting for the soul of this nation right now, and the stress of this fight is sometimes too much to bear. I fear for our future. The Trump administration has systematically destroyed our democracy and rule of law by bypassing checks and balances within our own government that is supposed to protect this nation from an UNbalance of Power. With the devastating death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg a few days ago, the stakes were raised exponentially and we are now in a fight for our lives. The future of health care, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights are in the crosshairs. A third Trump-appointed Supreme Court Justice threatens to undo much of the progress this nation has made in the aforementioned areas.
My resolve to fight has only grown stronger. My daughters and son have also taken up this fight for our nation. My older daughter will be a first-time voter this year, and I cannot wait to take her to her first presidential election to cast her ballot for our country’s future. We will be voting in person together.
The turmoil of this election season is unlike anything I’ve seen, and I am trying to find balance. It’s not easy, but, I am discovering that it can be done. I’m learning to take my anger, stress, and grief and transmute those emotions into a force for positive change. Social media is one tool for wider community outreach, but nothing beats getting out in your community and engaging with people in your area. I’ve learned that our youth is very invested in this election, and they are our future. They are so intelligent and engaged and seeing their passion gives me hope. As many of us witnessed the complete lack of accountability in our governing body & Department of Justice with regards to rampant corruption in the office of the President, we must collectively take up this fight and mobilize every American who is able to vote and hope that our efforts will be successful.
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In the midst of all this, I am always ever reminded that Hekate is a Goddess of Transformation and Change. She is there, facilitating and observing. It is very difficult for a devotee of Hekate to not be politically engaged, especially now in these tumultuous times. Human rights are always at the forefront. Being a voice for the voiceless. Being an Ally. Being an advocate for those who are unable to take up their fight by themselves. Fighting for what is fair and just, taking special care of those that society deems “unworthy” due to their own prejudices. Sometimes, “tearing that shit down” is the only way forward.
Locri was a Greek colony of Magna Graecia, located in the Calabria region of southern Italy. Locri was the site of a great sanctuary to Persephone – worshipped as a protectress of fertile marriage. Pinakes (or plaques) unearthed at this site depict Persephone as “Queen of the Dead”, residing in Hades. Hundreds of votives, plaques, and other artifacts were found in the temple remains, dating back to about the 5th century BCE. The images depicted on these items tell Persephone’s story as it is described in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and Eleusinian Mysteries, including pottery tablets depicted Persephone and Hades, sitting side by side on their thrones as King and Queen of the Underworld.
The sanctuary dedicated to Persephone in Locri (also known as Locri Epizefiri) was described by Diodorus Siculus as one of the most famous of the sanctuaries in Magna Graecia. Persephone’s temple featured a propylaia, and possibly had underground rooms for chthonic rites. Based on archaeological findings, it is believed that the Eleusinian Mysteries were re-enacted here.
Outside the temple walls was another location for rituals – the Cave of the Nymphs, also known as the Grotta Caruso. Here, women would undergo katabasis (underworld journey); caves are a common location for rituals involving chthonic deities. Excavations of this site revealed stairs leading down into a subterranean area containing a natural spring basin used for ritual bathing, complete with an altar. Niches were set into the walls for votive offerings. Some of the votives uncovered included figurines of women, many of which were triple-headed (triform).
A very interesting archaeological find was discovered within Persephone’s temple – a pinake of a winged female daimon. This brings to mind the earlier mention of Angelos – the winged messenger/angelic chthonic deity who is identified with both Hekate and Artemis. Winged deities who travel between the worlds are typically messengers or guides of the dead and departed souls.
Temple of Persephone remains at Locri – from Wikimedia
I hope you enjoyed this essay on Hekate in Magna Graecia: Locri.
“Also she [Phoebe] bore Asteria of happy name, whom Perses once led to his great house to be called his dear wife. And she conceived and bore Hecate whom Zeus the son of Cronos honored above all. He gave her splendid gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea. She received honor also in starry heaven, and is honored exceedingly by the deathless gods.”
-“Theogony”, Hesiod
Hesiod’s Theogony is the oldest written account of the Greek Gods, and Hekate is described as being honored by Zeus above all others in this story. The Theogony also names Asteria and Perses as Hekate’s parents. Asteria was a Titaness; she ruled the starry skies and her name means “starry one” or “falling star”. Perses was a Titan as well, and was the God of Destruction; his name means “Destroyer”.
The Perseids
The Perseid meteor showers are an annual stellar event that begins around the third week of July and typically peaks the second week of August, around the 10th or 11th and lasts a few days. The peak dates for 2020 are August 11th-13th. The meteors originate from the Perseus (a derivative of Perses) constellation. Because Perses is Hekate’s father and Hekate’s mother Asteria is associated with falling stars, the days that the Perseids are peaking are a wonderful time to honor Hekate (and Her parents).
Star Gazing
I love the night sky. Each evening before bed, I go outside and just soak in the beauty of the dark night. I gaze at the sky, and take note of every star twinkling like night’s own torches. I raise my hands to the sky, recite a portion of an Orphic oath from the Petelia tablet:
“I am a child of Earth and Starry Heaven, but my race is of Heaven alone”
From there, I utter words honoring Hekate, her role as guardian of the Heavens (as apportioned to her by Zeus in the Theogony), and recite epithets, chants – whatever I am moved to speak at that moment. There is no script, there are no written rules. Most often I will see a shooting star while I am speaking, or after I am done. I always humbly accept that as a sign that my words and offerings were received favorably and with gratitude. In turn, I express my own gratitude for Hekate’s recognition and presence.
That is my nightly ritual before I go to bed. Doing this each night feeds my soul like nothing else. It is a very fulfilling part of my devotional practice. When the Perseids are at peak, I spend more time outside, chanting and gazing in wonder at the night sky while this magical stellar event takes place.
Before COVID took over our corner of the Earth, my daughters and I visited the Albany Institute of History and Art near our home. On the third floor, they have an amazing exhibit dedicated to Ancient Egypt, with many artifacts and two preserved mummies of Egyptian Priests from the Ptolemaic Period (c. 305 BCE).
Almost everything on display was safely stored behind protective glass, except for the bust of the Goddess Sekhmet (see photo below). Seeing this bust of the great Lioness was breathtaking. It was displayed on a heavy stand, with a simple sign asking visitors not to touch it.
This particular bust of Sekhmet was commissioned by Amenhotep III for the Temple of Mut at Karnak, and is believed to be dated from about 1388-1350 BCE. The temple of Mut was located in the present city of Luxor, Egypt on the banks of the Nile River. The Goddess Mut was the consort of the God Amun-Ra, and was known as a Mother Goddess, a Sky Goddess, and was the mother of Khonsu, a Moon God.
Amenhotep III commissioned more than 500 statues of Sekhmet for the Temple of Mut, and it is believed that his intention was to have a “forest” of Sekhmet statues.
Sekhmet is a complex Goddess who embodies many different qualities. She is a terribly fierce defender of Ma’at (justice or balance), who is known to show her wrath when Ma’at is threatened. Sekhmet also has a nurturing side due to her role as healer and patroness of physicians – but that gift of healing can also be used to harm by sending disease to those who offend her. She holds life and death in her hands.
Sekhmet and the Goddess Hekate do share similar qualities such as being mistresses of life and death, and as protectresses of justice and balance.
Hekate & Lions
Hekate is linked to lions through the Chaldean Oracles, temple remains found at Lagina, temple remains found near Syracuse (Sicily), various ancient coins showing Hekate with lions, and spells from the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM).
Chaldean Oracles
In the Chaldean Oracles, Hekate is seen as the Cosmic World Soul. She is the Anima Mundi; the mediator / messenger between the intellectual and material realms and within Her Cosmic Womb is where creation begins, with the paternal intellect planting the ideas within that womb. The Epiphany of Hekate in the Chaldean Oracles mentions lions in some translations:
“If you say this to me many times, you will observe all things to be a lion”
Meaning, if you called upon Hekate correctly, She will appear in lion form as a result.
Lagina
The Temple of Hekate in Lagina, Turkey is an ancient temple that was built around the 2nd century BCE. It was a sacred site dedicated to Hekate and was an important center of worship. There are preserved temple remains still there today, and one of them is a frieze containing lion heads (see below photo).
In the ancient Greek colony of Akrai in modern day Sicily, there once stood a great temple to the Magna Mater (“Great Mother”). This temple is believed to have been built to worship the goddess Cybele. Many of the carvings / statues depict Cybele with lions. Hekate and Cybele are closely related and some statues and carvings from the temple in Akrai depict Hekate either alone or alongside Cybele.
Ancient Coins
There are many ancient coins that depict Hekate either alone or with another deity. One particular coin from the region of Stratonikeia, near Lagina, shows Zeus on one side on horseback, with Hekate on the other side sitting atop a lion (see photo below).
I love the Summer Solstice. We are at the height of summer, where the Sun it at it’s strongest and the day is the longest of the year. Even though summer will have some of the hottest temperatures in the days and weeks ahead, the sunlight begins to wane ever so slightly each day after the Solstice, until the wheel turns to the Autumn Equinox where light and dark is once again balanced.
Midsummer is a time when the Earth’s bounties are ripening towards harvest, and we are celebrating the light and warmth of the Sun’s eternal power, which in turn helps give life to growing crops. In ancient Greece, the Summer Solstice was said to mark the start of a new year. It was also when preparations for the Olympic games were said to begin.
Each Midsummer’s Eve, I light the sacred fires in my backyard at sundown, and then again at sunrise the next morning. I call on the power of the Sun to bless our land and home, and to give thanks for all that we have.
Fire is transformational. It destroys, and out of that destruction comes creation and new beginnings. This year’s Summer Solstice was even more auspicious than usual since it also coincided with the New Moon; another time of transition and new beginnings because the New Moon marks the start of a new lunar cycle.
As a devotee of Hekate, She is honored at every transition of the lunar phases. This Solstice celebration was especially powerful and poignant due to the celebration of the Solstice and New Moon together.
As I lit the flames that Midsummer’s Eve, I began my incantations to the Sun, and to Hekate. Thunder pealed overhead from a storm that was passing just to the North of me. I love thunderstorms; the raw power of the thunder and lightning is awe-inspiring and electrifying; and while that particular storm wasn’t directly overhead, it’s power was still very much felt, acknowledged, and honored.
The Torch and Key 