Sisters of the
Burning Branch Goddess Gallery Presents...
Goddess
Hekate
This Image is credit of my husband Matthew
Wiseman.
by Morella
Hecate was worshipped in many forms; maiden, mother, crone, and also as
all three, the triple goddess. She was worshipped and prayed to because she
was believed to preside over the cycles of life, birth, death and rebirth,
as well as wisdom, protection, and providing valuable counsel. She was the
only deity outside of Zeus who had the power to grant or withhold anything
that she wanted from humans, which gave her great power amongst the people.
She was honored many times out of the year, including during the Eleusinian
Mysteries, Anthesteria (a festival of flowers), a feast to the goddesses of
the underworld, a mysterious ritual on the island of Aegina which we know
little about, and her own feast-nights in November, December, and another
in August which celebrated her darker aspects. This night became known as
Hecate the Dark Mother. Her festivals were held at night by torchlight, typically
at a crossroads because this is believed to be where the worlds meet. Pillars
were often erected to her at these crossroads , called hecataea. Worshippers
also offered her foods, including mullet, garlic, eggs, cheese and cake. Because
of the plethora of foods that were left for her, these nights of offerings
became known as Hecate’s Suppers.
Hecate was primarily a woman’s deity, associated with healing, prophesy,
magic, divination, communication with the dead, spells, averting evil, hauntings,
curses, making difficult decisions and wisdom. She was prayed to for help
in all of these matters as well as in cases of madness and epilepsy, as these
conditions were believed to be caused by the spirits of the dead. Her most
loyal of followers would stain their palms and soles with henna in her honor.
Simple Hecate Ritual When Facing a Difficult
Decision
-By Morella-
You will need: An item with as many sides as choices you are deciding between
and a food offering to leave there if you wish.
Before you leave your home, meditate for as long as you need on the decision
you are facing, holding your item in your hands. When you are ready, go to
a crossroads, under the light of the moon. While streets are ok, I’d recommend
something with less traffic, like a walking trail or bike path. At the crossroads,
recite “Hecate the wise, lend me your eyes. I wish to see the best path for
me. Give me the sight to do this right.“ Toss your item into the crossroads.
Thank Hecate for hearing your prayer, leave her your offering and walk away.
Do not look back, the answer to your prayer lies ahead.
Bibliography:
“The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Magic” by Venetia Newall
“Moon Magick” by D.J. Conway
“365 Goddesses” by Patricia Telesco
“Celebrate the Divine Feminine: Reclaim Your Power with Ancient Goddess
Wisdom: Hecate” by Joy F. Reichard, M.A.
