CoH Sanctuaries - Sheet1.pdf
"From Crossroad to Crossroad,
the Torchbearers and the Keybearers of your mysteries will always find one another”
~ Rite of Her Sacred Fires, 2010 - Sorita d'Este
What is the Covenant of Hekate all about? The aims and goals, as set out in November 2010 - and which all our members agreed to are:
1. To establish an international society through which the history and mysteries of the Goddess Hekate, as the Cosmic World Soul, are studied, shared and experienced.
2. For each member to strive towards fulfilling their full potential in all that they are and all that they aspire towards becoming.
Membership of the CoH is Free. We welcome all devotees of Hekate - CoH members are asked to complete a membership process with one of our Membership Centres - which includes a ceremony of dedication to the Goddess.
Interested in joining? Explore the list of Membership Centres and see which might be the best fit for you. All members, regardless of which centre they join through will have access to our members groups and activities.
New to your Journey with the Goddess Hekate? We prepared this introduction to take you through some of the essentials. There are also other free resources on this site for you to explore - and in the coming months our team of bloggers, many of them Keybearers and Torchbearers, will be adding a lot more material for you to explore too!
The Covenant of Hekate continues to host the Rite of Her Sacred Fires every year at the Full Moon of May. Anyone can participate, and anyone can host this devotional rite for others in their community too - both in person and online. You can find the text and more information in the Sacred Fires section of this site.
About CoH
The Aims of the Covenant of Hekate
These 2 aims were established when the Covenant was formed by Sorita d'Este in November 2010. Contributors to the Hekate: Her Sacred Fires project were invited to become co-founders during the same period. They and all subsequent members agreed to these aims at the time of becoming a member.
1. To establish an international society through which the history and mysteries of the Goddess Hekate, as the Cosmic World Soul, are studied, shared, and experienced;
2. For each member to strive towards fulfilling their full potential in all that they are and all that they aspire towards becoming.
As we have grown as a community whose membership is so wide-ranging and diverse it has naturally become necessary to try and find a set of ideals to which all members feel they can adhere to.
The Covenant of Hekate is a community of people who are united through our passion for the Goddess Hekate, by her many names, in her many forms, and by her many faces. We are not a spiritual, religious or magical tradition, instead, we are a collaborative network through which information about both her historical and contemporary worship is shared.
The 5 Virtues:
In 2013 members worked together as a community project and agreed on a set of Virtues which it was felt were most closely associated with the Goddess Hekate.
These virtues are:
■ Compassion
■ Courage
■ Temperance
■ Justice
■ Wisdom
The virtues chosen as it turned out were very similar to the Platonic Virtues of Antiquity, a set of ethics based upon the ideal state of being. As such the Five Virtues of Hekate lend themselves to being further developed and now form the basis for a Code of Ethics within the Covenant of Hekate which each member can contemplate, discuss and strive towards in their day-to-day lives and their interactions with other devotees, members of the wider community with which they are involved and even the Goddess herself.
This beautiful prayer was created by one of our members in Italy, it can be used as a daily prayer towards manifesting these virtues in your own life.
Prayer of the 5-Virtues of Hekate
Sacred Goddess Hekate
help me to manifest Justice in my actions
Temperance in my soul
Courage in my choices
Wisdom in my words
Compassion towards all beings.
What are the Five Virtues of Hekate?
(This article was written as part of a group project by members)
Compassion
– Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Compassion within their daily life and practice would desire to aid in the alleviation of any undesirable situation or at the very least not be a contributing factor towards it.
Real Life Example – You could try to help the homeless or less fortunate be they of the two or four-legged variety. Volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives are great ways to learn and show compassion.
Courage
– Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Courage within their daily life and practice may choose to stand firm against those who would choose to undermine their beliefs or convictions or to speak out against those who hurt and undermine others.
Real-Life Example – Try standing up for someone you or your friendship group may deem unpopular. Also when someone shows remorse for a wrongdoing some people will continue to be angry and unforgiving. Instead, state your position calmly (in itself an act of courage) and then allow the situation to pass.
Temperance
– Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Temperance within their daily life and practice may choose to restrict some part of their life be that thought or action in an attempt to find a balance rather than choosing to allow extremes.
Real-Life Example – Try abstaining from certain types of food or drink or showing restraint in discussions online. An example would be to learn to hold one’s tongue and listen a bit more before jumping into an argument.
Justice
– Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Justice within their daily life would strive to act fairly, truthfully, and with personal integrity when dealing with others and themselves.
Real-Life Example – Try to treat others fairly, in action and tone be it online or in person. Try to not pass judgment on another based on your own feelings for a person, your understanding of the situation, or hearsay. There are often two (or more) sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere between. If the truth cannot be ascertained then try being impartial.
Wisdom
– To have the common sense, foresight, and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Wisdom within their daily life would strive to apply their knowledge and experiences in a prudent and practical way.
Real-Life Example – Try volunteering to share a topic that you are knowledgeable about with a local group or center. Offer to do a guest blog post or write an article for an eZine on a particular subject.
The Covenant of Hekate Seal
I founded The Covenant of Hekate in November 2010 to bring together people who honour the Goddess Hekate, regardless of their tradition – or lack thereof – to share their work, research, devotion and passion for the Goddess Hekate with one another. The Covenant of Hekate seal (or symbol / sigil ) was created my myself it as part of its foundation. It is hard to believe that was so many years ago now!
Background: Before the Covenant of Hekate, I was also the co-founder of the Starstone Network (2000), within an initiatory Craft tradition (Alexandrian lineaged with significant influences from Gardnerian, Welsh Wicca, Thelema and other ceremonial traditions). Hekate was the primary tutelary goddess of the StarStone Network. Alongside my work with the StarStone network, I also co-facilitated a few other thing, led led open rituals for organisations such as the Pagan Federation and Children of Artemis in London (UK), and had the privilege to learn from many teachers – formally and informally. Throughout all of this, Hekate's torches could always be glimpsed, leading the way in one way or another, and she was a frequent topic of conversation.
The Covenant of Hekate Born out of the desire for participants in the first Rite of Her Sacred Fires to stay in touch, the Covenant of Hekate was created by myself, with a group of invited friends and colleagues as co-founders. As part of the foundation ritual for the Covenant of Hekate, I created a seal to represent the primary influences and symbols associated with the Goddess Hekate that influenced the creation of the Covenant.
These can all still be seen in the symbol, which, through use by hundreds of practitioners worldwide since 2010, has gained additional meaning and symbolism over the years. If you have worked with or used this sigil in your work, why not comment on this blog to add your experience and understanding to the discussion? (And link to any work or articles that reference it!)
This graphic was the first to use the seal, it was created by Emily Carding in November 2010 after I showed them the newly created sigil. Emily incorporated additional symbolism in this graphic.
How did I create the seal? The seal of the Covenant of Hekate was created bringing together many different symbols with associations to Hekate into one symbol. There are many techniques that can be used for creating magical seals and sigils, the one I used is based on reduction sigiliation, where you combine and overlap different component parts. This seal, like many others, can also be seen as a gateway through which to understand and commune with the Goddess. It is a symbolic representation, and is used by many people in their ritual practices to achieve exactly this.
The component parts:
The Circle – represents the coming together of peers, with no need for hierarchy. Those with less experience and knowledge can learn from those with more, and visa versa, with a mutual desire for equality. The Circle is also a symbol for magic, as magicians and witches of many different traditions have for millenia used techniques to create a magic circle in which to practice the Arte Magical.
The upwards pointing Moon – or "The Horns of the Moon" –symbolises many things. Firstly, the connection that Hekate has with the Moon, and with the sub-lunar realm (i.e. the world we live in and experience life in). It also represents the magic of the Moon – both in the power it exerts on the earth and life here, but also the mystical aspects that has probably been with us since the first human observed its continuously changing face and pondered its mysteries. The upwards pointing Moon is also representative of the visions and descriptions of Hekate as being crowned with Bull Horns. And finally, the upwards pointing Moon is a container for good luck, much like how horseshoes are used in folk magic.
The equal armed cross inside the circle – This is a symbol of balance, and each quarter it creates represents both the four elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth and the four corners of the world where Hekate's modern devotees dwell. It could also represent the four seasons or the four winds.
A Circle with an Equal Armed Cross:This symbol overlaps with the circle and equaled armed cross above. This symbol has long been used for good luck, protection and sometimes to represent the Sun and is sometimes known as the Greek Cross. I created the CoH Seal long before first visiting the archaeological site of Hekate's temple at Lagina in modern-day Turkey – it was quite a surprise to me to find the symbol carved multiple times into the temple's steps there. It was unclear from the information that was available to me at the time when these graffiti symbols were carved.
This symbol is also used today as an alchemical symbol representing Earth, one of the domains over which Hekate, according to Hesiod, holds a partial dominion.
The 7-pointed stars:
The 7 pointed stars in each quarter –represent Hekate's mother, Asteria, the Goddess of Divination by Stars. The seven points also represent the seven wandering stars: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. These Wandering Stars are also sometimes known as the ‘deathless powers of the universe’; their universality and endurance are still reflected in the days of the week.
The Waves:
The waves (at the top, above the crescent moon) represent Hekate's association with the ocean and her ability to move between the worlds. It also symbolises Hekate’s ability to flow and move with the tides of life.
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I hope that this article has been an interesting read, and that you will take the time to share any additional symbolism you have noticed over the years. Perhaps the symbol has revealed additional layers to you? Maybe you have had it tattooed or used it on candles or other ritual items you have made? Please do feel free to share such images or links below.
A note on use: This symbol is intended for use only by those who have entered into the Covenant of Hekate for which it was intended. As my creation I have given the copyright to the Covenant of Hekate, and as such all dedicated (including devotees, Torchbearer and Keybearer) members are welcome to use it for personal non-commercial use. I have also given permission to all current serving Keybearers of the Covenant of Hekate (as listed on the Covenant's website) to use the symbol for any purpose, including commercial uses, within an appropriate context to use the symbol as they deem necessary. If you want to use the symbol for anything else, or you are unsure, please seek permission from myself or the Covenant of Hekate administration in writing before proceeding. The Goddess is unlikely to smite you with fire from heaven if you steal the symbol or use it out of context, but it doesn't take much to be polite and ask :-)
Many blessings,
Sorita d'Este
The Covenant of Hekate Sanctuaries
The CoH is a worldwide organization with representatives in all corners of the globe. Our membership consists of Devotees, Torchbearers, and Keybearers. Torchbearers are devotees who have an additional commitment to the service of the Goddess. The title Torchbearer is not a rank it’s a description of this commitment. Keybearers are devotees who have specific specialized areas of development and service to the community. Entry to being a Keybearer is by invitation only.
As part of this role, each Torchbearer can create a space to celebrate Hekate. Keybearers do not facilitate sanctuaries unless they are already Torchbearers and do so in this latter role.
A sanctuary can be a permanent area where rituals can be held or a temporary space in a home or private location. CoH does not manage these spaces. Each Sanctuary is directly cared for by the Torchbearer, and one may or may not be required to be a CoH member in order to attend. There may be, however, other requirements for attending functions at the Sanctuary. This is at the discretion of the Torchbearer, who retains the right to refuse access to their space (physical or virtual).
Outlined below is a list of the current Official CoH Sanctuaries. Use the contact information provided for the individual Sanctuaries to inquire about events, rituals, or public events. A Sanctuary brings together devotees, enabling them to work and perform rituals together.
AN A-Z OF CoH SANCTUARIES
The Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo
Torchbearer: Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
Location: Seven Springs, North Carolina, U.S.A
Founded: May 1, 2015
Virtual Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo is a virtual sanctuary devoted to Hecate in her fierce and protective aspects. While Brimo is often called the Terrible One, I also honor her as a fierce mother — a guardian of thresholds who shields those most in need. Under this title and others, her fire calls us to transformation, justice, and compassion.
Our work is entirely online, offering books, classes, and resources that explore paths and energies often attributed to the goddess. This space is designed for seekers of diverse traditions, providing tools, information, and a supportive community for those who walk between worlds.
As its founder, I live a vegan, cruelty-free life, guided by compassion as a cornerstone of practice. Devotion is expressed not only through ritual and study, but through everyday choices that honor the interconnectedness of all beings.
The Sanctuary is a place of learning, inclusion, and care. Here, devotion to Hecate Brimo means carrying her torches into the world: illuminating wisdom, defending the vulnerable, and building community across boundaries.
Contact: sanctuaryofhecatebrimo@gmail.com
hecatebrimo.org
The Sanctuary of Hekate Angelos – London, UK
Torchbearer: Andrea Angelos
Location: London, England UK
Contact: angelosmembership@gmail.com
The Sanctuary is a devotional space dedicated to Hekate, to hold Her energy, emanate it, awaken, and draw to Her those who are her spiritual and magickal devotees. This is a space for devotees to give offerings and prayers to Hekate available by prior appointment. Basic facilities for CoH members include being able to undergo Temple purifications and Temple sleep when seeking healing and guidance of a spiritual nature with the assistance of the Torchbearer. This is in keeping with one of the basic functions of a Sanctuary within the ancient world. We place emphasis on the development of good quality oracular and other trance work in priestesses and priests leading to improved and sustained communication with Hekate and the retrieval of techniques from the past in Her cults.
Private meetings: Generally for only CoH members but others may come by invitation. The Sanctuary will carry out its devotional and practical work at every New Moon. For some of the Full Moons, we will meet for oracular work which is only for people who already have experience of such work or who have trained in the Sanctuary.
Requirements for attendance: In order to worship and make offerings privately this will need to be arranged by prior appointment, whether members of the CoH or other Hekate devotees. Visitors will not necessarily be invited to ceremonies, but the effort will be made to find a mutually suitable time for personal space to worship and make offerings. Prayers, requests to Hekate and offerings may also be made in absentia by contacting the Torchbearer. Monetary exchange is not accepted. Offerings to Hekate herself may take the form of plants, candles (red or natural beeswax), flowers, olive oil, bread, honey or red wine. Those who wish to make a permanent offering are requested to consult the Torchbearer before doing so.
https://hekatemagnasanctuary.wordpress.com/
Este santuario recibe miembros de habla hispana. Para ams detalles por favor leer nuestro blog hispanico, la seccion membresia.
https://magnahekate.wordpress.com/
The Sanctuary of Hekate Amaimaketon Basilian – Athens, Greece
Torchbearer: Palladia Soria
Location: Greece
Contact: amaimaketon.basilian@gmail.com
Located in the historic port of Piraeus, Greece, the Sanctuary Amaimaketon Basilian is dedicated to the veneration and study of the goddess Hekate, bridging the ancient past with her relevance in the present. Our purpose is to serve as a bridge to Hekate, facilitating a deep connection with her energy, wisdom and mysteries.
The Sanctuary opens its doors every new moon, offering devotional services and open rituals to those seeking the path to Hekate, always by invitation. Our consecrated altar is always available, receiving petitions both in person and from afar.
We communicate in Greek, Spanish, and English. As we expand, we are ready to welcome distant members, sharing this sacred connection with Hekate with all who seek Her.
Write us an email if you need more information or if you want to be a part of us! May Hekate's light always bless your path!
The Sanctuary of Hekate Astrodia - Illinois, USA
Torchbearer: Catherine Archer
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Contact: https://verafortune.weebly.com/sanctuary-of-hekate-astrodia.html
The Sanctuary of Hekate Astrodia is dedicated to celebrating Hekate as the guiding cosmic light in the darkness, our savior and "North Star" which we use to navigate our often-chaotic world. Though the stars always move in our night sky, we can confidently follow Hekate "Star Courser" on our journey through life. SoHA offers online resources for devotees and newcomers to Hekate alike in their journey to knowing Her on a deeper level, as well as rituals and other opportunities for gathering as a community to members of the Covenant of Hekate. Catherine also creates Hekate devotional zines that are free for all to download here.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Dadouchos - Indiana, USA
Torchbearer: Tamrha Richardson, HPs
Location: West Central Indiana
Contact: sanctuaryofhekatedadouchos@gmail.com
Website: Sanctuary of Hekate Dadouchos — Temple of the Hallowed Gods
Facebook page: Sanctuary of Hekate Dadouchos
Overview:
The Sanctuary of Hekate Dadouchos is an online and physical sanctuary, located in a private home. The online sanctuary will offer education, primarily in the form of a course called A Year and a Day, Deity Dedication Course. This course, written and guided by Torchbearer Tamrha Richardson, is divided into four quarters, where students will work through various ways of learning about Hekate, or any chosen Deity, and how one might connect with Them.
Consisting of a year of assignments, broken into 4 quarters, the student will engage in:
Book reviews
Meditation practice
Divination techniques
Ritual
Teaching
Journaling
Art
Community engagement
And more…
Through the course, the Sanctuary supports local organizations such as the Pagan Prison Library Project in order to purchase books for incarcerated men and women, and various county animal shelters in purchasing food and other needs for the cats and dogs awaiting forever homes. Via social media and website blog posts, information about the worship of Hekate in both historical and modern practices are made available for those not involved in the course.
Once a year, the Sanctuary will offer one public ritual on public land for those in the local community.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Daeira
Torchbearer: Delphia Omphalo
Location: Indiana, USA
Website: https://www.hertorches.com/
As a survivor of domestic violence, I possess a profound understanding of the enduring psychological and emotional wounds inflicted by abuse. These wounds, though often invisible to the casual observer, manifest as deep spiritual trauma. Through my devotion to Hekate, whose all-seeing presence has illuminated my path, I have been guided toward healing and empowered to confront the profound pain within my soul. Her wisdom and the visions she imparts have inspired me to undertake a sacred commitment: to serve others in her name and become a devoted advocate for women and children affected by abuse.
To this end, I have established The Sanctuary of Hekate Daeira, a project dedicated to creating a sacred and secure space for survivors. Recognizing that many victims suffer in silence, burdened by fear, anxiety, and despair, this initiative seeks to offer both material and spiritual support. My vision includes regular visits to local shelters for women and children, during which I will offer complementary aromatherapy services and lead mindfulness practices for both individuals and groups. In addition, the Sanctuary will coordinate quarterly donations of gently used, freshly laundered clothing, toiletries, toys, and over-the-counter first aid supplies. All items are personally collected, cleaned, and prepared by me to ensure they are in excellent condition and ready for immediate use.
Furthermore, the Sanctuary of Hekate Daeira will organize quarterly community service initiatives, including the cleaning of local parks and densely populated urban areas. Announcements regarding upcoming events and updates on ongoing initiatives will be made available through our official website.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Drakaina - Netherlands
Torchbearer - Diana B.
Contact: sanctuaryofhekatedrakaina@gmail.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568739748165
The Sanctuary of Hekate Drakaina will ben an online sanctuary at first with an annual meeting, The Rite of Her Sacred Fires. Live with participants if there are enough, online otherwise when meeting each other is difficult. And who knows what comes around the corner in the future.
The Epithet Drakaina is an epithet worthy of further research, which I am planned to do and share. I am not a blogger, I like to do things on my own time so it will be shared on the (yet to start) group on the CoH website, a page on Facebook and Instagram. I start with one specific requirements, interest and passion for Hekate and specific Drakaina, but most of all I want to start as a beacon for the Dutch and Belgian CoH members and those who are interested in Her, to share thoughts, insights and information about Hekate Drakaina and as I stated before, who knows where Hekate Drakaina will lead me.
The Sanctuary and Temple of Hekate Einalian - Indiana USA
Location: Highland, Indiana, USA (near Chicago)
Keybearer: Tinnekke Bebout
URL: http://www.templeofhekateeinalian.org
The Sanctuary of Hekate Einalian is near Chicago and open to anyone from the Chicagoland/Northwest Indiana/Wisconsin/Southwest Michigan region who is interested in working with and learning more about Hekate in a community of folk who are devoted to Her. We also welcome people from outside the region to be part of the group through Discord and our website, where they can join the Lyceum, which is our school and working community. We have a Facebook page for community outreach. This page lists all of our online presence.
https://www.facebook.com/templeofhekateeinalian
Frequency of Meetings:
Members-Only: Rite of Her Sacred Fires Full Moon of May ritual. Monthly Full Moon Rites
Open to Public: Tarot Tea every even numbered month except August. These are held on a Saturday afternoon and announced at least 2 weeks ahead of time on our FB page and posted on our website events page. Deipnon Rites are livestreamed on Discord.
Annual Hekate Rising Women's retreat to celebrate the Mysteries of Hekate 2nd weekend of August each year. (attendance is limited to 10 or fewer)
Contact Details:
Phone: 219-595-9287
Email: dreamweaver93@sbcglobal.net
The Sanctuary of Hekate Enodia, Chile
Torchbearer: Anamar Zúñiga
Location: Vina del Mar, Chile.
Contact: santauriohekatenodia@gmail.com
Page Sanctuary in FB: https://www.facebook.com/santuariohekatechile
Study Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245828888903417
Website: http://www.santuariohekatenodiachile.wordpress.com
The Sanctuary of Hekate Epiphanestate Thea (Telford, UK)
Torch Bearer: Robert Podmore
Location: Telford, England UK
Contact: hekateepiphanestatethea@gmail.com
The Sanctuary of Hekate Epiphanestate Thea is a closed group it is a group for like-minded devotees and ritualists from all walks of life and spiritual pathways. All are dedicated to or wish to learn about the Goddess Hekate both as the world soul of the Chaldean Oracles and also as Epiphanestate Thea (Most Manifest). Within the Sanctuary so that we may better understand her mysteries. we will explore these mysteries and also explore the meaning of her epithet “ most manifest “ ( clear, plain, apparent, evident, patent, palpable, distinct, definite transparent undisguised, unmistakable, unquestionable, undeniable, perceptible, visible, recognizable, observable, obvious.)
We will use various techniques including discussion, meditation, and drumming as well as formal rituals.
The Sanctuary is a devotional space dedicated to Hekate, to hold her energy, and to awaken and draw to Her those who are her spiritual and magickal devotees. This is a space for devotees to give offerings and prayers.
The Sanctuary will carry out its devotional and practical work at every Full and New Moon, we will also honour sacred days though out the year.
Requirements for attendance: : The meetings are open to all Covenant members who may wish to attend and some meetings may with prior agreement be open to invited guests who have expressed an interest in learning more about the Covenant and the Goddess Hekate. All members attending will be expected to dress appropriately in clean, dark, comfortable clothing. As some meetings may involve outdoor work walking in the woods etc the focus is on practicality.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Hegemonen – São Paulo, Brazil
Torchbearer: Francine Derschner (Keybearer) e Patricia Elizium (Torchbearer)
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Contact: http://santuariodehekatehegemonen.com/
The Sanctuary of Hekate Hegemonen located in São Paulo, Brasil is focused on the research and study of the History of the Goddess Hekate as part of the journey to get closer to her mysteries. Our rites and practices are modern, inspired by Western Mystery Traditions as well as Hellenic Polytheism. We are always seeking, through historical bases, to make Goddess worship accessible to the needs of modern devotees. We choose the epithet Hegemonen, which means “Guide”, to name our Sanctuary, for just as Hekate guides Persephone on her journey from the underworld, each of us was brought and guided by the Goddess Hekate to answer her call. As Hegemonen guided and illuminated our steps, we wish to be a light for new seekers willing to know and experience the Goddess Hekate.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Kleidouchos
The Sanctuary of Hekate Kleidouchos is an international sanctuary within the Covenant of Hekate facilitated by the Keybearers, Christina Moraiti, Francine Derschner, Giovanna Diaz, Renee Olson and Sorita d'Este. It is open to all existing members of the Covenant of Hekate, who are at least 22 years old at the time of application.
This Sanctuary started as a program of study developed by Sorita d’Este for members and was created out of the need expressed by some members for regular, guided practice and learning. We have a continued program of personal development, guided independent study, and practice, all of which are aimed at allowing us as individuals to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with ourselves, our Goddess, and the world around us. There is an emphasis on symbolic language, historical context, continued development of the use of the 5-senses – and psychic faculties, and most of all personal practice. It takes inspiration from history, the Western Esoteric Traditions, and practices developed by its founder.
Candidates undergo a 5-8 month period of practice, meditation, devotion, and independent study as part of the application process, as well as ultimately temple work. The course material and feedback are conducted in English.
We are rooted in history, drawing on historical literature, art, and archaeology for our inspiration; with our living branches firmly in the 21st century – using the technology, knowledge, and other tools available to us today. We respect the ancient knowledge passed down to us by those who went before, but do not seek to recreate history past, instead, we seek our beliefs and create our rituals and practices in the present for the history of the future.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Kourotrophos – (International, online)
Torchbearer: Sandra Maria Streit
Location: Hamburg, Germany – Virtual Sanctuary
Contact: hekatesanctuary@gmx.de
Instagram: instagram.com/hekatesanctuary
Website: hekatesanctuary.de
The Sanctuary of Hekate Kourotrophos is an online Sanctuary. It's aim is to create an accessible safer space for the community, not only but especially for the German speaking community and to provide serious information about Hekate in the German language. It has a Discord server were people can find a safer space to come together, chat and talk about Hekate and all things connected to her. There are regular online meetings and ceremonies.
The Sanctuary is dedicated to Hekate Kourotrophos in order to shine a light on the benevolent and nurturing aspects of Hekate. Diversity, inclusion and accessibility are particularly important to me.
Das Sanctuary von Hekate Kourotrophos ist ein Online-Heiligtum. Sein Ziel ist es, einen safer space für gemeinschaftlichen Austausch zu schaffen, nicht nur, aber insbesondere für die deutschsprachige Community, und seriöse Informationen über Hekate in deutscher Sprache zur Verfügung zu stellen. Es verfügt über einen Discord-Server, auf dem Interessierte einen safer space finden, um zusammenzukommen, zu chatten und über Hekate und ihr nahestehende Themen zu sprechen. Es gibt regelmäßige Online-Treffen und -Zeremonien.
Das Heiligtum ist Hekate Kourotrophos geweiht, um ein besonderes Licht auf die wohlwollenden und fürsorglichen Aspekte von Hekate zu werfen. Diversität, Inklusion und Barrierefreiheit, sind mir besonders wichtig.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Lampadephoros - Canada
Torchbearer: Cece Pitts
Location: Virtual Sanctuary
Contact: lampadephoroshekate@gmail.com
FB Page: facebook.com/Lampadephoros
“The one who keeps in mind the vigor of nature.” - Homeric Hymn to Demeter
Honouring Hekate as Bringer of Light and Queen of the Lampades; Nymphs who shine their Torches to protect and guide you through the darkness of the Underworld. We will explore this epithet of Hekate and follow Her through the Eleusinian Mysteries while we walk the wheel of seasons to heal and transform ourselves and our world. Website coming soon!
The Sanctuary of Hekate Melaneimon – Spain
Torchbearer: Octavia di Giordano
Location: Cáceres, Spain
Contact: octaviaixi@gmail.com
Instagram: @hekate.melaneimon
The mission of the Sanctuary is to keep a constant altar to honor and remember our long-lost and recent ancestors through the study and worship of the Goddess Hekate.
We create prayers and offer events and rituals for CoH members focused on Hekate’s role as psychopomp and queen of the dead. There are other events and activities open to all the devotees, like tarot and oracle readings and short courses about the Holy Darkness and Shadow Work from a pagan point of view.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Ouroboros - Brasil
Torchbearer: Maby Leite
Location: Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil
Contact: santuariohouroboros@gmail.com
Blog: https://santuariohekateouroboros.substack.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/xDCjUm8DgX
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santuariohekateouroboros
The Sanctuary of Hekate Ouroboros is firstly a virtual sanctuary from Brazil, helping people in their processes of ending and beginning cycles, inspired by Hekate, who resides at thresholds and transitions. The goal is to guide those interested in walking the path of modern Witchcraft under Hekate’s guidance, incorporating Hellenism as a foundation at appropriate moments. Furthermore, I aim to offer practical mentorship on Witchcraft and foster learning through the study and use of Tarot, strengthening individuals’ spiritual and personal connections.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Ourania-Pammetor (International, Online)
The Virtual Sanctuary of Hekate Ourania-Pammetor is dedicated to the Goddess Hekate for the sole purpose of helping all those in need within the Covenant of Hekate. The Service provided by this Sanctuary is to transmit energy, as well as guidance and knowledge (where appropriate) to those truly in need in order to assist them in their daily struggles, whether these be health-related issues, spiritual or psychological questions, or for protection.
We are a team of people from varied backgrounds with diverse metaphysical gifts who are dedicated in Service to Hekate and furthering her worship. This Sanctuary utilizes the combined forces of two Epithets, Hekate Ourania – “Sky/Heavenly” and Hekate Pammetor – “Mother of All”, to assist us in channeling and directing Her energies to answer your petitions.
Each petition is carefully processed and assigned to one of the Sanctuary Members in a private and confidential manner to support you in attaining your goal or desired outcome. We cannot make any claims to said outcome as we are simply facilitating the energy to assist you, with the hopes that you will achieve your heartfelt desire.
Under no circumstances shall any request for negative or harmful outcomes or cursing be considered, as this Sanctuary is built upon Love, Compassion, and Healing.
In addition to this Service, the Sanctuary of Ourania-Pammetor will ask that you perform some act of charity to a person, an establishment, or an organization, to balance out the exchange of energy, as there is no charge for our Service.
Contact Edward Catanzaro or Francine Derschner for more information.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Pasikrateia – Lower Saxony, Germany
Torchbearer: Florian Schlie
Location: Aerzen (near Hameln), Lower Saxony, Germany
Contact: hekate-tempel@gmx.net www.hekate-tempel.net
The Sanctuary of Hekate Pasikrateia is dedicated to Hekate as the Great Goddess. The Epithet Pasikrateia means the Almighty One or Queen of All. It comes from the 3rd CE. At this time the Goddess Hekate was viewed as the Great Goddess and Magna Mater, ruling over heaven, earth, and the underworld. As a Goddess that is the embodiment of nature, She is the ensouler of the cosmos and ruler of the cycles. In this Sanctuary we are inspired by the views of Hekate in Late Antiquity- but we are modern people. We try to learn from the wisdom of antiquity but in a way that fits to our modern time and world.
The focus of the Sanctuary is the experience of the Goddess and to create a living and breathing connection to her. To revive her mysteries and explore these through meditation, rituals, and mystical and magical practices. We view the Goddess Hekate in a holistic way as a universal and polymorphous Goddess that reveals herself in many forms and ways. We understand these many forms as different aspects of her being. The meetings of the Sanctuary will take place on different dates throughout the year. We will organise open rituals, devotional practices, and meditations. The meetings are open to all people who have an interest in Hekate and to those of all spiritual or religious backgrounds. We expect that all attending people treat each other with respect.
Philosophy of the Sanctuary:
*The goals of the CoH are accepted and fulfilled in the workings of the Sanctuary.
*The Goddess Hekate is viewed as the Great Goddess, Cosmic World soul and embodiment of nature. *The Goddess is viewed as a real existing being. It is not necessary to believe in her to attend in our rites and meetings but to be open to the experiences. The focus of the Sanctuary is more connected to the direct experience of Hekate.
*Nature is viewed as the living and the ensouled manifestation of the Goddess. Everything in nature is sacred and ensouled by Hekate. The divine is embodied in nature and we can experience it through our connection to nature. Nature is seen as the living body of the Goddess.
*Through rites, mystical practices, and magic it is possible to connect with Hekate, to contact her, and to experience her.
*Magic is seen as something natural, nothing paranormal. Magic is neither black nor white but a natural power that connects everything in the cosmos with each other; the creative power that flows through the cosmos and through everything.
*The cosmos is seen in a holistic way. It is more than just physical. It has three realms: Material, Astral/ Etheric, and Divine/Empyrean which harmonise together. Spirit is weaved into the matter.
*The main focus of the Sanctuary is on Hekate and her mysteries. Next to her, there can be a focus on other Gods and Goddesses that had a connection to her in antiquity. If rites/meetings will take place outdoors the local nymphs and spirits will be acknowledged too.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Pharmakeia, Rhode Island, USA
Torchbearer: Edward Catanzaro
Location: Rhode Island, USA
The Sanctuary of Hekate Pharmakeia is Dedicated to the Goddess Hekate who governs over all plant life. She teaches us the process of birth, death, and rebirth through the Magic of Nature. Like the seed, everything holds that Spark of Divinity within itself which is pure in essence and connects us to the universe.
Our Work is mostly based on Ritual and much of our Magic is associated with the Herbal Kingdom. We strive to connect to Hekate’s sacred plants and trees, in order to rediscover and uncover those energies so that we may be inspired by them. We apply that inspiration and those vibrations to both time-honored and present-day applications.
The Sanctuary is located in Rhode Island, USA. We gather once a month for Ritual and meditation, wort cunning, and spell crafting. We are a closed devotional space, however, we strive to bring new members into our Family and lead them to become Devotees within the COH. Although being an Herbalist is not a prerequisite, a base knowledge of Herbal Lore is advantageous. We do not introduce any poisons by ingestion or by absorption. Our Path within the Poison Garden is one of Magic and Illumination.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Phosphoros – Glastonbury (England) and Online
Torchbearer: Arabel Jade
Location: Glastonbury (England) and Online
Contact: arabela@arabelatarot.com
Hekate is the one who carries the torches of illumination that light the way, bringing the light into the darkness. Hekate is the fire of knowledge, of truth, and of the spirit itself, being the light that resides in the heart. Hekate is the divine spark in our being that illuminates the darkness of the soul.
Commitment: This Sanctuary is based on the 5 Virtues of Hékate Justice, Compassion, Wisdom, Temperance and Courage proposed by the Covenant of Hekate. My commitment as a Torchbearer of the Hékate Phosphoros Shrine is to offer information about Hékate and an annual ritual for the members.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Physis - North Carolina - USA
Torchbearer: Sylvan Rodriguez
Location: North Carolina, USA
Contact: sanctuaryofhekatephysis@gmail.com
About the Sanctuary:
The aims of this Sanctuary is to honor Hekate, a Goddess of the physical world, embracing nature and
the physical plane.
This Sanctuary was established in October of 2024. This is a public, virtual space, dediacted to honoring
the natural world and all within it. Though the goddess takes many forms this space is taken to honor
nature, the tangible, physical world around us.
With this interpertation in mind, the Sanctuary of Hekate Physis seeks to reach out to the surrounding
community, not only to members of the CoH but all in need to bring the comfort, warmth, and guidance of the goddess to all who find themselves in need.
Torchbearer Commitment:
Through the transformative experience of becoming a Torchbearer for the Covenant of Hekate, though I was changed in many ways, there were a few things that remained steadfast. The presesence of the
goddess and the call to help others, to do whatever small thing I could do to improve the lives of others, to alleviate discomfort.
My Torchbearer commitment is to do just that, I am commited to using the light of her torches to do my
part in making the world a better place for others. Taking the warmth that Hekate has brought me when I needed it most and extending it so that others may know, in some small part, what can be done by her
hands.
I hereby pledge to take up her torch, embracing the call to be a guiding force, shining her light where its needed most. Sharing her wisdom and warmth with all who find themselves in need of it.
Hekate, in this commitment I honor you. I dedicate myself to carrying your guiding light. I am wholly
dedicated to serving you to the absolute best of my abilities. To embody the steadfast and true nature in which you have manifested in my life.
Consecration Rite Completed: Friday October 18th, 12:36 A.M
The Sanctuary of Hekate Potnia Theron
Keybearer: Lotus
Torchbearer: Sara Valtorta
Location: International – Virtual Sanctuary (with some in-person events.)
Contact: sanctuaryofhekatepotniatheron@gmail.com
Website: https://hekatepotniatheron.org
The Sanctuary of Hekate Potnia Theron is an online sanctuary, open to all devotees of Hekate. In our practice, we embrace Hekate as Potnia Theron, the Mistress of the Animals, the primeval goddess of life and death, and the mediatrix between all realms, connecting Earth with the Cosmos. We focus on building a relationship with the Goddess through a land and spirit-based practice, following an eclectic path that unites Druidry and Theurgy, exploring the connections and similarities between these apparently different approaches to the divine.
The Sanctuary also hosts and maintains the Sacred Astral Grounds of Hekate, an astral landscape open to all devotees, along with guided meditations and visualizations connected to it. Our aim is to provide a safe place for everyone to pray to Hekate and practice Her magic, even when the outer world does not allow us to do so. We also share historical information about Hekate, Her devotion, and Her magic through classes and courses, both in English and Italian, with the purpose of helping new devotees approach the Goddess and, especially in Italy, fostering a larger Hekatean community willing to embrace the Five Virtues and to bridge ancient knowledge with the present time.
The Sanctuary also accepts prayer requests from devotees in need and maintains an inner sanctum community on Discord, offering various activities.
Il Santuario di Ecate Potnia Theron è un santuario online, aperto a tutte le devote e i devoti di Ecate. Nella nostra pratica onoriamo Ecate come Potnia Theron, la Signora degli Animali, la dea primordiale della vita e della morte, e la mediatrice tra tutti i regni, che connette la Terra con il Cosmo. Ci concentriamo sulla costruzione di una relazione con la Dea attraverso una pratica fondata sul legame con la terra e con gli spiriti, seguendo un percorso eclettico che unisce il Druidismo e la Teurgia, esplorando le connessioni e le somiglianze tra questi approcci apparentemente diversi al divino.
Il Santuario ospita e mantiene inoltre i Sacri Terreni di Ecate, un paesaggio astrale aperto a tutte le devote e i devoti, insieme a meditazioni guidate e visualizzazioni a esso collegate. Il nostro intento è quello di offrire uno spazio sicuro in cui pregare Ecate e praticare la Sua magia, anche quando il mondo esterno non ce lo consente. Condividiamo inoltre informazioni storiche su Ecate, sulla Sua devozione e sulla Sua magia attraverso corsi e lezioni, sia in inglese che in italiano, con lo scopo di aiutare i devoti ad avvicinarsi alla Dea e di favorire, soprattutto in Italia, la nascita di una comunità più ampia, disposta ad abbracciare le Cinque Virtù del Covenant e a fare da ponte tra l’antica conoscenza e il tempo presente.
Il Santuario accoglie anche richieste di preghiera da parte delle devote e dei devoti che ne hanno bisogno e mantiene una comunità del santuario interiore su Discord, offrendo diverse attività.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Propylaia, Tenerife, Spain
Torchbearer: Giovanna Diaz
Location: Tenerife, Spain
Contact: SanctuaryofHekatePropylaia.COH@gmail.com
In the Sanctuary of Hekate Propylaia we worship the Goddess Hekate in all of her forms, with altars for the Ouranian/ Soteira, Chthonian, Einalian, Pharmakopeia, and witchcraft aspects holding special places in our practices. We are working on building a space for shared knowledge and worship, for workshops, special rituals, and community among Her devotees, online and in place.
Meetings: The sanctuary organizes meetings such as workshops and rituals of mixed attendance on special occasions such as Hekate’s Night. We are always open to visitors.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Psychopompos, Germany
Torchbearer: Marcel Schrei
Location: Bochum, Germany
Contact: hekatepsychopomposcoh(at)web(dot)de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hekatepsychopompos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hekatepsychopompos/
Website: https://hekatepsychopomposcoh.wordpress.com/contact/
The sanctuary’s goals are:
to explore Hekate’s chthonic mysteries through study and oracular work and to share insights about said mysteries to inspire and support those of Her devotees who as well walk the chthonic path
to perform rites of remembrance for the untimely dead
to perform rites of gate opening, to assist the willing lost souls on their way to the next world, regardless of their personal backstories. The immortal gods judge the dead, we just open the door.
To support the living lost souls, by supporting charity organisations which care for the poor and/or outcast souls on the fringe of society. Also to encourage fellow devotees to do the same in their local communities, always according to their abilites.
Worship
The sanctuary’s worship is focussed on Hekate Psychopompos and Soteira as Soul of the World and Guide of Souls, but also other aspects of the Many-formed Goddess. We may also call upon deities and spirits who are either conflated with her or connected to Her by mythology (e.g. Artemis-Selene, Demeter, Persephone, the dead) or share a liminal and chthonic aspect (e.g. Hermes, Herakles, Pan).
Other Info and Guidelines
Physical location of the cult icon is in Bochum, NRW, Germany. The sanctuary will reach out online as well.
The doors of the Sanctuary of Hekate Psychopompos are open to members of the Covenant of Hekate as well as other devotees, by the torchbearer’s discretion. There is no formal membership.
The sanctuary’s practise is rooted in ancient greek custom. However, it is not re-constructionist, as we akknowledge that change is a law of nature. We encourage every devotee (and infact everyone) to find their own individual path towards the Divine.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Psychopompos is strictly non-profit and does not accept monetary or other donations. If you would like to support our cause, please support a local charity which provides help to the poor, sick or otherwise cast-out members of society.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Pyrtania-Zootrophos – Maryland, USA
Torchbearer: Stacy Mathias
Location: Sparrows Point, Maryland – USA
Contact: flowerchild1779@yahoo.com
The Sanctuary of Hekate Pyrtania – Zootrophos is a sanctuary within the Covenant of Hekate and is dedicated to Hekate-Pyrtania (Queen of the dead) and Hekate-Zootrophos (nourisher of life), as such we recognise the importance of honouring the dead, and celebrating life with all it has to offer. We strive to embody the five virtues of the Covenant of Hekate at all times.
Services/Commitment: We offer monthly Deipnon rituals, a yearly ritual for Hekate’s Night in November, and the annual Rite of Her Sacred Fires. Rites will be available both online and in person to those wishing to participate. Members and attendees are welcome to leave prayers, petitions, and blessings on the shrine of the Sanctuary or send them via e-mail to be placed on the shrine by the torchbearer on their behalf.
Note: The Sanctuary of Hekate Pyrtania – Zootrophos is open to all Covenant of Hekate (COH) members as well as non-members at the discretion of the Torchbearer. Interactions between individuals both online and in-person are to be carried out with fairness, openness, and respect, bearing in mind the 5 Virtues of the COH. The work and celebrations of this Sanctuary are rooted in the here and now, though we do draw inspiration from historical sources. We focus our Rites on our own personal experiences gained from exploring the Mysteries of Hekate.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Soteira – Glastonbury, (Somerset) UK
Torchbearer: Sorita d’Este
Location: Glastonbury, UK
Contact: soritadeste@gmail.com
Website: www.soritadeste.com
Overview:
Membership of this Sanctuary is by invitation only and runs rituals in Glastonbury, Somerset. It is a ritual group dedicated to Hekate as the Saviour as she is seen in the Chaldean Oracles, but also throughout her long history. We honour her as the Cosmic World Soul, the Source of Virtues, and the Initiatrix who teaches us about the Mysteries of Life, Death, and Rebirth. We honour her as the three-fold goddess of Heaven, Earth, and Ocean who guards and protects the liminal thresholds and allows us to shatter illusions. Hail Hekate Soteira!
Meetings:
We aim to meet at least 6 times a year. Our ceremonies often have a teaching component, combined with ritual. We do incorporate oracular trance in our rituals.
Aims:
To facilitate a meeting space for those interested in exploring the Mysteries of Hekate Soteira, in her many forms and by her many names in the Somerset, UK area, in which we can both offer devotion and explore closer communion with the Lady of the Crossroads, through trance, oracle, ritual, and contemplation.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Trioditi (Athens, Greece)
Torchbearer: Christina Moraiti
Location: Athens, Greece
Contact: trioditihekate@gmail.com
https://sanctuaryofhekatetrioditis.wordpress.com/
The Sanctuary of Hekate Trioditi is located in Athens, the city where Hekate was widely worshiped since ancient times. It is formed with the aim to help the people reach Greece with verified information through the map “Following Her Torches” to find Hekate in the capital and around other places on Greek soil and beyond. Through the study of Her Epithets, the Sanctuary stands as a constant place of knowledge and information about Hekate’s many aspects. Always following the Five Virtues of the Covenant of Hekate, the Sanctuary is open to all of Hekate’s children and it will exist with the goal of preserving information about the Goddess Hekate and it will aid those in need of guidance and help. With Torch and Key at hand, may we all be Enlightened.
Retired Sanctuaries
The Sanctuary of Hekate Polymorphos – Coventry (West Midlands), UK & Online
Torchbearer: Kenn Payne
Location: Coventry (West Midlands), UK & Online
Retired: August 4, 2024
Sanctuary of Hekate Propolos - Texas USA
Torchbearer: Deanne Quarrie
Location: Austin Texas, USA
Retired: February 28, 2024
Sanctuary of Hekate Prytania
Torchbearer: LJ Tang
Location: Chile
Retired: January 1, 2023
Covenant of Hekate Roles
Holding Torches and Bearing Keys for the Goddess we honour.
The Covenant of Hekate is a network facilitated by its members for its members. We exist to be a meeting point, a crossroads, for devotees of the Goddess who are keen to reach out and work with others. For some of us, that might only be possible in an online environment, and for others, there might be opportunities to connect with others who are local or when traveling. Over the years, many fantastic friendships and collaborations have been created by members.
In particular, members (known as devotees) who feel they are able to help others might undertake a process towards becoming Torchbearers (people who give some of their time to help guide others towards a greater understanding of Hekate) and Keybearers (Torchbearers who make significant contributions to the community may be invited to share responsibility for the Covenant of Hekate by also becoming Keybearer if nominated).
Additionally, we recognize and honor those who have served as Keybearers and Torchbearers with great dedication and are now retired with the title of Companion. This title signifies their continued presence and valued contributions within our community. Companions are welcome to remain devotees in the Covenant of Hekate, contribute to the CoH Blog as often as they like, and serve as spokespeople for the CoH, representing the organization and its values to the wider world.
To become a Torchbearer, the next role from devotee, the following minimum eligibility must be met, in addition to the course of study required by the devotee's sponsor.
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Applications are welcomed from individuals who:
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Has been a member of the Covenant of Hekate for at least six months;
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Have a daily devotional practice to the Goddess Hekate;
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Have an active involvement in the CoH community, e.g. teaching, leading and contributing to projects, writing for the website blog, etc, and a desire to help develop the community and its activities into the future;
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Have a good understanding of the history, attributes, and mythology of the Goddess Hekate and a desire to continue learning;
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Have an ability to respect the diversity of spiritual beliefs and perspectives held by other members, even when they are significantly different from their own;
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Have the ability to work independently, within the guidelines set by the CoH for different aspects of our work.
All Torchbearers must complete a field of study under a mentor. A list of mentors are below:
Current List of Available Mentors
Keybearer - Sorita d'Este
Languages - English
Email: soritadeste@gmail.com
Keybearer - Francine Derschner
Languages - Portuguese and Spanish
Website: http://santuariodehekatehegemonen.com/
Keybearer - Giovanna Diaz
Languages - English and Spanish
Email: SanctuaryofHekatePropylaia.COH@gmail.com
Keybearer - Christina Moraiti
Languages - Greek and English
Email: trioditihekate@gmail.com
Keybearer - Tinnekke Bebout
Language - English
Email: dreamweaver93@sbcglobal.net
To become a Keybearer, a Torchbearer must be nominated by a sitting Keybearer in good standing.
Below, you will find sections with the names of each Torchbearer, Keybearer, and Companion, acknowledging their roles and contributions within our community.
Keybearers
Sorita d’Este
Founder & Keybearer
Sorita d’Este is the author of The Rite of Her Sacred Fires written as a devotional offering upon the completion of the anthology book project Hekate Her Sacred Fires in May 2010. She created the Covenant of Hekate was created in November 2010 as a private community of devotees with the desire to expand their knowledge, understanding, and experience of the Goddess Hekate with others, and was supported at the time by nearly 20 “co-founders” all of whom were contributors to the Hekate: Her Sacred Fires project.
Today the Covenant of Hekate has more than 450 full members who participate in online discussions, shared devotional and creative projects, and meet in Sanctuaries facilitated by Torchbearers. The membership process involves a two-part self-dedication ritual, which is explained in full in the “Membership” section.
As the founder of the CoH Sorita holds the role of Keybearer, which she considers like other ‘titles’ to be a job description within the Covenant of Hekate. She also facilitates the Sanctuary of Hekate Soteira and the Sanctuary of Hekate Kleidouchos.
Andrea Angelos, London, UK
Torchbearer & Keybearer
I live in London, where I run the Sanctuary of Hekate Magna. More details about the sanctuary and its activities may be found on our blog below. I have a Hekate shrine in Chile, which is under the guardianship of Myriam Reyes Pena, where we celebrate an annual ceremony in Her honour in the summer, usually in January or February.
I have been a devotee of Hekate for about 8 years, in conjunction with a lifetime dedication to Artemis of Ephesus. I am an initiate of Alexandrian Craft. I also practise Candomble, my cult is specific to Yemanya, Goddess of the Seas, and to Ogun, God of war, warriors, and iron. I have a deep love for the Cigana spirits as well. You may read some of my work in the anthologies From a Drop of Water (Avalonia Books), Priestesses, Sybils, and Pythonesses (Avalonia Books), and Hekate Her Sacred Fires. I have trained with indigenous healers and wise women and men of my country, as well as with curanderas and brujas in Mexico and Colombia.
Most of my work is centered around creating devotional and magickal spaces for personal and group work. Thus I helped to begin a Temple to Hekate in Madrid and spent six months in the lovely city of Granada where I established a devotional space to Hekate and taught courses in psychism, magick, and oracles. Part of that work “Following Her Moons” was my contribution to Her Sacred Fires, the devotional anthology to Hekate published in 2010.
My main areas of research are the Graeco-Iberian temples and also Hekate’s power over the five elements. My interest in Graeco-Iberian temples arose from a year spent in Spain when Hekate directed me to a certain area in Murcia. Research has led me to spend more time in Greece and also in Spain, where I teach through my Iseum Templo de Isis.
I may be contacted personally either through Facebook or at hekatemagna@gmail.com.
Christina Moraiti, Athens, Greece
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Coming from a multicultural background, I’m a polytheist since I was a teenager and a devotee of the Goddess Hekate for the past five years. A lover of history, theurgy, and witchcraft. I live in Athens, Greece and my goal as a member of the Covenant of Hekate is the discovery and exploration of the Goddess’ history and role through the centuries.
A Keybearer of the Covenant with the purpose to explore her Sacred Epithets and find each and every depiction of hers in museums and archaeological sites around the world through my project “Following her Torches”.
All in harmony with the 5 principles of the Covenant.
Contact:
email: titap09@gmail.com
https://sanctuaryofhekatetrioditis.wordpress.com/
Edward Catanzaro - Rhode Island, USA
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Edward Catanzaro is from Rhode Island, USA. His family heritage is from Termini Imerese, Sicily, and San Paulo, Brazil.
He has been immersed in Magic from a very young age, starting with transcendental meditation and Tarot at the age of 9. He was formally introduced to Witchcraft by a Priestess at the age of 14 and received his first set of Initiations at age 18.
He continued his journey in training and receiving Initiations in 4 other Traditions of Traditional and Family Tradition Witchcraft as well as some in Santeria and Palo. He was a Rosicrucian and is a 32-degree Scottish Rite Freemason and A member of the Knights Templar.
He is the High Priest of the Temple of the Ancient Mother Coven, founded 26 years ago, and is a certified herbalist and aromatherapist with a passion for growing herbs for Magical use particularly those sacred to Hekate.
Since joining the COH he has been exposed to the vast knowledge of like-minded and Spiritual people from all over the world and feels blessed and humbled to be part of this community. He has and will continue as a Torchbearer, to bring others into the realm of the Great Mother.
Emily Carding - Devon UK
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Emily Carding is a visionary artist and author who lives in a magical place in the mystical land of Devon with her faery daughter and three cats.
Her published work includes Faery Craft, The Transparent Oracle, The Transparent Oracle, and Tarot of the Sidhe. Her work has been published in books, magazines, and other publications. You can find out more about her work at www.childofavalon.com
Florian Schlie, Lower Saxony, Germany
Torchbearer & Keybearer
I have been a devotee of Hekate for many years entering my life in when I began to get a deeper interest in magic, witchcraft, and ancient religions as a teenager. Since then She was there to guide me on all the paths and crossroads in my life. I am a practising witch influenced by HedgeWitchcraft, Traditional Witchcraft, Folk Magic and I am inspired by the religion and magical practices of Ancient Greece and Rome as well. I try to get inspiration for my modern spirituality and magic from the religion and practices from the past.
I am more on the crossroads where different spiritual and magical paths meet each other rather than on one single path itself.
I work as a nurse and live with my cats, dogs, toads, and snakes in a village in Germany. For some years I have organised open rites for the Goddess Hekate in my home and at a local crossroad where I care for a crossroads shrine. As Torchbearer I want to help people to connect with Hekate and to experience the mysteries of this ancient Goddess in the modern world.
You can contact me through my homepages: www.hexen-kunst.net www.hekate-tempel.net and (in English) www.archetiypicalwitchcraft.wordpress.com
Florian is the Membership administrator for all German language applications.
Francine Derschner, São Paulo, Brazil
Torchbearer & Keybearer
I am Brazilian, have a degree in history, and have always been fascinated by mythology and esotericism. I am the volunteer responsible for the Brazilian applications to the Covenant of Hekate. I started my journey with Hekate in 2012 when I was called to her service and since then, I have dedicated myself to Goddess integrally. Currently, I am a Torchbearer and Keybearer of the Covenant of Hekate.
As a Torchbearer, I facilitated the Sanctuary of Hekate Hegemonen, the Sanctuary is in São Paulo, Brasil and it is focused on the research and study of the History of the Goddess Hekate as part of the journey to get closer to her mysteries. Our rites and practices are modern, inspired by Western Mystery Traditions as well as Hellenic Polytheism. We are always seeking, through historical bases, to make Goddess worship accessible to the needs of modern devotees.
I also co-host the virtual sanctuary of Hekate Ourania-Pammetor with the wonderful Edward Cantazaro. In this work, we receive petitions from the CoH members. We then send the energetical support to the petitioner to achieve their goals. In addition to this service, we ask the petitioners to perform some act of charity.
As a Keybearer, I work with the healing of the self, an individualized program of self-improvement based on the connection with the Goddess Hekate in her many faces, to help the participants achieve emotional and energetic realignment. Due to the nature of this training, only a few members are admitted in each period of training. The work will always begin in August as part of a personal offering from the conductor of this activity to the Goddess Hekate.
Also, I am available to work as a Guide to Torchbearer candidates.
My goal in the Covenant is to assist other devotees in their reconnection and rediscovery of the Goddess and to expand the sacred flames of Hekate wherever I can, especially within the Brazilian community.
I also give lectures about the Goddess Hekate and organize public events and rituals for the Goddess of the Crossroads in São Paulo, as the Rite of Her Sacred Fires. I found, in helping our local community of devotees, a new way of servicing Hekate and deepens my devotion.
I can be contacted by my personal email: covenantofhekatebrazil@gmail.com
Sanctuary of Hekate Hegemonen
Giovanna Diaz, Spain
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Giovanna Diaz is a Traditional witch as well as an active Priestess of the Goddess Hekate as well as
Priestess of Isis and Hierophant for the Fellowship of Isis.
She has participated in numerous projects and books, and facilitates the Sanctuary of Hekate Propylaia in Tenerife, Spain whereshe imparts classes, public and private rituals, workshops, reading circles and more.
Ever since Hekate called upon her, she has dedicated her life to serving the Goddess of the Crossroads in her sanctuary, with personal projects and her Cunning Arts.
She can be contacted through her Sanctuary's email
SantuariodeHekatePropylaia.COH@gmail.com
Hazel, London, UK
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Hazel (pseudonym) (half Greek/English) discovered Hecate in her teens in Greece in the late 1990s upon discovering her path with the Greek Gods. She joined the CoH in 2011 and has since developed an affinity for all things oceanic leading to many Oceanic/Hecate Einalian submissions to Askei Kataskei, several Einalian hymns on this website, and presenting the talk “Oceanic Hecate” at the Hecate Symposium in Glastonbury June 2013. At this symposium, she represented the water element at the closing ritual and she took on the Lustral Waters purification role in the 2014 Hecate Symposium ritual. She also does freediving now that she is AIDA 2* qualified, and consequently she is a mermaid! She has supported a variety of CoH projects and is part of the Creative Devotional Projects Team having led a few of these projects, some of which are oceanic-based. She is also a proofreader/ copy editor for Noumenia News and is willing to offer this service to anyone within the CoH on any Hecate-related piece destined for a CoH publication. She has written other non-oceanic articles for Askei Kataskei and smaller submissions for Noumenia News. She undertook an investigation looking at the portrayal of Hecate in Popular Culture. As she works under the pseudonym, you can contact her through the private Facebook CoH page where nearly everyone knows who Hazel truly is! Just ask for the Hecate Einalian devotee!
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson, North Carolina, USA
Torchbearer & Keybearer
📍 Seven Springs, NC, USA
📧 neuseriverwitch@gmail.com
🌐 byherfires.com
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson is a devoted priestess of Hecate and long-standing member of the Covenant of Hekate, serving as both a Torchbearer and Keybearer. Based in Eastern North Carolina, she brings more than two decades of experience in magical practice, holistic wellness, and spiritual leadership, guided by Hecate’s Five Virtues: Compassion, Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom.
As a Keybearer, Renee has mentored other Torchbearers, led devotional rituals, and contributed to the spiritual development of the CoH community. She also manages the Covenant’s digital presence as Social Media Manager and Website Administrator, helping to uphold an inclusive and inspiring online temple for Hecate’s devotees.
In 2015, she founded the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo, which served the public for ten years. While the public sanctuary was retired in 2025, the work continues in private ritual practice and through ongoing community service. Renee supports The Blessing Box of Goldsboro, a crossroads-based initiative to aid those experiencing food and housing insecurity—embodying Hecate’s call to compassionate action.
Her creative work includes the Crossroads Oracle and River Witch Oracle decks, daily devotional readings, and an educational YouTube series exploring Hecate’s epithets. Through her website, byherfires.com, she offers digital and physical tools for personal transformation and spiritual empowerment.
Rev. Olson continues to walk the liminal path, holding the torches of transformation and truth, helping others navigate the mysteries and responsibilities of modern Hecatean devotion.
Robert Podmore, Shropshire, UK
Torchbearer & Keybearer
I am a Reiki master, a master teacher in NES (Nemeton Energy System), and an initiated priest with a Wiccan background. I have worked with Hekate daily for over 5 years now and honour the Goddess on all the festivals of the Wheel of the Year and at the New and Dark Moons – both solo and in the group. Attending both Hekate Symposiums, I have taken an active role in the rituals and I regularly contribute to the CoH magazine Askei Kataskei. I have two daughters and one grandson. I have worked as a chef most of my life and I have also taught cookery.
Feel free to contact me by email robert.podmore63@gmail.com
Sara Valtorta, Paris, France – Parma Province, Italy
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Sara is an Italian Witch and art historian, obsessed with iconography and iconology, living in Paris. Raised in Catholicism, she was always drawn to Paganism, first through the Greco-Roman world she studied at school, and later through the Celtic tradition she encountered in her youth. Her path has always been very eclectic, weaving together different traditions, diverse practices, and dedicated study, with Hekate always guiding her steps. After a profound spiritual crisis, she rediscovered her faith in early 2020, and in 2022 she finally chose to fully commit herself, finding her voice as Hekate was calling her to do.
Since then, she has deepened her connection with Druidry, becoming an Ovate within the OBOD and, within the CoH, she became the keeper of the Sanctuary of Hekate Potnia Theron, as well as the Torchbearer in charge of the Meditation Project and the Italian-speaking CoH group Patto Italiano del Covenant of Hekate. Within the Covenant, she also serves as a blogger and lecturer, organizing classes for the community.
Today, as a Keybearer, her aim is to guide devotees in meeting the Goddess and to weave together the paths of Druidry and Theurgy through the study of ancient sources, especially the Chaldean Oracles and the PGM, as well as astrology, philosophy, and anthropology. Her vision is to shape and share the path of Hekatean Druidry for those who feel called to walk this sometimes controversial path. She also continues to host classes and share her research with fellow devotees in both English and Italian, fostering—especially in Italy—the growth of a wider Hekatean community grounded in the Five Virtues and devoted to bridging ancient wisdom with modern times.
Stacy Mathias, Maryland, USA
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Stacy is an eclectic witch, she began her training in Wicca in 1992, and she has since then built upon that foundation and embraced a broader spiritual view. She is Reiki Master Teacher in the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition as well as an intuitive tarot reader. She also hosts the monthly COH social on Zoom. Stacy answered the call of Hekate in 2010 and began studying all she could about Her, which led Stacy to find the COH. Stacy became a Devotee member of the COH 11/20/2018 and became a Torchbearer on 2/8/2022.
Contact: flowerchild1779@yahoo.com
Tinnekke Bebout, United States
Torchbearer & Keybearer
Please, call me Tink! I am an ordained minister and founder of the Sanctuary and Temple of Hekate Einalian. My roots are in feminist witchcraft and that is where The Boss, as I lovingly call Hekate, found me. The Mystai of the Moon (the priestess school branch of the Temple) was founded in 2008 as a feminist witchcraft circle devoted to the pursuit of the Lunar Mysteries. Our work with those Mysteries brought Hekate into my life and I have never looked back since the night She first showed up to let me know She required my Service. It was that work that also led me to Sorita and to contribute to Hekate Her Sacred Fires. I have been a member of CoH pretty much since the beginning, and I have had the honour of being a Torchbearer since 2013 as well as a Keybearer.
Since 2010, the Mystai have done a retreat every August during the Perseid meteor shower to celebrate Hekate's Mysteries. One of the main foci of our work as a group is researching, creating, and evolving these Mystery practices and teaching via the School of the Zerynthian Mysteries. This school has been offering a Priestess Path in the Mystery Tradition since 2011 and is adding a new Path, The Kouros Path, for men who wish to learn about and grow the male side of this Mystery Tradition, beginning in February 2025. We also teach on many other topics.
2015 saw the culmination of my heart’s work The Hekate Tarot, a devotional project which I co-created with a Sister Priestess in the Mystai. This deck is entirely focused on the symbols and epithets of Hekate. I am also the author of The Dance of the Mystai which was first published in 2009. I am currently working on a couple new projects involving Hekate and her manifestations in the modern world.
In 2020, I earned a B.Sc. from Purdue University Northwest and work in the liminal spaces of the online world as a network engineer guarding and maintaining the network edge environment where the wild west of the internet meets the internal network of my employer. No matter where I go, it seems Hekate finds a way to put me where realms meet.
I can frequently be found at events in the greater Chicago area reading and teaching tarot.
To contact me:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/greatlakestempleofthegoddess
Torchbearers
Alexia Moon, Braga, Portugal
Torchbearer
Alexia Moon is a Hellenic Pagan and ordained Priestess of Hekate and Persephone through the Fellowship of Isis, as well as the founder of the Iseum do Caminho da Terra. She has been studying and practising Witchcraft and Paganism for over 15 years and has been devoted to Hekate for over 10 years. She currently lives in Braga, Portugal with her family and cats.
Most of her work is done through her website, Sob o Luar, where she publishes weekly articles on several topics within Paganism and Witchcraft, has a Pagan Directory, a Beginners Guide, and a Resources list to help those starting their path in Portuguese. She also teaches a course on Kitchen Witchcraft and one on Daily Magic. Additionally, she moderates online communities and has, in the past, worked on several projects such as podcasts, seminars, newspapers, and others, within Portuguese-speaking communities online. Within the Covenant of Hekate, Alexia has, in the past, been a moderator for the Rite of Her Sacred Fires Facebook Group, an Admin for the Facebook Page, and served as an Editor for the CoH Website.
As a Priestess of Hekate and Persephone, Alexia has made vows to help and guide anyone who needs within the Pagan and Witchcraft communities, by creating resources, making herself available for answering questions, and helping others by being a part of projects that help our communities.
Find out more about:
https://sob-luar.blogspot.com/
https://iseumcaminhodaterra.blogspot.com/
Contact: alexia.sophias[at]gmail.com
Anamar Zúñiga Osorio, Viña del Mar, Chile
Torchbearer
Art therapist and tarotist. Practising Eclectic Wicca and Feminine Spirituality, and a Silva Method Instructor. Devoted to and following Hekate since 2011, Anamar founded the first Goddess Devotees Group in her region which is an active and growing group.
She organises and carries out private and public rituals, celebrations, workshops, and talks, and takes part in the pagan movement at V Valparaiso Region, Chile. Anamar is currently a student of the Priesthood of the Sea in the Water Temple.
Contact: Facebook: Anamar Zúñiga Osorio
Email: ana_zuniga@yahoo.es
Facebook Group. Devoción Hékate, Chile –
https://www.facebook.com/groups/245828888903417
Arabela Jade, Glastonbury, UK
Torchbearer
Arabela Jade is a Psychic, Tarot reader, and Priestess who lives in Glastonbury. Her work with the Tarot started in 2002 when having discovered her passion for working with this system of divination, she developed her own method with which to lift the veil to the mysteries of magic. She is a member of the Covenant of Hekate, a Priestess in the Fellowship of Isis, and has also explored witchcraft and sorcery in Mediterranean traditions.
Her popularity on YouTube has a large following within the Spanish-speaking community. Arabela is a regular contributor to Spanish language esoteric magazines and radio shows to expand the light of Hekate and her Mysteries. Additionally leads tours and ceremonies for visiting groups within the landscape of Ancient Avalon.
Find out more about Arabela and her work at:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ArabelaJade
Contact arabela@arabelatarot.com
Arie Bryant, Minnesota, USA.
Torchbearer
I have been a pagan/witch since 2021 but have always been interested in paranormal, occult, and Greek mythology. I started my journey with Aphrodite and Ares, and that since has grown to Hekate, Persephone and a few Norse gods. I've been a Devotee of the Covenant of Hekate since 2022. I started my Torchbearer journey in 2023, which will put me in a good place to eventually become a priestess. I aim to teach others about Hekate, help others connect with her, and eventually open a temple in my state. Hail Hekate!
Colin, UK
Torchbearer
Unfortunately, I have very little formal education, As I was born with a number of physical defects, which put me in Hospital from age five till eleven. So I missed five years, and because of the terrible trauma I suffered, I lost the power of speech, and when I finally learned to speak again, I had a very bad stutter. I have lived my whole life with P.T.S.D. Also, I suffer from Dyslexia, and I am left-handed.
When I did go to school, I was classed as “educationally subnormal” and abandoned to my fate, O! Did I hate school with a passion!. What saved me was I had a natural gift for working with my hands. I left school at fifteen, with no idea what to do, so my father put me into an engineering apprenticeship. While this was interesting, I did not light my fire.
During these five years, I discovered classical music, I loved the sound of string instruments, especially the violin. I did learn to play it ( very badly!), but I was fascinated with what made it sound the way it did. I left engineering and joined the violin trade, and I have never looked back. I have always had a mystical turn of mind. Which after many twists and turns, (I have been in and out of more belief systems than I care to remember). Brought me to Hekate, and She led me to the COH, and so here I am.
Catherine Archer - USA
Torchbearer
Catherine found her way to Hekate after years of being a solitary pagan. When Hekate revealed Herself to her, Catherine discovered the Covenant of Hekate during her research and became a member in 2018. Catherine has a background in social work and mental health therapy which taught her the value of community and the importance of compassion for others and self. She runs the Sanctuary of Astrodia which is dedicated to celebrating Hekate as the guiding cosmic light in the darkness, our savior and "North Star" which we use to navigate our often-chaotic world. In her free time Catherine paints, makes zines and other kinds of art which can be seen on her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/catherinexarcher.
Cece Pitts - Canada
Torchbearer
In 2017 Hecate was introduced to Cece as a terrifying, old crone of the Underworld and Queen of the poison path. Being unsatisfied with that narrow depiction of Her, Cece joined the COH in 2018 where she soon learned Hecate was a Virgin Saviour Goddess and a Goddess of Nature Who also governs over plants that heal too. Today Cece enjoys sharing the many faces of Hecate with others and guiding them to Her warm embrace; one that need not be so feared. Cece has a background in community herbalism and is a self taught, visual artist who aims to use her knowledge and talents to help heal our planet and our connection to Mother Nature. Cece is in the process of building the Sanctuary of Hecate Physis, a sacred haven honoring the flora, fauna, and faeries of Nature with a mission to create a harmonious relationship with the Earth, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and reverence for all living things. By engaging in sustainable practices and environmental initiatives, she hopes to help restore some balance to the natural world. Through healing rituals, wildcrafting altar tools, and promoting creative conservation efforts, she seeks to embody the essence of Hecate Physis, Goddess Of Nature, and inspire others to join her on this transformative journey.
Colleen Kelly, Germany
Torchbearer
Having something of a green thumb and a life-long fascination with and passion for both the healing herbs as well as the baneful ones, I have always cultivated a rather wild, yet lush garden, deriving great satisfaction from the nurturing and upkeep of my wards and from the comings and goings of the birds, bees, and butterflies it attracts. Looking back over my biography I realize Hekate was there all along, yet it was the act of dabbling in herbal magic, in the summer of 2012, which catalyzed my conscious awareness of Her.
I enjoy solitude and have been a solitary practitioner for most of my life, my magical knowledge and ways coming from someplace inside. After Hekate, I began to feel the urge to seek community, which is how I came to the CoH, and I have met some wonderful people since then.
From early childhood and well into adulthood I moved around a lot, living in various countries in Europe as well as in the United States. I am thankful for the rich cultural diversity to which I have been exposed. After settling in Germany and after my children were born (son, 1993, and daughter, 1995) I became interested in alternative healing methods and took up Reiki, Shiatsu, and other forms of healing.
Nowadays I do freelance work from home which allows me to live a flexible lifestyle that revolves around my devotional practice, my garden, dedicated to Hekate, and my service work.
As Torchbearer within the CoH, I enjoy participating in the online group whenever my active life allows. My special focus is on our local community here in Germany, which I hope will grow and thrive. I host regular meetings for meditation and study for those interested as well as the occasional open ritual. Beginning in 2021 I plan to organize outings to local power spots in my area. Anyone in or near Heidelberg is welcome to contact me.
My website: www.ckg-reiki.de
Connia Silver, Sonoran Desert, USA
Torchbearer
Although I consider Hekate to be one of my Matron Goddesses, I do honour others as well. My areas of interest include guiding others in developing a relationship with their own personal God/dess, and sacred dreamwork – both interpretive and lucid. Since the early 90s I have taught various intuitive and Goddess mysteries through my home-study schools: In Her Name/Temple of Learning and the Crossroads Lyceum. I have contributed to two anthologies edited by Sorita d’Este – “Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls” and “Hekate, Her Sacred Fires.”
I also feel a deep connection with the Earth Mother, the beings and history of the Sonoran Desert, where I live with my husband and companion animals, putting organic and sustainable living into practice whenever possible. I welcome you to contact me at any time.
Contact:
http://www.inhername.com
Delphia Omphalos - Indianapolis, Indiana
Torchbearer
Priestess of Hekate, Oracle, and Mystic
I am a solitary Wiccan practitioner with a profound passion for continuous learning. A poet, dreamer, and spiritual wanderer, I find fulfillment in assisting others quietly, preferring to work behind the scenes in silence and solitude. However, on rare occasions, the Goddess calls upon me to engage directly, utilizing my voice and presence. I heed her summons with humility and strive to fulfill her guidance to the best of my ability.
My journey with the Goddess began long before I formally committed to her service, but I have been actively studying and communing with her since 2011. In 2022, I was officially ordained as a Priestess of Hekate. I currently serve as the facilitator of the Sanctuary of Hekate Daiera, a sacred space dedicated to honoring Hekate as she has revealed herself to me. Through this sanctuary, I offer education, oracular guidance, spiritual support, and both virtual and public rituals. Additionally, I facilitate workshops, classes, and charitable initiatives, all undertaken in devotion to the Great Goddess.
Contact:
Diana B
Torchbearer
I became aware that I was a witch when I met my later first High Priestess in 2004, which was the start of a very interesting, rocky road of learning to know myself.
Hekate called me... no calling is not the right word, it was more of a shout. She kicked me upside down, inside out and backwards when I was in a coven in 2014 where I (looking back) was not supposed to be; so intens that I had to listen to what she had to tell me. At that time I was deeply involved in a process regarding my own demons and the Dragon in particular led me forward, further within, and drew me to those who are dead but can’t go through and are attached to the earth, the Restless Dead.
During that search I came across the CoH, participated in various projects from Sorita and noticed that Drakaina was attracting me more and more and wanted attention. I then participated in the TB boot camp January 2024 to see if it was something for me, and now I feel like I am where I need to be, as well in the coven and as a beacon for the Restless Dead and with Hekate Drakaina.
Every new moon I work with Hekate for the Restless Dead, so those who want to go beyond, can do so in peace. I am an Alexandrian Wiccan, and am a member of an Alexandrian coven, which goes perfectly with Drakaina.
If you want to know more of me, just contact me :)
sanctuaryofhekatedrakaina@gmail.com
Diane Champigny, Massachusetts, USA
Torchbearer
I am a Third Degree High Priestess and Lineage Elder of the Alexandrian Tradition of Witchcraft currently living in Massachusetts, USA. I am an active member of the Society of Elder Faiths and have served as a Ritualist and Workshop Facilitator for the Wiccan Educational Society: a Global Pagan Community. I am a Torchbearer of The Covenant of Hekate and have contributed to the books “Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls” “From A Drop of Water” “Hekate: Her Sacred Fires” and “Vs.: Duality and Conflict in Magick, Mythology and Paganism” published by Avalonia Books. My love and connection with Hekate has always been very deep and I welcome contact and inquiries from seekers who wish to learn and experience Hekate’s Mysteries in the Northeast Region of the United States. With sufficient interest, I hope to form a study group and perform rituals dedicated to Hekate in my area.
Inquiries may be directed to PriestessThea@hotmail.com
Laurie Bianciotto, Marseille, France
Torchbearer
Laurie Bianciotto is a longtime witch and practitioner of the Poison Path. She is also a medium, magnetist, artist and writer. She is the author of "La Voie du Poison" (editions Danaé 2021) which happens to be the first book in French on the topic of the poison path. Laurie grows poisonous plants and practices her magic in France. She started working with Hekate in 2017 and became a member of the CoH in 2019, in which she took responsibility over our social medias.
She can be found on Instagram @les.energies
Larry Phillips, USA
Torchbearer
I’ve been pursuing some version of the occult arts since I was in my teens when I first became aware of Hekate through a compilation of witchcraft fiction called Hekate’s Cauldron and also through a TV movie called “Midnight Offerings”.
Since that time Her name stuck with me. Through my teens, I began a solitary study and practice of Wicca and eventually was trained and initiated within the NorthWind Tradition of Wicca (founded by Grey Cat) where I was eventually elevated to the Third degree during the 1990s. After working in covens for a number of years, I returned to solitary practice and study focusing on non-Wiccan, traditional witchcraft which I continue to pursue to this day. Along with my traditional witchcraft practice, I am an initiate of the Ordo Aurum Solis, a Hermetic and Theurgic Order following the Ogdoadic tradition. It is through my work with the Aurum Solis that I encountered Hekate in an entirely new way; Her role in theurgy as expressed in the Chaldean Oracles and in the writings of Porphyry and Proclus.
As an artist, I have also focused much of my work on creating images of Hekate in oils and will continue to do more as She continues to speak to me. These paintings which are intended as devotional images for meditative, ritual work and prints will soon be made available.
Maby Leite, Paraíba, Brasil
Torchbearer
Maby is a Hellenic pagan, a practitioner of Witchcraft, and a tarot reader. She has been studying witchcraft for six years and encountered Hekate three years ago, falling more in love with the Goddess every day. She is the first to create a sanctuary for Hekate in the greater northeastern region of Brazil, with plans to turn it into a physical space.
Alongside her friend, she founded the Ouranides Witchcraft Clan, focused on Hellenic Witchcraft, with Hekate, Aphrodite, Hermes, and Ares as patron deities.
In 2024, she was initiated into the Borek Tradition of Slavic Witchcraft and is making strides in the Orphic Strix tradition.
She is committed to helping those who wish to practice witchcraft through a Hellenic understanding, and for those interested in Slavic culture, Maby can also guide them on that path.
Email: santuariohouroboros@gmail.com
Blog: https://santuariohekateouroboros.substack.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/xDCjUm8DgX
Marcel Schrei, Germany
Torchbearer
Living in the Ruhrgebiet area of Germany, Marcel has been a solitary pagan for 20 years, and a member of the Covenant of Hekate since 2015. He strives to balance respect for ancient customs with modern requirements and an individual relationship with the gods. His work with Hekate is mostly, but not exclusively, focussed on exploring Her chthonic mysteries and Her role as Psychopompos, the guide of souls both dead and alive. Marcel is also a devotee of Hermes, Pan, and Herkales.
As a torchbearer within the Covenant of Hekate he tries to inspire his fellow devotees to find their own individual ways to Hekate.
Marcel is also the caretaker of the Sanctuary of Hekate Psychopompos.
You can contact Marcel via his sanctuary:
Email: hekatepsychopomposcoh(at)web(dot)de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hekatepsychopompos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hekatepsychopompos/
Website: https://hekatepsychopomposcoh.wordpress.com/contact/
Mavra Grun
Torchbearer
Having read the biographies of the other torchbearers, I have to admit that my background is
different. I have been a Christian for over half my life. After my divorce, my faith in Christianity left
me, so I decided to move on and try to find a spiritual home that better suited my beliefs. After a long
and exhausting journey, Hekate found me in my darkest hour, took me with her and helped me to
heal. I decided to stay with her and joined the Covenant of Hekate in 2018.
In January 2024 I attended the Torchbearer Bootcamp and now, in autumn, I am about to complete
my Torchbearer training. I plan to build an online sanctuary dedicated to Hekate Chthonia. Chthonia
encompasses the earthly and underworld aspects of Hecate. I honor her darkness, her protective and
healing aspects, the dark lakes of the underworld where I have always found comfort. I have been
fascinated by death and the afterlife since I was a teenager. But Hekate Chthonia does not only rule
over the underworld, she also protects the earth itself, with its beautiful life, its animals, mushrooms,
plants, stones and much more. Nowadays, as life becomes more and more digital, we are in danger of
losing touch with what is actually around us, and the earth and its inhabitants need our love and
protection more than ever.
The Sanctuary of Hekate Chthonia will be an online sanctuary dedicated to all facets of this beautiful
and ancient epithet. My project as a torchbearer will be to plan and build this sanctuary, starting with
thorough research on Hekate Chthonia and everything related to it. Information and updates will be
presented on our website blog as well as in the member’s chat. I will also be starting a sanctuary
group on our COH website once the basics of our work are in place.
As a torchbearer, I will also continue to be active in the projects that came out of the 2024
torchbearer bootcamp, especially the social media project (Crossroads Collective) and the protection
project. Another important project for all of us is our new website. As I wrote in my torchbearer
essay, I strongly believe that Hekate has given us a torch as a community and it is our responsibility to
keep it alive. This is possible if we are all actively involved in our community. The website is a perfect
platform for this and offers many opportunities such as member and public chats, language-specific
and project groups. Let's support each other, let's build a bright and loving community that makes a
difference.
Contact: mavra@chthonia.de
Octavia d. Giordano, Spain & Portugal
Torchbearer
Octavia is a polyglot librarian and traditional/digital artist who lives in Spain but travels often to Italy where is part of her family and Portugal, a country she loves.
She is Correllian Priestess, head of the Templo de Diana Invicta and strongly linked to the Greek and Roman pantheon. Had been living and working in many different European countries and learned first hand about pre-Christian cultures and religions, enriching her spiritual practice and divination methods.
She worked constantly a hard road until becoming Torchbearer and developed a strong discipline and devotion to the ancestors and Hekate as Queen of the Dead and Empress beyond the Veil.
Palladia Soria, Athens, Greece
Torchbearer
I was born in Spain, in Granada but since I was 18 I have lived in many different places: Vigo, Madrid, London… Part of my father’s family comes from Greece and I have always been in love with the Land of the Gods, so two years ago I moved to Athens where I work as a tour guide and study classical and modern Greek. I am married to a priestess who is a member of the Covenant of Hekate too and I am the mother of a fantastic boy who is 7 years old.
My spiritual journey began 15 years ago and like many other pagans, Wicca was my first stop. But my first trip to Greece was the beginning of a great transformation in my life and guided me to Hellenismos. I also practice Magic and Theurgy and I consider myself an eternal student who loves writing and reading books.
I have had the opportunity to be the Guardian of the altar of Hekate’s Temple in Madrid for four precious years. This altar was created in a ritual provided by Andrea Salgado six years ago as part of her contribution to the book “Her Sacred Fires”. I am a founding member of the Hellenic Community Panolympia in Spain and I continue to work for it translating and creating articles that provide information for Spanish speakers devotees of the Greek gods. Since I arrived in Athens I celebrate the New Moon with a ritual that is open to people who want to share the blessings of the “Ekatia deipna” at our table. I have facilitated the ritual of “Her Sacred Fires” both here and in Madrid, for devotees of Hekate. My intention is to open a sanctuary for Her in a few months to worship the Goddess and to honour her like a part of the Eleusinian Mysteries and her bonds with Demeter, Persephone, and Artemis.
I have a special connection with stones, not just for healing therapies, however. I am a student of the tarot and have been a reader for many years. I have a lot of experience in divination and oracle arts.
If you want to contact me my email is domatiomou@gmail.com
I have one personal blog: asterheras.wordpress.com and this is the blog of the Panolympia community: panolympia.wordpress.com
In the light of Her torches. Always.
Patricia Elizium, São Paulo, Brazil
Torchbearer
Graduated in psychology, a lover of dogs and rabbits, she is dedicated solely and exclusively to the Goddess Hekate within the Ancestral strand, inspired by Ancient Mystery Cults.
She started her journey with the Ancient Gods in the year 1990; and between the years of 2003 and 2004, during a great moment of crossroads in her life, she had her first encounter with this great Goddess who became the Lady of Her Paths. And since then, she has dedicated herself to serving Her in a priestly way with all her affection, respect, love, and devotion.
Patricia is very active within the Brazilian Hekatean and Pagan communities through the development of several projects inspired by the Goddess.
Founder of the Samothrace Tradition, Hierophant of the Temeno of Aegina, Devotee, and Torchbearer of COH (Covenant of Hekate), Member of CoTW (Covenant of the Waters), Bearer of the Light of Hekate (Temple of Hekate – Correllian Nativist Tradition), creator and founder of the Circle of Dadophoros, Creator of the Podcast Between Paths, Keys and Doors, Marine Priestess, Priestess of the Fellowship of Isis (FOI – Iseum Venerandum), Blesser and Healer.
She is the developer of the weekly project “Blessings of Hekate” in which every Monday night she sends the blessings of the Goddess to all those who want and need them.
In 2020, during the intense period of the pandemic, she developed the project “Trezena de Hekate Soteira”, which had the purpose of bringing together devotees of Hekate from all over the world, with the goal of together, united in a great web and in a single prayer, spread around the world the creative and healing flames of this Great Goddess, bringing light, salvation, welcome, hope and restoration to all humanity.
As a COH (Covenant of Hekate) Torchbearer, her main commitments are:
Dedicate herself more and more to the study and deepening of the Mysteries of the Goddess,
Actively participate in our Hekatean community, building rites, developing projects and helping devotees and seekers on their journeys,
To spread the light of the Goddess’s torches around the world, so that her mysteries can be understood, experienced, shared, and eternalized.
Patricia can be contacted through:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LillithEliziumHorvatDenk
https://www.facebook.com/Circulo-de-Dadophoros-107222194200182
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VqbmdaOrzYCe7r4svGucI
E-mail: lillithelizium@gmail.com
Paul Harry Barron, Wales, UK
Torchbearer
Author, linguist, and healer Paul Harry Barron currently resides in a beautiful part of Wales (UK) where he runs a healing practice, specialising in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. His published works include The Book of Gold (2009) and The Grimoire of Pope Honorius (2012), as well as a textbook for Welsh speakers learning Esperanto.
Harry’s work has previously appeared in Horns of Power as well as Hekate Her Sacred Fires and Hekate Keys to the Crossroads in which he writes about his experiences and journey with the Goddess Hekate. Harry welcomes correspondence from individuals who feel they connect with his work, as well as anyone who shares a passion in both the Goddess Hekate and different healing traditions.
You can contact him at phsb66@gmail.com
Sandra Maria - Hamburg Germany
Torchbearer
Sandra Maria lives in Hamburg, Germany. She has been a mystic, witch and polytheist for about 30 years now and has been exploring different pagan paths and looked at different ways of spirituality including but not limited to Wicca, Druidry, Asatru, Buddhism and Chaos Magick. Her constant companion through all these years has been the Tarot. It's an essential part of her spiritual path and magickal work.
Hekate crossed her path for the first time about 20 years ago but it wasn't until about 3 years ago in 2021 that she was ready to really open up to her. Since then she has been a devotee of Hekate who became the center of her spiritual practice.
Sandra Maria is the founder of the Sanctuary of Hekate Kourotrophos. It is an online Sanctuary. Her aim is to create a safer space for the community, not only but especially for the German speaking community and to provide serious information about Hekate in the German language.
As a person living with a life-long disability, another focus of her work is to show that one can have a fulfilling spiritual and magickal practice while being disabled or chronically ill, too.
Sandra Maria is part of the Crossroads Collective, a Social Media Project by Members of the Covenant of Hekate.
She can be contacted through her personal email at hekatesanctuary@gmx.de
Shay Skepevski, Sydney, Australia
Torchbearer
As an occult artist and writer, Shay’s work features in books and online magazines including Askei Kataskei, Hekate: Her Sacred Fires (Avalonia), Bearing Torches (Bibliotheca Alexandrina), and Emily Carding’s Faery Craft (Llewellyn).
He is a painter and a poet, working in mediums of ink and acrylic, creating original artwork and passages heavily inspired by Old World European magic and the wonders of Classical Antiquity. He is an animist, panentheist, ecstatic, esoteric, Mystic, and initiated Witch who has a love for psychology, mythology, wild places, and otherworldly beauty.
A pagan Priest and Torch-Bearer to the Covenant of Hekate, Shay’s own little book of madness ‘Lunatik Witchcraft’ was a vision inspired by the mysteries of Hecate celebrating the madness of the moon, the undying Underworld and the primal, ecstatic soul.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Shay was brought up with the traditions and folklore of Macedonia which introduced him early to a world of magic and ritual reverence, circle dances, divination with dreams and secrets caught in coffee cups. His temple is the night sky, his High Priestess the moon, and his prayers are soaked with consecrated wine.
You can see more of Shay’s work as a Visionary Artist and journey as a Witch:
https://thelunatikwitch.wordpress.com/lunatik-witchcraft
http://www.thelunatikwitch.tumblr.com
Facebook page “Lunatik Visions”
Silvia Bedregal, Guatamala
Torchbearer
Silvia was born in Guatemala, she began her first steps on the pagan path at the age of 16, researching and exploring different elements of traditional witchcraft and Wicca. She is a wicca High Priestess , SANA Shaman, and Guardian of the Golden Gate. She has been an active devotee of Hekate since she was 20 years old.
She co-authored the books of the work group of the Temple of Hekate in Spain, under the name of Nesme Rea. The titles published in Spanish to date are: Hécate, la Reina de los Mil Nombres, (Hecate, the Queen of a Thousand Names), Hécate: La Guardiana de la Magia (Hecate: The Guardian of Magic) and and Hécate: La Luz que ilumina las sombras: del mito a la experiencia (Hecate: The Light that illuminates the Shadows: From the Myth to the Experience).
For the last decade she has tried to make Goddess Hekate known in Guatemala through devotions and sharing information about her in Spanish. She continues her training as a priestess of Hekate by the temple of Hekate and the Fellowship Of Isis (FOI).
Contact Silvia: nesme.rea@gmail.com
Sylvan Rodriguez
Torchbearer
I've felt a lifelong pull to witchcraft- creating altars and using plant medicine intuitively since I was very young, this path eventually led me to my devotion to Hekate. Since joining the Covenant of Hekate in June of 2023 I have: founded the Sanctuary of Hekate Physis as a Torchbearer, volunteer with the Covenant of Hekate's social media team, and participate in other devotional projects and circles of study. My goal as a Torchbearer is to guide others to the wisdom the goddess has to share with us in her many forms, shining the light of her torches wherever I'm guided to do so.
Contact Sylvan: sanctuaryofhekatephysis@gmail.com
Tamrha Richardson, Indiana, USA
Torchbearer
Tamrha is a practiced Witch, Sorceress, and Tarot reader, who began her studies in 1998. Ordained as a High Priestess within the Temple of the Hallowed Gods and Priestess of Hekate in 2014, she leads the Crow, Torch, and Feral Night Coven in Indiana. Her commitment extends to volunteering as Pagan clergy in an Indiana State Women's Prison since 2012. In the realm of birth work, Tamrha's journey began as a birth doula and evolved into her current roles as a postpartum doula, herbalist, and placenta encapsulator. Since 2022, she passionately serves as a Traditional Birth Companion, supporting women opting for autonomous births outside the medicalized maternity system. Over the years, Tamrha has assisted over 270 families.
Tamrha has been a devotee within the Covenant of Hekate since it's early days and in 2024 became a Torchbearer. Her community project will consist of guiding practitioners in getting to know their own unique relationships with Hekate through the course "Hekate: A Year and a Day" offered through the Sanctuary of Hekate Dadouchos. The Sanctuary will also support building prison libraries for Pagan inmates within the Indiana Department of Corrections.
Vikki Bramshaw, England, UK
Torchbearer
Vikki Bramshaw is an author and researcher committed to studying folklore, religious history, and the esoteric since the late 90s. Some of her passions are theurgy, initiatory rites, and folk traditions.
Her most recent book, ‘New Forest Folklore, Traditions & Charms’ was published with Avalonia Books in Spring 2022. In this unique study, the author takes a deeper look at the traditions in plain sight as well as those hidden and forgotten.
Prior to this, Bramshaw released the ground-breaking ‘Dionysos: Exciter to Frenzy’, published in 2013 which explored the numerous facets of the god Dionysos, revealing the hidden faces of the thrice-born god and the extent of his influence in the mysteries of the ancient world.
Vikki has also released other titles and contributed to a number of anthologies, journals, and magazines over the years and speaks at a range of events. Vikki Bramshaw lives in rural Hampshire with her young son, cats, hens, and horses.
Companions
Kenn Payne, Coventry, UK
Companion
Retired - Torchbearer & Keybearer
Kenn was born in Cheshire, North West England but has resided in Coventry in the West Midlands for almost twenty years. He has consciously been on a Pagan Path since the age of 15, exploring different elements of Wicca, Witchcraft, Hellenic Reconstructionism, and Druidry along the way.
The last fifteen years have been heavily influenced and guided by his explorations into the Mysteries of the Goddess Hekate, specifically; And although his relationship with Hekate has indeed been gruelling at times but ultimately is one of guidance, personal healing, and empowerment. He seeks ways to venerate the Goddess in the 21st Century, whilst maintaining a healthy respect for the historical evidence and facts that can be coloured and infused by personal experience and gnosis.
Contact: adytonofthehekateanpath@gmail.com
List of Accomplishments:
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Founding member of the Covenant of Hekate (2010/2011)
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Creator and first Editor of the Covenant ezine ‘Askei Kataskei’, issues 1-7 (2012-2014)
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Author of the ’66 Adorations of Hekate’ (2012)
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Author of ‘Devotional Candle Rite’ (2013)
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Contributor to several anthologies:
- Bearing Torches: A Devotional Anthology for Hekate (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2009)
- Unbound: A Devotional Anthology for Artemis (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2009)
- Paganism 101: An Introduction to Paganism (Moon Books, 2014)
- Naming the God (Moon Books, 2022)
- Hekate: Goddess of Liminal Space (Lune Valley Publishing, 2023)
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Contributor to several Covenant creative projects, such as the ‘Hymn to Hekate & Dionysos’
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Speaker at Hekate Symposium 2023
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Torchbearer (2011-2015, 2019-2024)
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Sanctuary of Hekate Polymorphos (25th March 2020 – 4th August 2024)
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Keybearer of Diversity, Inclusivity & Equality (2021-2024)
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Author and creator of ‘Oracle of the Hekatean Path’ (Lo Scarabeo, February 2024)
2010 - 2024 - Kenn retired from the roles of Torchbearer and Keybearer on August 4, 2024.
Lotus, BC, Canada
Companion
Retired Torchbearer & Keybearer - 2013-2025
Co-founder and present Patron at The Sanctuary of Hekate Potnia Theron
About Hekate
The Goddess Hekate: An Introduction
Who is the Goddess Hekate?
An Introduction to the Triple Goddess of the Crossroads
"Hekate is arguably the most mysterious and formidable of all the Goddesses of the Ancient world" wrote Stephen Ronan in his 1992 book, The Goddess Hekate. His book followed behind Hekate Soteira by S.I. Johnston which was published in 1990, and between them, these books inspired a whole new generation of people interested in the ancient religions of Pagan Europe and Asia Minor to look at the Goddess Hekate afresh.
By the 21st century Hekate started to emerge as one of the, if not the most, popular goddesses for those interested in Witchcraft, Wicca and Pagan spirituality. Hekate has attracted a diverse and international following, with many modern devotees taking a keen interest in the fascinating and mysterious history of the Goddess Hekate.
On this page you will find information to get you started on your journey to better understand Hekate, and the key concepts associated with Her. Remember as you read that Hekate's story evolved over many centuries, and continues to evolve today during which it passed through different geographic regions, languages and many cultural changes. Sometimes a story evolved in different ways in different locations, sometimes the way in which magic or devotion was performed also evolved and changed. When looking at sources - ancient or modern - we have to take this into consideration, where possible. For example, material written down by early Christian writers may highlight or exaggerate ideas which they considered to be undesirable in order to diminish the importance of a deity. Work produced by a devotee might, on the other hand, exaggerate the importance of the deity!
If you are just starting on your journey with Hekate, we recommend you read and listen through this page to the end, before exploring additional links provided.
The material on this page is © to the individual contributors.
An overview
Hekate or Hecate is a multifaceted goddess who has and continues to reveal herself in many different forms to devotees. - From: Circle for Hekate, d’Este – 2017
“The goddess Hekate continues to inspire awe today. She is one of the most ancient Pagan goddesses, closely linked to the worship of the Great Mother Goddess Kybele and the Ephesian Artemis, as well as with the Mysteries of the Grain Goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. She was worshipped alongside gods such as Zeus, Hermes, Apollo and honoured at the entranceways into cities, temples and homes, as well as crossroads. In Hesiod’s Theogony, the earliest and most complete surviving literary account of the Greek Gods, Hekate is given the unique position of being honoured by both Zeus and the other immortal gods.
“…Hecate whom Zeus the son of Cronos honoured above all. He gave her splendid gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea. She received honour also in starry heaven, and is honoured exceedingly by the deathless gods…”[1]
She is described as a benevolent goddess, capable of granting success in many different aspects of life, as well as being a nurse to the young. Hekate is a shapeshifting goddess, manifesting in various forms and faces, single and triple-bodied, and with the heads of maidens as well as those of animals.
[1] The Theogony, circa 8th or 7th century BCE, Hesiod, trans. Evelyn-White, 1914.”
Other Titles & Epithets
"Many named Mother of the Gods" - Proclus in his Hymn to Hekate & Janus
Like many other deities, Hekate had many other theonyms, as well as epithets which provide us with glimpses into the roles, functions and qualities She had for her ancient devotees.
These are some examples (for pronunciation, see the video below):
Brimo - Terrifying or Angry One
Trioditis - Three Ways
Trimorphe - Three Formed
Enodia - Of the Roads
Chthonia - Of the Earth
Kleidouchos - Keybearer
Soteira - Saviour
Phosophoros - Light Bringer (also used for the planet Venus and other light-bringers, translates as Lucifera in Latin)
Dadouchos - Torch bearer
Pronounciation
"Many named Mother of the Gods" - Proclus in his Hymn to Hekate & Janus
Some of the sacred names or titles given to Hekate can be difficult to pronounce for those of us who don't speak Greek or have an otherwise good working knowledge of ancient Greek. It is natural for us to pronounce names in our own language so that it can be understood, but knowing how the names are pronounced can be very helpful in ceremonies honouring the Goddess, or where She is invoked. With thanks to Christina Moraiti, a Keybearer who lives in Athens, Greece for creating this short video to help with some of the most popular and important epithets.
Images of the Goddess
"Hekate is single-headed, double-headed, triple-headed and sometimes quadruple-headed. She comes with the faces of a young or adult female, but also with that of a bull, boar, cow, snake, dog, wolf, lion, dragon, goat and horse." - Circle for Hekate, Sorita d'Este
Hekate is best known as being a Triple Goddess, most frequently depicted as three young, adult women standing back to back - sometimes around a central pillar. She was also frequently shown as a single body goddess, and in other forms as noted in the quote above.
Take a little time to carefully look at the image of the Goddess below. You will hopefully notice that there are repeating patterns, symbols, clothing and postures which these images, some of which has survived for more than 2500 years, have in common. Learning to recognise these are an essential step on the journey, whether your aims are devotion, magic or both.
Interested in exploring more images of the Goddess? Maybe you are travelling and want to know when to look out for something you might otherwise miss? CLICK HERE for link to Christina's Map.
Explore these historic images of the Goddess - by studying these and other images from history we can learn to deepen our understanding and through that our connection with this enigmatic and ancient goddess.
Hymns to the Goddess Hekate
There are a few, sometimes fragmentary, hymns that survive from the ancient world for the Goddess Hekate, the most famous and arguably the most important of these is the Orphic Hymn to Hekate.
What is a Hymn? A hymn is a song or words of praise offered to a deity by devotees, it sometimes includes requests for blessings or protection in return. There are stories of hymns being sung to Hekate at the Temple of Hekate in Lagina, Stratonicea (modern Turkey) and elsewhere and today all new members of the Covenant of Hekate produce their own hymn to Hekate as a devotional offering when joining the network. Hymns today, like in the ancient world, often form part of daily devotion, as well as special ceremonies on festival days.
The Orphic Hymn to Hekate was translated into English in the 1700's by Thomas Taylor, and by others subsequently. With the help of an Ancient Greek Language Scholar two of our Greek members, Christina and Kassandra, produced a new translation used by Kassandra in these recordings.
English translation by Christina and Kassandra, read by Kassandra.
Orphic Hymn in the original Greek, read by Kassandra.
Mythology
The Goddess Hekate can be found in many different aspects of ancient religious and mythological life. If you want to explore this in more depth, it is always a good idea to go back to the stories or mythologies, or to the original literature where possible. This way you can reach your own conclusions and come to your own interpretations based on your reading and experience. If you are interested, see Hekate in Literature for some literary sources.
One of the most significant texts we have for Hekate's story, is the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. This is an epic poem in which the story of the Grain Goddess Demeter's search for her daughter Persephone (who was "taken" by Hades, the God of the Underworld) is told. Hekate has a significant role in this story.
The Homeric Hymn to Demeter - Read and Performed by Emily Carding using the Evelyn White translation. Originally recorded for the Hekate Symposium 2021, and included here gratis with permission of Theurgia Ltd.
Hekate's most important symbols
This is an overview of the most important historical symbols, animals and plants associated with the Goddess Hekate.
If you are interested in taking a deeper look, explore HEKATE'S CEREMONIAL ATTIRE & RITUAL OBJECTS - HEKATE's MOONS- HEKATE'S ANIMALS for mini articles created on these and many more things associated with Hekate through the collaborative efforts of members.
KEYS
Hekate is often shown holding a key. A keybearing ceremony was held for Her in Lagina.
The key was likely for the city, or perhaps a special shrine area in a temple.
Snakes
Hekate is described as being crowned with wild serpents, as having snakes around her wrists and waist, and is sometimes shown with snakes in Her hands.
Torches
Hekate is the Torchbearer. She is often shown with two torches, sometimes six, four or one also. Her Torches light the way in the dark.
Swords or Daggers
Hekate is shown holding a short sword, or dagger, in many ancient icons.
Dog
We often see Hekate accompanied by Dogs, flanking her or next to Her. This is similar to how the Goddess Artemis is depicted too.
The Moon
Hekate became closely associated with the Moon during the early Roman period, perhaps due conflations with the Goddess Selene, Sister and counterpart of Helios the Sun.
Continue Learning
If you would like to continue your studies of the Goddess Hekate, we recommend the following resources - many of which are available free of charge on our website.
I hope you have found this short guide useful!
Blessings,Sorita d'Este
Further Resources for learning about the Goddess Hekate on this website include:
Symbols:
Hekate and the phases of the Moon
History:
Pop-Culture:
Rite of Her Sacred Fires
The Rite of Her Sacred Fires
Introduction to the Rite of Her Sacred Fires
The Rite of Her Sacred Fires is a unique international devotional celebration of the mysteries and magic of the Goddess Hekate. It was born out of the Hekate Her Sacred Fires anthology project and written by Sorita d’Este who offered it as an act of devotion for all who wished to participate in May 2010. The first year saw the Rite of Her Sacred Fires translated into numerous languages with several thousand people from around the world participating by doing the ritual on the Full Moon that month. Since then the Rite has become a yearly event in May and has now been translated into 25+ languages and is facilitated each year by a team from the Covenant of Hekate who dedicate their time, energy and knowledge to ensure that the necessary information is available for others to join in and that resources are available for individuals to learn about it and how to do it, please check in with The Rite of Her Sacred Fires on Facebook (open to all, you don't have to be a member of the Covenant of Hekate).
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The Rite of Her Sacred Fires
- original English Text
Written by Sorita d’Este (Wales, 2010).
Preparation
Find a quiet place where you will be able to perform the rite undisturbed. You will need a candle (or another form of devotional fire such as a lamp or hearth fire) and something with which to light it. You may wish to consecrate the candle or other materials you will be using in keeping with your usual tradition of working, otherwise please simply ensure that it is clean.
Prelude
Make yourself comfortable, breathe deeply and find your point of balance, a balance of mind and soul and body, which will present you proud and beautiful to the world. Breathe deeply and find your voice, the voice with which you will speak words of true and pure intent. Breathe deeply and call upon the freedom within your heart so that you will be able to express yourself with purity of intent and with strength of desire.
Place both your hands on your heart (three heartbeats), your forefinger and middle finger of your dominant hand to your lips (three heartbeats), and then to your brow (three heartbeats). Now enclose your thumbs within both your hands (in fists) and raise both your arms to the heavens.
Open your hands and with palm upwards in your left hand, bring your right arm to your side palm facing downwards and invoke the Goddess.
Invocation
“I invoke thee, Great Mistress of the Heaven, Earth and Sea,
By your mysteries of Night and Day,
By the Light of the Moon and the Shadow of the Sun
I invoke thee, Mistress of life, death and rebirth
Emerge now from the shadow realm to feed my soul and enlighten my mind,
Triple-formed Mistress of the three ways
I entreat thee, Key-bearing Mistress of the Nightwandering Souls
To bring forth your wisdom from amongst the stars
To bring down your starfire from the darkness between,
Creatrix of Light!
Goddess of the Shadow Realms! Light-bearing queen!
Whisper now your secrets!
Fire-bringer! Earthly-one! Queen of Heaven!”
[Raise both hands with palms facing upwards to the heavens (three heartbeats) and then touch the ground palms downwards]
[Sit before the candle and prepare to light it]
[Take three deep breaths and allow your senses to awaken]
***Say***
“Hekate, companion and guide to the mysteries
I light this sacred fire in your honour, [light fire]
Its light uniting the stars and stones, the heavens and the earth,
With this fire I express my desire for a greater understanding of your mysteries
Askei Kataskei Erōn Oreōn Iōr Mega Samnyēr Baui (repeat 3 times) Phobantia Semnē,
Great Hekate, who spins the web of the stars and governs the spiral of life
Guide me through towards pathways of understanding,
From Crossroad to Crossroad,
The Torchbearers and the Keybearers of your mysteries will always find one another”
[Now sit and watch the flame flicker and dance, allow yourself to focus on the different colours in the flame,the yellows and reds, the blues and whites, and the black. If you wish you may decide to spend some time meditating on the flame, skrying for visions or omens. Likewise you may wish to extinguish it and keep the candle.]
Let your true self radiate brightly its beautiful mysteries from this day on forth, the flame of the fires of Hekate burns on in your heart!
***Say***
“I banish now the shadows of doubt from my mind,
Infused by the silence and warmth of our union
I feel your golden radiance within my heart
And the glory of knowledge on my brow,
I am a student of your mysteries.”
Extinguish the flame, then place both your hands on your heart (three heartbeats),
your forefinger and middle finger of your dominant hand to your lips (three heartbeats),
and then to your brow (three heartbeats).
Open your palms reaching towards the heaven, then reach down and touch the Earth.
Spend a little time in quiet contemplation and write up your experiences to reflect on in future.
More information
Explore the following pages which will contain all the information you need to join in and to find out more and others who are doing the Rite this year.
Ephesian Letters
The Rite of Her Sacred Fires include the use of the “Ephesian Letters” and a number of people have asked about this so I decided to put together the following for those unfamiliar with its use. I hope that it explains its inclusion in the rite.
“Askei Kataskei Eron Oreon Ior Mega Samnyer Baui Phobantia Semne.”
One of the oldest and most significant sets of voces magicae (a term used for magical words of unknown meaning and origin) was the Ephesian Letters or Characters, a group of six words. These words were askion, kataskion, lix, tetrax, damnameneus and aision (or aisia). We cannot be absolutely certain whether the Ephesian Letters were specifically connected with Hekate, though from the evidence it does seem likely. Their first known appearance was in a Mycenaean inscription from the fifth century BCE.
The Ephesian Letters occur a number of times in the Greek Magical Papyri in charms which call on Hekate (Betz, 1996). Thus the first two of the Ephesian Letters were used in a Hekate charm associated with initiation (PGM LXX.12) as part of a string of voces magicae being:
“Askei Kataskei Eron Oreon Ior Mega Samnyer Baui Phobantia Semne.”
The fifth word, damnameneia, was used in the Bear Charm, which included reference to Hekate as Brimo (PGM VII. 686-702). A second-third century CE lead defixione tablet to Hekate as torch bearer of the crossroads also uses this word repeatedly (SM 49) (Betz, 1996).
An early fragmentary protective charm on a lead tablet from Phalasarna on Crete included the Ephesian Letters with phrases indicative of Hekate like ‘She-wolf’. It is also interesting to note that they are called the Orphic Formula in the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM VII. 451) (Betz, 1996). Considering the connections between Hekate and the Orphic Mysteries this is another hint which suggests a specific ritual connection with Hekate and these words.
The Ephesian Letters were also referred to by the Greek poet Anaxilas in his lost 4th century BCE play The Harp Maker when he wrote “[unnamed person] carries around marvellous Ephesian letters in sewn pouches.” Various qualities were attributed to the Ephesian Letters including endowing the wearer with great power (particularly wrestlers as described in Eustathius, Photius and the Suda) and protecting newly married couples (mentioned by Menander, fragment 371).
It should also be noted that when Plutarch commented on the powers of the Ephesian Letters (Moralia 706E), he referred to daimones who were specifically under the rule of Hekate:
“For just as sorcerers advise those possessed by daimones to recite and name over to themselves the Ephesian letters.”
The Christian theologian Clement of Alexandria, who was well known for being the teacher of the theologian Origen, recorded suggested meanings for the Ephesian Letters in his work Stromata (Miscellanies) in the early 3rd century CE:
“Androkydes the Pythagorean, indeed, says that the so-called Ephesian letters, which were well-known among many, were of the order of symbols. And he said that Askion is darkness, for this has no shadow; and Kataskion is light, since it casts a shadow with its rays; and Lix is the earth, according to the ancient name; and Tetrax is the year, according to the seasons; and Damnameneus is the sun, the tamer; and Aisia is the true word. And truly the symbol signifies that the divine things have been set in order: darkness to light, the sun to the year, the earth to every kind of genesis of nature.”
(d’Este & Rankine, 2009, pg 65-69)
Returning to the words used in the Rite of Her Sacred Fires, “Askei Kataskei Eron Oreon Ior Mega Samnyer Baui Phobantia Semne” as voces magicae we cannot know for certain what they meant or when they were used, but we can draw together likely speculations. From Clement of Alexandria we can see that the phrase starts with Askei Kataskei which could mean ‘darkness, light’. Mega in Greek means ‘great’, and it has been suggested that Baui may refer to the barking of a dog (Betz 1996, pg 297, fn.7). All of these speculations hint at Hekate’s associations with both darkness and light, greatness and dogs. As such it is possible that this phrase was a coded sequence which called on Hekate’s powers.
Today the Ephesian letters continue to be used in rites honouring Hekate. I have been using it for many years in the form of chanting and honouring Hekate, much like the pujas found in spiritual traditions such as Hinduism. It is being used to honour Her, but also to protect and empower magical rites.
Rite of Her Sacred Fires 2025
Take a look at our participants altar pictures for this years event.
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