Hekate, the Greek goddess of magic, the moon, crossroads, restless spirits, and liminality. Who is she and why is she so important to so many devotees?
Hekate is the daughter of titans: Perses- the destroyer and Asteria- the starry one. She is the cousin of Artemis and Apollo. Hekate was described as a virgin Goddess in both the Argonautica by Apollonius Rhodius and Alexandra by Lycophron. One of the most famous stories of Hekate is in the Hymn to Demeter. In the story, Persephone is abducted by Hades, the King of the Underworld. The only witnesses to her abduction were Hekate and Helios. For nine days, Demeter roamed the earth, making the crops die and the weather cold. On the tenth day, Hekate came to Demeter and told her what she saw. With her torches, Hekate guided Persephone back to her mother. “Then bright-coiffed Hekate came near to them, and often did she embrace the daughter of holy Demeter: and from that time the lady Hekate was minister and companion to Persephone." (Homeric Hymn 2 to Demeter, 436 ff)
Hekate was honored above all Gods to Zeus. During the Titanomachy (Titan War), Hekate sided with the Olympians. "Hekate whom Zeus the son of Kronos (Cronus) 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 . . . For as many as were born of Gaia (Gaea, Earth) and Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven) [the Titanes] amongst all these she has her due portion. The son of Kronos [Zeus] did her no wrong nor took anything away of all that was her portion among the former Titan gods: but she holds, as the division was at the first from the beginning, privilege both in earth, and in heaven, and in sea. Also, because she is an only child, the goddess receives not less honour, but much more still, for Zeus honours her." (Hesiod, Theogony 404 ff (trans. Evelyn-White)
In ancient times, very few temples were erected for Hekate. However, believers would leave small household shrines for the Goddess to ward off evil and malevolent powers of witchcraft. The most famous cult centers to her were Eleusis and Samothrake, where she was worshipped as an associated goddess of the Mysteries. In Lagina, a town in modern day Turkey, contained an important temple to Hekate where festivals were held every year. Parts of it remain today, and more pieces are being uncovered.
In both ancient and modern times, followers of Hekate celebrate Hekate’s Supper also known as Deipnon, meaning evening meal, in Greek. Once a lunar month on the New Moon, an offering was laid out at a crossroads. This was done for a few reasons. The first, being to make the restless spirits in Hekate’s horde satisfied. The second was to purify the household and to make up for any deeds that might have upset the Goddess. Typical offerings include eggs, leeks, cake, red mullet fish and onions. Although some considered this sacrilegious, many poor people would eat the offerings. "Ask Hekate whether it is better to be rich or starving; she will tell you that the rich send her a meal every month [i.e. food placed inside her door-front shrines] and that the poor make it disappear before it is even served." (Aristophanes, Plutus 410 ff (trans. O'Neill)
Many followers of Hekate are also witches. Hekate’s association with magic and witchcraft comes from the Greek Magical Papyri, where her name was called in many spells. Two famous witches, Medea, and Circe were priestess’ of Hekate. “Argos, a nephew of Medea, addresses Iason (Jason): ‘You have heard me speak of a young woman [Medea] who practices witchcraft under the tutelage of the goddess Hekate. If we could win her over, we might banish from our minds all fear of your defeat in the ordeal [i.e., yoking the fire-breathing bulls of Aeetes.’" (Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 3. 478 ff) While in most myths, Hekate was a virgin Goddess, in Library of History by Diodorus Siculus, Circe and Medea were the daughters of Hekate. "She [Hekate] married Aeetes and bore two daughters, Kirke (Circe) and Medea, and a son Aigialeus. Although Kirke also, it is said devoted herself to the devising of all kinds of drugs and discovered roots of all manner of natures and potencies such as are difficult to credit, yet notwithstanding that she was taught by her mother Hekate about not a few drugs."
Now that I have told you a little bit about Hekate and her myths as well as cult practices, let’s dive into some of my favorite epithets of Hekate. What is an epithet? According to Oxford Dictionary, epithet is defined as an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic. Hekate has over two hundred known epithets. Some of her most popular epithets include Apotropaia (that turns away, protects), Chthonia (of the earth, underworld) Enodia (of the way), Klêidouchos (holding the key), Kourotrophos (nurse of children), Phosphorus (bringer of light), Propylaia (before the gate), Brimo (angry, terrifying), and Soteria (savior).
My favorite epithet of Hekate is Apotropaia, which means protects/averter of evil. I love this epithet because it makes me feel comfortable knowing I am being protected. I use this epithet when doing spirit communication, making protection spells, herb blends and oils as well as when I give Hekate her monthly Deipnon.
Another epithet I am fond of is Brimo, which means angry and terrifying. In Alexandra By Lycophron, Hekate is referenced as Brimo Trimorphos. “The maiden daughter of Perseus, Brimo Trimorphos (Three-formed), shall make thee [Hekabe queen of Troy] her attendant [Hekabe was transformed into a dog], terrifying with thy baying in the night all mortals who worship not with torches the images of Zerynthia [Hekate] queen of Strymon, appeasing the goddess of Pherai with sacrifice." (Lycophron, Alexandra 1174 ff :) I love to use this epithet when doing any baneful work or when banishing my home of any harmful spirits or energies.
Klêidouchos is another favorite of mine because I feel like Hekate has opened many doors in my life with her key. Klêidouchos means holding the key. In PGM IV: 1390-1495, a love spell that calls upon Hekate, she is mentioned as a Key-Holder. This is a great epithet to use when you want to do a road opener spell and are wanting new opportunities to come your way.
Lastly, Propolos, which means leader or guide, is one of my favorite epithets. In the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Hekate is Persephone’s guide as she returns from the Underworld. I love this epithet because I believe that she guides her followers in life on the right path. She lights her torches and gives us the key to guide us on a path to a happier life.
Hekate has been an important part of my life since I first learned of her in 2021. I felt an instant connection. In the very beginning, she said she had plans for me, which includes priestesshood if I decide to go down that path. I am currently working towards becoming a Torchbearer in the Covenant of Hekate and believe this will help guide me in becoming a priestess. My goal is to teach others about Hekate, connect followers with her as well as open a temple in my state of Minnesota one day. I would also love to get into death work, which involves communicating with the dead and helping them. I believe Hekate, Hades, Persephone as well as the spirits I have been introduced to in Jason Miller’s Sorcery of Hekate course will help me greatly with this. I have dedicated my craft, my pagan Etsy shop, and my life to her. She has helped me deal with my traumas, grief, parts of myself that I do not care for, my craft, connecting with ancestors, as well as overall success in life. I am eternally grateful to Hekate and cannot wait for what my future with her holds.
Sources:
Homeric Hymn 2 to Demeter, 436 ff
Hesiod, Theogony 404 ff (trans. Evelyn-White
Aristophanes, Plutus 410 ff (trans. O'Neill)
Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 3. 478 ff
(Lycophron, Alexandra 1174 ff
Diodorus Siculus. Library of History (Books III - VIII). Translated by Oldfather, C. H. Loeb Classical Library Volumes 303 and 340. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1935
Chris Baldick. Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press. 2008
The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation. Edited by Hans Dieter Betz. 2d edition. 1992.
“HECATE (Hekate) - Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, Magic & Ghosts.” Thoi Greek Mythology, https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html. Accessed 9 December 2023.
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