How to make a Strophalos - tutorial

The word Strophalos - Hekate's wheel - today usually refers to the most popular and widely used symbol of Hekate: the labyrinth. Even if this symbol has ancient origins, it's been associated with Hekate only in recent times. The ancient strophalos, the one I use in my practice, was still a wheel, but of a very different kind. It was a very powerful tool, used by magicians and practitioners, to call upon and compel spirits and gods, often in order to perform magic. We can find it in ancient images, text and magical spells. But today, I am not here to tell you its history (if you want to learn more I highly recommend you to read this very accurate post by Sorita d'Este) but to explain you how to make one.

Since buying a strophalos is not always possible (nor affordable if you live in old Europe) and making one is very easy I am here to explain you how I created mine.

Please note that I am neither a skilled artist nor an experienced artisan. In Italy, we have a saying for people like me: "born with two left hands" — which has nothing to do with the Left-Hand Path, but clearly expresses one’s inability to craft anything.

Required materials:

• wooden discs (12–15 cm in diameter) - preferably not too thick/heavy

• ruler/measuring tape

• drill or awl (I used a drill with a small-diameter drill bit)

• string/cord (140 cm)

• paints

• markers

  
  

Procedure:

1) Measure the wooden disc and mark with a pencil where the holes will go. The holes should be small (just wide enough for the cord to pass through) and evenly spaced from the center. My disc is about 12 cm in diameter, and the holes are about 1 cm apart.

2) Drill the holes. I used a drill with a very thin bit. If you're using a thin disc of wood like mine, you might be able to use a screw or an awl to make the holes. In that case, be careful not to break the disc.

3) Once the disc is perforated, paint it in the color of your choice (I chose black). Write the epithets of Hekate, Her symbols... using whichever colors you feel are most appropriate.

4) Then insert the cord/string in both holes and tie the loose ends together.

5) Consecrate it according to your practice.

Tip regarding the cord: using the strophalos involves significant friction on the string. I use a 2 mm thick cotton and hemp twine — make sure to choose a durable and resistant material and be ready to change it when it is worn out. If the edges of the holes are very rough or sharp, smooth them down with sandpaper.

Note: fancy Strophalos come with handles but since I am not able to make them, mine doesn't have any and still works perfectly. Using my fingers to spin it actually gives me a great control over its movement.

Do you use the strophalos in your practice? Do you want to know more about how I consecrated one or about my own practice? let me know in the comment!

Sara Vervain - Sanctuary of Hekate Potnia Theron