Maby Leite - Voices of the Covenant

This is the first of a series of Voices of the Covenant: 13 Questions, and the first spotlight is on Maby Leite, a Brazilian witch from the northeast of that beautiful country. She is a devotee with a deep love of the Goddess Hekate and serves as a Torchbearer with the Sanctuary of Hekate Ouroboros. She is also a Reclaiming Witch and Pronaos on the Orphic Strix Tradition.

When did you first join the Covenant of Hekate, and what inspired you to become part of it?

I joined in 2023. For me, the Goddess herself inspired me to be part of the Covenant.

What first drew you to Hekate, and how has that initial connection developed over time?

A funny story: I was looking at my Kindle, and a book about Hekate (Bruxaria Hekatina by Marcia C. Silva) appeared there, even though I hadn’t downloaded it. At this time, I had already heard of Hekate but had not read anything or studied her before. After that, I just fell in love with her.

What led you to become a Torchbearer or Keybearer within the Covenant?

My love for Hekate, and also the desire to talk about her to others with responsibility.

How do you understand your role as a Torchbearer or Keybearer today?

Unfortunately, I have been facing health challenges and the responsibilities that capitalism imposes on us at this moment. However, I am working alongside a small group of witches whom I am guiding and supporting through the Sanctuary of Hekate Ouroboros, and I hope that soon I will be able to overcome some of these difficulties so that I can continue helping more and more people. I see my work as a Torchbearer as that of a guide: someone who lights the path and offers direction to those who are just beginning their journey, encouraging them to study, deepen their practice, and cultivate an ever-closer connection with the Goddess.

Has your understanding of Hekate changed since joining the Covenant? If so, what has shifted?

I have learned a great deal more about the Goddess, especially in relation to the epithet associated with my sanctuary. I have also learned to recognize her in the small nuances of everyday life and to perceive how present she is in my life.

Which name, title, symbol or image of Hekate is most meaningful to you, and why?

Ouroboros and Anassa Eneroi have been especially present in my life at this time. I am working to build a career as a YouTuber, and on my channel I discuss true crime cases. Before recording any video, I like to perform a small ritual, asking Hekate to guide the souls of the victims. In those moments, Anassa Eneroi is an epithet that consistently draws my attention and feels particularly meaningful.

Ouroboros, in turn, inspires many reflections about the kind of communication I am trying to create through my YouTube channel. I hope to show people that some cycles, such as cycles of violence, can be broken, while others, such as cycles of healing, growth and transformation, should be continually renewed.

How does your devotion to Hekate shape your personal work, practice or service?

I believe I have already answered this in my previous response.

What role does community play in your Hekatean path?

A sense of community, and having people who are always willing to help us and offer comfort during difficult situations, is very important to me.

How do you balance personal experience, devotion and historical sources in your work with Hekate?

I try to work with what makes sense to me, while respecting what I learn from historical sources and what the Goddess asks me to do or say.

What do you feel is most often misunderstood about Hekate in modern Pagan or magical communities?

I guess it is when people want to shapeshift Hekate into anything they want her to be.

Is there a Hekatean practice, prayer, ritual or observance that has become especially important to you?

Yes, I always “pray” the Orphic Hymn to her and burn incense.

Is there any Hekate-related work, project, group, writing, art, ritual or service you would like to share with readers?

My ritual before recording videos for my channel is very simple. I light a candle and invoke Anassa Eneroi. Then, I speak the names of the victims and ask Hekate to guide them to the Elysian Fields, or wherever it is most appropriate for those souls to find rest.

What advice would you offer to someone who is just beginning their path with Hekate?

Studying Hekate and learning new things about her is very fun and delightful, so don’t forget to align your practices with your studies. And also, remember to have fun and enjoy her presence during your studies and practices.

Did you enjoy reading this Voices of the Covenant - 13 Questions for Maby Leite blog? We will be publishing many more like this - if you are a member of the Covenant of Hekate and you would like to be featured, please get in touch with hekatecovenant@gmail.com