She enjoys all favors of Zeus. The midwife at his birth Hecate saved the child from the curse of his father (Cronos) by assisting Rea (mother of Zeus) in tricking her husband and thus protecting the life of the child. This act of trickery resulted in a war between the younger generation and the older gods. In this battle Hecate fought with the titans and also alongside Zeus in support of new ways against the old.

Hecate – Goddess of liminal space

Hecate is a complex and multifaceted goddess, and her worship has evolved over time. She is most known as the goddess of liminal spaces who presides over thresholds, gates or doorways. A crosser of boundaries. Holding a torch in either hand she shines the light into the darkness, giving us access to a clear vision and any the knowledge which lies hidden. She is often associated with various aspects, including magic, the moon, and the underworld. Different traditions may emphasize different spiritual characteristics of Hecate, but here are some commonly recognized aspects:

• Triple Goddess: Hecate is often depicted as a triple goddess, representing the three phases of the moon (waxing, full, and waning), as well as the three realms (earth, sky, and sea). This symbolism emphasizes her role as a deity of transitions and transformation.
• Goddess of Crossroads: Hecate is strongly associated with crossroads, both literal and metaphorical. Crossroads are seen as places of choice and decision-making. As the goddess of crossroads, Hecate is believed to be able to see all directions simultaneously and guide individuals through life’s choices and transitions.
• Goddess of Magic and Witchcraft: Hecate is considered a powerful figure in magic and witchcraft. She is often invoked for spells, divination, and rituals, particularly those involving the spirit world. Her association with magic extends to her role as a mediator between the realms of the living and the dead.
• Protector of the Marginalized: Hecate is sometimes seen as a protector of the marginalized, including women, children, and those who exist on the fringes of society. In this role, she is compassionate and provides guidance and support to those in need.
• Psychopomp: Hecate is associated with guiding souls to the afterlife. As a psychopomp, she helps the deceased transition from the world of the living to the underworld. This aspect of her character highlights her role in facilitating spiritual journeys and transitions.
• Moon Goddess: Hecate is often connected to the moon, and some see her as a lunar deity. Her association with the moon ties her to cycles, intuition, and the mysteries of the night.
• Chthonic Goddess: Hecate has ties to the underworld and is sometimes considered a chthonic deity. This aspect of her character emphasizes her connection to the earth and the unseen realms.

In times of transition Hecate can help you, give you force and courage and energy to let go of the old and bring in the new.

Hekate’s blessings

I have had contact and received the blessing of Hecate’s medicine many times and for many years now.

The best way of getting to know her strength and how she can inspire you in your life is to journey to and with her. Shamanic journey is a form of direct revelation, creating confidence in our inner journey and the way we receive messages. It is a wonderful way of receiving the blessing and learning from all spirit and archetypes in the non-ordinary reality.

When I journey to the wisdom of Hecate, she reveals to the vast space she holds. Most importantly she holds this space across boundaries, between worlds and into opposites.

She therefore IS the doorway to the unknown and the hidden.  She opens the doors between the worlds and allows us the vision into infinite possibilities.

In my journey I see the Hecate wheel to be the roadmap for our journey in life. That which holds the matrix.

In the upper world she opens the heavens and allows us communication with our ancestors. In the lower world she shines light into the dark corners of our being. There were we find our hidden powers.

She encourages us to open our mind, to open our perception. To walk with one food in either world. It is she who will teach us to lead the magic flood into our ordinary reality.

Symbols associated with Hecate

The Hecate wheel or labyrinth. Blueprint and roadmap to find our very own personal way to bring forth our unique gift.

Snake spirit. The snake spirit is seen in many images of Hecate and represents her power of rebirth and transformation.

The triple moon symbol. Representing her power to hold space over multiple spaces building a bridge.

She is always seen with dogs, representing companionship.

The athame (dagger) represents the power of ritual.

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We learn through experience. Therefore, I encourage you to journey to Hecate. Ask her for teachings, meet her energy, witness her power.

Inviting her wisdom

Hecate is one of the important goddesses we journey with in the ‘Awakening the Dark Goddess’ journey circle. You can honour Hecate by giving offerings – preferably at crossroads in nature, chanting her name, lighting a candle. Here are some ideas on how to connect with her.

You may call on her when:

• You need to give equal space and attention to opposite opinions
• You need clarity and shine light into dark inaccessible places, physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally.
• You need doorways to open. Doorways into a new world, new believes, new ideas, new journeys, new opportunities. She will bestow you with courage and trust and vision.

Working with Hecate is about remembering your deeper connection to the mother goddess, reclaiming the sacred feminine within you and connecting to the earth and your roots.

May the Blessing of Hecate be with you in your prayers and journeys and at each crossroad and bring magic to your altar space and rituals.

I would love to hear your comments on your experience with Hecate in your life and what rituals she inspires in you.

Join the AWAKENING THE DARK GODDESS to deeply journey into Hekate’s wisdom and awaken your sacred feminine.  

Get issue #2 of the publication Wisdom of the Witch to learn more about shamanic journeying.