Who is Hecate?
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Hecate is best known as a Greek Goddess associated with the Underworld and witchcraft. Like many goddesses of the ancient world, Hecate was associated with many different aspects of daily life. She was closely associated with the idea of the Triple Goddess, the moon, the underworld and witchcraft. Hecate's origins are unclear and her story has evolved over the millennia. Even though she played a relatively minor role in ancient religious life and mythology, Hecate is a central figure for many modern neopagans.
Hecate’s Origins
The name Hecate is Greek. However it was likely her story was adopted into Greek Mythology, rather than being born of it, such as the stories of Zeus, Athena or other well known Greek gods and goddesses. It is speculated that goddess associated with Hecate originated in Caria, which is located in modern day Anatolia in Turkey.
Early versions of Hecate portray her as a benevolent power who aided humanity in various ways. She was strongly associated with the idea of the Triple Goddess. This is likely because of her association with the crossroads. She was often portrayed as three figures, one to follow each path presented. People would pray to Hecate for guidance deciding which direction to take (both literally and metaphorically). Hecate was also associated with the moon in ancient Greece, and festivals were thrown in her honor during new and full moon phases.
Over time though her story became much darker and the association with witchcraft, the night and the underworld took root. There isn’t a clear explanation as to why Hecate’s image shifted so.The Underworld version of Hecate has many symbols including dogs, torches and keys.
Hecate and Greek Mythology
Hecate is best known for her role in the myth of Persephone and Demeter. She assisted Demeter in her quest to find Persephone after she was abducted to the underworld. Hecate was also portrayed as helpful in the story of Jason and the Argonauts. She was regularly celebrated in Ancient Greece with new moon festivals and feasting.
By Roman times the minor goddess was described by poets and writers as an evil witch, who harmed children. It is unclear why Hecate’s reputation took such a nosedive during this time.
Hecate and the Neopagan Movement
In contemporary witchcraft and neopaganism, Hecate has experienced a resurgence in popularity. She is often revered as a guide in matters of magic, divination, and personal transformation. Her triple aspect is sometimes linked to lunar phases, and she is invoked during rituals and ceremonies. Despite being a minor figure in ancient religions and mythology, Hecate has helped shape many aspects of neopagan worship, including her association with the Triple Goddess.
Celebrating Hecate in the Wheel of the Year
While Hecate is not traditionally associated with the Wheel of the Year in historical pagan practices, modern practitioners often incorporate deities that resonate with them. Here's are some ways to incorporate Hecate into your own Wheel of the Year celebrations:
Connection to the Underworld: Hecate's association with the underworld makes her particularly relevant during Samhain, a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest. Invoke Hecate for guidance and protection during rituals honoring ancestors and communicating with spirits.
Goddess of the New Moon: Hecate is often associated with the new moon phase. During Yule, a celebration of the return of the sun, you can honor Hecate as a goddess of the dark, acknowledging the balance between light and dark as the days start to lengthen.
Goddess of Transitions: As a goddess of crossroads and transitions, Hecate can be invoked during Imbolc, a time when the first signs of spring are emerging. Seek her guidance in navigating personal transitions and making choices for the coming season.
Fertility and Renewal: Hecate's role as a guide through transitions aligns with the themes of renewal during Ostara. Invoke Hecate to guide you through personal transformations as you embrace the energy of the season.
Magical Practices: Hecate's association with magic makes Beltane, a celebration of fertility and life, an opportune time to seek her guidance in magical workings. Incorporate her symbols, such as keys and torches, into rituals focused on creativity and manifestation.
Triple Goddess Energies: Hecate's triple aspect can be honored during Litha, a celebration of the longest day of the year. Recognize her as the goddess of the earth, sea, and sky, embodying the fullness of the summer season.
Harvest and Transformation: Hecate's role in guiding through transitions can be invoked during Lammas, a festival of harvest and transformation. Seek her guidance in navigating changes and expressing gratitude for the fruits of your efforts.
Goddess of Crossroads and Balance: As the wheel turns toward autumn, honor Hecate during Mabon for her association with crossroads and balance. Reflect on the balance between light and dark, and seek her guidance in finding equilibrium in your life.
Personal connections with deities are highly individual, and these suggestions are just one way to incorporate Hecate into the Wheel of the Year based on her traditional attributes.
While Hecate’s presence may not be as prevalent in better known mythology, her symbolic significance and associations with liminality continue to capture the imagination of those drawn to the mystical and magical aspects of ancient spirituality.
References & Recommended Reading*
Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes
https://mythopedia.com/topics/hecate
https://historycooperative.org/hecate-goddess-of-witchcraft/
Banner Art: Hecate or The Night of Enitharmon's Joy by William Blake, 1795
Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Blake_006.jpg
**In the process of creating this blog post, I utilized ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT provided assistance in generating content and refining ideas.
