Lorri@Mabon_House 11/14/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 11/14/23

Who is Hestia?

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In Greek mythology, Hestia is the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. She is one of the twelve Olympian deities and is often considered one of the three virgin goddesses, along with Athena and Artemis. Unlike some of the other Greek gods and goddesses, Hestia did not actively participate in many myths or stories. She was known for her calm and gentle nature, and she played a more passive role in the narratives of Greek mythology. Hestia was highly revered, and her worship was considered essential for maintaining the stability and well-being of the family and the community.

Hearth & Home

While other ancient Greek gods and goddesses embark on grand adventures and shape the destiny of mortals, Hestia tends to the eternal flame of the hearth. Her domain is not one of conquest or rivalry but rather her role was primarily to preside over the hearth and the sacred flame.

The hearth, in ancient Greek culture, was more than just a fireplace; it was the focal point of family life. It was where meals were shared, stories were told, and decisions were made. Hestia's sacred flame symbolized not only physical warmth but also the spiritual and emotional connections that bind a family together. Hestia's presence was invoked at the beginning of every household ceremony and public event.

The Virgin Goddess

Hestia is often grouped with Athena and Artemis as one of the three virgin goddesses in Greek mythology. Unlike the tumultuous relationships that characterize many other divine unions, Hestia's dedication is solely to her sacred duties. She is the embodiment of purity and focuses on maintaining the harmony of the home rather than getting entangled in the drama of the gods.

Vesta: Hestia's Roman Counterpart

In Roman mythology, Hestia’s counterpart is Vesta. The similarities between the two deities are striking, emphasizing the universality of the concept of a sacred hearth in ancient cultures. Vesta, like Hestia, was revered as the guardian of the flame, and her worship played a crucial role in Roman religious practices.

The Vestal Virgins, priestesses dedicated to Vesta, tended to the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum. The extinction of this flame was considered a dire omen, and its maintenance was of utmost importance to the well-being of Rome. The parallels between Hestia and Vesta demonstrate the significance of the hearth in fostering community and stability.

Invoking Hestia: Rituals and Traditions

In ancient Greece, every household, from the humblest abode to the grandest estate, paid homage to the goddess. At the beginning of important family event or public gathering, Hestia was invoked to bless the occasion.

The ritual involved a simple offering, often in the form of a small portion of the family meal, placed in the fire. This act symbolized the communal aspect of the hearth, where all members of the household shared in the warmth and sustenance provided by the central fire. It was a gesture of gratitude and a recognition of the sacred nature of the home.

Goddesses Similar to Hestia Across Mythologies

In various mythological traditions, goddesses akin to Hestia can be found throughout many cultures. In Celtic mythology there is Brigid, a goddess associated with the fertility, learning and crafts. Similar to the Roman myth of Vesta, Brigid was thought to be attended by an all female priesthood. Every year at mid-winter, festivals were thrown in honor of the goddess, as a way to encourage the return of springtime. Modern Wheel of the Year celebrations often focus on Brigid around Imbolc.

Frigg in Norse mythology embodies maternal and domestic aspects while being the wife of Odin. Iyatiku, a goddess in Hopi mythology, is revered as a guardian of the home, associated with hearth, fire, and warmth. Across diverse cultures, these goddesses share common themes, reflecting the universal significance of the hearth as a symbol of familial bonds, security, and warmth.

The hearth may no longer be the literal center of our homes, but the essence of what it represents—family, warmth, and togetherness—remains unchanged. Hestia's gentle influence encourages us to appreciate the quiet moments, the shared meals, and the simple joys that make a house a home.**

References & Recommended Reading*

Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

The Modern Guide to Witchcraft by Skye Alexander

The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire by Skye Alexander

The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Banner Art: Portrait of a Young Woman as a Vestal Virgin by François Hubert Drouais,1767. See the full portrait at The Met Open Source project: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436216

**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.

Lorri@Mabon_House 11/1/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 11/1/23

What is a Hedge Witch?

One of the most enduring archetypes of a witch is the Hedge Witch. Usually seen as a solo practitioner living at the edge of a community, a hedge witch was both feared and revered for her knowledge of nature and the spiritual world. Sometimes called a wise woman (or a cunning man) a hedge witch is closely associated with home and hearth and protecting her family. Whether you identify as a witch or just want to slow down and add more intention into your life, the path of the hedge witch offers insight and guidance.

Hedge-Rider, Hex and Hag

The term hedge is used to describe a border between civilization and the wilderness. In spiritual terms, it is used to describe the threshold between this world and the other world. In early medieval Europe a hedge was a physical boundary between a village and a forest. A hedge in those times wasn’t what we think of today - a nicely manicured green shrub. It was a wild tangle of growth between the forest and the village. Those that lived along the hedge, closer to the wild than to the community, were often thought to possess magical powers and wisdom. They would be called upon for help by locals, but otherwise largely left alone. As Christianity gained power through the early and middle ages in Europe, traditional nature based beliefs and healing were deemed evil and those that lived along the hedge were particularly vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft and persecution.

According to Judika Illes in her book Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, the term Hedge-Rider was a northern European synonym for witch. In Old English it was called Haegtessa, while in Old High German hedge-rider was pronounced hagezusse. These were later shortened to Hag and Hexe respectively and were associated with old women who lived near the hedge. Over time, again with the rise of Christianity, both these terms took on a negative connotation - the Lady of the Hedge was turned into an evil old hag who was a threat, especially to children (think of the witch in Hansel and Gretel).

In English speaking countries the term Hag is synonymous with a cantankerous woman, someone who does confirm to the patriarchy’s view of womanhood. A hag does not mean a woman is necessarily old in age, but rather she is outspoken and unapologetic. This makes me think of the character Ouiser (played by Shirley MacLaine) in the movie Steel Magnolias. She was rough around the edges, but with a big heart.

A Modern Hedge Witch

Within the rise of the modern neo-pagan movement, the term hedge witch has been reclaimed by those seeking wisdom and a deeper understanding of the natural world. There are a couple of (very general) distinctions when it comes to the term hedge witch. The first refers to someone who practices rituals like tarot, divination, or has some psychic ability. This would be the more classical version of a wise woman living alone, whom people seek out for help through a reading, herbal remedies or spell work.

The second popular image of hedge witch aligns more with the modern concept of a cottage witch or house witch. Arin Murphy-Hiscock describes this type of practice in her book The Way of the Hedge Witch, as someone who practices magic in the home as a way to ensure the spiritual well-being of herself and her family. This could include imbuing some magical thoughts into everyday life through cooking, cleaning or gardening.

Following Hedge Witch Path

Even if you don’t identify as a witch, the elements of a hedge witch offer simple and easy ways to connect with nature and cultivate a peaceful home. Common ways a hedge witch cares for her home and family include cleaning not just her physical space, but also the energy that fills it. She may sprinkle salt along doorways, to keep evil spirits away or hang a glass witch’s ball* to absorb light and deflect negative energy. She may say little prayer/spell/intention while stirring a pot of soup for dinner. Her magic is in the small moments that make up each day.

Home & Hearth

No matter what interpretation you use for a hedge witch, the home is an integral part of her practice. An important element in the concept of home is the hearth. A hearth is traditionally at the center of home life. It provides warmth and light in the dark months, and is where meals are prepared. Until the late 19th century tending the hearth was an all day job for women who kept their own homes. The hearth as a focal point of life has long been revered in many cultures.

Today’s hedge witch may call upon Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth for safety and peace within her home. A traditional fireplace hearth may be replaced by the modern day kitchen or other area that serves as a focal point for yourself and your family. The essence of the hearth, whether invoking ancient deities or tending to the heart of the home, endures as a source of comfort and connection in the modern world.

Some might argue a hedge witch is the original witch - from where our modern associations of witchcraft and the occult stem. Today a Hedge Witch can be a solo practitioner that folks call upon for help. Or she may focus her energies on tending her home, as an extension of her own spiritual practice. Either way, the path of hedge witch offers simple ways to connect to nature, connect with others and connect to one’s self.

References and Recommended Readings*

The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Hedge Witch’s Way by Rae Beth

Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

Lorri@Mabon_House 11/1/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 11/1/23

November Beautiful

The month of November comes from the Latin Novem - which was originally the ninth month in the Roman calendar. The last month before the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, November is the darkest month of the year. The days are short and the nights grow colder, leading up to the beginning of winter. The earth grows quiet during this time. The brightness of autumn has mellowed and a quiet beauty settles over the woods and fields.

Just as the trees and plants settle in for their winter rest, November is a good time to slow down and tend to your home and yourself. No big actions are needed now. Instead, introspection and observation are a welcome respite from the busyness of early autumn. It’s a new Wheel of the Year and time to think about what has been and what is to come.

The November Moon

The November full moon was known by the ancient Celts as the Dark Moon, Beaver Moon or Oak Moon. The first full moon in the Wheel of the Year, November is a good time to cultivate healthy habits and continue to release negative energy.

Chrysanthemums & November

A flower often associated with November in Western cultures is the chrysanthemum. More commonly referred to as Mums, these hardy flowers can withstand dropping temperatures and are one of the last to bloom before the onset of winter. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty, friendship, and joy. In Japan, chrysanthemums are associated with youth, while in parts of Europe they are associated with death and mourning.

November as a Time Focus on Your Home

Shorter days and long, cold evenings make November an ideal time to focus on your home. Take some time to do a tidying up of your living area and add in some cozy elements such as candles, slippers and warm blankets. Break out some easy evening activities that will help you unwind after a long day, such as puzzles, books or some simple crafts. For me, November evenings include sudoku puzzles and leafing through my collection of holiday books, while enjoying some hot peppermint tea.

Thanks to social media, there is a new standard of maintaining a fall/holiday aesthetic in your home, where everything looks picture perfect. Now, I appreciate a fall scented candle and a faux pumpkin as much as the next person, but when it comes to tending my home in this season, I practice what I call Gentle Cleaning. This essentially means I focus on the main areas of my home that I use the most during this time of year. This includes my kitchen and living room, where I do my best to keep the areas tidy, with a sense of coziness. November is not a time that I do any big, deep cleans or home projects. There will be time enough for cleaning, decluttering and reorganizing in the spring.

How are you celebrating the start of the Wheel of the Year? What is November like in your home?