Hekate is a Greek Goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, crossroads, the moon, the underworld and liminal spaces. While she is viewed as Greek some scholars dispute her origins, as evidence suggests that she may have originated from Thrace or Caria. The name Hekate, or Hecate, roughly translates to mean “worker from afar”.
Hekate is seen as a chthonic deity and is connected to the realms of earth, sea and sky as well as the underworld. She is known from the myth of Persephone and Demeter where she helps to guide Demeter through the underworld. She is a Goddess who can travel between the realms as she can inhabit the liminal spaces and different planes of existence.
Hekate is often depicted as a triple formed woman holding flaming torches with dogs flanked at her side. She is also known for her many epithets including Kleidouchos (key bearer), Enodia (of the crossroads), Phosphoros (light bearer) and many more. In Greek mythology her parents are seen as being Asteria, Goddess of the stars and Perses, God of destruction.
Signs that Hekate is Calling You
Hekate will show up in your life when you may be at a crossroads and need to make a decision. She can also come in when you may need to let go of something or are trying to navigate dark or trying times in your life. Her flaming torches can light the way and her wisdom can help to illuminate something to you.
Hekate is also a psychopomp as she helps to guide souls to the afterlife. She is deeply connected to spirits, ghosts, necromancy, magic, witchcraft and night. She is also associated with many different animals such as dogs, snakes, frogs and the polecat. Seeing any of these symbols can be signs that she’s trying to get your attention. If you feel called to start practicing magic, witchcraft or divination these can also be signs that she’s calling to you.
Other symbols such as keys, the triple moon, torches, knives and Hekate Wheels are also associated with her. Hekate is a Goddess of wisdom as she knows the mysteries of life and can access many different realms of existence. If she starts to appear in your life she may be acting as a teacher for you in order to help you increase your level of wisdom, insight and knowledge.
Working with Hekate
There are many ways to work with Hekate and as with any Goddess or deity creating some kind of altar no matter how simple or elaborate is a great place to start. For your altar you can add statues, artwork, candles and symbols of keys, dogs, snakes and/or the moon. This is your way of creating a sacred space to connect with her energy.
You can also call to her by saying a simple prayer like “Hekate, Goddess of the Crossroads, please help me to choose the right path for me.” You can create your own unique prayer or invocation to her as well, whatever feels right to you. Once you have called out to her allow yourself to sit in quiet meditation for a few minutes so that you can start to feel and connect with her energy.
Pay attention to any messages, feelings or sensations that come through at this time and over time you will start to become more familiar with her energy. If you feel so inclined you can even write these things down in a journal which you can refer back to while you’re learning how to connect with Goddess energy. Always be sure to leave some kind of offering when working with any deity and with Hekate you can leave things like wine, honey, cheesecake, eggs, garlic, flowers, incense or even something you make yourself.
In the ancient world people would honor her by leaving food at a crossroads which was then eaten by the poor and unhoused people. So you can even do things like donate food and drink to the poor or homeless people in your area. Whatever is available to you and whatever you feel most called to in order to honor her energy. These are simple ways that you can begin connecting with the Goddess Hekate and with time and practice you’ll be able to recognize her energy more easily.
For more information about Goddesses and working with Goddess energy, check out my Goddess Guide Sheets or book a Goddess Message Reading with me.
THE AWAKENED SAGE 