Hekate Symposium 2014

"Hekate is one of the most unique and interesting Goddesses of the ancient world, her worship reaches backwards into pre-history and continues to thrive in the modern world.  Even at times when the shrines and temples of the old Gods were forgotten old ruins, her myths continued to thrive, remaining alive in the  hearts, minds and dreams of poets, artists and mystics, who promulgated her mysteries.  As such her name did not join those of the forgotten Gods who are being rediscovered today, but instead was one which continued to be uttered by each generation, infused with awe, fear and mystery through the centuries, continuing its journey onwards through history into the modern day." ~ Sorita d'Este

The Hekate Symposium will be taking place on Saturday, 6th of September in the mystical town of Glastonbury, steeped with its history of Christian and Pagan myths and magic.  It is a day like no other, dedicated to a Goddess like no other - and a unique oppurtunity for devotees and others interested in the Torchbearing Goddess of the Crossroads to gather in Her name and learn from one another - both through the sharing of research and practice. 

 Author and Priest Georgi Mishev making offerings during the Opening Blessing at the Hekate Symposium 2013Facilitators this year include Avalonia authors David Rankine (Hekate and the Grimoire Tradition), Vikki Bramshaw (Hekate and the God Dionysos), Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule (performance),  Paul Harry Barron (ritualist), Tara Sanchez (ritualist) and Sorita d'Este (ritualist), whose work many of our readers will be familiar with.  TV presenter and producer Carrie Kirkpatrick, a long time devotee of Hekate will also be speaking, as well as showing a short film she made some time ago focussed around a Hekate ceremony which took place in London; Melissa Harrington, an academic and initiated Witch will explore how the Goddess Hekate has featured in Witchcraft, as well as exploring the psychological and sociological impact of the return of the Great Goddess.  Mima Cornish will be leading us in a devotional guided meditation, whilst Lyza Chthonia will allow us to connect with Hekate through dance.  They will be supported by a team from the Covenant of Hekate. 

Avalonia will have a dedicated stall at the event, where copies of books such as Hekate Liminal Rites, Hekate Her Sacred Fires, Hekate Keys to the Crossroads and The Temple of Hekate will all be available for sale. www.avaloniabooks.co.uk

 To find out more and book your ticket(s) go to: www.theurgia.co.uk

The Crossroads Part One

The Crossroads create a place considered "betwixt and between" where 'two realms touch'; a 'liminal arena' known for strong magic, where pacts are made and myth and legend dance.

Hekate, goddess of witchcraft and the dark arts, frequents such places contributing to the strength of the forces found there.  Crossroads are an important ingredient in the practice of magic which asks one to delve into the center where a vortex exists not governed by man or time.  Such a place is frequented by the newly, beloved and the not so dearly departed so care should be given to one's intention. Crossroads are the unclaimed, waste and forgotten areas where none tarry long for fear of what might happen there. 

 Because Hekate has always been associated with such landscapes, it is little wonder that sensing her presence there is often acutely felt.

In medieval England there were stories surrounding the late night activities of ghosts at such places, and it was thought, given the severity of spectral retribution on the living, condemned criminals should therefore be hung and displayed at this infamous spot.  This visual not only worked as a silent symbol of 'fair warning' to outsiders, it was believed to protect the town from the criminal's spirit out for ghostly retribution.

Consequently, suicide victims were not granted access to internment within the village graveyard even those which lay beyond the town's boarders.  Ghosts might place blame on those who survived them, whether they be family or town official, and moral responsibility was not a virtue of those who spat in God's eye by taking their own life.  Revenge by the dead was a threat, and anyone might fall prey to a grisly specter out to even the score.

What is important to understand is that there are in fact two types of crossroads one might come across. The first is more common where one road is bisected by the other; the second, and harder to find, consists of the intersection of three roads, or paths, also known as a 'fork in the road.' In the form of actual roads each one must have a different name.  This has been purported to be by far the most powerful type due to its rarity and is often referred to as the “corpse cross” or “the' way.” Funeral processions would take this track to confuse the corpse's ghost preventing it from following anyone back to town after burial.

The well-known Goddess of the Crossroads is of course Hekate, known by many names and often referred to the “Queen of Ghosts.” She stands, listening to sounds well beyond what the human ear might perceive, for She is quite intent on leaving no soul behind.

Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, Hekate has held dominion over this realm; and to this day, by those of us who continue the practice of Hekate Veneration, define the Crossroads as the Threshold to the Underworld. 

Offerings are customarily left there, on the bare ground, and timing is important; the approach of midnight is thought to represent the overlap of the past, present and future. Wearing a skeleton key, consecrated and dedicated to the Dark Queen, aids one in conversation with the dead and the other unseen forces that reside there, affording some protection.

Once the offering is left, it is crucial to walk away without looking back, Hekate is there whether you see Her or not, surrounded by Her night shrouded specters.  To behold Her face has consequences said to be dire for the living and breaks the code of nature, for whatever is given cannot be reclaimed, don't let your soul be amid the benefaction. Within this realm there is a collapsing inward of time, and with it, obligations to the dead beyond one's comfort. 

I am of the tradition of placing small candles directly into the cakes left as an offering, enabling Hekate's Entourage to partake of it's essence. The early Greeks were the forerunners of this tradition I'm told.  History tells us that regarding the Goddess Artemis, who, Hekate shares an association, was honored in this way in her temple in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  This flickering candles represented the glow of the moon, one of her many symbols.

Having left many an offering at the crossroads, I suppose to those who understand, it is common practice, to others driving or walking late at night, it is a sight which might instill both awe and perhaps a bit of trepidation as perhaps, it should.  

Veils Before the Void

(A Prayer unto the Queen of Heaven, Earth, and Hell.)

by Patrick Larabee © Shadows of Midnight

Hekate Illustration by Patrick Larabee ©

O' Mother Divine, Celestial Queen!

Thou dost don the Abyss as Thy attire and

upon it shines forth the Jewels of the Firmament,

each shining Sun a blazing diamond for Thy Diadem.

You whom holds within Thine being the Stars of the Void,

the Points of Spirits Light that shine forth through the Bless'd Night.

Matriarch of the Dark who didst give birth to the Son of the Sun.

From Thy Womb in which the Seed of Life did ignite,

came forth the Blackened Light of the Burnt One:

Qayin, the Father of the Illuminated Night!

Mistress of the Mystical Artes,

from the Stars we drawn Thee down to Earth.

In Rites of Congress with Thy Spirit Sublime,

within Thy Empyrean Essence my Self finds Re-Birth:

to soar amongst the Heavens as a Stellar Body Divine!

Mother Benign and Mother Malign,

Thy child am I and my Heart is Thy shrine.

Ruler of the Three Realms and all that lies Beyond and In-Between,

all that I am is yours - the Seen and the Unseen.

Hekas! Hekas! Hekat! Hekate!

 

O' Sovereign of the Underworld, Dame Diabolus!

Infernal Queen and Dark Mother,

in Thee the Dead seek comfort and solace:

from Thy Sunless Abode we come and to you shall be gathered home again.

To sink beneath the Dark Waters of Thy Being,

to witness the Fires of the Spirit-Faceless

in Hell You reign and here it is that we find our Kith and Kin.

Our Lady of Sorrows and of Joy,

in Thee the Living finds repose and contentment,

til the Flesh yields to Death to release that within that is Breathless.

When through the Veil we shall pass to embrace Soul's vast extent,

to walk the Path of the Blessing and the Curse:

to drink deep from Thy Chalice of the Potion-Deathless!

Mother Benign and Mother Malign,

Thy child am I and my Heart is Thy shrine.

Ruler of the Three Realms and all that lies Beyond and In-Between,

all that I am is yours - the Seen and the Unseen.

Hekas! Hekas! Hekat! Hekate!

 

O' Persona of Cosmos, Colassal Creatrix!

In the Beginning there was Naught,

and from this Nothing sprung forth Thy Nebulous-Radiance:

Galaxies, Suns, Energy, Time and Space,

Thou gavest Birth to the Noumenal Secrets of the Void.

From Thy Darkness didst the Light unfurl,

from Your Night didst Thou beget all Life.

Each Star a shining Gem from the Black Treasure Vault of Thy Being,

each a Lantern Guiding our way Home:

to the Place beyond the Beyond,

the Path that leads ever onwards to the Light that Shines-Not.

From the Darkest Places of Wisdom to the Bright Light of Earth,

all is yours and all is divine,

through the unending cycles of Death, Life and Re-Birth.

Mother Benign and Mother Malign,

Thy child am I and my Heart is Thy shrine.

Ruler of the Three Realms and all that lies Beyond and In-Between,

all that I am is yours - the Seen and the Unseen.

Hekas! Hekas! Hekat! Hekate!

O' Thou Noumenal and A-Cosmic Silence, Thou Darkness Beyond the Stars!

Thou art the Goddess of all the Night,

and Persona of the Void:

Ever-Changing,

Always-Remaining,

Mask of the Darkness-Eternal:

Queen of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld

Beautious Blackness shimmering;

Midnight's Brightness illuminating,

Masquerade of the Abyss projecting:

and in passing through Thy Veils of Light,

each one dropping before the Great Beyond,

I bare witness to the Eternal Darkness that shines forth throughout ALL!

Thee, Unnameable One:

Thou art the Void Incarnate and the Vault of Heaven is but Thy Mask,

and only one amongst Many.

Chaos is Thy Name as it is spoken forth from Vulgar Tounge,

and they whose Vision shows Thee speak not at all,

for You are Unmentionable and Unknowable:

yet the Flesh speaks and breaks open at Thy caress,

to utter in Silence that which only the Soul knows.

Mother Benign and Mother Malign,

Thy child am I and my Heart is Thy shrine.

Ruler of the Three Realms and all that lies Beyond and In-Between,

all that I am is yours - the Seen and the Unseen.

Hekas! Hekas! Hekat! Hekate!

Thou art Void - the Beyond of the Beyond, the Darkness Incarnate, the Non-Existent Chaos of the Primordial Abyss, the Noumenal Radiance, Omnipresent, Omnisentient, Omnipotent, ALL and NOTHING, the Reality behind the Mask!

HEKATE! HEKATE! HEKATE!

Hekate Invocation and Illustration granted by permission. 

Botrychium lunaria

Common Name: Moonwort from moon shaped leaflets.

Family: (Plants) various ferns of the genus Botrychium,esp B.lunaria, which has crescent-shaped leaflets; (US): grape fern.

Name Origin: Botyrichium, from the Greek botrus (botrys), "grape"; the Grape Ferns; lunaria, from the Latin luna, "moon "

Parts Used: leaves and root

Planet: Moon and Mercury

Element: Water

Metal: Silver

Deities: Diana, Hekate

Life Cycle: Spring, fades in June.

Zone: 2; Perennial from rhizome (rootstalk).

Habitat: Open turf or gravelly slopes, shores, meadows, woods, disturbed sites, usually on basic soils with calcium content. Found Greenland to Alaska; south to parts of the extreme northern United States to Eurasia, Alaska to Greenland. In Southern Hemisphere, South America and Australia. Prefers moderate light. In Maine found where mussel and clam shells leave deposits on shore.

Identification: Like most members of the genus Botrychium (Grape-ferns), B. lunaria is distinguished both by its succulent texture and fertile frond which appears above the sterile frond.  Cluster of golden-brown globular sporangia. Stem only about 2" long, hollow and fleshy.

Lunaria variety differs from the other succulent Botrychium species due to it possessing the sterile blade only once-pinnate (divided), with the segments distinctly fan-like (lunate) in shape.

Entire plant usually stands less than 3+" high.  Sterile frond a 5" single leaf closely spaced, subdivided into four to six pair, smooth edged; Leaf appears in spring, dying in latter half of summer; rootstalk upright; roots few, short, horizontally spreading.

Rare: Thinly found.

Magic & Folklore: Ancients regarded B. lunaria greatest magical power to be key to the time of it's gathering which must by moonlight. Used in incantations by necromancers, the mere mention of the word imbued the work with greater power.

Blacksmiths used it to unshod horses with ease.  Thieves carried it to make 'picking a lock' silent. Lunaria's crescent shaped leaflets were an ingredient used by alchemists to convert mercury into quicksilver.

According to the Doctrine of Signs, Moonwort cured lunacy, epilepsy, and sleep walking, if ailment was associated with the phases of the moon.

Folk Medicine: Mashed leaves in oil produced a salve to stop bleeding.  Botrychium plants boiled in red wine have been used as stomach medicines, tonics and to stop bleeding. There are references of its application for diarrhea and tuberculosis. A wash or poultice has been used regarding eye inflammations, sores and wounds, bruises, fractures, and skin dislocations.

Modern day medicinal use has fallen from favor.

http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BOLU

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botrychium_lunaria

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/botrychium_lunaria.pdf

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/botlun.htm

A Call unto the Goddess of the Night

by Patrick Larabee © Shadows of Midnight
© Hekate Illustration: by the author

Heka, Hekat, Hekate, Hekate!

 

O' Hecate, Ancient Goddess please preside over this,

our practice of the Arte of the Mysteries of the Moon,

ever abiding in Thy Presence and Bliss Undying,

be with us this evening our Lady of Midnight's Noon!

 

Mistress of Magic, here upon the Cross'd Way we stand,

we humbly seek and beseech the Powers of Thy Dark Grace,

by the Powers of the Emerald Toad and the Wise Serpent,

come upon Our Compass with Black Embrace.

 

O' Hecate, by the Reddened Skull and the Verdant Leaf,

We call upon the Powers of the Holy Wain,

Mistress of the Keys and Lady of the Crossed-Roads,

Open the Sacred Gates and show the Blessed Way!

 

Mother of the Wise, Great Goddess of Heaven and Hell,

Gracious Light-bearer of the Full Moon's Power,

A Sacred and Blessed Essence abloom like a Flower,

Descend, arise, within Our Compass be Alive!

 

O' Hekate! Open the Way, ever by the Sign of the Crooked Path.

 

(Here follows an inscribing upon the Aires the Aethyric Form of the Crooked Serpent with Astral Light, begin chanting "Heka, Hekat, Hekate, Hekate!" until Her presence is felt, and follow with small moment of reflection and contemplation.)

 

Hekate Invocation and Illustration granted by permission.

 

 

Prayer of Medea to Hekate

"O night, faithful friend of mysteries; and you, golden stars and moon, who follow the fiery star of day; and you, Hecate, goddess with threefold head, you know my designs and come to strengthen my spells and magic arts; and you, earth, who offer your potent herbs to magi; and airs, winds, mountains, streams, and lakes, and all you woodland gods, and all you gods of the night: Be present now."

-- Prayer of Medea to Hecate, Ovid's 'The Metamorphoses' 
~~ George Romney - Lady Hamilton as Medea

Hekate Liminal Rites -

A Historical Study of the Rituals, Spells and Magic of the Torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads by David Rankine and Sorita d'Este

At the crossroads of life, death and rebirth stands the Goddess Hekate. Honoured by men, women and gods alike, traces of her ancient provenance reach back through the millennia providing clues about her nature and origins along the way. Depictions of her as three formed facing in three ways, sometimes with the heads of animals such as the horse, dog and snake hint at her liminal nature, as well as the powers she holds over the triple realms of earth, sea and sky.

The sorcery of Medea and Circe, the witchcraft of the women of Thessaly, the writings of philosophers such as Hesiod and Porphyry all provide glimpses into the world of those who honored her. Her magical powers were considered so great that even King Solomon became associated with her, she was incorporated into Jewish magic, and merged with other goddesses including Artemis, Selene, Bendis and the Egyptian Isis. Whilst for some she was the Witch Goddess, for others she was the ruler of angels and daimons, who made predictions about Jesus and Christianity.

Wherever you look, be it in the texts of Ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantium or the Renaissance, the Greek Magical Papyri or the Chaldean Oracles, you will find Hekate. The magical whir of the strophalos and the barbarous words of the 'voces magicae' carry her message; the defixiones, love spells and charms all provides us with examples of the magic done in her name. She was also associated with the magic of death, including necromancy and reanimation; as well as prophetic dreams, nightmares, healing herbs and poisons.

The temples dedicated to her and the important role she played in the mysteries of Eleusis, Samothrace and Aigina all provide us with clues to her majesty. The popular shrines at the doorways of ordinary people, offerings left at the crossroads and guardian statues of her at the entrance ways to cities and temples all attest to her status in the hearts and minds of those who knew her mysteries. In this book the authors draw from a wide range of sources, bringing together historical research which provides insights into the magical and religious practices associated with this remarkable Goddess; in doing so they provide an indispensable guide for those wishing to explore the mysteries of Hekate today.

94 Pages. Paperback and Kindle editions.

Extracts from Reviews from Avalonia Books  an Independent publisher in the UK.

“I found ever chapter interesting but my favourites were ‘Hymns’ which includes Prayer to Selene for any operation,' Invocation’ which includes a description of a summoning of Hekate, ‘Defixiones’-a detailed description of binding curses and ‘Charms from the PGM’ which includes a list of charms in the Greek Magical Papyri’. There are some great mini-chapters regarding Hekate's followers including Medea, Circe and The witches of Thessaly. I only wish some of the chapters had been a bit longer though it does contain an extensive bibliography which has introduced me to some books on Hekate that i had not discovered before.” C Norris, Amazon Reviewer

“‘Hekate Liminal Rites’ is a truly fascinating read. The authors’ writing is extremely well researched, and draws upon both accurate and historical material throughout this work. However, unlike so many other historical studies, this little book also manages to evoke such a presence of Hekate that it is almost experiential; and I found it impossible to continue reading without first lighting a candle (or three!!) for this deity.” Vikki Bramshaw, author of Craft of the Wise.

“As with other works by these authors it is clear that their intent is to illuminate the subject for the reader. The book is clear and intelligible but does not seek to simplify the subtleties of history nor to disguise interpretation as truth.” Magin Rose, Artist and Amazon Reviewer

“It seems like someone should have done a book like this before, but the thing is they have not. The research goes into areas that other books on Hekate does not, and its clear that the authors must have been familiar with the other key works and instead of producing something to rival it they produced this book, which clearly compliments the work presented in the other books. It focuses on the areas of spiritual and magical practice, therefore making this a perfect book not only for scholars and students interested in learning more about the Goddess Hekate, but also for practitioners of magic today who want to be able to take inspiration from the ancient practices.” Scarlet River, Amazon Reviewer

“I say “excellent” in my title as if I’m comparing it to something else or have the authority as a historian. I’m not a historian, but I appreciated the historical representation of Hekate in this book. It uses mostly sources written from the Greek Classical period into Antiquity (the Christianization of Greece) to delve into Hekate’s functions, symbols, rites of worship, and relevance in Greek society.” Mica Simonian, Amazon Reviewer

“Hekate is often called a three faced or three headed goddess. The head in many of the illustrations were animals heads such as a dogs head, goat head or a snake head to name a few. Hekate is also unique in that she is named in charms that invoke Hebrew names for deity and also angels and king Solomon. This is indicative of a crossover between Greek and Jewish Magic. This is one incredible book one that I strongly advise getting” S Cranow, Amazon Reviewer

Hekate Liminal Rites is also available as an eBook from Amazon Kindle.

The Rite of Her Sacred Fires

I have been a member of The Covenant of Hekate for three years.  As an international society we have grown over those years into a vibrant magickal community honoring the Goddess Hekate in her many forms.

Performing The Rite of Her Sacred Fires is just one of the ways I observe the cycle of the moon within my personal practice of Traditional Witchcraft.

Below is a glimpse of that devotional practice lead by Tara Sanchez.

Hekate Appellations

Distant One 

The Far Darter 

Queen of Night 

Night Mother 

Queen of the Ghosts 

Queen of the Witches

Mother of Witches 

Mistress of Magic 

Most Lovely One

Prytania "The Invincible Queen Of The Dead"

Soteira "Saviour"

Propylaia "The One Before The Gate"

Nykteria  "She of the Night"

Propolos "The Attendant Who Leads"

Phosphoros "Light-bringer"

Kourotrophos  "Child-Nurse"

Khthoniai "Of the Earth"

Antaia "The Sender Of Nocturnal Visions"

Nyktipolis Khthonie "Night-Wanderer Of The Underworld"

Brimo "Angry" or "Terrifying", also meaning the crackling of a fire (as in Hekate's torches)

Enodia "Goddess of the Paths"

DarkFire

Form dancing between shadows and night,

balancing soul’s journey in the space between fire and light.

Delicate dark movement her torches illuminate.

Seeking- look now and wait-

Reaching striving to know her beauty and your fate;

only to see the veil pierced with precision, the point sharp and bright.

Just a drop to mark the decision made, Seen with the clarity of her torch lit sight.

Care to be taken when calling upon her dark power,

mind’s eye clearly seeking, wanting what is desired.

For once called there is no forward nor back,

only this moment, indelible in her darkfire

Your steps now commanded,

walking her threefold track…

Poem by Maponos 2013

Illustration: Hrefngast deviantart.com