Hekate (Hecate, ˈhɛkəti) is traditionally recognized as a Greek goddess or titan with many associations, such as crossroads, witchcraft, magick, liminal space, doorways, and the like. To us, we view her through an older lens that recognized her as a primordial figure with roots that can be traced back to Mesopotamia, Thrace (near modern Bulgaria), and the Carians of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey).
As the Anima Mundi, she is the World Soul—the energy that animates all. Quite literally, life itself. We like to visualize this energy as the web of creation. created from threads of energy or magick that gives way to infinite possibilities and the vastness of the universe, which Mystic Kate Jade teaches the magick of in The Mystic's Journey Pathworking Program.
As the World Soul, Hekate animates all, she is the life itself.
Hekate was initially portrayed as a benevolent goddess of the wilderness, childbirth, and the moon, and her role later shifted to incorporate the imagery of witchcraft, ghosts, and crossroads. Her worship was already established by the 7th century BCE, with the earliest inscriptions appearing in Miletus near Caria. She was likely adopted by Greek traditions from the older Carian roots. Her first appearance in Greek literature was in the 7th century BCE by the poet Hesiod. He depicted her as a Titan, the daughter of Perses and Asteria, who received honor from Zeus and had power over heaven, earth, and sea.
Hekate as Anima Mundi is the very fuel of creation and destruction, to me and them. It makes perfect sense that she has always been associated with witchcraft since we who identify as such associate with and utilize the primal source from which all types of energy flow. —Keeping Her Keys Blog
Hekate was revered as a Mother Goddess in many ancient traditions, and when we explore how her energy permeates all of creation, and how she is connected to goddesses like Astarte of the Canaanite peoples, who was the Mother of the Gods, it is no stretch to see how motherly she is and the power she has to birth anything into existence.
The Anima Mundi, Latin for ‘World Soul,’ is the concept that the world is a living entity imbued with a universal spirit that animates and unifies all things. Both Hekate, from Greek mythology, and Sophia, from Gnostic traditions, represent distinct yet complementary aspects of this World Soul, each embodying unique attributes that contribute to the overall harmony and wisdom of the cosmos. —Angelorum Substack
Popular Symbols of Hekate:
- Torches: Represent her role in bringing light to darkness and her connection to the night. I love sharing with people how the torch of Hekate is connected to Lucifer.
- Keys: Symbolize her power over gateways, both literal and metaphorical, and her role as a guardian of thresholds.
- Dogs: Often seen with her, dogs are associated with both protection and the underworld.
- Polecats: One legend pertaining to Hekate describes her having compassion on a deceitful witch who was turned into polecat, taking her in as a sacred servant of her own.
- Serpents: Symbolize rebirth, renewal, and her connection to the earth and chthonic realms.
- Crossroads: A central symbol representing her dominion over boundaries and liminal spaces.
- The Moon: Associated with her through her connection to the night, cycles, and the dark moon.
- The Strophalos: Also known as Hekate's Wheel, this spiral labyrinth symbol is unique to her and is linked the soul's journey.
Honoring Hekate Today
Hekate's memory is kept alive today by many who are drawn to the mysteries, that which is hidden, and the esoteric wisdom of ancient times. She has countless epithets and personifications she takes on, and can be venerated according to traditions of old or through newer methodologies.
Perform rituals — Many practitioners hold rituals on the night of the dark or new moon, known as the Deipnon, in honor of Hekate. Rituals can include bonfires, making offerings, pouring out libations, singing and dancing, baking bread or cakes, and so on.
Make offerings — Popular offerings for Hekate, include incense (such as frankincense), tea, flowers, keys garlic, eggs, honey, cakes, and red wine. Often, people like to leave these offerings at a crossroads, and are intentional to place the offerings on the ground (preferably items that are safe for local wildlife and the environment, so no trash) and not look back after it has been given.
Volunteering — Due to Hekate's love and association with dogs, women, and children, many opt to volunteer as an offering to Hekate by donating their time or giving to local animal shelters, foster youth organizations, or women's shelters. Anything that gives back to those who are in need can be done in Hekate's name.
