Some visions are fleeting, and others stick with me every time I close my eyes or the topic resurfaces in my mind. A while back, I had a vision that has stuck with me to this day, though I haven’t written about it officially—until now.
I saw Hekate in all of her glory, ferocity, and beauty. She swirled, showing each of her triplicate forms. As she spun, I caught glimpses of her role as dagger wielder, key holder, and torch bearer. She stretched like a web throughout the cosmos, carrying Astarte’s wisdom and magick to the ends of the universe.
When I first started my metaphysical shop, the name originally was Dagger, Keys, Torch (DKT), highlighting these very symbols she possessed. Though I ultimately migrated DKT and all of our other brands under the umbrella of Astarte’s Temple, these symbols still hold the utmost importance to me, and Astarte and Hekate are intrinsically connected within my spiritual practice.
The Dagger embodied the power of death. It was the energy that brought destruction, course corrections, and endings. In nature, we see decay, and we recognize it as a natural part of the life cycle, but for some reason, in the context of spirituality, people distance themselves from death energy out of fear. It’s a necessary force, though, and one that we embrace every time we cleanse, banish, release, or let go of what’s no longer serving us.
The Keys captured the power of rebirth. It was the energy that brought change, newness, and limitless possibilities. In nature, we see rebirth and life springing forth once again breaking the hold of death,h seasonally speaking. Within spirituality, this is just as sacred as it’s the inevitable outcome following seasons of death, destruction, course corrections, and endings as everything begins once again.
The Torch carried the power of life. It was the energy that brought enlightenment, fullness, expansion, and hope. It is the essence of energy, light, passion, and wisdom. And when I saw Hekate’s flaming torch in my vision, I was mesmerized because what I saw wasn’t merely a symbol or a concept but another personified divine being, none other than Lucifer.
Of course, when you research connections between Lucifer and Hekate there is hardly anything notable or credible that comes up. Many may even argue that Hekate and Lucifer have different pantheon origins and therefore no correlation, but as many spiritual practitioners of esoteric wisdom will note, ancient pagan traditions are always far more complicated and interwoven than neo-practitioners often are willing to admit.
Roman Imagery of Diana Lucifera
In Roman tradition, Diana Lucifera, meaning "Diana, Bringer of Light," is an image of the goddess closely associated with the moon, childbirth, and the hunt.
She was often depicted holding a torch, a symbol she shares with Hekate, symbolizing her role as a bringer of light and guidance. This imagery connects her to the illumination of the night and the guiding light that leads followers through darkness. Her association with light also extends to her connection with the moon, reinforcing her influence over night-time and natural cycles.
Diana was often equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, who is known as the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. As a lunar deity, she embodies purity and independence. Artemis, in some traditions, is also viewed as one of the triplicate forms of Hekate, connecting Hekate to Artemis and then to Diana by extension.
Roman Imagery of Lucifer and Phosphorus
In Graeco-Roman tradition, the terms "Lucifer" and "Phosphorus" are intricately tied to the planet Venus, specifically when it appears as the morning star. "Lucifer," derived from Latin, means "light-bringer," while "Phosphorus," from Greek, translates to "light-bearer." Both names reflect their brilliant appearance in the sky just before dawn and their ability to bring about change, enlightenment, wisdom, and evolution.
Lucifer is the offspring of the Roman Goddess Aurora, known in Greek as Phospheros. In Roman mythology, he is considered a minor deity and is recognized as the God of the Morning Star. The name Lucifer translates to 'Light Bearer' in Latin and is linked to the planet Venus, which was originally referred to as Lucifer in Roman astrology. This was before Venus, the daughter of Jupiter, transitioned from being the Goddess of vegetation to the Goddess of love and beauty, leading to the planet being renamed in her honor.
There is no biblical evidence that directly associates Lucifer with Satan. The term Lucifer was introduced into scriptural texts as a substitute for the Hebrew word Heylel, which was actually Venus's name, and Shahar, meaning "Star of the Morning" or occasionally "Son of the Morning." This terminology was connected to Babylonian kings and their claims to divine authority over their realms. Historical artifacts like the Cyrus Cylinder support these claims by ancient rulers.
Both Diana and Hekate's domains encompass aspects of guidance and illumination, akin to the roles played by Lucifer or Phosphoros as light-bringers. This shared symbolism highlights their interconnectedness within the broader tapestry of mythological themes revolving around light, darkness, and celestial movements.
Greek Imagery of Hekate Phosphorus
Hekate Phosphoros, translating to "Hekate the Light-Bringer," is an epithet that highlights the goddess Hekate's role as a guide and illuminator. In Greek mythology, Hekate is often associated with magick, witchcraft, and the night. However, the epithet of Phosphoros emphasizes her connection to light and illumination. This aspect of Hekate embodies her ability to dispel darkness and guide souls through difficult transitions.
Symbolism Associated With Lucifer:
- Morning Star (Venus) — Represents beauty, love, and guidance as the bright light seen at dawn, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
- Wisdom — Associated with knowledge and the pursuit of understanding, reflecting the quest for truth and insight.
- Enlightenment — Symbolizes intellectual illumination and the shedding of ignorance, encouraging the search for deeper meaning.
- Light — Represents illumination, clarity, and vision, highlighting the contrast between knowledge and darkness.
- Rebellion Against Tyranny — Embodies a spirit of questioning authority and striving for personal freedom and autonomy.
- Individuality — Celebrates self-expression and the courage to stand apart from the crowd, emphasizing personal growth.
- Aspiration — Signifies ambition and the desire to reach greater heights, inspiring growth and achievement.
- Transformation — Reflects change and metamorphosis, encouraging personal development and evolution.
- Innovation — Associated with creativity and new ideas, promoting progress and forward-thinking.
- Freedom of Thought — Encourages open-mindedness and the exploration of diverse perspectives, fostering a culture of intellectual diversity.
Honoring Lucifer Today
Study Ancient Texts — Though it doesn't have to be based in Roman mythology and literature, studying ancient texts for the purpose of spiritual growth and enlightenment are wonderful ways to honor Lucifer today.
Symbolic Offerings — Create symbolic offerings such as candles, incense, or cigars that align with the energy of fire, air, light, and enlightenment, which are all associated with Lucifer.
Artististry — Engage in creating art, whether painting, sculpture, or poetry, that embodies the themes of knowledge and illumination linked to Lucifer.
Philosophical Discussions — Organize or participate in discussions that explore themes of enlightenment, rebellion, and the pursuit of knowledge. Remember, philosophy is literally the love of Lady Wisdom (Sophia).
Personal Reflection — Dedicate time for personal meditation or reflection on the qualities that Lucifer embodies, such as the quest for truth and wisdom.
Educational Pursuits — Pursue learning and education as a way of honoring the spirit of enlightenment and intellectual curiosity attributed to Lucifer.