Goddess of magic and the moon – Guardian of crossroads
Guide through dark places
Hecate, a goddess of night and light, presides over magic and spells. She is revered as a goddess of the moon, the sea, transitions, and the veil between the worlds.
As a goddess of magic, Hecate was vilified by the church and patriarchy. However, she is actually a guide through dark places and helps people through transitions. She was a midwife, which means she guided new lives into this world.
Symbolism – Hecate was most often shown holding a two flaming torches, a key, and accompanied by snakes, or dogs. Pillars called Hecataea stood in ancient Greece at crossroads and doorways, to protect boundaries, and perhaps to keep away evil spirits.
Boundaries and Crossroads – Hecataea depicted three women standing back-to-back. This way, Hecate could see and defend in all directions. These three women can also represent the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, each woman symbolizing a different stage in a woman’s life. These pillars were also said to represent the phases of the moon.
Hecate and Persephone – Some myths say Hecate was a daughter of Zeus and Demeter and that she witnessed the abduction of her sister, Persephone. Torch in hand, Hecate helped her mother search the Underworld for Persephone. As guardian of crossroads, Hecate can cross between this world and the Underworld and she protects their boundaries.
Hecate and Artemis – I wonder if Hecate and Artemis would have been friends. They were both moon goddesses, often pictured at night, wearing hunting boots, carrying torches, and accompanied by dogs. A guardian and a protector, they both were connected to the changing phases of a woman’s life. Some scholars believe the myth of Hecate preceded Artemis in that the Artemis myth (protector of the young and of adolescent girls) evolved from the image of Hecate as a goddess protecting the transitional phases of a woman’s life.
Keys – A key can open a door…or unlock a treasure chest. Keys represent the unlocking of hidden potential. You sometimes need a key to cross a boundary. Keys are said to represent Hecate’s control over the crossing points between the physical world and the spiritual.
Snakes, associated with the underworld and the spirits of the dead, are sensitive to the moon, being more active when the moon is full. A snake shedding it’s skin can be seen as a symbol of transformation, growth, and renewal. Some connect this with menstruation which is also associated with the moon.
Dogs are sacred to Hecate. Some say Hecate’s presence can be sensed by the sound of dogs barking from the underworld. Some say the barking is the voices of restless souls of the dead. Most of us see dogs as loyal companions who protect their family and pack.
Torches symbolize Hecate’s role as a guide through darkness and the underworld. Fire transforms one element into another. Torches are also associated with lighting crossroads, guarding boundaries, and a protection against evil. A light in the dark, Hecate provides safe passage through transition.
Support in your Journey – Hecate is a powerful guide for those navigating change or seeking deeper wisdom. She can support your journey by helping you embrace transformation, trust your intuition, and release fears holding you back. As a guardian of thresholds, Hecate encourages you to find strength in uncertainty and make empowered decisions. Through rituals, meditation, or simply inviting her energy into your life, you can connect with her to illuminate your path and guide you through challenges with clarity and resilience.