Hecate: The Goddess of the Underworld
Erin Evelyn
Hecate
The Goddess of the Underworld
Names: Hecate, or Hekate as an alternative spelling (Greek), Trivia or Diana (Roman), Heqet (Egyptian), Ereshkigal (Mesopotamia), Morana or Marzana (Pagan Slavic)
Crystals for Hecate: Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, Hematite, Red Jasper, Pink Mangano Calcite, Black Kyanite, Ametrine
Symbols: Triple Moon, Triple Goddess, Torches, Keys, Dogs, Serpents, Crossroads
Who is Hecate, The Goddess of the Underworld?
Hecate is an ancient Greek Goddess often associated with the Underworld, witchcraft, necromancy, crossroads, the spiritual realm, and the moon.
As a goddess, Hecate represents magic and sorcery as a whole. Hecate was revered for her abilities in the mystical arts, and was believed to have the power to cast spells and was a master at brewing potions.
Hecate was also closely associated with crossroads, which were seen as places where different paths and possibilities intersect the different realms of the universe. As a goddess of the crossroads, Hecate was believed to have control over the boundaries between realms, and so she also had the power to grant or deny passage between. The goddess Hecate is often invoked by travelers seeking safe passage on their journeys.
Despite being a bit of a symbol for darkness, Hecate is not an entirely dark deity by nature. Hecate was known to be an incredibly helpful and empathetic goddess, using her power to move between realms to aid Demeter in her search for her daughter Persephone.
The Origin of Hecate
The origin story of Hecate varies depending on the sources. In some versions of Hecate's origin story, she was the daughter of the Titans Perses and Asteria, in others she was the daughter of Asteria and Zeus.
According to one popular myth, Hecate was born when the Titans were defeated by the Olympian gods and cast into Tartarus, the deepest, darkest part of the underworld. There, she was entrusted with the key to the underworld by the god Zeus, and became a guardian of the dead.
Another version of the myth tells that Hecate was originally a nymph who was transformed into a goddess by the god Zeus. In this story, she was given the power to travel freely between the worlds of the living and the dead, and to grant the wishes of mortals.
Overall, the exact details of Hecate's birth and origins are unclear, as they have been passed down through different myths and legends over time. However, what is clear is that she was a powerful and enigmatic goddess who played an important role in ancient Greek religion and mythology.
Hecate, the Triple Goddess
Many goddesses of the ancient world are depicted as being triplicate, or in having 3 faces, and Hecate is one of them. Most times the Triple Goddess represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, however for Hecate it may be that she is often depicted as a triple goddess because of her position as a goddess of crossroads.
Each of Hecate's 3 faces may represent her in each of the realms that she is able to cross over into.
Why Are Snakes a Symbol for Hecate?
Snakes have been associated with the Greek goddess Hecate for a long time, and there are various reasons why this connection has been made in many mythological beliefs.
One of the primary reasons why snakes are associated with Hecate is because of their symbolic representation of both transformation and rebirth. Snakes shed their skin, which is seen as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal.
Hecate as the Goddess of the Underworld is known to represent the transformative power of death and rebirth. The snake is seen as a natural symbol of Hecate's transformative energy.
In some mythological lore, Hecate is also associated with the serpent or dragon, which is believed to be a powerful symbol of the primal feminine and the creative life force. In ancient Greek mythology, the serpent was often associated as a powerful symbol of her life force power.
Another reason why snakes are associated with Hecate is because of their association with the moon. Snakes are believed to be particularly sensitive to the energies of the moon, and as Hecate is also a goddess of the moon, the snake is a natural symbol of that association.
The connection between snakes and Hecate is based on their symbolic representation of transformation, renewal, the primal feminine, and the moon. As a goddess of witchcraft, magic, and the moon, Hecate is often associated with symbols that represent her transformative and intuitive energies, and the snake is one of the most powerful symbols of this energy.
Hecate Self Discovery Ritual:
To become one with the energy of Hecate is to understand each of the paths you may take through life and to really come to discover your true potential. It’s easy to invoke the energy of Hecate if you are prepared to meet each of your own aspects. Feel free to change up our ritual and make it your own!
Materials Required:
- Crystals for Hecate such as Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, Hematite, Red Jasper, Pink Mangano Calcite, Black Kyanite, or Ametrine
- Hecate effigy (Such as statuary or something else to represent the goddess)
- Rose petals
- A black spell candle (and something to light it with)
- A key
- A journal
- A pen or pencil
- A small pouch or similar bag
Ritual:
- Begin by setting up your sacred space. You can do this by lighting some candles, burning some incense, and playing some soft music.
- Place the Hecate effigy at the center of your space and arrange the crystals and rose petals around it.
- Take a few deep breaths and center yourself. When you're ready, light the black spell candle and hold the key in your hand.
- Close your eyes and visualize yourself standing at a crossroads. See each of the paths that stretch out before you, and feel the energy of Hecate guiding you.
- Invoke the energy of Hecate by saying:
"Hecate, goddess of the crossroads, I call upon your power and wisdom. Guide me as I explore the paths of my life and discover my true potential."
- Place the key on the altar and take one of the crystals in your hand. Hold it up to the candle flame and say:
"With this crystal, I invite the energy of Hecate into my being. May it help me to unlock the secrets of my true self."
- Sit quietly for a few minutes and meditate on the energy of Hecate. See what thoughts and feelings arise within you, and write them down in your journal.
- When you're ready, take another crystal and hold it up to the candle flame and recite:
"With this crystal, I release any fears or doubts that are holding me back. May the energy of Hecate help me to face my challenges with courage and determination."
- Place the crystal back on the altar and take a few moments to reflect on what you've written in your journal. See what patterns or themes emerge, and write down any insights or revelations that come to you.
- Take the remaining crystals and the rose petals and place them in the pouch or bag. This will serve as a talisman that you can carry with you to remind you of the energy of Hecate and your own potential.
- Thank Hecate for her guidance and wisdom, and close your sacred space in your preferred way.
Feel recharged and connected to your inner goddess.
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