Hekate – Goddess of Magic and more? Today I chose to write about Hecate, Greek goddess of witchcraft magic, underworld, mother of all things, ruler of all elements. I was inspired by a friend who brought up Hekate to me this morning. He asked me if I know of her, and she is one that I love to talk about as there are many things to say regarding Hekate. She is a protective goddess who is said to bring luck and prosperity on top of playing many other roles. My friend mentioned how Hekate is a “Queen in her own right”, and that somehow along the way, “I can very much see how when have forgotten our mothers and sisters and grandmothers and great grandmothers, our daughters and our aunts...” Reason I am bringing this up is because of the many roles Hecate, as a womanly being and a witch, is able to pull off!
According to Greek mythology Hekate was a goddess that was mainly associated with the spiritual world, ghosts, the moon, and the dead. Hecate was said to offer protection, but to also take it away immediately from those who were unworthy. She is often seen depicted in images as having three selves. This depiction strongly correlates to the Triple Goddess which is a major symbol of some pagan practices. Even though she was not one of the main Olympian gods, she is still a huge part of mythology and some modern day spiritual beliefs. One of her most famous stories is the tale of the “Abduction of Persephone”. Hekate helped the goddess Demeter in her search for Persephone when she was captured by Hades. This is why Hekate is seen in many forms of artwork holding torches, as to light the way through the Underworld. Hekate and Persephone would then become companions during Persephone’s stay in the Underworld. The earliest mention of Hecate is said to be from the 6th century in the form of a statue that is a seated goddess, made out of terracotta and has an inscription of “Hekate”. Since Hekate plays many parts in mythology throughout the ages, it makes sense to see depictions of her as 3 women, instead of one. Please visit our Facebook page at Myths and Beyond to continue reading this story.
