Goddess of the Month ~ Hecate

Hecate, Goddess of Transitions and Crossroads

As I prepare for my transition to a new landscape in August, I thought it fitting to feature a goddess of transitions to help me along my journey. Hecate is an ancient goddess of fertility. She has been associated with childbirth, nurturing the young, gates and walls, doorways, crossroads, magic, lunar lore, torches and dogs.

Hecate served as protector at points and periods of transition, the most famous example is where she led
Persephone from the Underworld back to her mother, Demeter.  Perhaps fearing possible vengeance or maliciousness from dead souls,  statues of Hecate were placed outside sanctuaries and homes as protection from these spirits. For the same reason, her statues were also placed where three roads came together. Folks hoped to gain her favor in agriculture and other types of fertility. It was here, at the crossroads, that once a month, offerings were left for her. These offerings usually consisted of eggs, milk, honey, and a small amount of black wool. or meat (supposedly to feed her dogs/watchdogs.)
There are many depictions of Hecate ranging from a singular form to a triplicate goddess. Before the fifth century there is little doubt that she was usually represented as of single form, Some classical portrayals show her as a triplicate goddess holding a torch, a key, and a serpent.  In Egyptian-inspired Greek writings,  she is described as having three heads: one dog, one serpent, and one horse. In other representations her animal heads include those of a cow and a boar. As watcher over crossroads, she was often shown holding two huge torches lighting the way..These images depicted a triple Hecate, facing off into three directions. However you choose to envision her, my intention is to focus on her positive qualities of shedding light and assisting in birthing new ideas and lives.

Inviting Hecate into the Modern Goddess’ World:

Action Steps:

Take action. Even baby steps, in fact, preferably baby steps, as then you will know every step of the way if you are making the right move for you. Each step in the direction of your dreams, tells the universe you are willing to do the work necessary to realize your dreams and the universe will deliver with the means and opportunities to make it happen.

Believe the universe is conspiring in your favor. Realize that whichever path you take is of your choosing and there are no mistakes only lessons to be learned. You will eventually arrive at your destination, it is only the path in which you take to get there that has many variables. If you assume the universe is always conspiring in your favor then even when there are slight disappointments for things ‘not going your way’ you can rest assured that there is an even better opportunity awaiting you.

Listen to your body. When faced with a difficult decision, sit quietly and envision yourself in great detail making one choice. How does it feel within your body? Do you feel light, giddy, peaceful or happy? Or rather does it feel heavy, draining, do you feel a knot in your belly or tension in your shoulders or head? How you feel envisioning your life taking one path or another is a clear cut way to know which path is right for you.

Perform a meditation ritual. When you are at a crossroads and are not sure which direction to take,  go to a physical crossroads during a full moon and meditate on your question, asking Hecate to help you find your inner guidance. Leave a small amount of milk, honey, an egg and some wool, preferably black or meat, as an offering.

Affirmation:

I trust my inner guidance and always know which way to go.

Meditation:

Sit quietly in a comfortable position and allow your body to relax. Feel your body completely supported by the chair; your feet deeply rooted to the earth. You feel grounded and supported.  Focus on your breath and allow it to even out in length and quality. Breathe in fresh, pure, clean air; breathe out any tension or stress of your day. Continue to breathe, feeling more and more relaxed with every breath. Each breath takes you deeper and deeper into relaxation. When you are feeling calm and peaceful, begin to imagine the situation you are trying to make a decision upon as you take a particular direction. Provide vivid detail of what your life would look like if you took that path. Imagine the people, the scenery, the activities exactly as you would see them happening. How does your body feel? Do you feel a sense of elation? Is there joy? Peace?  Is there anywhere in your body that feels tight, depleted or tense? Where do you feel it and how does it feel to you? Now imagine if you took the alternative route. See that scenario in vivid detail noting the people, the circumstance, the scenery and the situation as you would likely see it unfold. How does that path feel within your body? Does it bring you great joy? Peace of mind? Excitement with butterflies in your stomach? Or does it feel like a ‘should’, a heavy obligation not of your choosing? Continue to play out however many scenarios you are considering. Listen to your body as the means to guide you to your higher self and living the life of your wildest dreams. Try not to second guess your reactions, get out of your head and listen to your body. Follow your instincts regardless of what other people think you should or shouldn’t do, only you know what is right for you. Namaste.

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