The Moon Goddess
Hecate
Greek Goddess of the Crossroads
She is often seen as a "hag" or old witch but to me she is beautiful!
Hecate was the only one of the Titans who Zeus allowed to retain authority after the Olympians had defeated them. She was given the position of being the guardian of the households and the protector of all that was newborn.
Hecate was one of the three "triple goddesses", sometimes illustrated as Persephone (young Maiden), Demeter (The Mother), and Hecate ( wise-woman, old "crone").
It was said she could see in all directions, past, present and future. That's why the crossroads were sacred to her, especially where three roads crossed together. In ancient times such intersections were often marked with three masks on a pole, and sometimes food was left there to honor her and feed those who traveled with her at night.
The reclusive Hecate ( also known as 'Queen of the Night'), enjoyed frequent "night outs" with her many hounds and sometimes was followed by ghosts and social outcasts.
She had a great influence in the spirit world, and appeals were often made to her for assistance in keeping them safe. She was known as protector for young children and newborns, shepherds, and sailors. Hecate could also be counted on to be there for those who were dying, she was able to help them cross over and prepare them for their next life.
HECATE'S SYMBOLS
General: Torch, dark moon, crossroads, three-headed animals, the number three, candles, masks
Animals: Dogs, horses, black sheep, owls, bats, snakes
Plants: Willow, blackthorn, pumpkin vines, dark yew, elder
Perfumes/Scents: Queen of the Night, mugwort, honey, lime, myrrh
Gems: Sapphire, moonstone, black onyx, hematite, smoky quartz
Colors: Black, orange
Garlic and Elder are sacred to Hecate. Elder should NEVER be burned out of respect for her.
Elder helps ward off negative energies, especially if the wood has been made into wind chimes.
Hecate's Day (day of the crone) is Monday
Image of Hecate, Triple Goddess, Maiden, Mother & Crone.
Hecate's Wheel
Hecate Crossroads Spell
As we travel we are all faced with choices. Hecate is the Goddess of the Crossroads. Go to her if you need help in making a decision with matters such as travel or life opportunities.
Take 3 apples and go to a crossroads that is not busy with traffic, ideally at night. Cut each in half so the pentacle formed of the seeds is showing.
Thinking of the choices, place one-half of an apple at each intersection. Then make your "wish" and place the last 2 halves where the road join together. Ask for Hecate's help in making your decision. Go home and eat an apple or drink an apple beverage before bed. Dream of the possibilities. Save the seeds to plant in the crossroads area next spring, and ask again for Hecate's Blessings.
Source: Spells & Spellbound @ PaganSpace.net
A Gift To Me From A Wonderful Friend & Sister, Dragonwolf. Posted Here Because This Graphic To Me Represents Another Form Of The Moon Goddess, Hecate. She Takes On Many Forms Of Deity To Me.
Hecate's Croning Picture.
My Idea Of Hecate As Maiden Form.
My Favorite Picture Of The Wise & Beautiful Hecate. It looks as if she's had a rough day guarding the crossroads yet now is preparing to make sure one life safely makes it to the other side while she brings a new life into the world under the Full Moon.
