Hekate and the Solar Eclipse

April 6, 2024April 6, 2024 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

On Monday April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur, and will pass over North America (visit this website to see if you are in the path of totality, and what times of the day to expect the eclipse to occur). I am in upstate New York, and parts of the Adirondack region will be in 100% totality, while my specific location will be about 90%. We also experienced a rare earthquake yesterday, with the 4.8 magnitude quake centered near Lebanon, New Jersey and the effects were felt far and wide across parts of the northeast. My house shook, with the floor rumbling and walls shaking. It felt like a train was next to my house, and it was an interesting way to kick off this exceptional weekend.

Eclipses, whether lunar or solar, are liminal and transitional experiences. Hekate is a liminal goddess of thresholds and boundaries, of transition and change. As Propylaia, She is guardian of these thresholds whether actual or metaphorical. With Her torches, Hekate stands at the crossroads waiting. And ready to light the way.

About Solar Eclipses

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and sun, fully obscuring the sun and creating what many call a “ring of fire” around the moon. Solar eclipses always happen on the New Moon. It is truly a sight to behold, and many people are flocking to areas of full totality to experience this sometimes once in a lifetime phenomenon. Here in upstate New York, tourism for this event kicked into full gear a couple of years ago, with hotels and other rentals being booked out months ago. State campgrounds are at full capacity for tent space, and they opened reservations for this event long before they normally open for the spring/summer camping season.

If you plan to view the eclipse, proper eyewear is a must. Wear only designated solar eclipse glasses, and do not wear them while driving a vehicle and make sure you are in a safe place, because they block out all other light. For more information about solar eclipses and this one in particular, visit NASA’s dedicated web page for this event.

At the Threshold

The New Moon is traditionally the time for new beginnings – whether it is a new life path, or a spiritual awakening or initiation (or both). During a solar eclipse, the Moon obscures the Sun, aligning feminine and masculine energies creating that “ring of fire”. The Moon becomes a portal or gate of sorts for stepping over that threshold and into the fire, so to speak.

Hekate, as gatekeeper and guardian of thresholds, is waiting. The moments during an eclipse when obscuration is beginning are so very liminal in nature, and becoming ever more so as the Moon and Sun comes closer to totality. I usually spend eclipse days in quiet spiritual contemplation and meditation, with candles lit, offerings made, and occasional incense burning. No magic or spells are performed during eclipse times – just being in the moment is preferable. Maybe some journaling is done as well to record my feelings and experience during this time.

During totality, the sky goes full dark if you are in the 100% totality path. Other areas will experience a darkened sky for some moments, but not full dark. Either way – these are powerful, transformational moments that can connect us to the liminal aspects of Hekate on the New Moon Solar Eclipse.

The New Moon is an ideal time for release; letting go of what no longer serves us and starting anew. Solar Eclipses make this even more powerful and transformational. Stepping over that threshold into the fire and purifying ourselves, being renewed like a Phoenix rising from the ashes can be a very profound, life changing experience. Hekate, as companion and guide to the mysteries of life, death, and rebirth, will be there along the way. Her torches burning bright, guiding you towards what is waiting for you. Change is not always easy, and the prospect can be frightening to some because what is coming is unknown. Sometimes we have to trust ourselves, and what is meant to be even if what awaits is obscured. Throwing our feet into the fire and finding the courage to take those steps is often the most difficult part. Crossing that threshold does not have to be done alone, and what is waiting on the other side can be incredibly rewarding as Hekate leads the way during this transitional time.

As devotees of Hekate, we always honor Her throughout the lunar cycle at appropriate sacred times. During eclipses, we can behold Her power as the Cosmic World Soul as we marvel in these ancient and sacred energies.

I will close this out with an excerpt from the Chaldaean Oracles, Fragments 146, 147, and 148, as revealed by Hekate:

Having spoken these things, you will behold a fire leaping skittishly like a child over the aery waves;

or a fire without form, from which a voice emerges;

or a rich light, whirring around the field in a spiral.

But that you will see a horse flashing more brightly than light,

or a child mounted on the swift back of a horse,

a fiery child or a child covered with gold, or yet again a naked child;

or even a child shooting arrows, standing upon a horse’s back.

If you say this to me many times, you will observe all things growing dark,

For the curved bulk of the heavens disappears and the stars do not shine; the light of the Moon is hidden and the Earth does not stand steady. All things are revealed in lightning.

But when you see the sacred fire without form,

Shining skittishly throughout the depths of the Cosmos,

Listen to the voice of the fire.

Hekate Soteira

February 8, 2021 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

Please see the Epithets of Hekate page for more information on this project

The epithet “Soteira” is an important title of Hekate. Soteira means “Savior” and for me personally it is used in conjunction with Hekate’s role as “Cosmic World Soul”. An excellent book to read from scholar Sarah Iles Johnston titled “Hekate Soteira” delves into Hekate’s role as Savior and Cosmic World Soul within the Platonic / Chaldean philosophy.

What does “Cosmic World Soul” mean?

In the Chaldean Oracles, Hekate is irrevocably defined as the Cosmic World Soul – the Great Mother, the Anima Mundi, Creatrix of All. The source of primordial fire.

I have experienced many different sides to Hekate over the years, but the one that I “feel” the most is Hekate as this Great Mother; as one who facilitates life, death, rebirth, and everything in between. This excerpt from the Chaldean Oracles sums it up well, and the accompanying text (version from G.R.S. Mead), describes Hekate as “Great Mother/Magna Mater”, “Life of the Universe”, “Mother of Souls”, “Inbreather of Life”.

45
“About the hollows beneath the ribs of her right side there spouts, full-bursting, forth the Fountain of the Primal Soul, all at once ensouling Light, Fire, Aether, Worlds.”
47
“After the Father’s Thinkings, you must know, I, the Soul, dwell, making all things to live by Heat.”

In the Chaldean Oracles, the “Father” is described as existing as intellect or pure thought, while Hekate, as the Anima Mundi, puts forth his thoughts through creation.

During my personal devotionals, I often feel Hekate’s presence as this warm, glowing light. It’s hard to describe – but I when I feel Her presence in this way, I feel an abundance of Love. It is so pure; it’s hard to put into words. There were a few times where I actually witnessed a warm, golden glow appear around me. It is a very emotional and powerful experience; and very real. It doesn’t always happen. But when it does, I will most definitely bask in this sacred glow and honor Her radiance.

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Hekate and the Spring Equinox – #hekatelight

March 18, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / 1 Comment

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

The Equinox is a time of balance and mediation; the day is marked by equal light and equal dark. Whether you are in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, you are experiencing the turning of the season from Summer to Autumn or from Winter to Spring.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox is almost upon us. Trees and shrubs are just now beginning to show the tiniest of buds beginning to form, slowly bringing what was once dormant back to life with renewed growth.

In my neck of the woods (northern New York), we still have a decent amount of snow on the ground; remnants of the few recent snow storms, with more on the horizon (the above photo is from last year; it will be more than a month, maybe not until May, before my daffodils once again are blooming!).

The month of March, for us anyway, has certainly been roaring like a lion. We’ve experienced three Nor’easters in less than 2 weeks, bringing with it significant snow and wind. Winter is not quite done with us yet, but, signs of spring are emerging. Birds have returned with their melodious morning bird song, and I can make out tiny buds forming on the tips of the branches on the massive oak trees on our property.

I find Hekate’s presence throughout the turning of the seasons, and the Spring Equinox is a time of renewal and rebirth. Persephone is returning to the world, after spending her allotted time in the Underworld with Hades. Hekate, with Her illuminating torches, assumed the role of Propolos and became Persephone’s guide on her return trip, bringing Spring, and life, with her.

Ever since the Winter Solstice, light has been slowly returning to the world. Little by little, we are being brought out of the darkness and into the light. Hekate as Phosphorus is calling and showing us out of the dark. We finally reach the point of the Spring Equinox where we have a balance of light and dark. Hekate, being a liminal goddess, is standing on that threshold and keeping things in balance.

This is another facet of Chaldean Hekate – Soul of the World, Anima Mundi (please see February’s #hekateworldsoul posts for more information on Chaldean Hekate). Hekate is the Creatrix of Light – the primordial flame that illuminates all. That sacred flame dwells deep within our souls and all creation, and is brought to life with Her call.

Community celebration of the Goddess Hekate and Light. #hekatelight www.hekatecovenant.com

The Epiphany of Hekate – #hekateworldsoul

March 11, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Fragments 146, 147, and 148 of the Chaldaean Oracles, as revealed by Hekate:

Having spoken these things, you will behold a fire leaping skittishly like a child over the aery waves;

or a fire without form, from which a voice emerges;

or a rich light, whirring around the field in a spiral.

But that you will see a horse flashing more brightly than light,

or a child mounted on the swift back of a horse,

a fiery child or a child covered with gold, or yet again a naked child;

or even a child shooting arrows, standing upon a horse’s back.

If you say this to me many times, you will observe all things growing dark,

For the curved bulk of the heavens disappears and the stars do not shine; the light of the Moon is hidden and the Earth does not stand steady. All things are revealed in lightning.

But when you see the sacred fire without form,

Shining skittishly throughout the depths of the Cosmos,

Listen to the voice of the fire.

Source:

“Hekate Soteira” by Sarah Iles Johnston

Hekate as Cosmic World Soul: A Devotee’s Duty

February 26, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

For my final February 2018 #hekateworldsoul post, I will leave you with this: A Hekate Devotee’s duty to the world that is manifest through Hekate.

Personally I believe that as the Cosmic Soul, Hekate permeates everything. At the risk of sounding nerdy and putting my Star Wars obsession on display, think of Her as the “force” that moves through and within every living thing on this magnificent planet that we call home, and beyond.

Care For the Earth

Because of my belief that Hekate moves through everything as the Cosmic World Soul, I feel that it is the sacred duty of Her devotees to do what we can to care for our planet and those that inhabit it. Your acts of devotion to Earth and human/animal kind can start with making every day “Earth Day”. Don’t litter. Volunteer to clean up litter where you live. Be eco-smart and reduce, reuse, and recycle. Limit or eliminate use of plastics that harm the oceans and those creatures that live within it. Reduce energy and fuel consumption as best as you can manage. Bring your own reusable shopping bags when going to the store. Support your local farmers by sourcing your food through them as much as possible. You get the idea.

Care For Animals

Hekate is known as a Protectress of Animals. If you can, donate your time or money to local organizations that work to protect and care for wildlife. Or animal shelters, rescue organizations, and the like. Ocean conservation is something that is important to me personally, and I support efforts whenever I can through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and other Northeastern US based conservation groups.

If you are not a vegan or vegetarian, try to source your animal products as close to home as possible and know where it is coming from so you can determine if the farm treats their animals humanely.

Care For Humans

As for humans, there is a whole lot that can be done to care for and support our fellow people. Hekate is known for caring for and protecting those who are marginalized in society due to their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, immigrant status, and so on. Be kind. Be supportive. Be an ally and a voice for those whose voice is lost among the noise of those who scream the loudest against them. Human Rights Watch, Human Rights Council, and Amnesty International are 3 organizations out of many that are worth supporting and working with.

In 2016, a team of members from the Covenant of Hekate wrote a petition to Hekate calling for the protection of refugees fleeing war-torn countries. It was written to accompany the Rite of Her Sacred Fires that year, and it is a powerful and beautiful inclusion that is very fitting for a Goddess that protects those who cannot protect themselves.

A quote from the petition:

“Hekate we pray to you, for those walking the roads of escape, keep these wanderers safe
Hail Enodia, Hekate we honour you”

If you are willing, there is much that can be done to support war refugees that are being settled in your area. Reach out to local charitable organizations that are assisting them to see what is needed by way of clothes, household items, money, or your time.

The 5 Virtues

Several years ago, a team of members from the Covenant of Hekate created the 5 Virtues for Devotees within the CoH to follow; these virtues are the foundation for ethical behavior that we should strive to follow in our everyday lives, both within the CoH when interacting with others and outside. The 5 Virtues are as follows:

Compassion
Courage
Temperance
Justice
Wisdom

More information about the 5 Virtues may be found at the Covenant of Hekate’s website.

2016 Rite of Her Sacred Fires – © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Honoring Hekate in February

As mentioned earlier, the Covenant of Hekate is celebrating and honoring Hekate as Cosmic World Soul for the entire month of February. A hashtag of #hekateworldsoul is being added to all public projects, so if you are on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other medium that utilizes hashtags, you may find these other works by searching #hekateworldsoul . Also, if you feel inspired to share your own experiences, be sure to include the hashtag so others can find you.

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

Hekate’s Cosmic Womb

February 23, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

In keeping with the Covenant of Hekate’s February theme of celebrating Hekate as Cosmic World Soul, here is another short post about Hekate’s Cosmic Womb in the Chaldaean Oracles.

In a nutshell, Hekate’s role in the Chaldaean Oracles is that of mediatrix between the Paternal Intellect – the Father – and the sensible / physical world. The passage in fragment 35, quoted in the above photo, suggests that the Father (intellect, thought) “impregnates” the Cosmic Womb of Hekate with ideas (thunderbolts), and creation bursts forth from Her fiery womb to the universe.

This sort of reminds me of the biblical passage from John 1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The “Word” as described in the Bible is philosophically similar to the Paternal Intellect of the Chaldaean Oracles. “Word” is translated from “Logos” (λόγος), which is Greek for reason, or thought. The Paternal Intellect of the Oracles is thought, reason, the word. The foundation for creation.

Hekate, as the Cosmic Womb, receives the ideas from the Paternal Intellect, and births these ideas through Her womb, which then helps form the physical world.

Fragment 34 of the Chaldaean Oracles states:

“From here springs forth the genesis of varied matter;

From here the sweeping lightning obscures its flower of fire

As it leaps into the hollows of the Cosmoi; for from here all things

Begin to stretch forth towards that place beneath the wondrous rays.”

Fragment 38 explains further:

“These are the thoughts of the Father, after which is my enwrapping fire”

Hekate is known as a liminal goddess; one who oversees the boundaries in life, whether they are physical or beyond. It makes sense that She mediates the ideas of the Paternal Intellect, forming boundaries and helping to separate these ideas into the physical world.

Honoring Hekate in February

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

Hekate Phosphoros — #hekateworldsoul

February 7, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

Photo © Melissa McNair / The Torch and Key

Hail, Hekate Phosphoros!

Hail, Bright Goddess of the Mysteries!

Hail, Radiant One!

Your golden radiance encompasses all, bathing us in your warm and loving glow;

Light-bearing Mother, bright-shining creatrix,

Illuminate our souls and purify us with your primordial flames;

Hekate Phosphoros, resplendent in your luminous crown,

May your brilliant light encircle the whole of the universe

and kindle within ourselves the sacred flame of love, knowledge and devotion;

En Erebos Phos, In Darkness There Is Light

___________

Honoring Hekate in February

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

Hekate as Cosmic World Soul: Purification and Cleansing

February 2, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

In keeping with the Covenant of Hekate’s February theme of celebrating Hekate as Cosmic World Soul, here is another short post about ritual purification & cleansing. This is more of a personal post which includes my own purification incense blend recipe for all to use.

As most reading this will know, ritual purification of yourself and your sacred space is key when performing devotional or formal rituals. Theurgists believed in ritual purification, as evidenced in these excerpts from the Chaldean Oracles:

“The oracles of the gods declare, that, through purifying ceremonies, not the soul only, but bodies themselves become worthy of receiving much assistance and health: “for (say they) the mortal vestment of bitter matter will, by this means, be preserved.” And this, the gods, in an exhortatory manner, announce to the most holy of Theurgists.”

“The Theurgist who presides over the mystic rites of Apollo, begins his operations from purifications and sprinklings. “The priest, in the first place, governing the works of fire, must sprinkle with the cold water of the loud-sounding sea,” as the oracle says.”

I think it is incredibly important to ensure that yourself and your sacred space is purified before presenting to the gods you are honoring. I created an incense blend for purification purposes. The ingredients are basic and easily found, but the result is powerful and achieves my goal of purifying my sacred space. Plus I love the way it smells, that’s always a bonus! This incense may be burned before formal rituals, or it may be used on a regular basis for routine cleansing of your sacred space. Or both; this incense may be used however you prefer to cleanse your sacred space.

Basically, this blend consists of frankincense resins, myrrh resins, dried lavender flower buds, and dried rosemary (I included a photo below). That’s all. 4 basic ingredients. Nothing fancy, or top secret. It’s very simple to obtain and blend.

Using top-quality ingredients is very important to me personally. Frankincense and myrrh resins are readily available just about anywhere; do an internet search and the results are endless. The quality of these resins, though, can be suspect depending on the source. I personally prefer to purchase my resins from Mountain Rose Herbs. The price per pound may be a little higher than most places, but I know 100% without a doubt that they will be premium quality resins. They know where their stuff is harvested from, and that’s important, too. I am not affiliated with them in any way – I just like their offerings, and have been shopping with them for years. But use a supplier you know and trust. When buying myrrh, be sure to purchase pure myrrh resins – not the opopanax variety. It’s a slightly different variation of myrrh that is less expensive and (in my opinion) a lesser quality. For the rosemary, you can find that easily in your local market where the fresh herbs are or you can buy them already dried. Same for the dried lavender, though there are plenty of online resources for those too (such as bulk spice importers, or Mountain Rose as well).

To create this blend, crush the frankincense and myrrh resins with your mortar and pestle until they are in small pieces and try to have them uniform in size as best as you are able to manage. Use equal amounts of both. Once the resins are crushed to your liking, add the lavender and blend well. Then add the rosemary and blend well. I don’t measure anything when making incense… it sounds odd, I know, but I just eyeball everything and if it feels right, then I will leave it. Or, I will add a little more if I feel it needs a bit more. I never start out with too much, because you can always start with a little and add as needed, but you can’t take away if you add too much at first. You will just end up adding more of everything else to compensate and then end up with an enormous amount of incense that you won’t know what to do with. (been there!) Also, lavender has a pretty powerful aroma – try not to use too much of it.

Once you are satisfied with your blend, store any extra in a glass jar or an airtight container, out of sunlight.

I hope you enjoyed this little essay and if you decide to try this incense – I hope you enjoy that, too!

Honoring Hekate in February

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com

Hekate as Cosmic World Soul

February 1, 2018April 13, 2020 / The Torch and Key: Melissa M. / Leave a comment

Within the Covenant of Hekate, we celebrate and honor Hekate’s many different forms. Her identity as Cosmic World Soul and Soteira is, however, the root of our work within the CoH.

The Covenant of Hekate is dedicating February 2018 to Hekate as Cosmic World Soul, and members are collaborating on a devotional project that includes poetry, artwork, personal stories, and rituals inspired by Hekate as Soteira. This is my contribution; please feel free to share this blog post with a link back here.

What does “Cosmic World Soul” mean?

In the Chaldean Oracles, Hekate is irrevocably defined as the Cosmic World Soul – the Great Mother, the Anima Mundi, Creatrix of All. The source of primordial fire.

45

“About the hollows beneath the ribs of her right side there spouts, full-bursting, forth the Fountain of the Primal Soul, all at once ensouling Light, Fire, Aether, Worlds.”

47

“After the Father’s Thinkings, you must know, I, the Soul, dwell, making all things to live by Heat.”

In the Chaldean Oracles, the “Father” is described as existing as intellect or pure thought, while Hekate, as the Anima Mundi, puts forth his thoughts through creation.

I also feel Her presence in this way every May Full Moon when I perform the annual Rite of Her Sacred Fires. This global rite honoring Hekate is always a wonderful experience; knowing that thousands of others from across the globe are celebrating the same rite at (more or less) the same time for the same purpose is it’s own special kind of magic.

Honoring Hekate in February

For Hekate as the Cosmic World Soul, February 2018 – a CoH devotional project – www.hekatecovenant.com