30 Days of Hekate: 21 – My Own Composition for Hekate

This post is part of a blog challenge series, 30 Days of Devotion to Hekate. Day 21 and we are looking at my own composition for or about Hekate – a poem, song, story or similar.

Ah I have been dreading this one.  I love writing, and I think I am a pretty good writer for the most part.  But there is a difference between writing and composing.  Eeek.  This is how I felt when I had to write my own hymn for Hekate to join the Covenant of Hekate – nope not good enough.  In the end that hymn felt perfect, literally perfect, when I used it in the Rite of the Devotee, but I still look at it and think, ugh, how terrible.

I am not allowed to share that hymn here, so that’s not an option.  I think the problem is because I am expected to write something.  If I were just writing to write it, then I wouldn’t have any problems – but as soon as I am obligated to do it, then it becomes nigh on impossible.  But here are my attempts anyway, enjoy my humiliation.

A Deipnon Hymn

On the Deipnon, I always begin inside, light incense and candles with a long-ish hymn.  I then go outside and leave the offering and pour libation at my crossroads, this hymn would be for that moment outside – it’s short so easily remembered, no need to read in the dark.

“Lady of the Crossroads, Daughter of the Night
Torch-bearing Goddess, Bringer of Light
I honour thee Hekate Trioditis, ‘neath darkest moon

Hear my call Anassa Eneroi, leader of the Dead
I leave this offering, of garlic, leek and bread
For you, the hounds and ghosts, leaving all too soon”

Note on epithets: Trioditis – Of the Three Roads.  Anassa Eneroi – Queen of the Dead.

Hymn to Hekate Einalian

It’s quite rare to find a hymn to Hekate in Her oceanic aspect, so it seems right to offer a nice simple one here.  Yes, I can really only do simple hymns.  There are others of course, far better and more elaborate, over on CoH, for those who prefer more depth.

“Great Mistress of the deep dark sea
Hekate Einalian, Ever been, always be
Unconquerable, Unyielding, unknowable

Goddess of the ocean, the sea and the shore
Hekate Limenoskopos, keep us safe as before
Glorious Kratais, Kyria, Averter of Evil”

Note on epithets: Einalian – of the sea.  Limenoskopos – Of the Harbour/Harbour Goddess.  Kratais – Strong one/of the rocks.  Kyria – The Powerful/Supreme.

Hymn to Hekate and Morpheus

An epithet of Hekate is ‘Mistress of Dreams’.  Though I haven’t engaged honoured this aspect of Her before, I thought a hymn to this aspect of Her, along with Morpheus the God of Dreams, would be nice.  Yes, it’s another short and simple one.

Blessed Morpheus, Fairest Hekate
Bring me sweet visions, peaceful and bright
Into my sleep, on this long dark night

Great Oneiroi, Glorious Angelos
Keep away the evil and dark nightmares
Grant me dreams so sweet, lovely and fair

Note on epithets: Oneiroi – Dream (Morpheus).  Angelos – Messenger (Hekate). 

30 Days of Deity Devotion

1 – A basic introduction of the deity
2 – How did you become first aware of this deity?
3 – Symbols and icons of this deity
4 – A favourite myth or myths of this deity
5 – Members of the family – genealogical connections
6 – Other related deities and entities associated with this deity
7 – Names and epithets
8 – Variations on this deity (aspects, regional forms, etc.)
9 – Common mistakes and worst misconceptions about this deity
10 – Offerings – historical and UPG
11 – Festivals, days, and times sacred to this deity
12 – Places associated with this deity and their worship
13 – What modern cultural issues are closest to this deity’s heart?
14 – Has worship of this deity changed in modern times?
15 – Any mundane practices that are associated with this deity?
16 – How do you think this deity represents the values of their pantheon and cultural origins?
17 – How does this deity relate to other gods and other pantheons?
18 – What quality or qualities of this god do you most admire? And find the most troubling?
19 – Art and music that reminds you of this deity
20 – A quote, a poem, or piece of writing that you think this deity resonates strongly with
21 – Your own composition – a piece of writing about or for this deity
22 – A time when this deity has helped you, and refused to help
23 – How has your relationship with this deity changed over time?
24 – Something you wish you knew about this deity but don’t currently
25 – Any interesting or unusual UPG to share?
26 – Bonus: Hekate in popular culture – TV, movies, plays, fiction books
27 – Bonus: Hymns to Hekate
28 – Bonus: Beginners Ritual Outline
29 – Any suggestions for others just starting to learn about this deity?
30 – Bonus: Resources and Sources about Hekate