Identifying Symbols of Hekate

Last updated on: March 23, 2018 at 11:58 am By Sorita d'Este

This is a simple table of correspondences showing the most prevalent symbols associated with the Goddess Hekate, previously published in Hekate: Her Sacred Fires, 2010. Identifying Symbols of Hekate Although Hekate has a propensity for turning up in dream, visions and meditations, she is not unique in this. So how can you identify Hekate or her omens and auguries? The following table comprises symbols which are specifically associated with Hekate. A key to identifying Hekate’s presence can be the build-up... Read more

Development of the Wisdom Goddess

Last updated on: March 22, 2018 at 8:20 pm By Sorita d'Este

Through considering the religions which influenced and were influenced by the development of Judaism and the Kabbalah we find not only the origins of the Shekinah, but also her subsequent manifestations. Read more

A Visit to the Temple of Hekate, Lagina

Last updated on: March 21, 2018 at 9:05 pm By Sorita d'Este

I was very privileged to be able to visit the Temple of Hekate, Lagina in late 2015 as part of a year-long travel adventure, visiting dozens of temples and sacred places of different faiths around the world. It is not an easy place to visit, it is off the tourist trail (for now!) and although it is not within the zone of Turkey along the Syrian border which is considered unsafe, many tourists do no feel comfortable visiting rural parts... Read more

Hekate, Goddess of Light?

Last updated on: March 21, 2018 at 12:57 pm By Sorita d'Este

Is the goddess Hekate a Goddess of Light? Or Dark? “And the son of Cronos made her a nurse of the young who after that day saw with their eyes the light of all-seeing Dawn.” Theogony, Hesiod, circa 750 BCE. Although Hekate is frequently described in contemporary Pagan texts as a “Dark Goddess” literature and iconography has linked her, for nearly 3000 years, with light. Curiously however, claiming that Hekate is a Goddess of Light can sometimes awaken an almost irrational reaction... Read more

Super Blue Magic Moon!

Last updated on: January 31, 2018 at 9:00 pm By Sorita d'Este

“As the strongest light source during the hours of night, the Moon has come to be connected with the unseen, the unconscious, dreams, and psychic powers. This has resulted in the power of the Moon being greatly emphasised in magickal work, as it is seen as encouraging the development of the psychic senses, and holding sway during the hours when people are normally sleeping, when dreams are expressing the language of the unconscious.” – Practical Planetary Magick, d’Este & Rankine, 2009 Tonight... Read more

Hekate, Zeus and Janus

Last updated on: January 29, 2018 at 6:23 pm By Sorita d'Este

Although the goddess Hekate is most frequently described as a Maiden Goddess, unattached to a male ‘husband’ she is frequently linked to male divinities, including Hermes, Apollo and Zeus. It is impossible to read the Chaldean Oracles and not be struck by the close relationship given to Hekate and the thunder wielding “Father”, which some interpret as being Zeus, the ruler of the Gods of Olympus (although there are other candidates too). Lesser known is her connection to the Roman... Read more

The Cailleach’s Winter Customs

Last updated on: December 19, 2017 at 4:42 pm By Sorita d'Este

As we continue into the darker days of Winter, towards the Winter Solstice, stories of the Crone of Winter continue to be exchanged around the hearth fires everywhere she is known. In this way Her Wisdom is kept alive, as it always has been. In the extract from Visions of the Cailleach (2009) (co-authored with David Rankine) that follows, some of the Winter Customs associated with the Winter Crone the Cailleach in the Scottish Highlands are highlighted. Winter Customs... Read more

Unification Rite (Elemental Magic)

Last updated on: December 9, 2017 at 7:18 pm By Sorita d'Este

During the last few years I have taken time out to travel and write, and to re-orientate my magical and spiritual practices. It has been a few years of tremendous transformation for me, which has included leaving behind, burning and burying forever some of the tinsel that accompanied the traditions and practices I had been involved with most of my adult life. I am currently taking time out to revisit old magical journals, ritual logs going back to 2000/2001, and... Read more

Crone of Winter : The Cailleach

Last updated on: December 8, 2017 at 8:57 am By Sorita d'Este

The Cailleach is the primordial Crone of Winter (wintercrone) known throughout Ireland, Scotland and England. Read more

Circle for Hekate

Last updated on: November 22, 2017 at 11:07 am By Sorita d'Este

I am both delighted and relieved to finally be able to announce that Circle for Hekate – Volume I: History & Mythology is being released this December. It took me much longer to complete this project, but I believe that the extra time was worth it. Instead of being one small volume with basic practices, I developed the project into several volumes, each of which can be read as standalone texts, or used together as a study course. Volume I,... Read more