Hecate is a goddess of ancient Greek origin, known for her association with magic, witchcraft, and the dark night. She’s often described as a triple goddess, so is also associated with the three phases of the Moon, specifically the dark Moon phase.

Hecate is a wonderfully complex dark feminine figure. She has a rich mythology and a long history of reverence and worship, as her roots are likely much older than many other Greek Goddesses.

This powerful deity is usually associated with thresholds, boundaries, crossroads, three-headed dogs, ghosts, and torches. Being closely connected to the underworld, Hecate was believed to have the power to control the spirits of the dead, so she has been tied to the magical art of necromancy.

As an exceptionally powerful goddess, Hecate was believed to have the ability to grant or withhold prosperity, victory, and wisdom. She was – and still is – called upon by those seeking protection, guidance, or assistance with magic.

Today, Hecate is still worshipped and celebrated by many people who practice witchcraft, Wicca, and other earth-based, or pagan traditions.

References to Hecate are also appearing more commonly in popular culture, with her name, or at least hints towards it, to her appearing in books, films, and on TV.

Despite her long history, Hecate remains a mysterious and enigmatic figure, inspiring fascination and awe in those who seek to know her better.

Who is Hecate?

Hecate is a goddess from ancient Greek mythology, known by many as the Queen of Witches! She is associated with witchcraft, magic, crossroads, and the moon, and is known for her complex nature and multifaceted role in ancient Greek religion.

Hecate’s Origin, History, and Mythology

The very early origins of Hecate are unclear, but she likely precedes the Olympians, going as far back as the Cybele cults, into older, pre-historic times. She was only much later incorporated into the Greek pantheon.

In her myths, it’s known Hecate was the daughter of Perses and Asteria, but that’s pretty much the limit of what we know of her stories! The rare other glimpses we have of her are in the myth of Persephone. It was Hecate who witnessed the abduction of Persephone by Hades when he took her into the Underworld. It was Hecate who told her mother Demeter what had happened to her daughter, and assisted in the search for her, guiding the way with her torches.

In ancient Greek religion, Hecate is often linked to the huntress goddesses Artemis and the Moon goddess Selene, corresponding to the Moon’s triple form, and personifying the archetypal tryptic of maiden, mother, and crone.

The Role of Hecate in Ancient Greek Religion

It’s believed that Hecate played a vital role in ancient Greek religion, and was worshiped in many different ways.
As a goddess of witchcraft, she was often invoked during magical rituals, and it was believed she could grant wishes to her followers, bringing them prosperity, abundance and success.

Some followers believed she could control the elements, perhaps even the weather.

But Hecate was also a protectress. She was called upon for safety, and to ward off evil. As a protector of women and children, this sacred feminine force was also associated with childbirth and fertility.

Because of her association with the dead, Hecate also served as a psychopomp, acting as a guide for souls as they cross over from this life to the next, leading the way into the underworld.

Despite her fearsome reputation, Hecate was often regarded as a benevolent goddess who could bring good fortune to those who devoted themselves to her path.

There may have been associations with the harvest, with some cults believing Hecate was able to bless crops and ensure a bountiful harvest.

It’s important to realize, that because Hecate is such an ancient and far-ranging Goddess, many cults over the course of history would have drawn on different facets of her power – she is not one thing.

Hecate Symbols and Associations

In art, literature and stories, Hecate is often depicted with a variety of symbols, each representing her different aspects. These symbols include –

• Lit torches (representing her role as a guide through the darkness)
• Dogs / black dogs / 3-headed dogs
• Serpents (representing the underworld and rebirth)
• Crossroads (representing her connection to the liminal, where the boundaries between the mortal world and the underworld were blurred)
• Keys (representing her ability to unlock secrets and gateways)
• Daggers
• Garlic
• Plums, dates
• The crescent Moon and Dark Moon (representing her connection to the lunar cycle)
• Dark or deep red (blood-colored) crystals like obsidian, onyx, black tourmaline, bloodstone/heliotrope.

Her depiction as a triple goddess – with three faces or three bodies – is also thought to illustrate her connection to the three stages of a woman’s life: maiden, mother, and crone.

Hecate in Modern Times

Despite being one of the most ancient deities in our world, Hecate holds a strong presence in the modern world. Her influence as a powerful female force remains, and may even be growing…

Modern Interpretations of Hecate

Today, Hecate is often regarded as a symbol of female empowerment and independence. She is also a prime example of the witch archetype, offering a blueprint for many modern witches to learn from. 

Her strong association with witchcraft and magic has made her a popular figure in neo-pagan and Wiccan communities. Those who work with her today often say that it’s her willingness to step forward when called upon for help, that makes her such a go-to goddess for modern magic makers and spell casters.

Some still see her as a powerful protector of women and children, calling on her as an ally, particularly when their own role and stage of life as a woman is changing. For others, she is simply a trusted guide on their spiritual journey.

As a dark Goddess, Hecate’s role as a guardian of the underworld represents the power of transformation and rebirth. For more and more women who are interested in the darker, more mysterious side of the divine feminine, Hecate provides an important access point.

Hecate is also a go-go guide for personal shadow work as this is a transformational healing practice. She can be the torchbearer, leading you into your own personal underworld, illuminating the fragments of your shadow self that need to be healed and integrated.

Worship and Rituals Today

Modern followers of Hecate often invite her into their spiritual practices, by making offerings, reciting prayers, and performing rituals. These can range from simple meditations to elaborate ceremonies involving candles, incense, and other items and symbols associated with Hecate (see above).

Her devotees will often leave offerings of garlic, plums, and dates, either on an altar or at a real-life crossroads, such as where three roads or paths meet.

Many modern spiritual folks celebrate Hecate on high and holy days, such as the full moon, dark Moon, or the night of Samhain (the Celtic/ pagan holiday when the veils are at their thinnest).

There are also organizations dedicated to the worship of Hecate, such as the Covenant of Hekate, which promotes her worship and study. The covenant encourages its members to explore the historical and cultural context of Hecate, as well creating a more personal relationship with the goddess.

Hecate in Popular Culture

Hecate is rising in popular culture! She’s made recent appearances in various forms, in literature, film, and television, and is usually depicted as a powerful and mysterious figure, associated with dark magic or the supernatural. Here are a few examples of Hecate in popular culture –

• In the Harry Potter series, Hecate is mentioned as one of the ancient witches who was skilled in wandless magic.
• In the TV series Charmed, where Hecate is one of the three main goddesses of the witches’ coven and is portrayed as a powerful demon who is the leader of the Underworld.
• In the video game “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” Hecate is one of the Greek gods who is worshipped by the people of Ancient Greece.
• The book The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, mentions this Goddess as part of the Egyptian pantheon.
• In the TV series Once Upon a Time, Hecate is portrayed as a powerful witch who is feared by all.

Hecate’s influence can also be seen in some other aspects of popular culture, including fashion, music, and art. Her image is sometimes used in jewelry and clothing lines, and her name has been referenced by artists such as Kate Bush and Florence + The Machine.

How to work with the Goddess Hecate

Whether you’re already a devotee of Hecate or simply interested in learning more about her, she’s a Goddess who will respond to you. Here’s a list of 10 ways to with the Goddess Hecate

1. Make Offerings

Be polite, Hecate is a powerful deity! Before you call on her, give something as a symbol of your devotion, and an act of generosity.

Offerings to make include:

• Garlic
• Plums and/or dates
• Eggs
• Red wine
• Mead
• Red meat
• Lavender

Make your offering on an altar, or alternatively at a real-life crossroads or threshold. These liminal places are where her spirit dwells, so go to her.

Perhaps make your offering where your own front path meets the highway? Or where three roads meet somewhere close to where you live.

2. Meet Hecate in Meditation

Simply meditate, with the intention of connecting with Hecate.
As her for her wisdom and guidance, especially around points of transition or change in your life, or within the sphere of magic and witchcraft.

3. Practice Divination

You can use many different kinds of divination tools to communicate with this Goddess, such as tarot cards or pendulums. Or go back to the previous point, and meditate first, asking which tool she wants to communicate through.

4. Perform a Ritual

Rituals don’t always need to be about making something happen (as with a New Moon ritual, or Full Moon ritual) You can perform rituals simply to honor deities like Hecate, and therefore to strengthen your relationship with them.
Use candles and objects that are associated with her. Make offerings she will appreciate.

5. Honour the Dark Moon

The dark Moon phase is the most potent time to invoke and work with Hecate.

READ THIS POST to find out exactly what the Dark Moon is, and THIS POST for my 5 favorite Dark Moon practices.

6. Practice dreamwork

You can ask Hecate to appear in your dreams and guide you through the dreamscapes. Set an intention before you fall asleep to dream with her. Be sure to have a notebook/ journal and pen by your bedside to write down your dream immediately upon waking.

7. Do your shadow work

Hecate is often regarded as an ally and guide in shadow work.

As an ancient torchbearer, she can light the way as you explore your personal underworld (unconscious), illuminating the fragments of your shadow self that need to be healed and integrated.

Curious about Shadow work? Join the 13-day Honeyed Shadow Journey here!

8. Call on Hecate to assist you with magic

She’s known as the Queen of Witches, so it’ makes sense she is the number 1 dark goddess associated with witchcraft. An ancient and powerful sorceress, her knowledge is infinite! So if you’re interested in exploring the magical arts, don’t go it alone.

9. Explore blood magic

As a triple goddess, Hecate rules the cyclic nature of female life. We embody this cyclic nature most evidently through our menstrual cycle, and this is mirrored by the Moon, and her changing phases.

The presence of Hecate is especially profound when you’re bleeding.

She expresses through the gift of life, death and rebirth that this phase symbolises, and you can harness her energy by working with your sacred blood in ritual and magic.

Find out WHICH blood cycle you have HERE

10. Spend time in nature (especially at night)

Like many deities, Hecate can be found in nature. So connecting to her outside will likely be a more powerful experience, than doing so indoors… especially at night!

As a dark Goddess of the nighttime, you’ll be meeting her in her own domain.

Hecate is a powerful and ancient deity

While there is SO much that’s still unknown or debated about the ancient crone Goddess Hecate, her enduring popularity and relevance speak to her enduring power. She’s clearly of huge importance to the greater divine feminine Spirit, within the realm of human spirituality.

If you’re curious and want to explore your own relationship with Hecate, use these tips as your starting point. But be sure to follow your intuitive guidance when working with such powerful energy, and take it slowly.

Do you have a connection with this powerful deity? Scroll down and leave me a comment below!