by Jo Howard

Created on: September 19, 2008

When the name of the Greek goddess Hecate enters our minds we immediately think of the old crone and witchcraft. This, however, wasn't always the way she was viewed. It is true, yes, that she is the patron of witchcraft and, indeed, she holds within her the power and wisdom of the crone, but digging deeper we can learn so much more about this supreme Goddess.

Hecate's power is great in today's pagan society today, just as it was great during the Classical Age and beyond. As a Titan, Hecate should have been locked away just like the rest of her brethren, but Zeus did not. Instead, he allowed' her freedom and even shared his power with her. With three heads, Hecate was able to look in many directions, giving her the power of choice and the ability to see not just the past and present, but the future as well.

Today goddess worshipers seem to ignore her three headed status and focus solely on one head, or a single aspect of Hecate: the crone. They look only to her place beneath the new moon, not acknowledging the way the full and quarter moons shine above her as she stands at the crossroads. In reality, Hecate wasn't just a moon goddess. She was also the goddess of the earth, sky, and even to some, the Underworld.

It is her connection to the Underworld that led to the most famous of her myths, the abduction of Persephone. Able to see far in every direction, it is no wonder Hecate was the one to see' the events that led to Persephone being dragged into the Underworld by Hades. Some view her role as that of an emotionless participant, for she is the one who led Persephone into the Underworld when the summer days ended. Others consider her a confidant and comforter for Persephone.

In the olden days many Hecate worshipers place staffs, called a hekataion, at places where paths crossed in honor of her. Today we see bumper stickers, pre-made incense, and small statues sold in her name. In both times, the months near and around Halloweenor Samhain to pagansare when she is most powerful.

From the rise of Hecate's original cult to today's pagan worshipers there are many differences, but there are also a good number of similarities. Crows, wolves, black dogs, and serpents are her sacred animals. The title Goddess of the Crossroads has, too, followed her through time. The moon is yet another symbol that has survived to today's world. Most of all, though, is the fact that Hecate is a goddess that refuses to go away. Zeus couldn't get rid of her and, if the number of pagans that call her their patron are any indication, today's world isn't going to manage it either.

References:
SageWoman Magazine: http://www.sagewoman.com/index.htm
Goddessgift.com: http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/greek_godde ss_hecate.htm

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