30 Days of Devotion - 17

Day 17 - How Does Hekate Relate to Other Goddesses?

The Pale Queens by Emily Balivet

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Once again, I will answer this from the perspective of my personal experiences. As I have mentioned many times, I am a Polytheist who sees the goddesses and gods as individuals, not archetypes, not aspects of another goddess or god, not some indistinct divine force. At one time I felt it was disrespectful to mix pantheons in any ritual or working, but experience has taught me otherwise. I also lean heavily toward Dianic Feminist witchcraft, therefore, my communion with these goddesses may not resonate for all.

For many years I worked with a particular priestess and witch who was devoted to, for the most part, the Celtic pantheon. As we both worked through life changes, we went our separate ways. However, the rituals and other workings we did together were intense, powerful, and fulfilling, despite working with goddesses of different pantheons; I, always with Hecate, and she, with a few different goddesses. 

Cerridwen and Hekate always joined together for us easily, as did Brighid, Rhiannon, and the Morrigan. Cerridwen has always represented the power of magic to me, fearsome yet beloved and revered, as is Hekate. The cauldron, for me, is a symbol of both goddesses. Their mastery of magic and mystery inspired, and still does, our own workings. Cerridwen is a strong goddess, persevering in accomplishing what She sets out to do, regardless of the obstacles. Hekate takes no weaklings; you do Her work or She will have nothing for you. 

Brighid is a triple goddess, as is Hecate Triformis, albeit in different ways. Brighid is strength, healing, and inspiration. Hekate is strength, Her healing on a different level, but healing nonetheless. Her inspiration is more in the mystery realms, while Brighid's is in the arts. Again, They always came together willingly in our rituals 

  

Rhiannon's Underworld associations melded well with Hekate's for us. She guides souls to the Underworld while riding upon a white horse, assisting the dead to make their way safely. Rhiannon also inspires creativity, movement, and strength, keeping us going on our way. Hekate guides us into and through the Mysteries, unlocking the doors that may keep those Mysteries beyond us.  

The Morrigan is another triple goddess, fierce, strong, a warrior. As with Hekate, the Morrigan too has Her Underworld associations, She feeds upon the dead after battle. To me this is a way to take the dead into the Underworld. As a goddess of life and death, we can find similarities to Hekate's roles as Kourotrophos (child nurse) and guide to the Underworld. The Morrigan is a goddess of rivers and lakes. Water, be it ocean, lake, river, separates this mundane world from the Underworld. To get there, to the Underworld, we must cross that water. Hekate awaits us on the bridge that crosses the water, at the gateway to other realms. The Morrigan feasts and then crosses Her rivers and lakes.

We worked our magic and gave honor and reverence to these goddesses. In turn, They inspired and assisted, accepted our gifts, giving in return all we needed.

Blessings Nine!