Hecate by http://mari-na.deviantart.com/art/Hecate-193021428
But not one of the Immortal Ones, or of the human mortals,
heard Her voice. Not even the olive trees which bear their
splendid harvest. Except for the daughter of Persaios, the one
who keeps in mind the vigor of nature. She heard it from Her
cave. She is Hekate, with the splendid headband.
Homeric Hymn to Demeter, C7th BCE, trans. Gregory Nagy
Proserpina, Dante Gabrielle Rossetti
My interpretation of the myth of Persephone's descent and return from the Underworld, forms an important part of my devotional practices in general, and especially at this time. For me, the dead call to Her. She is their mother, they need Her in the Underworld. That initial descent is frightening, even though Hades has opened the way for Her, it is Persephone's decision to take those first steps, She chooses to make the descent and take Her place as Queen of the Underworld and Mother of the Dead.
Hekate, Cosmic Soul, Keeper of Mysteries and Magic, Gate Keeper of All Liminal Spaces, is there to assist Persephone on Her journey into and out of the Underworld. Purist may not like my interpretation, but this has been my experience when in communion with the goddesses. To each their own, we are each the best judge of our own spiritual experiences.
Devotional activity: Place a pomegranate in a bowl of water, carefully cut it half. Remove the seeds, allowing them to settle to the bottom of the bowl. Discard the skin and strain the liquid and seeds. Place the seeds on a cotton cloth to dry. Make a blessing over them with the intention that they be a pleasing and acceptable offering to both Hekate and Persephone. If the fruit is not available, buy some seeds. They can be sprinkled on the altar as a seasonal decoration, as well as kept in a bowl on your ancestor altar or shrine, or a shrine for these goddesses. Make this offering by sprinkling the seeds onto the ground while reciting a prayer for giving offerings.
Blessings dark and deep!
Pomegranate by Nick Jarvis
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