30 Days of Devotion - 16

Day 16 - How Does Hekate Represent Her Pantheon? My Practice?

At first I thought this was going to be a difficult subject, but I have changed the challenge question a bit to how Hekate represents my practice and that of modern devotees. I explain why below.

Despite the myths of Hekate's inclusion in the ancient Greek pantheon, I don't think She really represents it at all. She has to be included there because, once again, as with many goddesses, She was absorbed into that pantheon from elsewhere, in my opinion; we don't really know Her origins. If you explore Hekate's worshipers, priestesses, priests, and devotees today, you will find that the majority don't practice within the Greek/Hellenismos pantheon. Of course, this is just my opinion based upon my experiences. End of that discussion.

So... how does Hekate represent my practice? For me, She is a guide and guardian,  teacher and taskmaster. She takes me and those of us who are devoted to Her, where we are afraid to go many times, at others, we willingly, eagerly follow. Hers are the Mysteries that we long to know. As She guides me, I follow Her and, at the same time, guide those who ask for assistance in knowing Her, Her Mysteries again, as I know them, and the ways of the witch.

I have read that Hekate was worshipped by Thracian witches. In myths and stories, She is included where there is magic and mysticism. Over all the years those stories have added to who She is, what She is. She has absorbed all of that and made it Her own. So for me, Hekate represents all that has become what I am.

Blessings Nine!

Secrecy, Sacredness, and Oaths

I had an interesting experience the other day. I am a Reiki Master/Teacher of both Traditional Usui and Karuna Reiki. I began my journey with Reiki about 10 years ago; it is a daily practice and permeates every part of my life, every day. I don't know where I would be had I not discovered it.

There are a number of things about Reiki that can vary from tradition to tradition, but one of the most important is that the Reiki symbols are sacred and therefore to be kept secret. When I received the first three symbols, I understood that I took an oath to keep them secret. There is no reason to plaster the symbols everywhere, wear them on jewelry, or put them out for all to see because without the attunements, they do nothing. Now, I have been a practicing witch for over forty years,  and I take oaths very seriously, in any tradition, spiritual path, and in one's personal life, so this keeping these sacred symbols secret is a serious matter .

So, I met someone who did her Reiki training with Diane Stein. Being heavily influenced by Dianic Feminist witchcraft, Diane is considered to be one of the grandmothers of the Dianic Feminist tradition. My problem with Stein, and why I don't recommend many of her books, is because she published a book with the symbols. Her "followers" feel, as did this woman I encountered, that the symbols are sacred, but not to be kept secret, they are for everyone. This woman's attitude about Dr. Usui was rather sneering and I had to ask her how she could feel that way and practice Reiki. There were a few other things; she attunes people for free, which is certainly her choice and I have no real issue with this. I personally think that the fees many charge for Reiki training are too high. I later spoke to someone who was attuned by this woman and was told that she and her partner received no training whatsoever, they were just told to read Stein's book to page 26. They knew nothing and felt the attunements were rather worthless. They plan to study with what they refer to as a real teacher.

Now, anyone can do whatever they choose, each of us has our own path to tread. That being said, we all need to be aware that there are teachers and there are people who call themselves teachers. If you receive Reiki attunements but no instructions you loose a very important part of Reiki. If you feel that the majority of the Reiki community and the tradition is wrong when they agree that the symbols are to be kept secret, I would hesitate to teach you any form metaphysics or occult tradition. I would question your integrity and sincerity in keeping any oaths. 

I realize there are people who will disagree with this and you are certainly free to do so, but keeping oaths and secrets, in occult and metaphysical traditions is a serious matter. These mysteries are not for everyone.

Blessings dark and deep!

Charge of the Dark Goddess

Charge of the Dark Goddess

by E. A. Kaufman 

She is stillness and silence.

Her voice older than time, yet young and sweet.

She is knowledge of the ages and Mother of Rebirth.

She is the heart at its deepest core,

and desire and need.

She is the the Dark Lady, the Dark Goddess, 

the Darkest Mother of the Seed. 

She is who we long for, never truly understanding,

Yet full to overflowing with need and fear all at once.

Listen to Her speak, hear Her words,

Let them seep into you like the night, 

The night that spills and stains the day.

I am the darkness and shadow beneath the night sky.

I am the absence of awareness in your deepest sleep. 

I am the Ending and the Beginning, 

the decay that feeds and enriches. 

I am the endless cave, the hidden hollow, the moon unseen.

I am all that is hidden, dark, and deep. 

Yet, I am the key, the torch, the lost dream remembered. 

Come, be with Me on the night of the Dark Moon.

 Walk with Me along the Ghost Roads, 

Know that which is seen, See that which is unseen. 

Face your fears and know that you are not alone. 

Walk to me through the blackest night,  

to the center of My Mysteries, 

 I will hold the torch and light your path. 

Find your way to Me through those fears, 

and yours will be the understanding of My Mysteries. 

Think of Me and know that I am the shadow at your back. 

And at the time that is proper and right,

When you have accomplished the tasks I have set for you,

Then shall we meet at the Crossroads betwixt and between,

and then, shall we begin again.

copyright E A Kaufman, 2014

Blessings dark and deep!

Goddess Psalm 109

Demeter

Tears wash me as they spill from Her eyes.

Breezes waft scent over me from Her blossoming meadow.

The Earth supports me when my feet touch Her skin.

Leaves on Her branches whisper Her name in my ear.

Stones in my pathway direct me to Her.

The nectar in Her blossoms nourishes my spirit.

Rings in Her trees count ages of living.

Feathers from Her birds drift earthward around me.

Gardens erupt wherever She walks;

Clouds above obscure my blunders.

Moss on Her soil softens my steps;

Oil from Her center anoints me.

Plants in Her garden feed me;

Hair from Her beasts weaves clothes for me.

Waves in Her ocean dance for me.

Patricia Della-Piana

Psalm 109

The Goddess Book of Psalms

(available at Amazon - click here)

This is a very favorite goddess prayer from a favorite book. When I speak this psalm, it touches me deep in my heart's core. I can feel the breezes, hear the whispers of branches, feel the moss beneath my feet. But most of all, I am utterly connected to the goddesses and know, beyond doubt, that They are there, speaking to me with every bit of the Mother's body, the Earth. All things are signs, messages that They send. 

There is a place I pass regularly, a parking lot, and from the cracks in the pavement, and even the cement parking bumpers, wild flowers grow. They strive upwards in abundance and I look at them and think, how wonderful is Mama Earth that even here She shows Her beauty. I make offerings right over the parking bumpers; I give the flowers water; I scatter seeds for the birds and ducks. Even this place, paved over, is Her sacred space. Indeed, gardens erupt wherever She walks.

Blessings nine!

Preparing for the Winter Solstice

My goddess shrine is decorated for the Winter Solstice, photos to come in a day or so. In the meantime, other preparations. Tonight I will facilitate my Divine Feminine Meditation and Discussion group. We will discuss winter goddesses, participate in a guided journey/meditation, and then prepare our bayberry candles for the longest night.

The bayberry candle spell is something I have been doing (and have written about) for many years. The burning of these candles brings prosperity, good health, and a good life. Sometimes I burn the candles over nine nights, other years I have only done this for three nights.

I also scatter a blend of herbs around my candle. The candle is burned in a votive cup holder, because one year I placed three candles in a terra cotta dish, anointed them with bayberry oil, and scattered the herbs in the dish with the candles. I lit all three and a while later I had a freaking torch - no kidding, the herbs, oil, and candle wax ignited and sent up a three foot flame. We used a large lid from one of my pots to snuff it out. I received a lecture from my darling hubby about fire safety. He was very stern because not long before this I had set a very tiny portion of our carpet on fire when a candle fell over. It was a very small burn and was immediately extinguished. What can I say - Leo Sun, Leo Moon, it is beyond my control. And actually, I haven't had any fire mishaps in years... well, except for that candle spell I was doing for a friend earlier this year; it sort of exploded, but... no harm, no fire; it flared up and then went out. That was a good omen. ; )

I have real bayberry wax candles for my ritual, nine of them this year. I got them at Cape Candle, you can take a look here. For the gals in my Div. Fem. group, they will choose a Crystal Journey bayberry or a bayberry/Dragon's Blood votive. I think the combination of bayberry and Dragon's Blood, while not traditional, is a fabulous combination; definitely kicking up the magick! We will cleanse, consecrate, and then empower the candles so they will be ready to burn on the Solstice.

Most of the gals in the core group, those who always attend, have become close friends, some are apprentices. They are all very dear to my heart and I feel very lucky to have met them. The goddesses certainly blessed me.

Do you follow the old tradition of burning a bayberry candle on the Winter Solstice?

Blessings dark and deep!

A Dream of Winter

I am enjoying the dark nights coming early as they do at this time of year. Many people find it uncomfortable, they don't like the sun setting early, the darkness closing over us like a cloak. I do, oh how I do. It is a soothing comfort, the feeling of being truly home. Winter, the time of introspection, curling up and surrounding ourselves with the warmth and blessings of the season. If they would only allow themselves to feel that.

I light the candles on my Winter Solstice shrine and the fire in the fireplace most nights. From my aromatherapy pot, a blend of winter scents drifts through the air. I have been meditating, as usual, but allowing the journeying to go where it will. With the addition of some Solfeggio music, which includes different frequencies that are a sort of drone in the background of the music, I have had some interesting meditations, as well as significant changes in my self-healing work.

Last night, I drifted off into a journey or dream, not sure which. It was intensely real; I felt transported. I found myself walking through a forest in winter, the sky dark gray as if twilight were about to arrive. I was wrapped in a cloak and hood of animal skins. I felt warm and toasty despite the wind and gently falling snow. Nearby, keeping pace with me, an owl drifted from branch to branch as we traveled. Behind me, as if keeping guard, a large black dog. One of Hekate's hounds? I don't know, but I did know the hound was there to assist me, as was the owl.

The air, cold and crisp as winter air is, felt as if it were cleansing me with every breath, its icy winds reaching in and moving through me. Yet, still, I did not feel cold, just a bright cleansing. The branches of the trees overhead as I looked up, were like a tapestry woven together. Here and there, I bent to pick up a twig, a pine cone, a stone peeking from beneath the snow. All were placed in a fur pouch beneath my cloak. What use they would be, I didn't know, but they were important.

Now and then I stopped and placed my hands on the trees, feeling their spirits. The ground beneath my feet spoke to me, encouraging me to move on, all the while holding me in its embrace. And so I walked, my companions nearby. As I walked, the light became dimmer, twilight came and flowed into night. Moonlight was the only light that kept me on my path, but soon even that began to dim. Dimmer and dimmer, gray to black, slowly, slowly I drifted. No fear, no worry, I let myself go...

And then my eyes fluttered open, the scent of pine, the flickering of candle and fire light welcomed me. Home again.

Blessings dark and deep.

Bona Dea, December Rites

Today is one of two days each year when the temple of the Roman goddess, Bona Dea, was dedicated with special rites. These rites were strictly for women and facilitated by the Vestal Virgins. The other day was May1st.

Bona Dea watches over women, bestowing protection, healing, and fertility of all types, upon us and the Earth. Depictions of Her usually show Her with a cornucopia, representing plenty and fertility, as well as a serpent, representing renewal.

Men were forbidden to attend  or even glimpse these rites. Cicero wrote that any male discovered observing the rites could be punished by blinding or even death. In the year 62 BCE, the rites were hosted by Pompeia, the wife of Julius Caesar. The politician, Publius Clodius Pulcher, was caught, dressed as a woman, violating the rites and, purportedly, attempting to seduce Pompeia. This led to Caesar divorcing her, for "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion". The rites had to be repeated and Clodius was eventually acquitted due to his political affiliations.

More can be read here including how to conduct a modern rite, as well as an invocation and a bit more information:
Witch of Stitches/Bona Dea

The truth is, we know very little about these rites so we improvise, which is what I do, honoring Bona Dea, The Good Goddess, to the best my heart has to offer.

Blessings Dark and Light!

All Hallows Eve

For on Hallowmas Eve the Nighthag shall ride,

And all her nine-fold sweeping on by her side,

Whether the wind sing lowly or loud,

Sailing through moonshine or swathed in a cloud.

- Sir Walter Scott -

Blessing to you on this sacred night.

May you taste the mysteries the Great Mother offers.

May you ride the ghost-roads safely and return

home with the wisdom you seek.

Blessings to you,

Blessings dark and deep.

The Witch of Stitches

Hallows Everyday 30

Today, a video about Samhain with good music and lovely images, as well as some interesting information. Enjoy!




Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 23

Author and witch, Marion Weinstein

Author and witch, Doreen Valiente

Today, a tribute to a couple of my favorite crones who have passed through the veil.

Season of the Crone

by Gerina Dunwich

Crone of Samhain's spellbound cold,

in Her cauldron of black are told

secrets, ancient, truths and tales:

mystery Her light unveils.

She is wisdom, She is changes:

time and space She rearranges.

In Her hands, the card of Death,

for transformation is Her breath.

Crone of Samhain, Grandmother Wise,

look into Her gargoyle eyes.

Let Her lessons teach you well:

life is but a magic spell.

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 20

Threshold Invocation for the Festival of Samhain

Recite this prayer in the evening at your open 

front door on the eve of Samhain, October 31.

Grandmother Wisdom, open the door,

Grandfather Counsel, come you in.

Let their be welcome to the ancient lore,

Let there be welcome to the Winter of the Year.

In cold and darkness, you are traveling,

Under crystal skies you will arrive.

May the blessed time of Samhain

Clarify the souls of all beings,

Bringing joy and wisdom to revelation.

From the depths to the heights,

From the heights to the depths,

In the cave of every soul.

- from Celtic Devotional by Caitlin Matthews -

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 17

The Magic Circle

John William Waterhouse

I have found the warm caves in the woods,

filled them will skillets, carvings, shelves,

closets, silk, innumerable goods;

fixed the suppers for the worms and the elves:

whining, rearranging the disaligned.

A woman like that is misunderstood.

I have been her kind.

- from Her Kind, by Anne Sexton -

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 16

Sybil Leek

Dig the stang earthward,

Breathe up the old bones.

Up as blood-sap rising,

Whispering lost, numinous wisdom.

And from a needful longing,

The hidden gate is revealed.

- from The Hidden Gate, by Shivian Balaris

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 15

... find a park or some wild place to go walking. Take three red apples with you, and when you find a spot that draws you, toss the apples out for the local wildlife to receive on behalf of the Fates. Pray:

Red apples to the Weird Sisters I offer,

Red apples They like to eat.

Thanks and honor to the Old Ones,

Through the ears of the wild things They shall hear.

from the book, "Summoning the Fates",

by Zsuzsanna E. Budapest

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 14

The Samhain Vow

On the Wheel of the Year now does Winter begin;

The world is austere and we all turn within.

I vow now to face the shadows I find

and work to unlace all their powers to bind.

I vow to invoke my ancestors' relief,

and release in the smoke all my fear and my grief.

This task do I claim as I mark this Samhain,

and swear by the flame behind Jack's cheery grin.

Make this vow before a Jack-O-Lantern you have carved and placed a candle in.

Burn some cinnamon and clove incense. After making the vow, feast upon some

roasted pumpkin seeds and spiced pumpkin cream tea, being sure to offer some to the spirits.

Pumpkin Cream Tea

3 cups of strong spiced tea

(I use decaf Constant Comment - choose what you prefer)

1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp cloves

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup Half-and-Half (or more to taste)

(substitute almond milk if you are dairy free)

sweetener to taste

Whipped cream

Brew the tea and set aside. In a small pot, combine the pumpkin, spices, vanilla, and

half-and-half. If you prefer, add some sweetener to taste, such as honey, maple syrup, or 

molasses. I prefer mine without sweetener. Warm the mixture until just at a simmer; do not boil. Remove from the heat and add the brewed tea, whipping to combine. Warm if necessary. Serve immediately with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This is very yummy!

Blessings nine! 

Hallows Everyday 10

Doubles, double, toil and trouble;

Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the cauldron, boil and bake;

Eye of newt and toe of frog,

Wool of bat and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork and blind worm's sting,

Lizard's leg and howlet's wing.

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth, boil and bubble.

Cool it with a a baboon's blood,

Then the charm is firm and good.

- William Shakespeare -

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 9

Thirteen Witches

By Connie Jasper

Thirteen Witches made a wish,

Placing candles on a dish,

Then they lit each with a flame,

Thirteen candles burned the same.

As they flickered all night long,

Thirteen Witches sang a song.

They danced around, calling out,

"Thirteen wishes come about!

To the Moon, and to the Sun,

To the Stars, and everyone.

To the mountains, to the sea,

Thirteen wishes all have we.

Thirteen candles melt away,

As we make a wish today.

Thirteen times we sing our plea,

This is our will, make it be!"

The flames burned high, then burned low.

The flames burned fast, then burned slow.

All the candles cast a glow,

Fire made the hot wax flow.

Through the night the candles blazed

With the magic that was raised,

Thirteen candles on a dish

Thirteen Witches made a wish...

Blessings nine!

Full Moon Blessings!

Full Moon Blessings to All!!!

Today we have the Full Moon of November.

We call Her Snow Moon, Frost Moon, Fire Moon,

Hunter's Moon, and Full Beaver Moon.

Full Moon Prayer

Mother's Lantern shining so bright,

Harken to my call on this Full Moon night.

Alight my body in the Mother's sight,

And let Her know my heart this night.

Lady, your fertile powers bestow upon me,

That I may healthy, wealthy, and wise ever be!

For You I offer scent and flame,

All honor to You, Blessed Be Your Name!

(copyright E A Kaufman, 2012)

I love a chill in the air while watching the light of the full moon reflect in the lake's dark mirrored surface. As the wind whispers across the water, the reflection of the Mother's Lantern shimmers and dances. I sit at the lake's edge, making my offering, pouring a libation, chanting my invocations and prayers. I watch and listen for messages, some sign, something. When I feel that feverish feeling come over my body, I know I am between the worlds. Sometimes I will make the descent, especially at this time of year, when even in the light of Her Lantern there are dark places... waiting, holding secrets, beckoning. 

Later tonight, after I finish at the lake and hedge, I will go inside and light a fire in the hearth along with Hestia's Lamp. Hestia has come to hold the Witch-Fire for me, a surprise the first time it happened, but a wonderful experience. I always light Her lantern first, and extinguish it last as is the way to honor Her. One night, I heard Hestia say, "Here, I hold the Witch-Fire for you now, make use of it as you do your hearth flame." A very special and good thing.

Once the fires are lit, I will build a new shrine to Hekate. I received a most wonderful gift from a dear friend, for Hallows. I was so incredibly surprised and touched. My new statue was made by Jeff Cullen, see his website here.  She is incredibly beautiful, and was created with special attributes. Within Her statue are herbs and stones; she wears a belt of keys, has a skull, snake, and two hounds at Her feet. This statue is So perfect a depiction, She even has three faces. So... a special new shrine is in order.

When the shrine is finished, I shall draw some cards from The Medicine Woman deck, which I have been working with recently. This deck is telling me stories that I need to hear. I am listening.

May your own rituals be rewarding and bring you connection to your Goddesses. 

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 30

And so the day approaches! 

The Full Blood Moon ascends.

The veil is thin, the Spirits closing in.

I travel towards the hedge to wait.

Beloved Bloodmother of my especial breed,


Welcome me at this moment with your willing womb.


Let me learn to live in love with all you are,


So my seeking spirit serves the Sangreal.


- William Gray -

Blessings nine!

Hallows Everyday 24

HALLOWE'EN

The ghosts of all things past parade, 

Emerging from the mist and shade
That hid them from our gaze,
And, full of song and ringing mirth,
In one glad moment of rebirth,
And again they walk the ways of earth
As in the ancient days.

The beacon light shines on the hill,
The will-o'-wisps the forests fill
With flashes filched from noon;
 And witches on their broomsticks spry
Speed here and yonder in the sky,
And lift their strident voices high
 Unto the Hunter's Moon.

The air resounds with tuneful notes
From myriads of straining throats,
All hailing Folly Queen;
So join the swelling choral throng,
Forget your sorrow and your wrong,
In one glad hour of joyous song
To honor Hallowe'en!

-John Kendrick Bangs

Blessings nine!