atheniangrace

[atheniangrace]

I know so much more about Hekate than I did before I started worshipping her, yet I continue to read academic papers and books and articles about her every day. I read them on train rides and before bed, at my desk in study or under the candlelight of her altar. And I file them away — in folders, digital and mental. I scour her known mythology and pore over recounts of ritual and cult, and I chase after portraits of the goddess painted by ancient poets just as much as I do modern historians. I bask in my desire to learn about Hekate. It consumes me, pulling me closer to her. To learn about her is to know her, and even then there is so much we don't know still, if ever it is possible to truly know a deity, and so much more to be discovered just when I think I have a handle on it all. To learn is to know, and to know is to love. To love a goddess, to love Hekate, is to worship.

[atheniangrace]

🪔 A COMPILATION OF CROSSROAD RITUALS

From the first Kleidous Agoge festival at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads!

@your-local-shapeshifting-witch / anon / @corner-of-the-waywardwitch / @enodia-polymorphous / @enodianpropolis / anon / melinoeghost on tiktok / anon / queer.witchery on tiktok / @whats-the-word-again / aliveriis on tiktok / @queer-of-swords / anon / @atheniangrace / @thatwitchmaria / @vangieswitchycorner / @metamagickian / hekatean_saiyan on tiktok

Thank you to everyone for sharing their gorgeous rituals! March 29th 2025 - April 4th 2025

divider credit -> @enchanthings-a

[atheniangrace]

𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ How I divine with the Theoi

Before divining:

♡⸝⸝ Before I begin communicating with the Theoi in any capacity I will always cleanse - I make Khernips before beginning my process and cleanse the Lyma off!

♡⸝⸝ Now I don't expect the Theoi to show up whenever I call for them - they are divine but not omnipresent, they will appear when they wish to and I respect that. So I only call upon deities I have Kharis with, and I present them with an offering for their time and guidance.

♡⸝⸝ After making an offering I will pray to the deity I wish to have contact with - this it to invite them into my space and remind them of our previous relationship so they may feel more inclined to appear.

During divining:

♡⸝⸝ Before pulling cards for intended questions/guidance, I will first pull a card to confirm their presence for my readings - this will also gauge the tone the readings are delivered in.

♡⸝⸝ Before I pull cards I will ask the deity a question, if i'm reading for someone else I will say "[Name] is seeking guidance from you, they want to know the answer to the question [Question]".

♡⸝⸝ Now my divination method is very intuitive, I work with Oracle cards and so the cards that I pull will be ones I'm either drawn to or fall out. I believe that all the cards are presented to me by the god I am contacting.

After divining:

♡⸝⸝ Once I've finished pulling cards and transcribing them, I will share my gratitude to the god for providing me with their time and wisdom through a final prayer - and sometimes (especially if I did multiple readings) I will make another offering!

𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ Why do I do all this?

♡⸝⸝ Divination is very sacred, I like to treat it with the utmost respect and humility. The divines time is not mine to demand - appeasing them with offerings and only approaching (sparingly aswell, once a month at most) those I have a prior relationship with is how I show that I value their presence and time. I spent a fair amount of time creating a routine that served these values, but it will always be open to adjustments as I discover and learn more about myself and my practice.

♡⸝⸝ Send me an Ask! ૮꒰˶ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ˶꒱ა

[atheniangrace]

Things/Songs I Associate With the Deities I Worship

(part 2)

Hello,

I am back with this series, as I have said from the last post this is my UPG, and what I associate the deities I worship with things around me. However, there will be some that are just historically or popularly known to be associated with her.

For this post, I will be talking about Mother Hekate or Hecate.

I am her devotee, and since Kleidous-Agoge holiday has just passed, I would like to contribute this post to her.

Associations:

I associate her well with keys.

Cemetery and funerals.

Crossroads and highways.

Night and stars, as well as, dreams.

Books (ancient books too), road maps, and trains.

Dead and alive flowers, plants in general, especially poisonous ones, and pink flowers specifically.

Dogs (especially Black dogs), cats, dragons, snakes, crows, owls, swans, wolfs, and butterflies.

Colors such as purple, black, green, blue, gold, and red.

Witchcraft, tarot cards, spirits, change, grimoire, mirrors, torches, doors, kitchens.

All elements; such as fire, air, water, and earth.

Love, duality, all that is within the human knowledge (math, science, literature, medicine, arts), self-empowerment, and anger/fury.

Genres such as mediations, indie rock, salsa, piano or violin music, and rumba.

Some songs that I genuinely feel her around are Quimbara and Luna Sobre Matanzas by Celia Cruz, To be loved, strangers by nature, All I ask by Adele, Moon River by Audrey Hepburn, Chiquitita by ABBA, and Would you Rather by Phoebe Bridgers. Also songs that dedicate to her such as; the call of Hecate Enodia (Dathura Suavolens), Orphic Hymn to Hekate (Ancient Greek, Sebastian Sanchez-Botta), and Hekate (An Danzza).

I associate Mother Hekate with secrets, the unknown, and shadows or shadow work.

Lastly, I associate her with transformation, haunted or new houses, storms and thunder, pomegranates and tea, coffee and garlic, eggs and olive oil, diaries and clocks, old and new family photos, the full/new/crescent moon, and the ocean.

That will be all, I enjoy reflecting and writing this post. I will say that I am very grateful to have celebrated the Kleidous Agoge holiday along with my friends from the discord, Sanctuary Of the Crossroads, hosted by @daggersandtorches and @enodia-polymorphous. As well as doing the crossroad ritual with Mother Hekate (including Deipnon), it was beautiful. My connection with Hekate has been deeply moving and wholesome as always :)). I hope the goddess knows how thankful I am to be her humble devotee and to have her on my side. And...

All Hail Hekate Kleidoukhos, and her many multifaceted epithets!!🔮

[atheniangrace]

I love you primordial deities

I love you titans and titanesses

I love you lesser known/worshiped deities

💕💕💕💕

[atheniangrace]

Another embroidery for Hekate

As I told days ago, the last summer was a very inspiring and productive time for me. One of the embroideries that I did is this Hekate, based upon The Running Maiden from Eleusis and some other depictions of her.

I really believe that devotional arts, whatever art or craft, are an incredible offering. Now this piece is hanged over one of my altars.

May you have a good day!

[atheniangrace]

Kleidous Agoge

~ Mounikhion ~

Taking place on the first new moon of spring, Kleidous Agoge worshipped Hekate as the key-bearer. Notably it was celebrated in Lagina, a town in modern-day Turkiye, where a temple to Hekate resided.

Presumably a key or associated cult significant object was proceeded through the city from the cult temple to the civic assembly center. Kleidous Agoges' procession was noted at the city Stratonikeia. It is likely the key held both physical and spiritual purpose in the festival.

The Kleidophoros or the, key-bearer, carried the key throughout the procession. The kleidophoros was a young woman who was related to the priest in some way as the position was seen as a social level. They lead the procession at the head as they walked a narrow mountain road help sacred to Hekate.

The procession held torches as well as pageantry. It might have represented the reign of Stratonikeia or the establishment of the city from Lagina.

At the civic assembly house, a celebratory feast lasted for days. Games were held and displays of wealth were conducted. During these days Hekate was placed at the center of civic duties and identity.

Traditional Offerings:

Incense of Bay, lavender, jasmine, frankincense

Honey cakes

Pomegranates

Keys/Key imagery

Breads

Wine

Traditional Acts:

Feasting

A procession of a key

Spring-associated acts (such as gardening, cooking eggs, etc)

Conducting games (racing, wrestling, etc)

[atheniangrace]

An online offering for Demeter and Persephone 🌱

[atheniangrace]

Hekate Kleidoukhos, Holder of Keys.

Hekate Philoskylax, Lover of Dogs.

Hekate Nekyia, Goddess of Death.

Hekate Meisopomenos, Laborer of the Moon.

Hekate, Goddess of Witchcarft, Bearer of Torches, a Caring Patroness.

Divider credit to @kodaswrld

[atheniangrace]

April is Aphrodites month!! In honour of this, here are some easy things you can do to honour her!

⟡ Take the time to tell the people around you that you love them

⟡ Be kind to yourself, and give yourself the grace you give others

⟡ Smile at a stranger who look like they need it

I was trying to think of more but honestly… just be kind. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Live with love <3

[atheniangrace]

Prayer/calling to Mother Hekate.

◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯

Lady Hekate, She who walks between worlds,

I honor you, O Queen of Night, whose torches light the way for lost souls alike. Your wisdom is deep and your presence ever near. Illuminate my path, grant me clarity, and banish all that seeks to hinder my journey.

In gratitude, I offer you a jar, infused with honey for abundance, cinnamon for prosperity, garlic for protection, and rosemary for cleansing properties. Sealed with red wax and a key, a symbol of the doors you unlock. I shall honor you in my words and deeds, walking in your wisdom and strength.

Hail Mother Hekate, Lady of the Crossroads. May your torches burn ever bright, and may your guidance never wane. Hail Mother Hekate. As it is spoken.

[atheniangrace]

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and be homophobic.

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and be transphobic.

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and be racist.

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and be anti-imaginate.

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and be a nazi.

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and mock ANY of the gods.

You can't be a hellenic polytheist and hate ANY of the gods.

Pick a side. The gods or hatefulness.

You. Can't. Choose. Both.

[atheniangrace]

Hekate’s Deipnon and Dark Moon Ritual

As the Deipnon is coming up, I figured I should finally post my Deipnon and Dark Moon ritual!

Deipnon Ritual:

Since the dark moon is a day of cleansing, during the day I recommend cleansing your home with incense and your shrine to Hekate if you have one. Keep the ashes from this cleansing because you’ll be leaving them at the crossroads during the Deipnon. Before the ritual starts collect the offerings you are going to leave at the crossroads. I recommend using paper plates and cups for the ritual because the items used for the Deipnon are not supposed to return  to the home. Offerings can include wine, honey, garlic, meat, eggs, fruit, and pastries. Feel free to also include things like flowers, candles, and incense if you feel so inclined. 

Just before sunset, gather your things and go to a crossroads. If you do not have a crossroad, you can leave your offerings before the threshold of your home or at the end of the driveway if you have one. Once you arrive at the crossroads, place your offerings on the ground and say:

“Hekate Anassa Eneroi, you who roam tonight with the Restless Dead, please accept these offerings which I place before you. I ask that you protect my home on this night, and that you cleanse me of all miasma from this past month. Please look upon your devoted follower with favor and may I be renewed in your name!”

Leave your offerings at the crossroads, pouring any libations you may have directly onto the ground and leaving your ashes at the crossroads. Turn around to walk back into your home, bringing nothing, and do not look back.

Once inside, cleanse yourself with either smoke or with khernips. 

Dark Moon Ritual:

After the Deipnon, I like to also do a cleansing ritual and a devotional to Hekate. For this you will need two red candles, motherwort, mayapple, rosemary, rue, lavender, cinnamon, lemongrass, and a Hekate oil. Dress both candles in the oil, sprinkling the motherwort, rosemary, rue, and lemongrass on one, and the mayapple, lavender, and cinnamon on the other. Begin the ritual by lighting all the candles on your Hekate shrine, altar, or whatever sacred space you have. Light some incense as an offering to Hekate. Then, light the first candle and say:

“Hekate Apotropaia, I offer this flame to you. Please cleanse me of all negativity and miasma, and clear my paths of all obstacles. Protector, savior, grant to me your favor so that I may go into the new lunar cycle with safety, prosperity, and good fortune.”

Light the second candle and say:

“Hekate Nyktipolos, I offer this flame to you. May this candle offering show my devotion to you. Please grant to me your blessings as this lunar cycle ends and the next one begins. I offer my dedication and worship and ask that you guide me and guard me into the next month.”

Once both candles are lit, say:

“Goddess Hekate, as these two candles are lit just as your ever-burning torches brighten the night, please accept my offerings and prayers unto you. On this night that is most sacred to you, I honor you and give to you my full devotion. Hekate, Bright One, who lights up the darkest night of the month, may your torches shine upon me and bless me.”

Leave the candles to burn on the shrine and the ritual is done. 

[atheniangrace]

This deipnon I had the pleasure of sharing a crossroads ritual I wrote with the Sanctuary of the Crossroads in celebration of a modern Kleidous Agoge.

It has been incredible to see other worshippers of Hekate do the ritual in their spaces around the world, connecting us in intention and prayer for our devotion to Hekate. And I look forward to hearing about more experiences from those doing the ritual later on.

This week-long celebration initiated by the Crossroads Ritual is inspired by the ancient Procession of the Key at Hekate's Temple of Lagina.

I, alongside Piety @daggersandtorches, another training hiereis, am honoured to host our revived version of this festival for the first time.

If you're interested, you can still participate in this ritual by completing it between now and April 4th, which is when Kleidous Agoge at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads ends.

Join the Sanctuary!

This is just the beginning — of this festival week and of Kleidous Agoge becoming part of the sanctuary's festival calendar. Our next Kleidous Agoge is October 21st, the first new moon of Spring in the southern hemisphere.

divider credits -> @enchanthings-a

[atheniangrace]

✨ The Beginning of Kleidous Agoge

Whether that's in a few hours or it has already begun for you depending on your timezone!

I am very excited to be hosting this festival at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads alongside @daggersandtorches. This week-long celebration is inspired by Hekate's Temple of Lagina and this revival and reconstruction of the festival is unique to our sanctuary.

Kleidous Agoge is from March 29th to April 4th. Please note that anyone can take part, no matter your hemisphere and no matter your experience level when it comes to honouring Hekate.

Guide to Kleidous Agoge (includes all instructions and descriptions of all events: https://bit.ly/kleidous-agoge

Join the Sanctuary of the Crossroads.

Overview: Saturday 29th March - Deipnon and Crossroads Ritual Sunday 30th March - Devotional Writing - in a thread to be created. Monday 31st March - Movie Screening [Live] Tuesday 1st April - Presentation of Writings [Live] Wednesday 2nd April - Games [Live] Thursday 3rd April - Time Capsule Friday 4th April - Conclusion

🌟 Crossroads Ritual

For the first day of Kleidous Agoge, you are invited to participate in a crossroads ritual written for the festival.

This can be alongside your deipnon celebrations or if timing doesn't permit, then you can do the ritual anytime during the festival.

We'd love to see your pictures/videos in #┆➷・kleidous-agoge as well as any reflections or experiences from the ritual.

You can find the item list and the ritual itself in the guide or attached here.

This ritual marks the beginning of the festival and represents the observances of the festival: the changing of seasons and Hekate's aspects as Torchbearer, Companion and Keybearer.

Please let me know if you have any questions! I'd be happy to answer.

May the goddess watch over us kindly, be with us in our celebrations, and protect us as we approach her crossroads.

divider credits -> @enchanthings-a

[atheniangrace]

Hi! 🪐🌕

After a just like 2 offerings, my exam date was extended by a week. I'm taking that as a sign from Athena.

I'm still figuring out a Big Offering in exchange for a higher-than-just-passing grade. I've been considering adopting learning as a leisure time activity / hobby, collecting and reading textbooks and such. I also have to work on a project + application for my dream school. Are any of these suitable as a devotional act? I'm uncertain because at least one of these I plan to do anyway.

Otherwise I'd like to do something similar to Her own altar. I don't currently have the space, but I was thinking of something small that can be her little spot. Like a little decoration piece on my bookshelf, like a book nook thingy, or something to hang up on a wall. But I'm still brainstorming... but are they at all suitable as a Big Offering?

🪐🌕

Those are all suitable devotional acts! If the fact you’re doing the school project anyway makes you feel like it shouldn’t be a devotional act you can instead use it as something you do with Her, like whenever you work on it, invite Her to share your space by either saying a short prayer inviting Her to join you while you study, lighting a candle for Her, or just doing it near Her altar when it’s set up

They’re definitely suitable as big offerings!

[atheniangrace]

SEEKING SUGGESTIONS! For a Hekate book of prayers

Hello lovely people! I'm currently working on a book of prayers to Hekate, for Hekate worshippers.

I have a range of prayers that I've written, some I've shared here already and some I haven't! Some I wrote from requests in my virtual sanctuary. There are short, medium and long ones. Some focused on a single epithet and many multi-epithet prayers. It's all a work in progress!

I'd love to hear from worshippers of Hekate, whether you're new or experienced — what would you like to see in a book of prayers to Hekate?

From vague ideas to specific prayer request, I'm open to your thoughts :D

divider credit -> @enchanthings-a