Join me in a powerful meditation exercise to align with your purpose, and a conversation exploring creating magic(k) life. A daily spiritual practice is essential for manifesting a magic(k)al life, but it doesn't need to be complicated. Balancing the grand vision with small, achievable intentions unlocks the way towards your magic(k)al life and being authentically you. Get inspired by quotes about living a life others may not understand and embracing your truth. Take the leap towards your magical life, even if it means taking risks and embracing change.

You can purchase True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch from major booksellers.

https://keepingherkeys.com/ for more info on my books and courses.

Journey to the Moon Altar to retrieve a key from Hekate in this meditation.

Watch with subtitles, read the transcript and more here: https://app.searchie.io/watch/mpqzgze92K

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics 

Study with me: https://members.covinainstitute.com/

Eclipses are such a powerful time to explore darkness, so very Hekatean in their essence for they not only either dim the world or occur at night when they are visible, but are also liminal times.

As Hekateans, the MOON will always be highly influential since we are naturally attuned to it's powers: emotions, intuition, magic(k), mystery. They are sacred events when we can behold the majesty of the universe, and Hekate Anima Mundi, with awe and wonder.

Generally, I recommend connecting to the eclipse in a more intuitive manner during the precise times, such as contemplative work of devotion (see prayer below), and reserving spells and rituals for hours before/after. Viewing eclipses in person is deeply spiritual experience, which I have been fortunate enough to have many times. 

REGISTER for the Beltane Retreat.

Join Dr. Cyndi and all the Key Bearers from Covina: The Coven of Hekate for this fascinating discussion about Hekate's ancient titles referring to her as a maiden to what this means for us as modern witches.

We explore the different meanings of the terms 'maiden' and 'virgin' when applied to Hekate in ancient Greek and Roman texts. Then we flesh this out by examining the historical meanings of "Parthenos" and "Kore," and delve into the complexities and cultural baggage associated with these terms, highlighting the societal expectations placed on women. The discussion also touches on the concepts of sovereignty and independence, as well as the multifaceted nature of Hekate as a goddess. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand the historical context and the diverse interpretations of these terms.

Keywords: Hekate, maiden, virgin, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, cultural baggage, societal expectations, sovereignty, independence, goddess.

Key Takeaways

• The terms 'maiden' and 'virgin' had different meanings in ancient Greek and Roman texts when applied to Hekate.
• The societal expectations placed on women and the cultural baggage associated with the concept of maidenhood are explored.
• Hekate is seen as a multifaceted goddess, embodying qualities of sovereignty, independence, and connection to nature.
• Understanding the historical context and diverse interpretations of these terms is crucial to fully grasp their meaning.

For more info and to register for courses, go to keepingherkeys.com

Gatekeeping is such a loaded word today. Often used to how others work to prevent access to knowledge, especially in spiritual settings. However, the role of The Gatekeeper is central to understanding both the history and mystery of The Goddess Hekate. In this talk, mythologist Angela Natividad and I open the gate to Hekate as Propylaia. The term "propylaia," itself has a fascinating past; referring to spirits who preside over thresholds as well as important gates, especially at the entrances to temples. 

Watch with subtitles and view the transcript HERE.

Download a PDF of the slides for the references and more HERE.

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

From the archives, this is a meditative journey to awaken your interior spring cleaning. Time to cleanse, refresh, and reset.

Go deeper into your spiritual spring cleaning by joining Covina for the Gate of Renewal Journey from April 13 - June 30, 2022. Learn more.

Join me on this meditative journey to the heart of Hekate's Cave where we meet The Cailleach for unburdening our "stones," on the Winter Solstice (or anytime we need to let go our heaviness). I adore The Cailleach. She connects me to my Celtic roots, and always welcomes the weary traveler, offering shelter from the winter's storms.

Become a Coven Member with the Kindness subscription: MORE INFO HERE.

Join the Keeping Her Keys Video Library HERE.

This episode expands on the Skotia Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave by Cyndi Brannen.

From Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness The Cailleach[i]is an expression of The Crone, a healing spirit that offers respite along the journey through the cave. There are stories regaling The Cailleach as the eternal wise woman healer. Sometimes denigrated as a mean-spirited hag, The Cailleach of various locations, such as the Cailleach Béara (Cally Berra)[ii], were Goddesses of Winter to ancient Celts. The importance of place is central to the tales of The Cailleach, where she typically be based in a specific location, such as Béara. Being linked to places signifies how deeply she is connected to the land and its people. She is of the earth itself. This connection of place also speaks to her message of reconnecting to the land, of treating the earth well so that we can be nourished. [i] Sorita d'Este and David Rankine. Visions of the Cailleach: Exploring the Myths, Folklore and Legends of the pre-eminent Celtic Hag Goddess (2009). [ii] Leanne O'Sullivan. Cailleach: The Hag of Beara (2009)

Enter the mysteries of the deeper world by allowing the Sibyl within to awaken. 

Angela Natividad and I explore The Sibyl, from the classical antiquity to contemporary oracles.  Angela and I talked for over two hours, with about the first hour being an intro and the second more on specific Sibyls and bringing this archetype to the present day

The Sibyl was an ancient priestess of great prestige in many areas of the Greek and Roman worlds.  Their influence continued in Christianity right up to the Renaissance. There were many sibyls, including The Pythia (which was also a title referring to many prophetesses, pictured) and The Sibyl of Cumae. To the ancients, The Sibyllae were the chosen priestesses who held the sacred gift of prophecy. They prophesied the rise of Rome and predicted the birth of the messiah. So powerful were her words that her books were dearly guarded by the Romans. Michelangelo painted her on the Sistine Chapel. There were many other important sibyls throughout the ancient Mediterranean, predicting the rise and fall of empires accurately as well as responding to questions about the details of everyday life.  The Sibylline Oracles are a compendium of oracular writings attributed to ancient Sibyls, but more likely heavily adapted by early Christian writers.  As an archetype, The Sibyl persists today, from the popularity of astrology and tarot to the mysterious oracles spoken by economists.  

I dedicated an entire chapter to the sibyllic in Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft. Available from most major online booksellers.  

Join Covina to go deeper into your journey with The Sibyl. 

You can view the slides (art, references, etc.) and access the searchable video with transcript here.  

In this special episode, I had a conversation about Hekate and Spirits with senior students in Covina: The Coven of Hekate about our experiences, ranging from troublesome poltergeists to healing intergenerational trauma.

This conversation delves into the vast world of spirits and their connections with Hekate. Our panel shares personal experiences and tips for navigating spirits, ranging from poltergeist activity, emotional encounters with deceased loved ones, and protective animal spirits. The discussion highlights the contrast between romanticized and real-life spirit connections, the significance of dreams, and the importance of boundaries in spiritual practices, concluding with a reminder to approach the spirit world with respect and intuition.

Watch this conversation with bonus ritual and session in COVINA.

Learn more about Kristyn Dunnion's writing and teaching HERE. 

In the first episode of the Keeping Her Keys Podcast, Cyndi Brannen talks about the meaning of the Sacred Fires so symbolic of Hekate, Goddess of Witchcraft.. Her Hieros Pyr burns as her twin-torches, lighting the night under her pale moon. 

Episode 1, Season 1

The power of entering into a period of exploring personal rebirth is one of the most challenging, and rewarding, journeys we can undertake. Through engaging with the spirit of rebirth, we reveal the pieces within us, be they difficult memories or personality aspects, that long to die. Myths such as Persephone and Inanna show us the universal power of the spiritual dismemberment and death, which ultimately lead to a new wholeness, where the soul is amplified and the shadow quieted. 

I'm joined by Angela Natividad, whose insights into mythology and personal experience elevate any discussion. We cover so many components of the rebirth journey, from the inspirational ancient rituals of Eleusis to the practical applied concepts that really help us transform, and what solar/lunar energies mean.

I read a passage from "Lost Goddesses of Ancient Greece," by Charlene Spretnak.

To go deeper into the rebirth journey, join my soul school, The Covina Institute. You can access the self-serve class/meditation on rebirth by subscribing to the Keeping Her Keys hub on Searchie.

You can learn more about both at keepingherkeys.com

Cyndi starts by talking about experiencing Samhain as a year-round witch, and then shares her thoughts about being The Witch In The Room.

https://keepingherkeys.com/

In this episode Dr. Cyndi discusses the significance of Hekate as we enter the new year, particularly focusing on the astrological implications of Hekate's position in Scorpio, then she guides us through a meditation based on Proclus' Hymn To Hekate and Janus. The conversation delves into some other astrological highlights for this year, the teachings of the ancient philosopher Proclus, and the importance of rituals and meditations in navigating the changes of the year ahead.

The full class on this hymn is HERE.

Key Takeaways:

• Hekate's influence is particularly strong in Scorpio.
• Proclus lived during a time of great change and uncertainty.
• Rituals and meditations are essential for personal empowerment.
• The year ahead is marked by significant astrological changes.
• Staying true to oneself is crucial in turbulent times.
• Hecate governs thresholds and transitions.
• The hymn to Hecate serves as a powerful affirmation.
• Embracing the mystery can lead to personal growth.
• The connection between the individual and the cosmos is vital.
• Change is an opportunity for transformation and healing.

• Navigating the New Year with Hekate
• Astrological Insights for 2025

Astrologers mentioned: Chris Brennan, Chani Nichols, Pam Gregory.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Proclus and Hecate

10:40 Meditation and Grounding for the New Year

14:50 Invocation of Hecate and Janus

18:34 The Duality of Hecate and Janus

20:40 Conclusion and Reflection

Join The Witches Hour.

Christen and Cyndi delve into the historical origins and personal meaning of Hekate's three forms, from the earliest references to her as governing land, sea, and sky in Hesiod's Theogony to a contemporary perspective on our own tri-valent nature.

This episode accompanies the chapter on Triformis in Entering Hekate's Cave.

For more info about this book, and the teaching and writing of Dr. Cyndi Brannen, go to keepingherkeys.com

Embark on a mystical journey to Hekate's Garden to connect with the Sovereign Goddesses, including Hekate, Circe, Medea, Persephone, Demeter, Artemis, and Selene. Ground yourself before delving into the deeper spiritual realm, and then journey into the garden on the Summer Solstice. As the sun sets and the moon rises, gather at the moon altar to invoke blessings from the goddesses. Embrace sovereignty, honor teachings, and cherish your body as a sacred gift. Stay true to your authentic self, acknowledge your struggles, and depart with newfound wisdom and treasures in your heart.

To join Covina, and learn more about Dr. Cyndi Brannen, go to keepingherkeys.com

Choose the Hekate's Keys course on offer to join.

This is deep work, go gently. If you are not feeling up to connecting with our ancestors who were persecuted and murdered, or your own witch wound inflicted by hurtful others, you may want to take a pass on this meditation.

This meditation honors witch ancestors and acknowledges the historical persecution of witches, including the Salem witch trials. It emphasizes deep lineage healing and encourages participants to connect with their witch ancestry while extending healing to victims of witch hunts. The session includes grounding exercises, collective healing in a circle, and a focus on reclaiming the identity and power of witches. Participants are invited to connect with specific ancestors for guidance, culminating in a celebration of goddess Hekate and reflection on their experiences.

Join Covina: The Coven of Hekate FREE for all our Samhain content HERE.

Submerge in the potion found in Hekate's Cauldron, releasing the past wounds and swimming in her mysteries. Perfect for the Samhain Season, when we are often called into her deep mysteries, or anytime we need to connect and heal.

From Entering Hekate's Cave:

This force leads us down a River Road that pours from her cauldron in the heart of her cave. It calls us to the crossroads, where we stand on the bank of this river—a river that is a road, a road that is a river. We see this River Road through the eyes of the soul. And this looping road always leads us back to where we are meant to be. Our souls long to dive deep into this river, but our shadows may tell us that the water is too deep. It is not. We are strong swimmers.

WATCH this meditation in Covina: The Coven of Hekate.

The next course in the Hekate's Keys Program is now available. Get started with the lessons in The Covina Tradition immediately, start the daily ritual, attend our live gatherings, and more. Start by becoming a Coven Member HERE.

A meditation to claim the keys of autumn, by connecting root, heart, and crown, with an invocation of the goddess Hekate.

Text of Hymn To Hekate on The Autumn Equinox:

Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe.

Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun.

Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon.

On this day

When the moon and sun are equal,

I am once again awestruck by

Your Power

As Creatrix of the World.

You who control all the universe

In your Hand.

Hekate Megiste,

Your majesty overwhelms me

And I am humbled.

On this Autumn Equinox,

I express my sincere affection for you, Blessed Hekate.

I offer my gratitude, Blessed Hekate.

I renew my devotion, Blessed Hekate.

Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe.

Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun.

Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon.

keepingherkeys.com

Dr. Cyndi Brannen and Angela Natividad discuss the history and mythology of Drakaina, which translates as She-Dragon and/or Serpent Queen. We discovered this as a title of Hekate (Hecate) in a few ancient texts, and then found art that supports this ancient goddesses' association with dragons and serpents. Interesting, just like everything to do with women, snakes and god(dess). From Medusa to Game of Thrones, and all looping around those fateful events in the Garden of Eden, women's power has been connected with serpents, be they flying or slithering.

Some of the books mentioned:

The Dragon in The West
The Greek Magical Papyri
The Chaldean Oracles
Ovid's Metamorphoses
The Goddess Versus The Alphabet

NOTE: We're giving Medusa a full episode that will air later in June 2022.

Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

In this episode of the Keeping Her Keys podcast, Cyndi explores the meaning of Imbolc with Christen and then leads a guided fire and ice meditation. Our conversation delves into the significance of this time in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, emphasizing the importance of inner reflection, rituals, and the connection to Hekate. The meditation guides listeners through the process of embracing both the challenges and the potential for rebirth that this season brings.

Key takeaways:

• Imbolc marks the first fire festival in the Celtic Wheel of the Year.
• The duality of fire and ice symbolizes inner strength and resilience.
• Meditation can connect us to the elemental forces of nature.
• Rituals during Imbolc can help us focus on what we want to freeze or ignite.
• Hekate represents the crossroads and the balance of opposing forces.
• The eternal flame within us is a source of unyielding power.
• Freezing spells can be simple yet effective tools in magic.
• The process of cold stratification is essential for seed growth.
• Rituals can help us navigate the transitions of the seasons.
• Embracing the energies of Imbolc can lead to personal transformation.

keywords: Imbolc, Hekate, fire, ice, meditation, rituals, rebirth, witchcraft, Celtic Wheel, spirituality

Join the Gate of Rebirth for a deep immersion in Modern Hekatean Witchcraft.

FREE: The Witches Hour of Rebirth.

This episode combines meditation and discussion to ignite our connections with Hekate's Torches.

Explore a transformative meditation centered on Hekate's torches, symbolizing creation, nourishment, and destruction. Participants engage in breathwork to ignite their inner fire, while acknowledging local spirits and ancestors. The session emphasizes grounding through visualization, activating the heart for emotional balance, and connecting with higher wisdom. By integrating root, heart, and crown energies, participants foster inner harmony and receive guidance from Hekate's sacred fire, concluding with an invitation to reflect and meditate further.

The Pyriboulos Council project in Covina blends witchcraft, spirit rituals, and personal healing, drawing inspiration from Hecate, the symbol of trusted guidance. Participants engage with wise advisors, including deities, spirit guides, and influential figures, to aid personal growth and shift perspectives on relationships. This dynamic practice encourages the inclusion of nature elements and tools like tarot and oracle cards, allowing individuals to create their own councils that evolve with their needs and experiences.

keepingherkeys.com

The Sovereign Goddesses Ritual is a glorious solar celebration of many faces of The Sacred Feminine, especially Hekate and her companions (Artemis, Circe, Demeter, Medea, Persephone and Selene).

Keep your Goddesses wild and free.

Experience this ritual live online on the Summer Solstice by becoming a student in Hekate's Keys. LEARN MORE HERE. (Special podcast rate.)

A minisode this week, witches. Just me musing about the meaning of Hekate's Suppers, transitions, and her roles as Enodia and Propylaia.

Join the Free Crossroads and Keys Online Retreat.

Honoring Hekate on the Dark Moon HERE.

Watch Hekate Enodia on the KHK YouTube Channel.

The recording of the Propylaia class is only in Searchie. You can watch it with this LINK.

Purchase Entering Hekate's Cave wherever books are sold.

And Hail Hekate.

Shake it up, Witches! Hail Rixipyle!

Join Cyndi and Christen for this discussion on Hekate's aspect known as Rixipyle, the chain-breaking, gate crashing liberator. Cyndi starts us off with a meditative being check-in exercise to assess physical and emotional states. We breakthrough seeing all emotions as sacred, and how liberating expressing emotions is, particularly anger. We unlock concepts like over-functioning and getting stuck in a rut as common chains, emphasizing healthy boundaries and not trying to fix or control others. Tips for connecting with Rixipyle: readiness for radical change, assessing capacity for change, writing letters, and creating altars. Power of music and movement in connecting with Rixipyle energy is so fabulous.

This episodes draws from the Rixipyle Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness, available wherever books are sold.

Join Cyndi, Christen and the rest of the coven for The Journey of Rebirth. Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

Beltane kindles the sacred flame of growth and generativity, igniting our personal journeys and the natural world.

To join the Beltane Retreat, go HERE. Subscribe to either Hekate's Keys or The Mystai.

There's so much programming to unravel when we begin our journey with The Goddess.

Join Covina to awaken The Goddess Within.

Learn more HERE.

My poems read in this episode:

She crouches in the corner,
Shivering from eons of damp neglect.
Then Titaness, with eyes shooting fire-arrows.
Next, ancient stone mother with snakes for hair.
Daughter.
Crone.
Mistress of life,
Bringer of death.
The transforming
Wild goddess.
Trembling, dancing.
Relentless thrumming.
Whispers, shouts.
Cave and mountain.
River and desert.
Pulse of the universe.
Go ahead, she says,
Remain.
With your doom scrolling, panic-inducing nonsense.
Plucking eyebrows, yet
Avoiding the mirror.
I’ll still be here.
Getting water all over the bathroom floor.
Sitting at your desk.
In the corner of your bedroom,
Black eyes shining watching you slumber.
Legs stretched out from a kitchen chair,
Watch out, don’t trip.
Until. You. See.
That it is a reflection.

My Goddesses Are Wild And Free

My goddesses are wild and free.

Inconvenient, independent.

Rebellious.

Resisters.

Revengers.

My goddesses are wild and free.

Hunting the wicked.

Conquering monsters.

Turning fools into swine.

Driving dragon chariots across the sun.

Shining pale moon beams,

Burning torches.
All the stars above,
And the deepest depths.

My goddesses are wild and free.

Many faces, many moods.
They scare the life into me.
Shakers. Movers. Chain Breakers.

Dream haunters.
Screaming whispers,
Dead silence.

Enduring, changing.

Fleeing, remaining.
My darkest desires,
My brightest dreams.

My goddesses are wild and free.

Death walkers.

Truth talkers.

Trouble makers.

Impatient with fakers.

Claiming those they desire,

Casting others into the fire.

My goddesses are wild and free.

Answering my call,

Showing up uninvited.

Forever travelling their road,

Leaving behind a trail

That I must follow.

My goddesses are wild and free.

Eponymous chant for the episode title is by Jan Runnalls.

Psychopomp, which translates from Greek as “Soul Guide,” is one of Hekate’s most ancient roles.   

The Soul Guide is much more than the one who helps the earthly dead cross over the river to the other side, she is the midwife who assists new souls as they are born into flesh, and she reunites us with the fragments we lose along the way. Hekate calls us to take care of our own souls, and to see the soul in all things. Caring for our own souls and seeking to understand the soul in all things, draws us closer to Anima Mundi.   

 "By soul I mean, first of all, a perspective rather than a substance, a viewpoint toward things rather than a thing itself. This perspective is reflective; it mediates events and makes differences between ourselves and everything that happens. Between us and events, between the doer and the deed, there is a reflective moment -- and soul-making means differentiating this middle ground.” From Re-Visioning Psychology by James Hillman.    

Perhaps the best way to be our own psychopomp is to nourish the soul through the imagination, from which we explore our dreams, express our sacred creativity, and lean into the energy of the World Soul.  

From the Keeping Her Keys book: (starting on p. 65, Lesson 4):  The Hekate within Us  To explain how we make magic, we need to talk about how Hekate as the World Soul is represented in each of us within our individual souls. In my thinking, each one of us has a soul that is a unique transcendent spirit. This soul is never born into human form but is attached to each incarnation. The soul is connected to our current existence, but we can be disconnected from it for a variety of reasons. I believe that our life's work is to become unified with our soul. By listening to the soul, we can achieve our true life's purpose. When we quiet ourselves through things like meditation, prayer and ritual, we can become better attuned to our soul-voice within.   

“Kill the imagination and you kill the soul. Kill the soul and you're left with a listless, apathetic creature who can become hopeless or brutal or both.” ― Marion Woodman, Bone: Dying into Life  

Cyndi Brannen, PhD,  is a psychologist, author and teacher. She teaches and writes from the crossroads of psychology, spirituality and traditional wisdom, merging ancient knowledge with modern practices. Her work explores the journey through darkness to wholeness using the archetypes of the witch and Hekate. Her teaching focuses on personal healing through herbalism, rituals, meditations, and exploration of the deeper self.  She founded The Covina Institute, a soul school dedicated to the pursuit of wholeness through structured programs of study and transcendent experiences.   After years of a successful career in academia and healthcare, she transitioned to teaching and writing about reclaiming the sacred feminine through spiritual practices after she became convinced that mainstream psychology was not sufficient to lead to personal wholeness.  

keepingherkeys.com 

Keeping Her Keys SoundCloud Animara Playlist: https://soundcloud.com/user-188959581/sets/animara-meditations-journeys

Boundaries refer to personal policies that we use as our interior compass for navigating modern life and our excursions in the deeper world. The fundamental question to ask ourselves is, "what do I want inside my personal magic circle?" Once we've established who, and what, is in, then we move onto the work of protecting this sacred space. Being intentional of where we situate this personal sacred space of ours is the next step. We may need to avoid situations with a high probability of having our boundaries violated. Of course, there are times when this isn't possible. Even then we don't have to let toxic vibes into our magic circle. Envision them bumping off your protective sphere. When someone does make it through, and gets under our skin, then imagine removing them from your sacred circle.

The Praesidium Shielding Meditation is right here in the podcast.

True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch is my book that I reference. Find it from most major online retailers.

Prentiss Hemphill, ‘Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously,’

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

Creating an altar is a powerful way to awaken your own sacredness and connect with the deeper world. In this episode, Cyndi talks about how to create altars for various purposes and then delves into creating the perfect altar of Hekate.

Learn more: https://keepingherkeys.com/read/f/how-to-an-altar-of-hekate

Episode 12, Season 1

Join me and Christen Bennett (she/they) - Coven Key Bearer as we review how Goddess Witchcraft has evolved over the past five decades and how we are creating our own religion, both as a movement and personally.  I'm calling this The Goddess Liberation Movement, as the Spirit of Rixipyle has certainly liberated us spiritually.

The Goddess Liberation Movement celebrates the freedom to practice spirituality without fear of punishment. It focuses on creating one's own religion and embracing personal spirituality. With a history spanning five decades, the movement has seen significant changes and progress. From the rise of feminist theology and goddess worship in the 1970s to the recognition of Wicca as an official religion in the 1980s, and the mainstream popularity of witchcraft in the 1990s, the movement has evolved. In the 2000s, online communities and resources for witches emerged, and in the 2010s, organizations like the Temple of Witchcraft and increased political and social activism by witches became prominent. While witchcraft has become more mainstream, there are concerns about consumerization and a focus on material objects. The movement encourages individuals to create their own spirituality and embrace their sacredness.

Watch with CC and transcript HERE.

Join the COVEN.

Learn more about Hekate as Rixipyle in Entering Hekate's Cave by me, Cyndi Brannen.

Recorded talk from MoonCon 2021.

Dr. Cyndi Brannen discusses Hekate and her bestselling book, Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft.

Hekate (Hecate to some) is an ancient goddess typically associated with magic, the moon, and witchcraft. Yet, historical records equally show that she was understood by some as a Great Mother Goddess and even the World Soul.

Answers to your questions about Hekate, from who is she to how to connect with her.

Learn more about Dr. Cyndi's JULY 3, 2022 free talk at MoonCon 2022, HERE.

More about all things Keeping Her Keys HERE.

I was delighted to speak with Nicholas Pearson, author of so many wonderful books and fabulous teacher. Nicholas is my go-to source for information on stones, as well as his books on energy healing and floral essences. Liz Westlake, owner of Materia Magikeia and Stone Instructor in Covina, joined in this conversation where we covered so many topics, from how stones are connected to Hekate (and other goddesses) to practical methods for working with our beloved rocks and crystals. Nicholas and I bonded when we discovered we shared a love for ancient magical gems. Be prepared to spend time researching them.

Watch (with CC) and access the transcript HERE.

Learn more about Nicholas:

https://theluminouspearl.com/

Check out Materia Magikeia:

https://materiamagikeia.com/

Learn more about COVINA, our online coven:

https://members.covinainstitute.com/feed

More about Dr. Cyndi:

https://keepingherkeys.com/

Welcome to the season of Spring. Through a meditative journey, we will explore the myth of Persephone's emergence from the underworld. I recommend reading the chapter "Kore Reborn," in Entering Hekate's Cave to fully immerse yourself in the meaning of emergence. Get your candle ready for the opening ritual. In the meditation, we start by attuning the Three Selves, and then venture into the deeper world. In Hekate's Garden, we gather at the altar and offer something symbolic of what needs to be released or born. As we celebrate the equinox, a time of balance and transition, we honor goddesses and spirits such as Demeter, Medea, Artemis, and Circe. Absorb any gifts or messages received from them and conclude the meditation by returning to regular consciousness. Don't forget to make notes or sketches of your experience. Enjoy the journey.

Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe.
Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun.
Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon.
As Creator of the Sun,
You shine down upon us,
Bringing life to all things,
As Ruler of the Moon,
You light up the darkest nights.
On this day when the day equals the night,
And the sun and moon are balanced,
I honor you as Divine Keeper of Balance.
On this day when the day equals the night,
May I understand the balance of my own life,
That the darkness and the storms
Yield to the winds of change,
Ushering in a new season.
Hekate Enodia, my road
May be a difficult one,
But my faith that all will be born anew is strong.
I offer my gratitude, Blessed Hekate.
Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe.
Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun.
Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon.

- Cyndi Brannen

keepingherkeys.com for more info on courses and my books.

We delve into catharsis through Hekate, emphasizing personal empowerment and release via witchcraft. Join us in a candlelit ritual symbolizing letting go, while a protective circle welcomes spirits of release. Key contributors share insights on creative processes, magical crafting, and the integration of psychology with witchcraft. The focus is on shadow work, personal growth, and practical tips for starting a catharsis journey, including a unique ritual with garlic cloves.

Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

We began this episode with some BIG news before entering The Cave of The Cailleach for a Winter Solstice Meditation.

Join The Witches Hour FREE.

Hekate Sigil Necklaces and Books in the KHK SHOP.

Cyndi Brannen and Amy Blackthorn discuss the intersection of witchcraft and social media, focusing on Amy's new book, the Social Media Spellbook. They explore the collaborative process behind the book, the importance of rituals in the digital age, and how to share magical practices online while maintaining personal boundaries. The conversation also touches on the significance of vetting sources in the witchcraft community, the use of online magical names for safety, and the liminal nature of social media as a space for connection. Finally, they introduce a fun spell called 'Candy Corn Creativity' that encourages practitioners to weave their magic into social media posts.

Amy Blackthorn.com

Keepingherkeys.com

keywords witchcraft, social media, magic, rituals, online community, boundaries, magical names, creativity, collaboration, book review

The Keeping Her Keys Podcast has been retired to make space for my new show, "More Than This: At The Crossroads of Modern Life And The Deeper World."

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3WY8LBDcgcCLyfU8SRkvnj?si=7170df23d3874f19

This is talk and meditation that introduces the listener to Soul Retrieval, as described in Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness from Red Wheel Weiser.

Psychopomp, which translates from Greek as “Soul Guide,” is one of Hekate’s most ancient roles. Certainly, she guided Persephone through rebirth out of the cave, yet we can envision Hekate helping her call back the missing soul shards that shattered during her great trauma at the hands of those powerful men who brought about the end of her innocence. As Persephone learned to sing her soul once more, so do we. Our chorus becomes a beacon to the missing pieces of the soul in this lesson as we experience Soul Retrieval.

The Soul Guide is much more than the one who helps the earthly dead cross over the river to the other side, she is the midwife who assists new souls as they are born into flesh, and she reunites us with the fragments we lose along the way. Hekate calls us to take care of our own souls, and to see the soul in all things. Caring for our own souls and seeking to understand the soul in all things, draws us closer to Anima Mundi.

It is to Hekate as Psychopomp, and to our own ability as the guide of our own souls, that we turn to in this lesson as we experience soul retrieval. A shamanic practice as well as a psychological one, soul retrieval is the process of calling back pieces of our soul that were lost due to trauma.

Listen with transcript and CC HERE.

Go deeper by becoming a member of Covina.

Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

The core meditation described in the Keeping Her Keys book. The next episode contains the guided audio meditation.

In this episode, learn how the meditation was developed, and how it awakens the soul while drawing us into Hekate as Anima Mundi (World Soul).

Purchase the Keeping Her Keys book from all major online booksellers.

Go deeper into your awakening by applying to join The Covina Institute:

https://members.covinainstitute.com

Attune to the flow of land, sea, and sky to unify emotions, actions, and thoughts.

Find out more: https://members.covinainstitute.com/

Watch and read the transcript (click on the magnifying glass to open options): https://app.searchie.io/watch/mpqzX3PkDK

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

I don't have to tell you that this past week has been stressful, nor do I need to convince you that we're all exhausted. We feel it in our bones. Instead, I'm here to stand with you in solidarity as a fellow traveller through difficult days. 

I focus on the teachings of fear, and how we can choose love.   

Dive deeper into the Keeping Her Keys book, and your understanding of Hekate. 

Get the love flow going by commenting where you find love these days.  

Listen to the Agape Phoberos Meditation:  https://soundcloud.com/user-188959581/agape-phoberos-ritual-meditation 

More on Agape Phoberos:  https://keepingherkeys.com/home/f/the-agape-phoberos-ritual 

Healing from Shame:  https://keepingherkeys.com/home/f/banishing-shame-from-our-witchcraft-and-our-lives 

Join The Covina Institute: https://members.covinainstitute.com/

In this solo episode, I talk about the importance of recognizing the seasonal transition from summer solstice to autumn equinox, and connecting with nature during this time. This includes celebrating the Celtic Fire Festival called Lammas or Lughnasa, the story of Lugh (an Irish mythic hero), practicing traditional harvesting techniques, speaking out and harvesting responsibly, and connecting with the energy of the goddess, Demeter, a frequent companion of Hekate, Mother of Persephone, and a great teacher for standing in our power and taking account. Finally, this is an opportunity to practice harvesting your life’s abundance while aligning root, heart, and crown energy centers through a meditation.

I read from The Celtic Spirit: Daily Meditations for the Turning Year by Caitlin Matthews

Watch the video version of this episode, with CC and searchable transcript HERE.

READ my deep dive on Demeter.

Find out MORE about Crossroads and Keys and The Hekate's Keys Program.

This is a recording of the live Beltane Botanical Salon held on May 1, 2021 with Cyndi Brannen and Amy Blackthorn. 

Hail Hekate, Hieros Pyr.
She who is the sacred witch-fire.
Hail to Circe and Medea, Original, eternal Daughters of Fire.
Hail to the Hieros Pyr, The sacred witch-fire.
Hail to the ash, smoke and flame,
And to the plants which render same.
Through your sacred smoke, I am cleansed.
Through your bright flame, I banish all that harms.
Through your alchemical ash, I am transformed.
Hail to Hekate, Hieros Pyr.
Hail to the plant spirits who render your fire.
Hail to smoke, ash and flame, Whose powers I now claim.
- from Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft  

The wonders of Hekate's Garden offer us a pathway back to the soul. Embarking on the journey of plant spirit magick, medicine and mystery is an incredibly healing journey. In this podcast, we cover a range of topics, from the fundamental archetypes of plants to how to connect with these amazing allies.   

You can experience the meditation that was part of the salon which was a mystical journey into Hekate's Garden in the Keeping Her Keys SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/hekatesgardenmeditation

You can watch the previous botanical salons featuring Cyndi and Amy:

Coping With Chronic Illness and Witchcraft - https://youtu.be/D6nivLnrSJk
Practicing Botanical Witchcraft - https://youtu.be/cwC2uFWGnf0

Learn more about Cyndi's work at keepingherkeys.com
More about Amy at https://amyblackthorn.com/

In the Keeping Her Keys book, I discussed what I believe to be three Key Principles for soulful living: the values of passion, kindness, and integrity.

In the book, I wrote about the importance of principles for guiding our lives. These are sometimes referred to as “virtues,” but this word has such a loaded meaning to some witches that I’ve switched to “principles.” These are our personal keys. It was quite a process to develop three that reflected the ancient virtues ascribed to our soul's ascension and as flowing from Hekate in The Chaldean Oracles. In the end, I selected kindness, integrity and passion. I encourage you to journal about what each of these mean to you.

I try to live the principles as best I can. They are a metric by which I evaluate myself on my monthly mini-pilgrimage during the New Moon.

I encourage you to work through the lesson in KHK on the principles, and to develop your own.

Learn more about the KHK book and my teaching at keepingherkeys.com

You can purchase KHK from most major online booksellers.

We can heal our deep wounds from our mother by leaning into the embrace of The Goddess. The cultural mother wound we all bear is at least partially due to the denial of the sacred feminine. In this episode I explore the psychospiritual connections between our personal wounds and how we relate to The Goddess.

Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more about my work.

In a special double episode of the podcast, Dr. Cyndi discusses the significance of the Libra Full Moon (April 12-13, 2025), with a meditative attunement to the essence of this harmony-seeking sign. Areas of focus for rituals during the Libra Full Moon include commitment and seeking balance.

In the spirit of the navigation of dualities so evoked by Libra, the second part of the episode explores the fascinating world of magickal poppets, effigies that are enchanted with energies aligning them to a purpose. Historically, poppets were associated with baneful magic, such as using them to control the actions of another person. In our discussion, we focus on how to craft and work with poppets for healing and releasing the past. Very on theme with Libra since this sign is the psychologist of the zodiac.

Join the Keeping Her Keys Substack to watch the video version of this episode.

Register now for the FREE online Beltane Retreat May 2-4, 2025.

Learn more about Dr. Cyndi's approach to poppets in her books, Entering Hekate's Garden and the forthcoming Entering Hekate's Cauldron available from Red Wheel Weiser.

It's the end of another wonderfully witchy year in Covina. With gratitude, and to celebrate, you can join The Keeping Her Keys Read Along for free until April 30. LEARN MORE.

Perhaps to me the most enduring way that Hekate presents to me is as Psychopomp, The Soul Guide. So much so that this entire moon month is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of Psychopomp, from connecting with a past life to experiencing the transformative Animarum Recupero (Soul Retrieval Ritual). Hail Hekate, Psychopomp.
Guide us, light our journey.

Check out my windy day musings video and more HERE:

https://keepingherkeys.com/read/f/exploring-hekate-and-soul-retrieval

For an in-depth examination of Hekate Psychopomp, read the eponymous chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave. Here's an excerpt:

One of Hekate’s most ancient roles is as Psychopomp, which translates as “soul guide.”[i]  According to the Greeks, the psychopomp guided the departed into the afterlife, whether it was the nightmarish Tartarus or the heavenly Elysium.[ii] Certain deities like Hekate and Hermes, her frequent companion, had the special ability to travel at will between the Underworld, the world of everyday life, and the heights of Olympus, so they could easily cross into the territory of the afterlife.[iii] 

Hekate, in particular, was responsible for overseeing the restless dead and for guiding souls to the other side. There is a special relationship between Hekate and those who have suffered great soul loss at the hands of others. She held close to her the dead who were marginalized by society, especially women and girls who had died due to sexual violence or during childbirth. In modern terms, Hekate is a trauma specialist whose darkness welcomes our fleeting soul fragments that find refuge in her cave. She tends to them until we are ready to be reunited.

Hekate Psychopomp is much more than the one who helps the earthly dead cross over the river to the other side, however. She is the midwife who assists new souls as they are born into flesh, and she reunites us with the fragments of our selves that we lose along the way. She calls us to take care of our own souls, and to see the soul in all things. When we care for our own souls and seek to understand the soul in all things, it draws us closer to the archetypal web, to the very soul of the world. The shamanic and psychological practice of soul retrieval is the process of calling back pieces of our soul that were lost due to individual and cultural trauma.[iv] In my own work, I function as a psychopomp, lighting the way to the wholeness known only through the return to soul. 

You can watch my recorded class on Hekate and The Soul, with CC and transcript, HERE.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COVINA

[i] Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life's Ordeals

by Thomas Moore contains an excellent discussion on Hekate and the soul.

[ii] A short summary of the Greek ideas about the afterlife: https://greekreporter.com/2021/06/12/the-ancient-greece-concepts-for-heaven-and-hell/.

[iii] Restless Dead: Encounters between the Living and the Dead in Ancient Greece by Sarah Iles Johnston (1999).

[iv] For more on soul retrieval, read Sharon Ingerman’s Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self.

I love chatting with the fabulous Amy Blackthorn. She's one of my favorite authors, bringing a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to her writing. 

We cover some hard topics, from my chronic illness and eating disorder to Amy's horrific injuries from an accident years ago. However, we equally bring JOY to the dialogue, how we stand in our power (even with the mainstream healthcare system), how to incorporate magick into your personal wellness/wholeness journey, and just generally enjoy each other's company.

We brought the magick, talking about working with the tarot and sigils for wellness, and Amy even shared a clever technique known as magic squares from her latest book, Blackthorn's Botanical Wellness, which complements my new offering, Entering Hekate's Cave.

The key takeaways from this discussion are that we must use our own inner strength and courage to support ourselves and each other on our journey towards wellness. It is important to talk openly about mental health issues, physical disabilities, and trauma, while having a healthy relationship with food. Understanding yourself and being compassionate to yourself is essential, while respecting the journey of others and not comparing yourself to them. It is important to focus on doing more of the things you love and less of the things you don't, to have conversations about behavioral health without expecting unrealistic standards and to prioritize small moments of relaxation and joy. Additionally, creating sigils is an important part of the magical process, which can be used to manifest desired outcomes and make beneficial changes in one's life. Finally, it is important to be honest about your experiences, to allow your own light to shine, and to trust in yourself and your magic.

You can watch the episode with transcript and CC HERE.

You can learn more about Amy HERE.

More about my work HERE.

The pull of the Cave of the Goddess is strong. We are drawn to stones and crystals without connecting them to the deep underworld from whence they came, for example. When we shift our understanding of these treasures of the cave, we see that they are the gifts of The Great Mother. The primordial power of the cave as a dwelling place of the sacred feminine is one of the oldest locations associated with The Great Mother.

The road to healing is found by turning inward to her cave, where the mysteries of life and death await. The return to the cave is a reunification with the sacred feminine. This is to say the Goddess, not modern day gender roles and stereotypes. The archetypal characteristics of the feminine, including instinct, intuition, emotion, and governance over the life cycle. In the ancient world, the cave was both feared and revered as symbolic of The Great Mother as a projection of the great womb that birthed all of life. Hekate, and other faces of The Great Mother, are all connected to the depths of the earth. We know within our depths that entering the cave is a requirement.

We embark on the journey with the release of our burdens through giving symbolic death to the heaviness we carry. The next stage is to call back our missing pieces through soul retrieval. The final stage of this lengthy trek is rebirth into our wholeness.

Guidance for the Journey: Rituals of the Sacred Cave

The three stations of the journey through darkness to wholeness in Hekate’s Cave can be experienced through The Rituals of the Sacred Cave.

These are audio classes with guided meditations to assist your journey.

https://soundcloud.com/user-188959581/sets/rituals-of-the-sacred-cave-3

Go deeper into the healing of The Dark Mother by joining the Keeping Her Keys Coven of Hekate, a soul school of courses, events and support in a safe and private network.

Keepingherkeys.mn.co or download the Mighty Networks app and search for “Keeping Her Keys.”

References:

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, "The Return of the Feminine and the World Soul”

Erich Neumann, "The Great Mother"

Marion Woodman and Elinor Dickson, “Dancing in the Flames: The Dark Goddess in the Transformation of Consciousness”

"When I’m asked about beginning a relationship with Hekate, my response is always to look to your dreams. Trust me, she’s been trying to get your attention your entire life. Dreams can offer illumination into your own darkness; from aspects you need to heal to long-abandoned desires. They can also be about the external world, providing insight into relationships, situations, and others. Dreams are communications from the unconscious. Their symbols can evoke strong emotions. When we enter the darkness of sleep, we go into Hekate’s world. As we wander in the dreamscape, our physical selves vanish into something more. We walk among archetypes, tread in the web of the universe, and stretch beyond our mortal limitations. It is a sad state of affairs that our culture devalues the importance of dreams." - from Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness

"Hekate has long been implicated in dream interpretations. Both the magical view that considers dreams to be foretelling and the nineteenth-century mechanistic view that attributes them to waste products of physiological sensations (garbage) show Hekate's influence. When she becomes equated with Nyx (night), as in Spenser and at times in Shakespeare, then dreams become her province and our interpretative ideas reflect her perspectives.

"We may continue this tradition, although in a different manner. Yes, the dream is made of scraps that belong to the Goddess who makes sacred the waste of life, so that it all counts, it all matters. Offering the dreams to "the mysteries of Hekate and the night" (King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1) means giving back the regurgitations that "come up" in dreams without attempts to save them morally or to find their dayworld use. The junk of the soul is primordially saved by Hekate's blessing, and even our trashing ourselves can be led back to her. The messy life is a way of entering her domain and become a "child of Hekate." Our part is only to recognize that their is myth in the mess so as to dispose of the day residues at the proper place, that is, to place them at Hekate's crossroads. Ritually, the garbage was placed at night at a crossroads, so that each dream may lead off in at least three directions besides the one we have come from. Hekate, was has traditionally been represented with three heads, keeps us looking and listening in many ways at once." - James Hillman, The Dream and the Underworld.

Hillman's excellent treatise on dreams argues that we should resist the temptation to make our dreams serve our ego. His strong case for allowing the dream to stay mystical is compelling. We have been programmed to think that dreams are either random neural firings, "garbage," or to try to reduce them into specific interpretations. Dreams do not care that we do such foolish things. They exist with or without our attempts to rationalize them. I urge you to allow your dreams to be what they are for it is in their pure form where the true medicine abides.

Dreams speak the symbolic language of the spirit world. They are archetypal and nonrational. Rarely literal, dreams are the way our unconscious speaks to us. The dreamer within is a star-traveler who has great wisdom to share, if we only listen.

JOIN COVINA

Embark with us on a mystical journey, attuning with goddesses and practicing healing witchcraft. Light candles, invoke mystical experiences, and embrace wild and free goddesses. Through poetry and sacred creativity we deepen connections, without rigid rules, following the way of the wild and free goddesses. We discuss balancing everyday life with sacred practices, the benefits of documenting mystical experiences, and cover exercises for awakening your internal mystic, like writing letters for guidance. The cards, dreams, intuitive writing, and more deepen our relationships with goddesses, as we embrace the mystical lifestyle for courage and deep rewards. I wouldn't want to live otherwise. Would you? Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more about events, courses, and more.

Hekate as a Triple Goddess is one of her most iconic images. Usually including either three heads or three bodies, there are many ancient and contemporary depictions of her like this. In this episode, I discuss three trios of Goddesses that all include Hekate. Circe, Medea, and Hekate comprise a triplicity of Goddesses of Witchcraft, and are the spirits of my book, Entering Hekate's Garden. In Entering Hekate's Cave, it's Hekate, Persephone and Demeter who are the guiding Triple Goddess. Finally, there's the lunar trio of Hekate, Artemis, and Selene.

I start out with a new intro to the original episode, and you'll find Hekate's Help Desk at the end after the meditation. The question I answer for HHD this time concerns my mentioning of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Hekate's History's Part II.

To view the CC and the searchable transcript, GO HERE.

The illustration I reference near the beginning is available HERE.

Go to keepingherkeys.com

Cyndi Brannen and Christen Bennett delve into the tragic story of Hecuba, the Queen of Troy, exploring themes of power, grief, and the divine feminine, and why she has much to teach us right now. They discuss Hecuba's transformation from a powerful queen to a symbol of loss and rage, examining the implications of her story in the context of modern life. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, the role of women in mythology, and the reclaiming of Hecuba's narrative as a means of empowerment.

Join The Witches Hour of Rebirth FREE weekly live sessions, chat and replays.

More on Cyndi's teaching and writing at keepingherkeys.com Keywords: Hecuba, Greek mythology, divine feminine, empowerment, tragedy, grief, loss, women in mythology, Hecate, Trojan War

Hail Hekate Triformis,

The Triple Goddess.

The Unifying The Three Selves Meditation is a foundational practice for connecting with Hekate while aligning our personal energy field consisting of The Three Selves. These three selves represent the lower self (root), the middle self (heart), and the higher self (crown). The meditation process involves connecting with one's breath, relaxing the body, and focusing on the root, heart, and crown selves. By contemplating Hekate Triformis, we perceive our own tri-fold nature mirrored in her three forms.

The Unifying The Three Selves Meditation can be found in Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft, Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft, and Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness.

Join Covina for a supportive coven community, dedicated to Hekate, where we explore this meditation as part of our daily sacred practice, known as Quotidia.

Learn more about Dr. Cyndi Brannen, and how to join Covina: The Coven of Hekate HERE.

This is a lunar aura meditation. You don't need anything or any special training to this meditation. Simply sit comfortably and rest, expanding and allowing the experience to unfold.

Recorded during the live Full Moon Lodge of September 2020. 

Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

An overview of the Hekate and the Wheel of the Year Research Project, with a discussion on the historical origins of Hekate's Wheel, Hekate as Soul, the history of Hekate as Gatekeeper (Propylaia), and a summary of the astrology of 2021 in general, and how to use it to deepen your understanding of yourself and Hekate. Includes a month-by-month guide.

Whether you're deep into your studies with Hekate or simply curious, you'll learn about her history through my exploration of her different roles and epithets as they relate to the lunar months, sabbats, seasons and the astrology of the new year. An excellent way to go deeper with Lesson 7 from the Keeping Her Keys book.

Mythological consciousness, the mysteries, the call of the rebel soul, and the courage to climb higher are the major themes of 2021. However, we haven’t spontaneously ascended. It’s more like we’ve been given the keys to the Temple Gate. The choice to enter is ours. We can become the High Priestess (or other sacred title of our choosing).

Watch the video version: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG-Ug14JBIA&t=6s

Apply to become a student in my school, The Covina Institute: members.covinainstitute.com

Let's circle around my original audio guide to the Keeping Her Keys Book in this episode. Since this perfectly imperfect book was published for years ago this month, it's unlocked Hekate's Witchcraft for thousands around the globe. Something I never imagined.

Hail Hekate and HER glorious witchcraft.

Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

Join the Keeping Her Keys Read Along HERE.

Hekate is often depicted as a Triple Goddess, representing the many faces of the sacred feminine. We can experience the Triple Goddess, known as Triformis, Trimorphis and Trivia (Trivium) as different aspects of Hekate herself, such as the Underworld Night Queen, the Goddess of the earthly garden, and the Keeper of the Keys of the Universe of The Starry Road. Historically, Hekate has been shown as having three animal heads, such as boar, wolf, and bull. In this discussion, I talk about Hekate’s triplicities in conjunction with the goddesses she is most often companioned with. There are three distinct trios, each one representing one key of her three keys of magick, medicine and mystery. The triplicity of magick is symbolized by Hekate with her daughters, Circe and Medea. Hekate, Persephone and Demeter comprise the trinity of medicine. The Three Formed Goddesses of Mystery are revealed through Hekate, Artemis and Selene.

The meditation included takes the listener on a journey deep into Hekate’s Garden to drink from Trivium’s well.

Lampadios: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness takes the student through Hekate's Cave on a deep healing journey.

https://keepingherkeys.mn.co/posts/welcome-to-lampadios-the-healing-journey-through-darkness-to-wholeness

Learn more about the goddesses featured:

In “Entering Hekate’s Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft,”explore Hekate, Circe and Medea.

Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft includes a discussion on Hekate’s triplicities.

Hekate as The Triple Goddess:

https://keepingherkeys.com/f/hekate-as-the-triple-goddess

The Power of Persephone: https://keepingherkeys.com/f/the-power-of-persephone

Persephone: Goddess of Adaptation: https://keepingherkeys.com/f/persephone-goddess-of-adaptation

Hekate, Circe and Persephone: Wisdom of the Resilient Goddesses

https://keepingherkeys.com/blog/f/hekate-circe-and-persephone-wisdom-of-the-resilient-goddesses

Demeter: Fury, Fertility, and the Fall

https://keepingherkeys.com/blog/f/demeter-fury-fertility-and-the-fall

Artemis: Huntress, Guardian, Fierce Maiden

https://keepingherkeys.com/blog/f/artemis-huntress-guardian-fierce-maiden

Great Goddesses of Magick, Medicine and Mystery Ritual:

https://keepingherkeys.com/blog/f/great-goddesses-of-magic-and-mystery-ritual

Join the Keeping Her Keys Coven of Hekate school and network for lessons, community and live events:

https://bit.ly/KHKfreetrial

Triple Goddess illustration created by Mary Martinez exclusively for Keeping Her Keys. Purchase official merchandise in the KHK RedBubble store:

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/52023305

Music in the meditation: 852 Hz Awakening Intuition by Source Vibrations, Solfeggio Harmonics, Vol. 1.

Let's take a break from all the deep explorations with this meditative journey into Hekate's Garden. Based on the opening verse in Chapter 10: Sibylika in Entering Hekate's Garden, you'll experience The Gifts of The Sibyls, awakening your inner mystic.

Find the deep dive on the Sibyls HERE.

Learn more about our upcoming free event, The Crossroads and Keys in Hekate's Garden Online Retreat HERE.

Watch the meditation with CC and searchable transcript HERE.

We delve into the theme of overcoming spiritual programming, drawing insights from the "Spirit of Rixipyle" chapter inEntering Hekate's Cave. We explore the concept of liberation through Hekate as a chain breaker, emphasizing the importance of trusting personal experiences over rigid spiritual norms. The discussion highlights the journey from feelings of sinfulness to recognizing one's sacredness, advocating for self-empowerment, authenticity, and the need for affirmations to combat internalized shame. The conversation concludes with a call to embrace personal truth and explore unique spiritual paths.

Gratitude to our fabulous guides for this conversation: Kira, Meagin and Melinda.

Get to know them and deepen your practice of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft inCovina.

Discover more about the teaching and writing of Dr. Cyndi Brannen, including special editions of her books and more in the Keeping Her Keys ShopHERE.

In this combo episode, I walk us through the historical origins on Honoring Hekate on the Dark Moon, to modern practice, and then through a meditative journey.  

The historical practices conducted on the Dark Moon in propitiation of Hekate, focused on seeking her protection for the coming new lunar month. Known as Hekate's Deipnon (meaning "supper"), in parts of the ancient Mediterranean, households would engage in purification, create offerings, and leave them at a crossroads.   

I break down how to adapt this to our modern lives, from working with Hekate's Sacred Flame through the Triformis Ritual, cleansing through khernips, making meaningful offerings, and going on a Dark Moon Crossroads pilgrimage.   

Then I lead us through a meditative journey to Hekate's Garden where we leave our offerings on the Moon Altar at the crossroads.  

From "Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft:" This is a time for expressing devotion to Hekate. The word “devotion” may seem odd to you, I know it did when I first heard it applied to a deity. Devotion means being committed to Hekate. Even that sounds a tad strange. What it means is that you have a relationship with her wherein you are committed to honoring her through various activities. Devotion to Hekate requires the same attitude being applied to ourselves. We honor both ourselves and Hekate by living a magical life, practicing witchcraft, and expressing our devotion.   

The Deipnon is the time we set aside as a special day for honoring Hekate. This can be celebrated in diverse ways. You can adapt the traditional Hekate’s Supper, you can create a personal ritual based on your understanding of Hekate or any other activity that makes sense to you. Any of the offerings previously discussed are appropriate. I typically go on what I call a devotional walk to the place where I perform my Deipnon ritual. During this walk, I’ll do various versions of the Three Keys chant, recite a list of epithets and some excerpts from the ancient texts. I also often do the Evocation of Hekate that you’ve been practicing.  

Watch with subtitles, read the transcript and more here: https://app.searchie.io/watch/jVDGMknnqW 

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics 

Study with me: https://members.covinainstitute.com/

Are you being called to become more? Does a mysterious woman haunt your dreams? Do you experience synchronicities? In the Keeping Her Keys book, I wrote about how the Goddess Hekate comes to awaken us to return to our soul. In this first part of my recent Crossroads and Keys Retreat, we explore the secrets for manifesting our own unique keys.

When I melt down those keys into one, the emergent form is full of magick, medicine and mystery. The way to manifest our "keys" - healing, abundance, and living from the center of our lives - is by turning to the deeper world inside of us.

This is the second to last episode of the Keeping Her Keys Podcast 1.0. I'll be back in the fall with a fresh start. I wanted to finish up the "accidental" KHK 1.0 podcast with this episode, and the following one, as an expression of appreciation for all my listeners.

To access the entire FREE Crossroads and Keys Course, you can request to join my soul school, The Covina Institute.

In this episode of the Keeping Her Keys podcast, Dr. Cyndi Brannen guides listeners through a transformative ritual dedicated to the divine feminine, specifically focusing on the energies of Hekate during the Aries New Moon eclipse. The conversation explores themes of rebirth, cleansing, and connection to the deeper world, culminating in a meditative journey into Hekate's cave, where participants are invited to embrace their true selves and offer their sincerity to the goddess.

Go deeper into this meditation with Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness.

Become a student in The Hekate's Keys Program for the live ritual experience and curriculum.

Highlights:

• The Aries New Moon symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth.
• Rituals can serve as powerful tools for personal transformation.
• Hekate is a guide in the journey of self-discovery and healing.
• Cleansing rituals help release what no longer serves us.
• The cauldron represents the potential for rebirth and renewal.
• Connecting with the divine feminine can enhance spiritual practices.
• Offerings to Hekate should come from a place of sincerity.
• The journey into the deeper world is a personal and collective experience.
• Astrological events can influence our spiritual practices and rituals.
• Integration of the ritual experience is essential for personal growth.

• Embracing the Divine Feminine: A Ritual Journey
• Rebirth and Renewal: The Power of Hekate

Keywords: divine feminine, Hekate, Aries new moon, eclipse, rebirth, ritual, meditation, cleansing, spiritual journey, astrology, goddess worship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Aries New Moon Rebirth Meditation

02:55 The Significance of Rebirth and Transformation

05:55 Astrological Insights and the Power of Eclipses

08:05 Preparing for the Meditation Experience

09:28 Rebirth Meditation

44:44 Outro

This is a journey into Hekate's Garden to experience the splendor of her magick, medicine and mystery.

Recorded live during the Beltane Botanical Salon (May 1, 2021).

The Garden of the Goddess beckons.

Hekate is Mother of the Eternal Garden,
With her first breath she created the Green World and her witches.
Her daughters are our sisters.
Eternal Circe and Medea,

And the others.
They are the witches’ great teachers and companions.
High Priestesses of the Garden

They offer the keys to their magick, medicine and mystery.

Will you claim them?

The Garden of Hekate, the Great Mother Goddess from which all the world flows, is the spiritual home for the practice of pharmakeia, the ancient art, craft, and science of plant spirit witchcraft. Pharmakeia is an art, a craft, and a science. It is the use of botanicals for corporeal purposes, the crafting of magical formulations, and the art of transcending. It is holistic plant spirit witchcraft, transmitted by Hekate and her witches for our use today. Enter her mysteries with the heart of the Nyssa, the spirit of beginning. The Nyssa is the spiritual crossroads that we enter when we answer the call of Hekate to return to the practice of holistic plant spirit witchcraft. 

- from Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft

Go deeper into Hekate's Garden by applying to join The Covina Institute. Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

Step into the mystery of Hekate's Wheel, also known as the strophalos, in this guided meditation.

You can augment the meditation with Casting Hekate's Wheel in Lesson 12 of the Keeping Her Keys book.

Learn more about The Gate of Rebirth.

Watch this meditation with CC and transcript HERE.

I discuss the very difficult period of Hekate's History from Roman Times, through Christianity, to today. Note that this is a heavy discussion, including references to violence, misogyny, and patriarchy. Take good care while watching. It all ends well, with the redemption of Hekate during the 20th century.  Hekate is an ancient goddess who stands for a balance between darkness and light. 

In Part 2, I discuss Hekate's History from the start of the Common Era until today. Hekate was often incorrectly seen as a symbol of evil during the period between the Roman Empire up until recent times. Today she is being reintroduced into popular culture and spirituality as an invitation to claim the key for the journey back to wholeness.  

View the transcript (click on the magnifying glass; great for finding the source materials I mention), and watch with CC HERE.

 View a PDF of the slides from this talk (also great for the sources) HERE. 

Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness available from major online booksellers. 

Check out my LinkTree for more.  Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

Align with the energy of the waxing moon in this restorative meditation that reconnects and recharges.

If you enjoyed this meditation, consider joining Covina: The Coven of Hekate.

Discover more of Cyndi Brannen's work at keepingherkeys.com

Cyndi Brannen, PhD,  is a psychologist, author and teacher. She teaches and writes from the crossroads of psychology, spirituality and traditional wisdom, merging ancient knowledge with modern practices. 

Her work explores the journey through darkness to wholeness using the archetypes of the witch and Hekate.

Her teaching focuses on personal healing through herbalism, rituals, meditations, and exploration of the deeper self.

She founded The Covina Institute, a soul school dedicated to the pursuit of wholeness through structured programs of study and transcendent experiences. 

After years of a successful career in academia and healthcare, she transitioned to teaching and writing about reclaiming the sacred feminine through spiritual practices after she became convinced that mainstream psychology was not sufficient to lead to personal wholeness. 

The Archetype of The Witch Merged With Modern Psychology

Her writing explores the archetype of the witch as a mechanism for healing from trauma, and as a font of personal sovereignty. She examines the many faces of the goddess, through mythology and personal experiences, as a reflection of the feminine principle, the anima, within. Added to her work is her years of professional experience in developing and evaluating self-directed programs based on modern psychological evidence. Notably, the roles of attachment, coping skills, and stress management. She draws heavily from certain modalities, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Being "The Witch In The Room," can be incredibly beautiful, yet when we are in hostile settings, it is also incredibly challenging. In this inaugural episode of The More Than This Podcast, I talk about what being the witch in the room means to me.

I've been wanting to do an episode on gender and queerness for ages. Hekate provides a safe space for exploring gender and queerness, providing comfort and security for this amazing conversation between me and the fabulous Coyote Mae. Personally, hanging out with Coyote Mae is always healing for me, and I believe you'll concur after this episode.

Hekate's long history clearly indicates that, as a Goddess of crossroads, she is especially present for those of us who explore our personal intersections, in this case our gender identities and orientations.  Additionally, Hekate's governance over our personal journeys, in her role as Enodia, illuminates our unique journey. Hekate offers the key of reclaiming space from oppressive heteronormative, white male driven dominance.

Our discussion touches on topics such as mainstream Christianity, Catholicism's idealized view of Mary, the power of "dark goddesses," Jung's concept of anima and animus, the use of symbols such as the chalice and blade, CIS gendered men and the sacred feminine, and ancient goddesses defying gender expectations. Finding joy and being authentic however we identify deserves self-compassion and respect for others, along with honoring Hekate.

"Heteronormativity and traditional gender roles lurk everywhere in our individual psyches and in societal beliefs. Romantic love and sex are entwined with these biases and beliefs." - from Chapter 11: Paionios (The Healer) in Entering Hekate's Cave

Take good care of yourself,
And Hail Hekate, Goddess of Crossroads, The Journey, and The Marginalized.

View with CC and read the transcript HERE.

Remember whose you are.
Hekate's Chosen.
Never broken.
Rising stronger.
Keepers of keys.
Seekers of mystery.
Practitioners of the craft.
Firewalkers.
Torch-bearers.
Flame-throwers.
Shadow-walkers.
Victorious.
Dragon-tamers.
Banishers of the profane,
Binders of the evil,
Blessers of the true.
Speak unto the spirits of my Garden,
Allowing them to fulfill their purpose as your true medicine.

From “Entering Hekate’s Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft.”

To enter Hekate’s Garden is to embark on a journey exploring the archetype of the witch and the goddess. It is the awakening of Anima, the sacred wild feminine force that has been constrained for centuries.

The archetype of the witch is as old as humanity. Typically, female, although not always, the witch is the one who brings healing through her use of powers connected to the deeper world. This, across cultures and times, has always been done in the spirit of rebellion against the so-called civilized world. Thus, the witch is the outsider, the one who resists conformity. Perhaps it is these two characteristics, that of connection to the unseen world and resistance to authority that are at the heart of the archetype of the witch. Discussing the archetype of the witch inevitably evokes Hekate, the ancient goddess viewed across history as a Queen of the Night, ruling over witchcraft, prophecy, and spirits. These are the gifts she bestows upon witches.

Go deeper into your journey by subscribing to the KHK self-serve hub for more audios, videos, and downloads. LEARN MORE.

Become a student in my school by subscribing to The Covina Institute on Mighty Networks. LEARN MORE.

Descend into the mysteries of these enduring goddesses of the deeper world.

"None of the immortal gods or mortal folk heard her cry, nor the Olives shining with fruit—  except the daughter of Perses,tender-hearted Hekate, veiled in light, heard from her cave…"-   From The Homeric Hymn to Demeter The Homeric Hymns: A Translation, with Introduction and Notes (Joan Palevsky Imprint in Classical Literature) by Diane J. Rayor

"Chthonia (usually pronounced "ka-thon-ee-ah," but also as "thon-ee-ah") is one of Hekate’s most ancient titles. A deity is considered chthonic if they abide in the Underworld, as opposed to ouranic deities, who reside on high. Hekate and Persephone are chthonic queens, while Demeter has strong ouranic characteristics, too. It is Hekate’s chthonic energy that often presents to us when we are at our lowest. This is a symbolic representation of our own "earthiness," an indication that we feel deeply when our internal Underworld calls us to deep healing. Chthonia comes at these moments and especially during autumn, when all is returning to the earth." - from Entering Hekate's Cave by Cyndi Brannen, PhD

You can watch this on The Keeping Her Keys YouTube.

keepingherkeys.com

This Hekate's Garden meditation can be used to enter the New Year with passion, kindness, and integrity. Combining deep breathing aligning the selves with a meditative journey into Hekate's Garden where we claim the keys from the past, release burdens, and then cross over to the road of the New Year.  Aided by the use of candles, incense and botanicals, this meditation begins with a simple ritual that you can follow along with.

Join me and one of my favorite Hekateans, Jessika, for this chat exploring our places within the holiday season from deep within Hekate's Cave. We riff about so many topics, from why Hekate as a Goddess of Boundaries and how she can help us to have firm ones, to The Black Madonna and other Underworld Goddesses, how we found peace with the story of Jesus' nativity story, to those creeptacular holiday monsters like the Krampus that are definitely part of Hekate's Horde. The elusive Covina Librarian even makes a brief appearance. 

Send your ideas and questions to info@keepingherkeys.com

Happy Holidays
Winter Solstice Blessings
Yuletide Greetings

Borborophorba is an obscure title of Hekate translated as "The Filth Eater." She brings the Spirit of Catharsis with her, calling upon us to release our personal junk to her.

This meditation introduces you to the energy of Borborophorba.

Recorded live during the Borborophorba New Moon Salon in Covina. 

You can learn more about Borborophorba in my book, Entering Hekate's Cave. Find where to purchase in your region in my LinkTree.

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

In this combo episode, I talk about some of the so-called dark goddesses  that I write and teach about, the nature of the shadow and soul, within the framework of Hekate's triple nature. Then, in the spirit of Scorpio season, I guide you through a meditative journey to Hekate's Well in her sacred garden for deep emotional healing and reclaiming the dark goddess. 

Goddesses discussed: Hekate, Circe, Medea, Persephone, Demeter, Artemis and Selene.

Meditation starts at 12:03

Learn more about my books and studying with me at keepingherkeys.com

Purchase the cover illustration HERE.

Privacy and ethics HERE.

My reflections on Beltane, along with a guided meditation.

Shielding from harmful energies, such as other's thoughts or emanations of toxic culture, is vital to healing. Yet we find equanimity through protection and openness. This meditation guides the listener through the process of self-protection and openness to nourishing forces, inspired by the "strong back, soft front," teachings of Roshi Joan Halifax.

This meditation is an expansion of the Unifying The Three Selves practice described in the Keeping Her Keys book, which is part of the Quotidia Daily Ritual.

The essential daily practice described in the Keeping Her Keys book.

The previous episode described the foundations of the meditation.

Purchase the Keeping Her Keys book from major online booksellers.

Go deeper into your awakening: Apply to join The Covina Institute:

https://members.covinainstitute.com

To see the Mother as she is, in her darkness and light. That is the image of Hekate as Pammetor, The Great Mother Goddess. To know her warm embrace and her firm corrections when we veer from the path. To give us, as John Bowlby, wrote “a secure base from which to explore the world. ”

For those of us who were denied this foundational sense of security, the journey can be untethered, as we wonder from one dysfunctional situation to another. The inherent problem, which Bowlby also describes, was that “what one cannot tell to the (m)other, one cannot tell to oneself.”

Stretching back across the centuries, we see that others venerated Hekate as The Great Mother. In the earliest reports, such as Hesiod’s Theogony, Hekate is portrayed as all powerful. This distinguishes The Great Mother from earth goddesses, which can be called “Elemental Mothers”, and The Great Mother who is source, soul, and cosmic. She is not Gaia, for example. The Great Mother, to the ancients, was life and death, blessing and bane. Nor is she merely a Goddess of Motherhood, although Hekate has always had a special interest in mothers and children. She was often described as Midwife in ancient texts.

In historical sources, Hekate is often interwoven with goddesses, as we learned in the last lesson. These triplicities formulate a Great Mother Goddess by weaving together all aspects of The Mother Archetype. With Artemis and Selene, she becomes the Wise Crone, the experienced Mother, while they represent the earlier phases of The Mother’s Journey. Hekate is also linked to other forms of the Great Mother Goddess, for example her association with Cybele, whom the Romans venerated as Magna Mater (The Great Mother).

Go deeper: Learn more about studying with me at keepingherkeys.com

She is the darkness.
She is the cry of "enough."
She is the sigil written in stone.
She is the silent walking away of the betrayed.
She is the lonely raising arms to the moon.
She is the lie told to live the truth.
She is the secret circle drawing down her moon.
She is the poison that heals.
She is the bold stare into the future.
She is the blood shed to bring rebirth.
She is all those who dare to become.
She is the power that is our right.
She is The Dark Mother.
She has returned.

Lesson 4: Ancient Hekate's Many Roles - Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft

From the ancient sources, we know that Hekate was a liminal goddess, standing between worlds, particularly at the threshold of life and death. She was described in many diverse ways including Mother of All, Queen, Savior and World Soul. She was viewed as the torch-bearing guide for those on nightmarish Under World journeys. Not only was she viewed as the guide along the road, but also as the way itself. The variety of the titles bestowed upon her by the ancients often appears contradictory. We need to consider two things. One is that the ancient writers held vastly divergent views of Hekate. The other is that Hekate has always been a complex goddess with multiple roles and abilities.

Many-named Goddess who brings glory to men,
Whose children are fair,
Bull-eyed One, Horned One, Nature.
All-Mother, who brings forth both Gods and men
You roam around Olympus,
And traverse the wide and fathomless abyss.
You are the Beginning and the End.
And you alone are Mistress of All. - The Greek Magical Papyri IV 2785-2890.

“We’re witnessing the end of a 5,000 year reign of patriarchy, and are coming into a society created by our technology that will be more balanced and more feminine. It’s already happening. And I think that the good news is that it’s coming just in time.”

— Leonard Shlain

Join Christen, Coyote Mae, and me for this enlightening discussion about the connections between Hekate, Persephone, and Demeter, with a special focus on their role as Torch Bearers.

This episode companions the chapter on Lampadios in Entering Hekate's Cave.

This meditation restores equanimity to beings through releasing fear (Phoberos) and embracing the energy of pure love (Agape). This meditation works with breath and the body-spirit essence, forming an internal system unlocking trust, security and firm boundaries. Within this energy field of pure love, we access agape energy, allowing us to embrace/release fear, as well as open up to memories, desires and the warmth of the Goddess. In this way, we can create a flow of acceptance, validation, healing power and rejuvenation, ultimately returning us to our truest selves.

This is a new version of the meditation for 2023.

Based in the Agape Phoberos exercise from the Keeping Her Keys book.

Watch the meditation with CC and transcript (click on the magnifying glass) HERE.

Learn more about Dr. Cyndi HERE.

Join me and Tania Ciolek, along with our special guests, for Part 2 of Crossroads and Keys, exploring the keys of magick, medicine and mystery.

There's a key inside of you that unlocks the gate to wholeness. The journey inward to living from the soul invites us to explore the deeper world. This is the heroic quest for a life that is empowered and enchanted. In this episode, we explore how to banish what prevents us from opening that gate. 

Thanks so much for listening to the Keeping Her Keys Podcast 1.0. I'll be back in the fall with an expanded focus, exploring the crossroads of modern life and the deeper world.

Request to join my soul school, The Covina Institute, to access the entire Crossroads and Keys Retreat for free.

This is a brief meditative practice that shifts our attention from embedded in the physical towards seeing from the wider vision of the soul. 

It's the switch from our thoughts having us to us having our thoughts, so we may explore how we are so much more than regular experience. 

Philosophy and psychology offer endless theories of the self, yet it's essence remains elusive. William James brought the distinction between the self as both actor and perceiver into psychology in the late 19th century. C.G. Jung called this the Self (capital "S"). In contemporary psychology, Internal Family Systems views the selves as multiple, yet acknowledges the presence of an overarching one. 

In spiritual traditions, the interplay between regular consciousness and the transcendent often adopt a similar view that we are both the physical being and the etheric self, or the part of us that abides beyond the corporeal. Merging the psychological with the spirit yields a pathway for practice that guides us to seeing from soul, and unifying the mundane with the mystical.

Perhaps the only way to understand what's been called the soul, the spirit, the higher self, or even the third eye, is through experiencing this shift in gaze. 

The exercise guides you through the process to aid in activating this deeper "watcher." 

Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

Some announcements: new free space, livestreams, and courses.

Go to keepingherkeys.com for all the details and links.

Christen and I are joined for the first time by Amanda, an amazing witch who keeps the Key of Psychologika (The Mind) in Covina, for this discussion about the meaning we find in Honoring Hekate on The Dark Moon with a special ritual meal, inspired by ancient practices.

This conversation is part of our ongoing exploration of the history and significance of Hekate's Suppers.

Our other episodes on Hekate's Suppers (aka The Deipnon):

Cracking A Mystery: Eggs for Hekate

Culinary Psychopomp: Hekate's Suppers, Soul Retrieval, and Kitchen Witchery

Watch with CC and searchable transcript HERE.

Join us in Covina.

Dr. Cyndi Brannen walks you through her transformative book on Hekatean Witchcraft. 

Episode 2, Season 1

Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

Hekate's history is as complex as our personal experiences of her. From the Neolithic cave of The Great Mother through to the Roman depiction of her as the nefarious Queen of Witches, Hekate has travelled throughout the centuries, leaving a trail of mystery and magic behind her. In this first part, I discuss Hekate's etiology in The Great Mother, through to how the earliest Greek writers portrayed her, in religious and fictional sources, and practices associated with her (notably honoring her through a special supper/ritual on the dark moon), to first-hand records from magical practitioners, to the channeled text where she is understood as World Soul. I end up with how Hekate, and her frequent companion Artemis, were reinvented by the ancient Romans, and how the influence of the various solar god cults (such as Apollo) may have been involved in her transition to a rather nefarious figure.

Throughout the 1500 years of history I cover, there are themes that emerge from the different ways Hekate was understood, such as being associated with the underworld journey, thresholds, magic, misfits, and children (which is often overlooked today).

Find out more: https://members.covinainstitute.com/

Watch and read the transcript (click on the magnifying glass to open options): https://app.searchie.io/watch/jVDGMBvEqW

Ethics: https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

Gather round the kitchen table with me and Christen for our conversation blending soul retrieval, kitchen witchery, and the ancient practice of Hekate's Supper.

This chat is rooted in the Psychopomp chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave.

We were both in the thick of wintry weather, so the warmth of the hearth was especially compelling, and our conversation reflects this.

We discuss how we are culinary psychopomps, chatting about the the sacredness of food and how it can be a source of nourishment and connection to our ancestors. From family recipes, and the importance of connecting to the departed in food preparation, to the ancient practice of leaving meals at a crossroads on the dark moon as an act of propitiation to Hekate, Christen and I go deep into the ways we can retrieve our souls right in Hekate's Kitchen. Ancient Hekate's Suppers, known as Deipnon, is a centerpiece of our chat; we dive into the context of these offerings, including the meaning of the ingredients, the significance of red mullet, and why garbage was an important part of the ritual.  Hekate's Kitchen is a place where we can become culinary psychopomps, connecting deeply to the food we make, practice kitchen witchery, honor ourselves and beloveds, and cultivate a soulful hearth.

Christen Bennett is an executive pastry chef living in the southern U.S. She's one of my fave humans, who also does the transcriptions for pod episodes AND is my partner in teaching pharmakeia in Covina.

Watch with CC and searchable transcript HERE. Click on the magnifying glass to open transcript.

Share your thoughts, and answer our question, "What does Hekate's Kitchen Mean To You?" HERE in Hekate's Crossroads, part of The Covina Institute.

I read from Ronan, Stephen (ed.), The Goddess Hekate, Chthonios Books; Hastings; 1992.

https://keepingherkeys.com/ethics

Step into your Head Mistresses' Parlor as we celebrate my favorite time of the year. The Moon takes precedence over the sun, the veil thins, spirits wander through dreams and the streets, and Hekate is ever-near. The most wonderful time of the year.

Let's invoke The Spirit of Samhain with this reading of a story that the moon once told me.

WATCH this reading.

Witch, heal yourself. If there is one key that has unlocked my own soul more than just about any other (besides mother and teacher), it is embracing that I am a witch. With all it's glory and pain, to me, being comfortable with one of my core identities has healed me like no other. In this recording, I discuss my own journey from being so in the broom closet that I was behind the brooms to being a public figure, as well as share tips for navigating different spaces, and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of both staying in the closet and coming all the way out. Of course, Hekate, Goddess of Witches, is a KEY part of this journey, so let's Hail Hekate and claim The Key of Witch.

Chapters:

The Witch in the Room: Exploring Life's Myth in the Mess

08:013 Exploring the Depths of the Witch Within: A Portal to Self-Love, Catharsis, and Healing  

15:09 Exploring the Depths of Witchcraft and Ancient Mythology

22:47 Navigating Hostile Rooms: An Exploration into the Richness of Dreams, Intuition, and Natural Magic

29:51 Self Healing and Embracing Identity

35:57 Occupying the Margins: Reflections of a Healer-Witch in the Mainstream

43:24 In or Out? The Broom Closet And Being A Goddess-Loving Warrior 

50:20 Unveiling the Witch Within: Relationships and Authenticity 

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS TALK AND IF YOU'RE IN/OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET HERE.

View as video with CC and searchable transcript HERE.

More about Cyndi Brannen's teaching and writing can be found at keepingherkeys.com

It is traditional to honor ancestors during Samhain. These can be loving remembrances leading to conversations with them, or more intense healing of our familial line. However you are working with ancestors, may you find connection and comfort. "We are the embodiment of a thousand dreams, and we stand on top of an eternal bone pile. In a way, we function as Anassa Eneroi over our own lineage. What is shockingly absent from mainstream culture is veneration of the departed. Even Halloween, once a time for connecting with ancestors, has been thoroughly commercialized. Yet still, there is the presence of death in many of our Halloween festivities—from children in cute ghost get-ups to decorations of skeletons. We have a need to connect with death. Intentionally honoring the departed can be a beautiful experience. We can connect with “ancestors of spirit,” those with whom we feel a kindred bond, in spite of a lack of blood ties. This can include writers, celebrities, and other figures. Whatever memories we have of those of our flesh who have departed this world—whether troubling or beautiful, or more likely both—we are a result of their lives." - from Entering Hekate's Cave.

Prayer and Ritual to Hekate For The Dead HERE.

This is an exploration of Hekate and four of her closest companions: Artemis, Circe, Medea and Persephone, including a guided ritual. 

Come Goddesses and Witches,  
Ancient but new,
To this place,
I beckon you.  
Artemis,
Medea,
Persephone,
Circe,
Hekate,
I welcome you!

Sovereignty goes beyond independence, it’s about standing in the full power of your true self. What better time to claim yours than on the day that the sun shine’s the longest? Calling upon Five Sovereign Rebel Goddesses: Artemis, Medea, Persephone, Circe and Hekate in the brightest light brings them, and you, out of the moon’s shadow, allowing you to stand fully in your witches' power. Summon their sovereign power on the Summer Solstice.

This ritual focuses on specific aspects of the Fab Five mentioned above. The ritual evokes these interconnected goddesses to activate within you the five archetypes of the sacred feminine: wild, witch, warrior, wise and wounded.

Read the article that explores these goddesses in depth here.

Within The Covina Institute, we celebrate this ritual live on the Summer Solstice, and explore these goddesses in depth. Learn more here.

Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness by Cyndi Brannen, PhD, can be purchased wherever books are sold.

This is a guided class and meditation that introduces the listener to Soul Retrieval.

Join my soul school, The Covina Institute, for the in-depth eight week journey that takes place between the first and third new moons of the calendar year.

If you missed this course, consider joining for The Rebirth Journey that runs from the third to fifth new moons.

Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

Psychopomp, which translates from Greek as “Soul Guide,” is one of Hekate’s most ancient roles. Certainly, she guided Persephone through rebirth out of the cave, yet we can envision Hekate helping her call back the missing soul shards that shattered during her great trauma at the hands of those powerful men who brought about the end of her innocence. As Persephone learned to sing her soul once more, so do we. Our chorus becomes a beacon to the missing pieces of the soul in this lesson as we experience Soul Retrieval.

The Soul Guide is much more than the one who helps the earthly dead cross over the river to the other side, she is the midwife who assists new souls as they are born into flesh, and she reunites us with the fragments we lose along the way. Hekate calls us to take care of our own souls, and to see the soul in all things. Caring for our own souls and seeking to understand the soul in all things, draws us closer to Anima Mundi.

It is to Hekate as Psychopomp, and to our own ability as the guide of our own souls, that we turn to in this lesson as we experience soul retrieval. A shamanic practice as well as a psychological one, soul retrieval is the process of calling back pieces of our soul that were lost due to trauma.

AMA where I answer questions about feeling called by Hekate (or any healing spirit) to be of service to others, avoiding spiritual bypassing, how all emotions are sacred, and how I practice astrological magic. 

keepingherkeys.com to learn more.

Medusa's story, like many myths, contains sexual violence, murder, and great suffering. If you are not in a space to feel safe while we explore these topics, you may want to skip this one.

Angela Natividad and I go deep into the story of Medusa, from her ancient origins to the Me, Too movement. Medusa's story is one of victim-blaming, betrayal, isolation, and hidden potential. She lives on whenever we are not believed, blamed, or invalidated when we speak truth to power.

Violated by Poseidon, she was transformed into a monster by Athena. Forced into isolation, she bore the brunt of the powerful. When Perseus murdered her, she birthed two spirits: Pegasus, the free-flying winged horse and the much lesser known Chrysaor, a noble warrior-giant.

Through her myth and art, we explore how the image of the woman with snakes in her hair has been viewed over time, and then contextualize what this means today. We link this back to our personal experiences and to social psychological theories to expand the meaning of Medusa. Perhaps there is no more important contemporary story than the way Chanel Miller was "medusaed" by some, both in the courtoom and in the public. We end by discussing ways we can reattach Medusa's head as individuals and in the broader sense.

MeToo has amazing resources. Find them HERE.

Connect with Chanel Miller.

Books mentioned:

Red Moon by Miranda Gray
Maria Tatar's Heroine With 1001 Faces
Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser
Medusa by Jessie Burton
Known My Name by Chanel Miller
Lost Goddesses of Ancient Greece by Charlene Spretnak
Revisioning Medusa from Girl God Books
Pindar's Pythian Odes
Ovid's Metamorphoses
Hesiod's Theogony

Essays and Articles mentioned:

NY Times: "The Medusa Statue That Become a Symbol of Feminist Rage."

Medusa in Ancient Greek Art by Madeleine Glennon, Department of Greek and Roman Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A. L. Frothingham, Medusa, Apollo, and the Great Mother. American Journal of Archaeology , Jul. - Sep., 1911, Vol. 15, No. 3

Go deeper into Medusa's story, including viewing the art we discuss HERE.

From Thessalian Enodia through the Greek version of Hekate to Diana Trivia, The Road Goddess is a compelling spirit who governs roads, children, women, the cast out, and guides us to the deeper world. 

Angela Natividad and I explore the ancient history of Enodia, from the oldest records to where the archetype of this goddess shows up today.   

IMPORTANT: Angela and I discuss potentially upsetting topics, including sexual aggression, patriarchy, extremist politics, and Christianity.   

Hekate’s association with roads stretches back to the earliest historical records.  In fact, Enodia is most often translated as meaning “in the road,” although sometimes it is defined as “of the way.” Perhaps the most descriptive version of its meaning is “she who stands on the road.” This title of Hekate and other goddesses, including one herself named Enodia, is interconnected with her association with the crossroads. This appellation undoubtedly morphed into Hekate’s Roman associations with roads, notably in the title of Trivia. In the classical Greek tradition, Trioditis refers to her specifically as goddess of the three roads.   

"In fact, traveling the road back to the origins of this title for Hekate is a rather long and winding journey. Enodia (sometimes spelled Einodia or Ennodia) was an ancient Thessalian goddess  whose became syncretized with Hekate and Artemis, and the Roman Diana.  There are also tangential connections between Enodia, Hekate, and Cybele, notably the evidence found in a rock throne in Rhodes. There is no way of disentangling the history of Hekate from Enodia or her frequent companions, Artemis, Persephone, and Selene. The ancients were no different in their practices than we are today. They adapted their daily rituals based on their understanding as individuals and as societies, demonstrating that there is a deeper archetype at work. Enodia is a spirit far deeper and more powerful than any name assigned to a face of the goddess. Enodia is the guide along the Mother Road, regardless of what else we may call her. " 

The above is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, "Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness." Now available for pre-order. 

Find a video version, PDF, transcript link, and more here:

https://keepingherkeys.com/blog/f/hekate-enodia-goddess-of-the-road-recorded-class

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May we inspire you to journey with Enodia.

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In this episode, Cyndi and Christen are joined by priestess/xes from Covina for an in-depth roundtable about being a Modern Hekatean Witch. Participants share their personal journeys and the evolution of their practices, inspired by Judika Illes' "Witches A Compendium." The session emphasizes modern Hekatean Witchcraft as an eclectic path for personal growth and spirituality, while discussing diverse cultural influences and the positive reclamation of witchcraft. Personal stories highlight the importance of safety and choice in embracing one's witch identity, encouraging exploration of individual practices.

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Medea is a challenging companion, who teaches us both what to do, and what not to do. She is central to the practice of Hekatean Witchcraft, representing the healing and destructive power of The Poison Path. She is a central figure in Entering Hekate's Garden, in fact she wrote the introduction. Medea will have her way.

Medea, that mythical sorceress whose magic built a king and then destroyed him. For over 2,000 years she has captivated our attention. Reviled by some for her unspeakable actions, understood by others as a woman robbed of any personal agency. Medea operated in the shadows, often crafting her spells in secret, and she can also be seen as being in the grips of the shadow self. Her longing for her prince, and perhaps power, possessed her above all. In this episode, Angela Natividad and I explore the themes of Medea, then find examples of her in contemporary society (Amber Heard, for example). We draw from both art and literature to discuss how Medea, as a symbol of the dangerous woman, is entwined with both the systemic disempowerment of women and capitalism. The central question we used was borrowed from Margaret Atwood's introduction to Christina Wolf's contemporary retelling of Medea's story: "Like a tunnel full of mirrors, it both reflects and echoes. The question it asks the reader, through many voices and in many different ways, is: What would you be willing to believe, to accept, to conceal, to do, to save your own skin, or simply to stay close to power? Who would you be willing to sacrifice?" You can watch this video with closed captioning and view the transcript here: https://app.searchie.io/watch/AYDazg63NQ Access the PDF of the slides we used to frame the discussion here: https://keepingherkeys.com/downloads You can watch this on YouTube. Make sure to subscribe to Keeping Her Keys while you're there.

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Christen, Coyote Mae and I find our practice of witchcraft to be incredibly healing, something that is real and true to us. That's a real key for mental wellness: doing what is authentically you. This discussion follows up our first conversation about psychology and witchcraft for a discussion on the connections between mental health and practicing magick. We stay focused on the mental health challenges that everybody faces: anxiety, depression, and stress instead of getting into clinical diagnoses, and how practicing natural magick can be an effective coping mechanism.

Some of the topics we unlock include how magick is therapeutic for us, our animistic view of the world, and various coping mechanisms. We center around the importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of life, coping mechanisms, and being mindful of our capacities. Then we discuss the power of spells to help us cope with anxiety, depression, and stress. Seeing ourselves as self-sovereign, and viewing the divine and spirits as partners and helpers, as we navigate the demands of life, is the most magical key for merging our witchcraft with mental wellness.

NOTE: We use "magick" to refer to practices that focus on intentionally connecting to energies of the deeper world to craft spells, talismans, and such. This is in contrast to the general sort of magic that exists in the universe. The key here is intentional practices that attune to forces like plants and spirits that result in the creation of an object that serves as a conduit for working with these energies. Specifically, all three of us practice natural magick which can be defined as aligning with the etheric essences of plants and other aspects of the natural world, as well as archetypes, such as expressions of the divine.

Go deeper by becoming a member of Covina.

Watch with CC and searchable transcript HERE.

Learn about the differences between anxiety, depression, and stress HERE.

Information about coping mechanisms can be found HERE.

https://keepingherkeys.com/

The archetype of the witch is as old as humanity. Typically, female, although not always, the witch is the one who brings healing through her use of powers connected to the deeper world. This, across cultures and times, has always been done in the spirit of rebellion against the so-called civilized world. Thus, the witch is the outsider, the one who resists conformity. Perhaps it is these two characteristics, that of connection to the unseen world and resistance to authority that are at the heart of the archetype of the witch. Discussing the archetype of the witch inevitably evokes Hekate, the ancient goddess viewed across history as a Queen of the Night, ruling over witchcraft, prophecy, and spirits. These are the gifts she bestows upon witches.

Archetypes are foundational forces that flow throughout the universe. They are numinous, nonrational, and primal. It is difficult to find, and express in words, the center of an archetype. Archetypes are different than constructs, which can be easily defined and understood. To know an archetype requires experience. Much like the witch, an archetype is many things that are difficult to describe with words. The witch is mysterious, and the witch pursues the mysteries. She goes deeper into the dark to find healing.

As with all archetypes, the witch has a shadow aspect which is entirely different than the healing found in darkness. It is the shadowy characteristics that have been extolled throughout history. Aspects such as baneful witchcraft, poisoning, seducing, deception, and trickery have been reinforced in western culture as a means of robbing the witch of her power. At times portrayed as a hideous crone, at others a beguiling temptress, the witch has been vilified. Those labelled as witches have been persecuted, tortured, and murdered. The witch is frightening because she insists on the truth that resides in the dark.

“Entering Hekate’s Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft” can be purchased from major booksellers.

“Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft” takes the reader on a journey through 13 lessons that awaken the soul through connection to the Witch Mother.

Join the Keeping Her Keys Coven of Hekate school and network for lessons, community and live events: https://bit.ly/KHKfreetrial

Learn more about Lampadia: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness in Hekate’s Cave, a seven month training program in the healing keys of magick, medicine and mystery. BEGINS November 4. Get all the details at https://keepingherkeys.com/

Lost Goddesses of Early Greece: A Collection of Pre-Hellenic Mythology by Charlene Spretnak

The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images Hardcover by Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS) 

Mysteries of the Dark Moon: The Healing Power of the Dark Goddess Kindle Edition by Demetra George

Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants by Claudia Müller-Ebeling, Christian Rätsch, Wolf-Dieter Storl