Hecate and Anubis: A Shared Threshold in Greco-Egyptian Magic

Among the most fascinating pieces of evidence for the blending of Greek and Egyptian spiritual traditions are the magical amulets produced in the Roman Imperial period. These engraved stones—sometimes called magical gems or intaglios—carried images of deities alongside strings of mysterious words of power known as voces magicae. Their purpose was both protective and transformative, drawing on the combined powers of gods who crossed cultural and spiritual boundaries.

Magical gem (intaglio) from the Greco-Egyptian magical tradition
Amulet - from the Roman Imperial period.


One particularly striking example shows Hecate and Anubis standing side by side.

On the left, Anubis appears in his jackal-headed form. He wears a short tunic and holds ritual implements, sometimes depicted as a whip, scepter, or circular object. In Egyptian religion, Anubis was the god of embalming, guardian of tombs, and guide of souls into the afterlife. In the context of Greco-Egyptian magic, however, his role expanded: he became not only a psychopomp but also a protector against hostile forces and a powerful ally in magical rites.

On the right stands Hecate, depicted in her multi-armed form, a visual shorthand for overwhelming magical authority. In some versions she holds torches, daggers, and whips, emphasizing her dominion over crossroads, thresholds, and unseen realms. To see Hecate carved with six or more arms is to see her as a goddess whose power radiates in all directions at once.

Beneath the figures runs a line of Greek letters. While they may look like a secret message, these are not meant to be read as ordinary words. They are voces magicae—the “barbarous names” or divine syllables that appear throughout the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM). Spoken aloud in ritual, these strange sequences of sounds were believed to carry the raw power of the divine, bypassing the limits of human language.

The pairing of Hecate with Anubis is not accidental. Both are liminal deities—those who dwell at the thresholds between life and death, light and shadow, the mortal world and the divine.

Hecate: Guardian of crossroads, torch-bearer, key-holder, mistress of magic and necromancy.

Anubis: Protector of tombs, guide of souls, overseer of the weighing of the heart in the halls of Ma’at.

Together, they amplify one another’s authority as chthonic protectors and guides. A practitioner carrying such a gem would be invoking not just protection, but the ability to move safely across boundaries, whether those boundaries were physical, spiritual, or magical.

I have a written work on the paring that you can find here.


These amulets remind us that the ancient world was not neatly divided into “Greek” or “Egyptian” religion. In cities like Alexandria, spiritual traditions blended, evolved, and cross-pollinated. Hecate, once a goddess of the Greek world, and Anubis, deeply rooted in Egyptian tradition, could meet in the magical imagination of practitioners who sought the strongest allies possible in their ritual work.

This is not historical syncretism for its own sake—it is evidence of living devotion, where worshippers and magicians found resonance in the shared roles of deities who guided souls, guarded the in-between, and held the keys to mystery.

For modern practitioners, this amulet offers a reminder that the sacred often resides in the spaces between traditions. Hecate and Anubis both invite us to face thresholds with courage. Where Hecate’s torches illuminate the unseen paths, Anubis’s steady presence ensures that the journey through shadow leads to truth, not fear.

Together, they show us that wisdom and protection are not bound by culture but arise wherever humans seek the divine at the crossroads of life and death.


Devotional

Hecate, torch-bearer,

light the crossroads with your flame.

Keeper of keys, opener of ways,

guide me through shadow into truth.

Anubis, guardian of souls,

jackal-headed protector,

stand beside me at the threshold,

weigh my heart with justice and courage.

Together, walk with me in the liminal,

that I may pass safely,

learn deeply,

and rise transformed.




Have a glorious day!!

Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson

Torchbearer and Keybearer - Covenant of Hekate

Have a glorious day!

BY HER FIRES.COM


Sources & Further Reading

Campbell Bonner, Studies in Magical Amulets (1950).

The Greek Magical Papyri (PGM), translations by Hans Dieter Betz.

The Magical Gems Database (Universität Wien).



Devotional

Hecate, torch-bearer,

light the crossroads with your flame.

Keeper of keys, opener of ways,

guide me through shadow into truth.

Anubis, guardian of souls,

jackal-headed protector,

stand beside me at the threshold,

weigh my heart with justice and courage.

Together, walk with me in the liminal,

that I may pass safely,

learn deeply,

and rise transformed.


The Weight of a Heavy Heart

 In ancient Egyptian belief, every soul faced the Hall of Ma’at after death. There, Anubis weighed the heart of the deceased against the feather of truth. Thoth, the scribe of the gods, recorded the outcome faithfully. A heart heavy with lies, cruelty, or neglect tipped the scales — while a heart light with truth, compassion, and balance earned eternal life.



This image still resonates today: the weight of the heart tells the story of how we lived, not what we owned or claimed.

The Weighing of the Heart is one of the most iconic rituals from the Book of the Dead. Archaeologists have uncovered painted papyri and carved tomb scenes showing this moment: Anubis guiding the soul forward, the heart on one side of the scales, and the feather of Ma’at — representing truth and cosmic balance — on the other. Thoth stands nearby, writing the results with precision.

To the Egyptians, this wasn’t allegory. The heart was the seat of the soul, holding memory, morality, and character. Every deed was inscribed there.

A Light Heart: When the heart balanced with or was lighter than the feather, the soul was found pure and in harmony with Ma’at. Such a soul passed peacefully into the blessed afterlife.

A Heavy Heart: When the heart weighed heavier, burdened by falsehood or cruelty, the soul was destroyed by Ammit, the devourer. For them, this was a second death — the loss of existence itself.

The Papyrus of Ani and the Tomb of Hunefer are among the clearest examples of this ritual preserved across millennia. In both, Anubis adjusts the scales, Thoth records, and Ma’at witnesses. These scenes remind us how deeply the Egyptians understood that truth is the foundation of eternity.

Though this ritual belongs to Egyptian tradition, Hecate’s role as torchbearer of the crossroads echoes the same truth. She does not weigh or record, but she guides — illuminating the threshold and amplifying the prayers of the soul so they are heard. Compassion, one of the virtues associated with her, also makes her presence here feel natural, reminding us that guidance is not only about direction but about care. Though these are completely separate belief systems, in our humanity we cross over boundaries and allow our lives to be shaped by what is just, fair, and right.



Together, the triad embodies a cycle of truth and passage:

  • Hecate amplifies and carries the soul’s voice.

  • Anubis weighs the heart, ensuring fairness in judgment.

  • Thoth records the outcome, preserving truth and wisdom for eternity.

For the living, their message is just as vital: how we live shapes the weight of our hearts.

Card Pull: Justice (Crossroads Oracle)



The Justice card appears as a reminder that the heart is always weighed — in myth, in ritual, and in life. To walk with a lighter heart, we must be willing to live fairly, to release bias, and to remain open to truth even when it is uncomfortable.

When your actions are impartial, when you treat others with fairness, and when you hold yourself open to growth, your heart becomes lighter. Not because you are perfect, but because you are honest. This is the balance that the scales of Ma’at demand, and it is the balance we seek.

Ask yourself:

Where in my life am I refusing to see the truth because it would demand change?

Where do I need to soften my judgments — of myself or others — to find balance?

How can I act with more fairness and openness today?

Justice teaches that the weight of the heart is not fixed. Every choice lightens or burdens it. Today you are invited to choose truth, fairness, and openness — so that when your heart is weighed, it will not be heavy with what you refused to face.

If you're interested in daily affirmations based on the Crossroads Oracle cards you can find an e-Book download here.

Guided Reflection: What Would Your Heart Weigh?

Take a quiet moment. Close your eyes and picture the Hall of Ma’at. See Anubis steadying the scales, Thoth holding his pen, and Hecate lighting the hall with her torches.

Ask yourself:

What am I proud to carry in my heart right now?

What weighs me down? What truths or regrets have I avoided?

If my heart were weighed today, what story would it tell?

Journal your reflections. Keep them safe as a reminder, or release them — burn or bury them as a ritual act of renewal. This is not about punishment. It is about clarity, honesty, and choosing what you want your heart to hold.



A Gift for You

To support this reflection, I’ve created a Protection Visualization that helps you ground, release fear, and face your truth with courage. Use it before journaling or altar work.

Download the Protection Visualization here.

The weight of a heavy heart is not just a story for the dead. It is a mirror for the living. Each day we decide what to carry, what to release, and what legacy we will leave behind.

Our conscious reminds us that truth matters, that our choices are recorded, and that wisdom endures beyond time.

If you’d like to go deeper, my oracle decks, eBooks, and classes offer ways to bring these lessons into your own practice in my shop.

And every purchase supports the Blessing Box of Goldsboro, providing food and care at the crossroads of our community.

May the weight of our actions be guided by fairness, compassion, and truth, so that when the scales of judgment are balanced, they reflect a world moving toward justice and peace.

Have a glorious day. 🔥

BY HER FIRES.COM

The Triad of Hecate, Anubis, and Thoth: Guardians, Guides, and Keepers of Wisdom

This triadic connection has been quietly shaping my practice for years, but only recently have I felt ready to share it. Hecate has always stood at the center of my path, and over time Anubis and Thoth began appearing in ways that felt natural — inevitable, even. After sitting with their presence for years, I finally feel called to speak about how their roles intertwine as guides, guardians, and keepers of wisdom.

In my spiritual work, I’ve long honored Hecate as torchbearer, guide, and amplifier of magic. But pairing her with Anubis and Thoth reveals a powerful harmony — each distinct, yet deeply interconnected.




Hecate: Messenger and Amplifier

Hecate is often described as a messenger goddess, a carrier of words between realms. She doesn’t just deliver prayers and invocations — she amplifies them, ensuring they reach the ears of gods and spirits.

She also has a role as escort of the restless dead — those caught between worlds, untethered, or forgotten. With her torches, she lights their way, guiding them toward passage and peace.

And as a goddess linked to the moon, she governs cycles, thresholds, and illumination in the darkness — a thread that connects her directly to Thoth.



Anubis: Guardian and Witness

In Egyptian tradition, Anubis stands as psychopomp — guiding all souls into the afterlife. Unlike Hecate, whose domain is often the restless, Anubis escorts every soul to their rightful place.

He is also the witness of the heart-weighing, present when a soul’s deeds are measured against Ma’at’s feather of truth. His role is not only to guide, but to guard the sanctity of justice.

In this way, Anubis shares a role with Thoth, who records the outcome of judgment. Both stand in the liminal moment where a soul’s eternity is decided.





Thoth: Scribe, Magician, and Lunar Guide

Thoth may not lead souls like Anubis, but he is always present at the moment of judgment. His task is to record the truth — inscribing the results of the weighing of the heart.

Beyond this, Thoth is a god of wisdom, language, and magic — the one who gave humankind writing, knowledge, and the power of sacred words. Without him, the truths of the cosmos would remain unspoken.

Thoth, too, is a moon god, linking him to Hecate through their shared lunar influence. Where she shines torches at the crossroads, he reflects celestial light onto wisdom and memory.


The Triad Connection

When we see these three together, a powerful sequence emerges:

  • Hecate carries and amplifies the message, guiding the restless toward passage.

  • Anubis receives and escorts the soul, standing as witness to the weighing of truth.

  • Thoth records the outcome and preserves wisdom, ensuring that divine balance is upheld.

This triad doesn’t just govern the passage of the dead — it also teaches the living. They remind us that our words matter, that truth will be weighed, and that wisdom is eternal.

When I was becoming a Keybearer, I had to choose a title — and I chose Scriba, the Latin word for Scribe. At the time, it felt like the right fit, but over the years its meaning has deepened for me.

As Scriba, I hold the key to our stories — our past, our present, and the possibilities of our future. In this role I seek to preserve, share, and amplify the words of our community: the experiences of those who walk with Hecate, and the wisdom of those who honor her companions.

It wasn’t until I began working more closely with this triad of Hecate, Anubis, and Thoth that I realized just how aligned this choice was. Thoth, the divine scribe, recorded the truths of the heart-weighing and safeguarded wisdom for eternity. Hecate carries messages between worlds, amplifying them so they are heard. Anubis witnesses, guarding the process of passage and judgment.

In my own way, I step into that lineage — recording the voices of our covenant, witnessing our struggles and triumphs, and carrying forward the words that matter so they will not be forgotten.

And just as words become sacred when written, so too do symbols become sacred when placed with intention. One way I honor this triad is not only through story, but through space — by creating an altar that embodies their presence and brings their roles into daily practice.


Scriba - Icon for CoH Keybearer Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson



A Triadic Altar

To honor this connection, you might create a small altar with three simple symbols:

A torch or candle for Hecate

A scale or jackal image for Anubis

A pen, feather, or journal for Thoth

This altar becomes a threshold itself — a space where messages are carried, truth is weighed, and wisdom is preserved.


Invocation

Here is a short prayer you can use at your altar or in ritual:

Hecate, torchbearer and messenger, carry my words.

Anubis, guardian and witness, weigh my heart.

Thoth, keeper of wisdom, record my truth.


To support your work with this triad, I’ve created a free Visualization you can use before altar work or meditation. It helps you ground your energy, set boundaries, and open safely to divine presence.

➡️ Download the Triad Visualization here.

Working with this triad has opened new pathways in my practice — reminding me that magic isn’t just about casting, but about speaking truth, moving with integrity, and learning from wisdom across cultures.

If you’d like to go deeper, my oracle decks, eBooks, and classes offer guided ways to strengthen your spiritual connection in my shop.

And remember: every purchase supports the Blessing Box of Goldsboro, helping provide food and care at the crossroads of our community.

Let wisdom, new beginnings, and creative expression shape your day.

Have a glorious day. 🔥

BY HER FIRES.COM

Magic Comes at a Price - That Price is Action

 Throughout human history, the practices of magic and religion have played essential roles in shaping spirituality. This article delves into the intricate rituals of magical spells and draws comparisons with the prayers found in Abrahamic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. By examining their structural and ritualistic elements, we gain insights into the ways these practices connect individuals with the divine.





In the realm of magical spells, practitioners follow a distinct structure, incorporating specific actions, words, and tools. This careful arrangement is designed to create focused and intentional rituals. Elements like candles, herbs, symbols, and chants are employed to enhance practitioners' connection with spiritual forces and amplify the energy of their intentions.

Comparatively, Abrahamic prayers take a more verbal approach to communication with the divine. Traditionally, individuals express their thoughts, requests, and gratitude through spoken words. While not as reliant on tangible items, some religious practices may include the use of religious symbols or specific dress codes during prayer to enhance the connection between the worshipper and the divine.

Both magical spells and Abrahamic prayers share commonalities in their approaches to spirituality. Symbols, whether in the form of candles or religious attire, amplify the practitioner's connection with spiritual energies. Repetition is another shared aspect, with chants or prayers providing a means to build energy and focus intention.

Additionally, the rituals associated with both practices may vary in complexity. Magical spells can range from simple, solitary practices to elaborate ceremonies involving multiple participants. Similarly, Abrahamic prayers may be conducted in various settings, from private moments of reflection to communal worship during religious ceremonies.

While serving distinct spiritual purposes, the rituals of magical spells and Abrahamic prayers share common threads in their structured approaches to connecting with the divine. The diverse expressions of spirituality, whether through repetition, symbolic tools, or communal ceremonies, reflect the rich tapestry of human engagement with the mystical and spiritual realms. Understanding these varied paths fosters respect and appreciation for the myriad ways individuals seek spiritual guidance and connection.

In both magical and religious contexts, the power of intention is paramount. Whether crafting a magical spell or offering a prayer, individuals express their desires, hopes, and concerns with a specific purpose in mind. This focused intention is believed to set energetic forces in motion, creating a metaphysical ripple effect.


However, magical practitioners and devout believers understand that thoughts and prayers alone are insufficient to manifest change. As the catalyst for transformation, action plays a vital role in turning aspirations into tangible outcomes. In the realm of magic, practitioners often follow rituals with real-world actions, aligning their behavior with their intentions to bring about the desired results.

The importance of aligning one's actions with prayers is emphasized within Abrahamic religions. The idea that faith without works is dead underscores the necessity of translating spiritual convictions into practical deeds. This principle suggests that prayers gain potency when individuals actively contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world.

The fusion of thought, prayer, and action takes on new dimensions in the contemporary landscape. Activism, social justice initiatives, and charitable endeavors become integral components of translating spiritual intentions into real-world impact. The modern practitioner understands that contributing to positive change requires internal reflection, prayer, and external engagement and advocacy.

This integration is reflected in movements where individuals, motivated by their spiritual beliefs, actively participate in addressing societal challenges. Whether supporting environmental causes, championing human rights, or advocating for social justice, the modern practitioner recognizes that the bridge between the ethereal and the tangible is built through purposeful action.




In navigating the realms of magical practice and religious devotion, the acknowledgment of action as a pivotal force for change is a common thread. While thoughts and prayers serve as potent expressions of intent, the synergy of these spiritual practices with meaningful, tangible actions amplifies their transformative potential. In the modern world, the alchemy of thought, prayer, and action propels individuals to create positive, impactful change in their personal lives and the broader community.

What do you think? Is magical intention or thoughts and prayers enough to manifest change? How do you ensure that your magical intent translates into action?

Have glorious day!

BY HER FIRES.COM

I Walk with the Goddess: a Metaphor for Personal Responsibility

In the realms of paganism and witchcraft, the phrase "I walk with the Goddess" echoes through sacred spaces, whispered in rituals, and woven into the fabric of spiritual practices. But what does it truly mean to walk with the Goddess? Is it a tangible journey, a metaphysical connection, or perhaps a metaphor for the profound responsibility that comes with embracing the divine feminine?

Join me in contemplating this enchanting phrase as we unravel the layers of meaning behind "walking with the Goddess." Let's navigate the realms where the mystical meets the mundane, seeking to understand how this expression transcends the physical and beckons us to embrace personal responsibility in the dance with the divine.


Modern goddess worship is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads of spiritual exploration, distinct from the monolithic structures of Abrahamic religions. In the embrace of goddess spirituality, adherents find solace in the fluidity of deity, often personifying the divine in multifaceted forms that mirror the complexities of the natural world. Unlike the rigid monotheism of Abrahamic faiths, where a singular male god takes center stage, goddess worship invites devotees to revel in the divine feminine. The sacred feminine manifests in myriad archetypes – from the nurturing Earth Mother to the fierce warrior goddess – offering a rich and nuanced panorama of divinity.

In goddess-centered traditions, the interconnectedness of life is a cherished principle, fostering a deep reverence for the cycles of nature. The goddess is not an abstract figure residing in the heavens but an immanent force interwoven with the tapestry of existence. This contrast with many Abrahamic deities' distant and patriarchal nature underscores the more intimate, accessible, and egalitarian relationship practitioners share with the divine in goddess worship.

Moreover, goddess spirituality often eschews rigid hierarchies, allowing for a more inclusive and egalitarian approach. In many traditions, the divine is not confined to a distant and unapproachable deity but is recognized within every being and the world around us. This interconnected perspective nurtures a sense of shared responsibility for the Earth and its inhabitants, echoing the intrinsic connection between spirituality and environmental stewardship.

While Abrahamic religions emphasize doctrines and sacred texts, goddess worship frequently places a premium on personal experience, intuition, and direct connection with the divine. The goddess is not confined to ancient scriptures but is a living, breathing presence encountered in the tapestry of daily life. This emphasis on personal gnosis over rigid dogma empowers individuals to forge unique and intimate relationships with their chosen goddess or goddesses.

In the realms of modern goddess worship, diversity and inclusivity are celebrated. Various goddesses from different cultures and traditions are venerated, each contributing a unique facet to the kaleidoscope of the divine feminine. This contrasts with the often exclusivist stance of some Abrahamic religions, where adherence to a particular deity or doctrine is considered the sole path to salvation.

A stark departure from the structured prayer rituals of Abrahamic religions emerges within goddess worship. While prayer in Abrahamic faiths often follows a prescribed format, imbued with supplication and reverence toward a distant deity, magical rituals in goddess worship exude a more participatory and immersive essence.

Goddess worship embraces the idea that the divine is immanent and present in every aspect of life. Magical rituals become a co-creative dance with the goddess, a collaborative effort to invoke, commune, and align with the divine forces permeating the world. Unlike the structured prayers that often serve as a one-way conversation in Abrahamic traditions, magical rituals involve an interactive dialogue with the goddess, fostering a sense of partnership and shared energy.

In goddess worship, rituals are often designed to attune practitioners to the cyclical rhythms of nature and the divine feminine. Celebrating the phases of the moon, the changing seasons, and the natural elements becomes a way to connect with the goddess on a visceral level. This contrasts with the more doctrinal nature of many Abrahamic prayers, which often revolve around specific texts and established liturgies.

Goddess rituals frequently incorporate a sensory-rich experience, engaging practitioners on multiple levels. Using incense, candles, sacred herbs, and ritual tools contributes to an immersive environment that stimulates the mind and the senses. Participants may engage in dance, chanting, or meditation, fostering a holistic connection with the goddess. In contrast, traditional prayer in Abrahamic religions is often centered around verbal recitations or silent contemplation.

Magical rituals in goddess worship aim to cultivate a personal and transformative connection with the divine. Rituals are seen as a form of direct communion, enabling practitioners to tap into the goddess's wisdom, guidance, and blessings. This contrasts with some prayer practices in Abrahamic religions, where the emphasis may be on seeking intercession or divine favor rather than co-creating with the divine.

Additionally, goddess rituals often embrace the empowerment of the individual. Rather than a hierarchical relationship where the practitioner is subordinate, rituals aim to invoke the inherent divine spark within each person. This empowerment aligns with the goddess's archetype as a source of strength, wisdom, and nurturing support. In Abrahamic prayers, the emphasis may be on submission to a higher authority.


While Abrahamic prayer rituals are often framed within the context of religious doctrines and established traditions, goddess worship allows for a more eclectic and personal approach to magical rituals. Practitioners are encouraged to craft rituals that resonate with their unique spiritual journey, fostering a sense of authenticity and individual expression.

In essence, the magical rituals of goddess worship and the prayer rituals of Abrahamic religions diverge in their approach, reflecting the distinct theological perspectives and paradigms of immanence and transcendence. Goddess worship invites participants into a dynamic and participatory relationship with the divine, emphasizing personal experience, creativity, and co-creation in magical rituals.

For practitioners of Goddess worship, "I walk with the Goddess" is a profound metaphor that encapsulates a personal and intimate connection with the divine feminine. It signifies a journey of spiritual exploration and alignment with the energies and wisdom of the Goddess.

The metaphor suggests a continuous companionship with the divine, emphasizing a sense of partnership and collaboration in navigating life's journey. Walking with the Goddess implies seeking guidance, drawing strength, and participating in a co-creative relationship with the sacred feminine.

In Christian traditions, followers may express their devotion to Jesus by saying, "I walk with Jesus." This metaphor reflects a commitment to a life guided by Christian principles and teachings. Walking with Jesus signifies a discipleship and a conscious effort to emulate the qualities and virtues demonstrated by Jesus Christ. It implies a daily journey of faith, incorporating Christ's teachings into one's actions, decisions, and interactions with others.


In Islam, a similar sentiment might be expressed as "I walk with Mohammad." This metaphor symbolizes a commitment to following the example set by the Prophet Mohammad and adhering to the teachings of Islam.

Walking with Mohammad implies living in accordance with the values and principles outlined in the Quran and the Hadith. It signifies a spiritual journey marked by submission to the will of Allah and an effort to embody the virtues demonstrated by the Prophet Mohammad.

In essence, the metaphor of walking with the Goddess, Jesus, or Mohammad serves as a symbolic expression of a believer's dedication to their respective spiritual path. It conveys the idea of an ongoing journey, a conscious choice to align one's life with the teachings, virtues, and divine presence associated with the chosen deity or spiritual figure. The metaphor encapsulates the essence of a dynamic and evolving relationship between the individual and the sacred, shaping their beliefs, values, and actions along the way.

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments; I would love to hear your feedback.

Remember, stay present and mindful.

Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson

Keybearer to the CoH

Founder of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo.

BY HER FIRES.COM


Embracing Shadow Work with Hecate’s Guidance

 September marks the slow transition from the brightness of summer to the introspection of autumn. As the days shorten and shadows grow longer, we’re invited to turn inward, to reflect on the darker aspects of ourselves, and to engage in shadow work. Hecate, the goddess of transformation and liminal spaces, is the perfect guide for this journey. Her wisdom and light can help us navigate the depths of our being with courage and compassion.

Shadow work involves exploring the hidden or repressed aspects of ourselves—the parts we often deny, avoid, or fear. These shadows can include emotions, behaviors, or beliefs we’ve been taught to suppress, yet they influence our thoughts and actions in profound ways. By embracing and integrating these shadows, we can heal old wounds, break destructive patterns, and step into greater wholeness.


Hecate is uniquely positioned to guide us in shadow work:

  • Goddess of the Crossroads: She helps us make pivotal choices in our journey of self-discovery.

  • Bearer of Light: Her torches illuminate what is hidden, allowing us to see and understand our shadows.

  • Guide through the Underworld: Hecate’s connection to the chthonic realms symbolizes her ability to lead us through the darkest parts of ourselves and emerge transformed.

  • Rituals for Shadow Work with Hecate

Meditation at a Crossroads

Visit a physical crossroads or create one symbolically in your space.

Sit quietly with a candle and focus on a question or issue you’ve been avoiding.

Invoke Hecate, asking her to guide you in facing this aspect of yourself.

Journal any insights or emotions that arise.

Mirror Work

Place a mirror on your altar, surrounded by items representing Hecate (keys, torches, herbs).

Look into the mirror and speak to your reflection as though you were addressing your shadow.

Acknowledge its presence and ask what it needs to feel heard or healed.

Burning Bowl Ritual

Write down fears, regrets, or habits you wish to release.

Light a black candle, dedicate it to Hecate, and safely burn the paper in a fire-safe bowl.

As the smoke rises, visualize these burdens being transformed into lessons.

Journaling Prompts Inspired by Hecate

  • What aspects of myself have I been avoiding or denying?

  • When have I felt like I was at a crossroads in my life? How did I navigate it?

  • What recurring fears or patterns am I ready to release?

  • How can I honor and integrate my shadow without judgment?

  • In what ways does Hecate’s light inspire me to embrace transformation?



As autumn approaches, nature reflects the process of release and transformation. Leaves fall, the earth slows, and we’re called to mirror this process in our own lives. Shadow work aligns with this season’s energy, helping us shed what no longer serves and prepare for the inward journey of winter.

A Blessing for Shadow Work

"Hecate, keeper of the shadows and light,

Guide me through this autumn night.

Illuminate the paths I fear to tread,

With your wisdom, transform what lies ahead."

Shadow work isn’t always comfortable, but it’s a vital part of growth and self-discovery. Hecate reminds us that light and shadow coexist, and that facing our inner darkness leads to empowerment and renewal. By engaging in shadow work this September, you honor her transformative power and open yourself to profound healing.

Let this be a season of courage and reflection. Step boldly into the shadows, trusting Hecate to guide you through. 

Have a glorious day!

BY HER FIRES.COM