In this video, I talk about offerings, sacrifice, and altar devotion as they have existed throughout history. Before modern witchcraft or organized religion as we know it today, people honored their gods through simple, consistent acts of care. Food, drink, incense, handmade objects, and time itself were given not as payment or fear-based obligation, but as a way to maintain relationship and presence.
I also touch on what sacrifice meant historically. To sacrifice was to make something sacred, to set it apart. In many cultures, sacrifice was communal and shared, not about loss or destruction. Most devotional acts happened at the household level through small altars, lamps, bowls, and offerings refreshed regularly as part of daily life.
This conversation leads into my latest clay work. Working with earth has always been part of sacred practice. Pottery, lamps, figurines, and vessels were among the most common devotional objects across cultures because they required time, attention, and intention. Making something by hand has always been a powerful offering.
This video is an invitation to think differently about devotion. You don’t need extravagance. You don’t need perfection. You need consistency, care, and honesty. Those are the things people have offered the gods for thousands of years, and they still matter now.
I also cover my decision to move out of Wix as a webhost. I'm working on transferring my domains now and have already moved Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo to Facebook. I will look to find another suitable host but for now, I just cannot continue to support this organization. Happy to discuss this decision privately.
I have added the individual cards from the reading below. I hope this post finds you well and happy.
When people ask what Hecate looks like, the short answer is: it depends. The ancient sources don’t give us one clean image. She's been called a towering woman, a Titan bearing torches and swords, protector of the crossroads, the howling figure in the dark with dog heads and fiery eyes. Some sources describe her hair and feet as made of snakes.
The Orphic Argonautica describes her with three heads, one of a horse, one of a dog, and one of a lion. Each has a long history of symbolic meaning: the dog as guardian of the underworld and companion at thresholds, the horse as a symbol of noble strength and movement between realms, and the lion for power, protection, and ferocity.
In the Greek Magical Papyri, she is invoked with fearsome imagery. Serpents in her hair, scales across her body, thunder and howling accompanying her steps. These weren’t just poetic images. The ancients believed what they wrote. Those performing magic saw her as liminal, powerful, and terrifying.
Animal-headed depictions of Hecate, horse, dog, lion, show up across magical texts and ancient art. Triple-bodied statues from Asia Minor and carved gemstones from the Greco-Roman period show her holding torches and knives, sometimes accompanied by cords, whips, or snakes. One of the first descriptions I ever read said, “her hair was like snakes.” That line stuck with me.
For six years, I wore my hair in dreadlocks as a devotional act. Snake-like hair wasn’t symbolic for me. It was lived daily as a way to remind myself of the image I wanted to present. Dreadlocks resemble and move like snakes. They sway with energy. They hold memory. And they change how people look at you.
Some folks, especially within the Black community, were warmer and more open. In other places, I felt side-eyed or dismissed. Electronics stores, car dealerships, you get the picture. But this practice wasn’t about anyone else’s comfort. It was about embodiment. Wearing my devotion made Hecate’s presence feel immediate, grounding me in her power with every step I took. When people asked about my hair, I told them. I told them it was for Hecate.
The documentation we do have is scattered across sources:
“Her feet and hair are formed of snakes… her passage is accompanied by thunder, shrieks, yells, and the deep baying of dogs.”— Berens, 1880, The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
“You who shake your head with hair made of fearsome snakes… your belly covered in scales…”— PGM IV, 2793–2806
She's also been called the Black Dog, Black Bitch, and Brimo, which means “the Angry One.” These are titles for a deity who lives in graveyards and shadows. She walks between the worlds, torch in hand, sword at her side.
Some sources describe her as “black,” both literally and symbolically. She is tied to the underworld, night, death, ghosts, and decay. In ancient art, deities of the underworld were often drawn with darker skin. That could reflect the realm they ruled or the fear they inspired.
So was Hecate Black (POC) in a racial sense?
Her earliest worship came from Caria, in southwestern Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. People from that region would have had olive or darker skin, curly or wavy hair, and features that reflect the Mediterranean and Anatolian world.
Her father Perses, a Titan of destruction, and her mother Asteria, “the Starry One,” are not described in terms of appearance. We know that even though she was of the Titans, she was depicted as human sized and often with knee length dresses and boots leaning towards the maiden vs. any other triple or lunar goddess construct. But if their myths are tied to that region, we can assume they looked more like Anatolian locals than Greek marble. This region was also very high in genetic diversity, leading us more towards an olive skinned wavy/curly haired people.
A few years back I created several images of the Goddess with darker skin and the feedback was not surprising. Lots of pearl clutching and warnings of how I was appropriating cultures not my own.
For me, it’s more likely that she was a woman of color, with textured hair and broad olive skinned features rather than the Hellenized versions we often see today.
My journey on this path has always been about being present in your body, your story, your truth. This involves how I speak, how I appear, and how I represent Hecate in the world. If I don't embody what I aim to emulate, how can I ever reach the space I'm striving for?
She isn't always comforting. She's the one who meets you in the darkness when everyone else leaves. She's the one who brings the sword, the torch, and the key, challenging you to use them.
What do you think?
We are aware that art and history are written by the victors. Do you believe this influences the images we have of Gods and Goddesses today? How does this affect your worship? Do you seek someone like yourself or culturally similar to who you are? I'm eager to hear some of the responses.
When we step into the world of ancient devotion and magic, we often find deities from different cultures standing side by side, joined not by geography but by their shared roles in human imagination and spiritual practice. Among these unexpected partnerships is the connection between Hecate of Greece and Thoth of Egypt.
Let me be clear here, there is no historical representation of these two together. This is a personal connection, that I have made based on the energy that "I" feel from both bits of information and how "I" have connected. This information is not reflective of the Covenant of Hekate or any other organization where my work may be found.
Text to Image Creation
Neither Hecate nor Thoth should be understood as once-human beings elevated into divine status. Instead, they are personifications of cosmic principles — archetypal forces that express themselves through ritual, prayer, and story.
Hecate embodies liminality, illumination, and transformation. She is the torch that reveals hidden paths, the key that unlocks mysteries, and the guardian who stands firm at the threshold.
Thoth personifies wisdom, cosmic balance, and the transmission of divine knowledge. He is the scribe of the gods, the inventor of sacred words, and the keeper of time’s rhythm.
When we invoke them, we are not calling forth external beings in the sky. Instead, we are drawing their energies into ourselves — awakening the illumination of Hecate and the wisdom of Thoth so that these forces can guide our lives.
In ancient Greece, Hecate was first honored as a goddess with power over earth, sea, and sky. Over time, she became deeply associated with crossroads, thresholds, and the mysteries of the unseen. For practitioners today, she is a living archetype of transformation — the presence that accompanies us in shadow work, change, and moments of decision.
Within the Covenant of Hekate, her energy is cultivated through the Five Virtues: Compassion, Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. These qualities are not external gifts but inner strengths kindled through her torches.
For the Egyptians, Thoth (Djehuty) was both lunar and intellectual. He invented hieroglyphs, measured the heavens, and recorded the judgments of the dead. In the Hermetic tradition that grew in later centuries, he became Hermes Trismegistus — the thrice-great teacher of cosmic wisdom.
Thoth is not merely a record-keeper. He is the personification of the act of ordering chaos into meaning. When we work with his energy, we align ourselves with clarity, balance, and truth.
When placed together, the resonances between Hecate and Thoth are striking:
Threshold and Transmission
Hecate opens the doors of mystery with her keys.
Thoth transmits what lies beyond, shaping it into language and understanding.
Illumination and Insight
Hecate’s torches light the unseen paths.
Thoth’s stylus records and interprets what that light reveals.
Wisdom as a Virtue
In CoH, Wisdom is the culmination of Hecate’s guidance.
Thoth is the archetype of wisdom itself — the balance of Ma’at expressed in thought and word.
Together, they invite us to see wisdom not just as knowing, but as embodied practice: choosing compassion, courage, and balance in our daily lives.
For modern seekers, the pairing of Hecate and Thoth offers a path that unites mystical insight with practical wisdom.
From Hecate, we learn to face the unknown with courage.
From Thoth, we learn to shape what we encounter into clarity and truth.
By working with these archetypal forces in ritual or meditation, we don’t summon external gods but rather activate the divine energies within ourselves. Their symbols — torches, keys, scrolls, and tablets — become tools to remind us that wisdom and transformation are available at every threshold we cross.
Devotional
Hecate, torch-bearer,
light the unseen paths before me.
Key-holder of mysteries,
open the doors of wisdom and transformation.
Thoth, scribe of the gods,
inscribe truth upon my heart.
Keeper of balance,
guide my thoughts into clarity and harmony.
Together, illuminate my mind and spirit.
Let my words carry wisdom,
let my choices reflect balance,
and let my path be lit by truth.
I wish you a glorious day!
BY HER FIRES.COM
Sources & Further Reading
Hans Dieter Betz (ed.), The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation.
Iamblichus, On the Mysteries.
The Hermetica (Corpus Hermeticum).
Sorita d’Este (ed.), Circle for Hekate Vols. I & II.
October ushers in Samhain, a sacred time when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. This season of shadows invites us to honor our ancestors, connect with the divine, and embrace the mysteries of life and death. As the goddess of crossroads and the chthonic realms, Hecate holds a central role in Samhain rituals, offering her guidance as we walk between the seen and unseen worlds.
Samhain, traditionally celebrated on October 31st, marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It’s a time to honor the dead, reflect on cycles of life and rebirth, and seek guidance from the spiritual realms. Rooted in Celtic tradition, Samhain has evolved to include modern practices, and for devotees of Hecate, it offers a unique opportunity to deepen their connection with her.
Hecate’s role as a goddess of the underworld and guide of lost souls makes her an ideal deity to work with during Samhain. She stands as a guardian of thresholds, helping us honor our ancestors, explore the mysteries of death, and prepare for the introspection of winter.
Samhain Rituals with Hecate
Ancestral Altar
Dedicate a space to your ancestors by arranging photos, mementos, and offerings such as food, candles, and incense.
Include symbols of Hecate, like keys or torches, to invite her guidance in connecting with your lineage.
Speak their names aloud and offer gratitude for their influence in your life.
Silent Supper
Prepare a plant-based meal and set a place at the table for Hecate and your ancestors.
Eat in silence, reflecting on their wisdom and lessons.
Afterward, leave an offering of food on your altar or outside as a gift for the spirits.
Crossroads Meditation
Visit a physical crossroads or create one in your sacred space with four candles.
Sit at the center and meditate on the guidance you seek from Hecate.
Ask for clarity in navigating transitions or connecting with the spiritual realms.
Plant-Based Recipes for Samhain
Pumpkin and Sage Soup
Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for roasting
Instructions:
Roast the pumpkin with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
Add roasted pumpkin, sage, and broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Blend until smooth and serve with crusty bread.
Apple and Cinnamon Hand Pies
Ingredients:
2 cups diced apples
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
1 sheet vegan puff pastry
Instructions:
Mix apples, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl.
Cut puff pastry into squares, fill with apple mixture, and fold into triangles.
Seal edges and bake at 375°F until golden brown.
A Blessing for Samhain
"Hecate, keeper of shadows and light,
Guide us through this sacred night.
With wisdom deep and ancestors near,
We walk this path without fear."
Samhain is a time to honor the cycles of life and death, embrace the mysteries, and connect with the spiritual world. By incorporating Hecate’s guidance into your rituals, you can navigate this sacred season with intention and reverence.
Whether through ancestral altars, meditative walks at crossroads, or plant-based feasts, let Samhain be a time of reflection, gratitude, and transformation. May Hecate’s torches light your way as you honor the past and step boldly into the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
August brings a time to reflect on the sacred spaces in our lives—both physical and spiritual. An altar is more than just a collection of items; it’s a focal point for devotion, intention, and connection with the divine. For those honoring Hecate, creating an altar can be a deeply personal and transformative practice. This month, let’s explore how to craft an altar that embodies Hecate’s energy using eco-friendly, sustainable materials that align with mindful and nature-based living.
Hecate, as the goddess of crossroads, magic, and transformation, encourages us to create spaces that honor her wisdom and power. An altar dedicated to her serves as a gateway to her energy and a place for meditation, ritual, and reflection. It can also act as a physical reminder of her presence and guidance in your life.
Crafting an altar with sustainability in mind reflects Hecate’s connection to the natural world. Here are some tips:
Use Natural Elements: Incorporate stones, wood, and dried herbs gathered respectfully from your environment.
Repurpose Items: Transform thrifted or recycled objects into altar tools, such as candle holders, offering bowls, or containers for herbs.
Choose Biodegradable Materials: Use beeswax or soy candles, linen cloths, and natural incense.
Avoid Plastic: Seek out handmade or organic items whenever possible to keep your altar eco-conscious.
Select a Location: Choose a quiet space where you can focus without distraction. It could be a small table, a shelf, or even a dedicated corner of a room.
Represent Hecate’s Symbols: Incorporate elements associated with Hecate, such as:
Keys: Symbolizing her role as a guide and protector.
Torches or Candles: Representing her light and wisdom.
Herbs: Lavender, mugwort, or rosemary for purification and protection.
Moon Imagery: Honoring her lunar connection.
Serpants
Ewes, Horses or Bulls
Offerings: Dried flowers, coins, or food items like bread or garlic.
Your altar should resonate with your energy and practice. Include items that hold personal meaning, such as photos, handwritten prayers, or unique finds from nature.
Let your altar evolve with the seasons, your spiritual path, or specific rituals you perform.
My altar to Hecate reflects her transformative energy and my connection to nature-based spirituality. It includes:
A reclaimed wooden box as the altar base.
A black and silver cloth symbolizing her wisdom and mystery.
Torches fashioned from beeswax candles.
Stones from local crossroads and dried lavender bundles.
A moonstone pendant and small cauldron for offerings.
This altar is not just a place for rituals but a sanctuary for reflection and renewal.
An altar serves as a grounding point for your spiritual work. It can be a place for:
Daily devotionals or prayers to Hecate.
Rituals of transformation, guidance, or protection.
Honoring her virtues—courage, compassion, temperance, wisdom, and justice.
Meditating on her energy and the lessons she brings.
A Blessing for Your Sacred Space
"Hecate, keeper of keys and light,
Bless this altar, day and night.
May it honor your wisdom and grace,
A sacred and transformative space."
Creating an altar for Hecate is a deeply personal and meaningful endeavor. It’s a place where the mundane meets the magical, and where her energy can flow freely into your life. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, you’re not only honoring Hecate but also showing respect for the earth she guides us to protect.
Let your altar become a living expression of your connection to Hecate and her mysteries. May it inspire and empower you in your spiritual journey. Have a glorious day!
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