Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts

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

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

Embracing the Full Moon: A Time for Shedding and Renewal

The Full Moon: A Moment of Clarity



If the New Moon is for dreaming, the Full Moon is for shedding. It’s a pivotal moment in the lunar cycle. Everything becomes visible — even the things we’ve tried to ignore. The pressure, the overcommitments, and the outdated stories we keep telling ourselves come to light.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need an elaborate ritual to participate. Sometimes, the most powerful magic is done with your eyes closed and your heart open.

🌬 A Simple Full Moon Visualization (5 Minutes or Less)

You can do this sitting in a chair, lying on your bed, or standing outside under the moonlight. Wherever you are — that’s your sacred space.

1. Breathe and Drop In

Close your eyes. Inhale for 4… hold… exhale for 6. Do this three times.

Imagine moonlight pouring down over you like a waterfall of silver light. It feels cool, cleansing, and clearing. 

2. Let It Rise to the Surface

Ask yourself:

  • What have I outgrown?

  • What am I holding that no longer supports my growth?

Don’t try to fix it. Just notice it. Feel it come to the surface — heavy in your chest, your belly, your throat. Let the moonlight gather it all up like fog rising from your skin.

3. Release

On your next exhale, imagine it dissolving. No drama. No judgment. Just letting go.

Say quietly or aloud:

“I release what I no longer need. I make space for healing. I make space for me.”

When you’re ready, open your eyes. Drink some water. Rest.

🃏 Oracle Card Pull: Mirror


This card asks: Are you seeing clearly, or are you seeing through fear? The Full Moon is the perfect time to confront our own stories — the ones that limit us, the ones that hurt, and the ones that beg to be rewritten. Be honest with yourself, yes — but be kind, too. That’s real magic.

➡️ Want to learn more? Pull your own card from the Crossroads Oracle or River Witch Oracle tonight and journal on it. Both decks are made for moments like this.

✨ Free Resource

Need help walking through this visualization? I’ve created a free downloadable protection meditation you can access here.

You can also find more audio on my YouTube channel — I posted a while back on the new moon.


💖 Sincere Invitation

If this helped you slow down and reconnect — beautiful. That’s the goal. 

If you’d like more structure, deeper lessons, or guidance on how to work with your own psychic energy, I do offer a Seer course. This course can walk you through each phase with intention and positivity. You can find it here.

And if now’s not the time? No worries. Keep showing up in your way, at your pace.

Either way, every purchase made at ByHerFires.com helps me continue supporting the Blessing Box of Goldsboro. This initiative provides food and care at the crossroads for anyone in need.

Let wisdom, new beginnings, and creative expression shape your day. Have a glorious day. 🌕 

BY HER FIRES.COM

A New Moon Ritual for Clearing and Calling In(Even If You’ve Got 15 Minutes and Zero Crystals)

The New Moon is a cosmic exhale.


It’s the quiet before the bloom — a sacred space for letting go of what no longer serves, and planting seeds for what you truly want.

You don’t need a full altar or perfect moon water to participate. You just need a clear intention and a little time to connect inward.

Here’s a simple New Moon ritual you can do tonight (or anytime the moon is dark and dreaming):

🕯️ Step-by-Step New Moon Ritual

You’ll need:

A candle (any color)

A journal or scrap paper

10–15 minutes of uninterrupted time

1. Center Yourself

Take three slow, deep breaths. Imagine the air moving through your body like a gentle tide. Feel your energy settle.

2. Release What’s Weighing You Down

Ask yourself: What am I ready to release?

Write down any habits, thought patterns, relationships, or energies that are taking up too much space.

Then (safely) burn the paper, bury it, or tear it up with intention.

As you do, say:

“I release what no longer serves. I clear space for what is meant for me.”

3. Call in What You Desire

Write down what you want to manifest. Be specific — not just “abundance,” but “a steady stream of income doing meaningful work.” Not just “peace,” but “a sense of safety in my own body.”

Hold the candle, close your eyes, and visualize it coming to life. Feel it like it’s already here.

Say aloud:

“I call in what aligns with my highest good. I am open, I am ready, I am whole.”

Cosmic Energy - Crossroads Oracle - Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson


This card is a beautiful reminder that your manifestations don’t work on a human deadline — they work on cosmic time. You’ve set the intention. Now let go of the grip and trust the process. The universe is listening, even when it feels quiet.

Want help getting clearer on your intentions?

Try pulling a card from the Crossroads Oracle or River Witch Oracle — they’re perfect for moon rituals and soul prompts.

🧘‍♀️ Want More Support?

If this ritual resonates, check out:

My Daily Affirmations for the Hecate Devotee eBook — a full guide with affirmations for building your magical spirit.

Developing Your Oracle Skills— a self-paced course on working with psychic energy in your everyday life.

My free protection visualization — quick, calming, and powerful.

Final Thought

The New Moon doesn’t ask you to do more. It asks you to trust more. To dream more. To believe that the unseen is already working on your behalf.

In our next post, we’ll explore a quick Full Moon visualization to help you release heavy energy and reconnect with your power.

And don’t forget — every purchase you make supports the Blessing Box of Goldsboro, placing food and care items at local crossroads for those in need.

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

Have a glorious day. 🔥

BY HER FIRES. COM

What Makes a Ritual Work? (Hint: It’s Not the Candle Brand)

 Let’s get something out of the way — your ritual won’t fail just because your candle came from the clearance aisle. Magic isn’t about aesthetic perfection. It doesn't come from buying the right ribbons or bows or even the right brush for that hair magic spell. It’s about energetic precision.

Speaking of hair magic - if you're interested, I created a video talking about just that.



If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing this right?” — this one’s for you.

🔑 What Actually Makes a Ritual Work?

Forget the expensive tools. The real power comes from you. The three forces behind every successful ritual are:

  1. Belief – You must trust the process, even if it doesn’t look like what you saw on social media.

  1. Intention – Be clear about what you want to shift, release, or call in.

  1. Consistency – The more you practice, the more potent your results become.

You could light a birthday candle, speak your truth into the flame, and shift the entire course of your day — because your energy is the fuel. Your will is the spark.

Ritual as a Daily Anchor

Want to deepen your practice without the overwhelm?

Here are a few simple, effective rituals to anchor your day:

  1. Morning Intention-Setting: Speak your intention aloud while placing your feet on the ground. Bonus points if you do it with your morning brew.

  1. Daily Card Pull: Use one of my exclusive oracle decks to connect with the energy of the day. Explore the decks here.




The Shadow card shows up today not to spook you — but to spotlight what you've been avoiding.

It’s the stuff that lurks beneath the surface of your rituals and intentions. The fears you don’t voice. The habits you pretend are harmless. The parts of you that feel too much or not enough.

This card says: “Hey. Let’s not skip this step.”

Shadow work isn’t about wallowing. It’s about reclaiming. When you invite your shadow into your spiritual practice — when you give it a seat at the ritual — you stop letting it sabotage you in silence.

So ask yourself today:

What do I pretend not to feel when I do my spells?

What part of me is begging to be heard, not healed?

What power am I pushing away because it scares me?

Light your candle. Pull your card. But also—listen for the whisper beneath the flame.

You don’t need to banish your shadow. You need to walk with it.

🧘‍♀️ Want support in exploring your shadow?

Try one of my guided visualizations or enroll in my Healing the Inner Child.

  1. Visualization Practice: Try my free downloadable visualizations to cleanse your energy or connect with an element.

Curious how I work with ritual every day?

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for real-life examples, magical chats, and card pulls you can follow along with.

Here's a quick daily devotional to Hecate but you can modify this to put your own energy source. Take a moment each day to center yourself and pull back the energy home. 


Want Support?

If you're ready to go deeper, I’ve created self-paced classes to help you build your practice with confidence. From witchcraft foundations to advanced energy work, they’re designed to help you grow your magic in your own way.

Browse the course catalog.

Ritual isn't about performing magic — it's about becoming it. Every small, intentional act is a spell in motion.

So… what really makes a ritual work?

It’s not the candle, the chant, or the perfect moon phase.

It’s you — showing up. Intentionally. Authentically. Even when it’s messy.

Ritual works when you bring your full self to it — light and shadow alike. When you stop trying to perform magic and start becoming it. When you’re brave enough to name what’s hidden, and bold enough to keep going anyway.

The Shadow card reminds us that the most powerful rituals are the ones where we stop pretending and start participating — fully, fiercely, and without shame.

In our next post, I’ll share the three spiritual tools I use every single day to keep my practice grounded and meaningful. No fluff, no gatekeeping — just real tools that work.

And don’t forget — every purchase on ByHerFires.com helps support the Blessing Box of Goldsboro, bringing nourishment and care to those who need it most, right at the crossroads.

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

Have a glorious day. 🔥

Keeping the Fires Burning Call for Submissions

🔥 Keeping the Fires Burning: Call for Submissions! 🔥



Have you experienced the Rite of Her Sacred Fires? Has Hecate’s presence illuminated your path, guided your journey, or transformed your life? Now is your chance to share your story. We are gathering submissions for Keeping the Fires Burning, a new community anthology dedicated to the sacred fires of Hecate. This collection will feature personal experiences, reflections, and insights from those who have taken part in this powerful rite. ✨ How to Participate: 📖 Share your experiences with the Rite of Her Sacred Fires 💬 Reflect on how this ritual has shaped your spiritual journey 🔥 Help keep the sacred flame burning for future generations 📩 Submissions are now open! Submit your work and be part of this powerful offering to Hecate. 📅 Deadline: 25 November 2025 🔗 Learn more & submit your work here: HerSacredFires.org Together, we honor the light of Hecate. 🔥


What is an Oracle?

 

An oracle is a person or a place regarded as a source of divine knowledge or prophecy. In ancient times, oracles were highly respected figures who were believed to possess the ability to communicate with the gods or divine entities and provide guidance, predictions, or answers to questions posed by individuals or communities.

Oracles could be individuals with special abilities, such as priestesses or priests, who acted as intermediaries between the mortal realm and the divine realm. They would enter a state of trance or altered consciousness through various methods, such as inhaling fumes, chanting, or performing rituals, to receive divine messages and insight.

Oracle sites, such as the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece, were also places where people would seek divinatory guidance. These sites were often associated with a particular deity, and individuals would visit the site and pose their questions or seek guidance through rituals, offerings, or direct interaction with the designated oracle.

The information provided by oracles was considered sacred and highly influential in decision-making processes, such as matters of state, warfare, or personal affairs. The guidance of oracles was sought for a wide range of topics, including the outcome of battles, the success of ventures, or advice on personal matters.

Oracles played a significant role in ancient societies, and their pronouncements held great weight and influence. While the prominence of oracles has diminished in modern times, the concept of seeking guidance or divinatory insights from spiritual or intuitive sources still persists in various forms today.

I often call on Hecate before and during my readings. However, She is primarily known in Greek mythology as a goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, and the night, rather than specifically as an oracle. While she possessed knowledge of hidden things and was believed to have prophetic abilities, her role as an oracle is not as prominent as that of other deities, such as Apollo or the Pythia at the Oracle of Delphi.

However, Hecate was considered a powerful and mystical deity who could grant visions and insights into the future. As a goddess associated with the crossroads, liminal spaces, and transitions, she was believed to have knowledge of the hidden paths and could guide individuals through uncertain times.

Hecate's connection to prophecy and divination is often related to her role as a mistress of magic and the occult. She was sometimes invoked for guidance and assistance in receiving prophetic dreams, visions, or messages. Her association with witchcraft and mystical practices suggests that she may have been consulted for divinatory purposes by those seeking her wisdom and guidance.

While Hecate is not specifically identified as an oracle in the same way as other figures in Greek mythology, her powers and insights were recognized, and she played a significant role in the realm of magic, mysticism, and the hidden knowledge of the supernatural.

What do you think? Do you call on her powers for your readings? Do you work with her as a messenger goddess? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Remember, stay present and mindful.
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
Keybearer to the CoH🗝
Founder of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo.🔥