The Enchanted Tarot

Astrology

Enchantments

Alchemy

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HEKAT was first worshipped in pre-dynastic Egypt where she was the symbol of the tribal matriarchal ruler. She came to be associated with women's knowledge of the mysteries of childbirth and the occult, magical side of life.

In later years, she appeared in the myth of the Greek Goddess Demeter whom she accompanied in Demeter's search for her daughter Persephone. They went to Helios, the Sun, to ask where the child was hidden and were directed to the underworld (a realm where HEKAT would rule as "Hecate" at a later date). At first, HEKAT was powerful in the sky and on Earth.

She was also referred to as HECATE SELENE, another name for the Moon. She gave dreams and helped lovers. She benefitted humankind with riches, wisdom, and victories but later, as women's roles became diminished in society, she became the ruler of Hades, the realm of darkness. She would arise in the nocturnal hours to appear at the scenes of crimes or near tombs.

In a ritual of appeasement called "HEKAT's Supper", food was left at midnight at the crossroads of three roads, an ancient symbol of the Triple Goddess. She was especially feared by the patriarchal church because of her ancient association with midwives, the expert practitioners of the teachings of The Goddess and those viewed by the church as most dangerous to their faith. They associated her with witches and witchcraft, their words for the ancient arts. HEKAT's power to keep the secret teachings of the ages alive caused her to be associated with evil and the casting of hurtful spells.