Cyndi Brannen's Blog

The November 16 Night of Hekate seems to have more online traction these days, yet there is another modern special date for honoring Hekate this month.

This is a special meditative journey pilgrimage to Hekate’s Crossroads that is suitable for this night.

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PS: I’m uncharacteristically wearing green because we recorded this during the Month of Enodia in the coven, the color of which is green. Enodia is the central aspect of Hekate that links her to roadways. Those concerned with thresholds include Propylaia and Empylios.

Create a Crossroads Altar

You can create a crossroads on your altar using any objects that speak to your intention, such as crossing three sticks, dirt from an actual crossroads, or symbols of land, sea, and sky. Light your candle and contemplate all that you encountered on the road that led you here. Choose a symbol of this past for your Cista Mystica. Assemble “key” stones of Hekate—black obsidian, clear quartz, and red jasper—to evoke the energy of her healing crossroads.[i] Additionally, I recommend smoky quartz for connecting specifically with the power of transiting through a crossroads. - from Entering Hekate’s Cave.

Creating a tripod by joining three special sticks, in this case branches of wild rose, is another way to evoke the energy of Hekate’s crossroads on an altar.

READ my original article on November 30 HERE.

[i] I wrote more about these stones in my book, Keeping Her Keys.

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Within the deepest darkness,
There is true sight.
Medicine of the depths
Shaking dreams to light.
Entering Hekate’s realm,
Returning home-flight.
Richness of the shadows,
Truth in what I write.
All is well, in the
Womb of Night.
Moon-arrows aim true,
My soul ignites.

Confession: I have never been comfortable in the spotlight. I didn’t set out on this path, claiming the key that I was offered, to get attention. It’s not in my nature. The shadows are where I belong. Yet, here we are. Perhaps this is a metaphor of how the darkness reveals the sight. I’ve been thinking a lot about social media lately. There’s been times when I took a break from it entirely, but over the past several months I’ve made my peace with it. How this happened is a bit of a mystery. I started making humble videos of altars and other energetic offerings that I felt called to share. I went into this phase of sharing with the intention that those meant to find what I posted would. I stopped trying to best the algorithm.

Rights purchased. The womb-cave of the shadows offers comfort and discomfort.

What Does This Have to do With Sacred Darkness?

Years ago, I wrote about Hekate’s Holy Darkness. It caught fire. People either deeply resonated with my reflections or were enraged by my words. Going into her darkness is like that. Speaking the truth, for in the healing womb-moon-tomb cave the truth is obligatory, as we know it, can lead to strong emotions. Those who find connection will deepen our lives, those who fear their own darkness will lash out.

There is comfort in her womb-cave, and equally it can be deeply unsettling, especially if we’ve been in denial about the dark, whether within ourselves or otherwise.

Living in a World of Artificial Light

There’s enlightenment in the darkness. The dance between our shadows and soul enriches us in ways that unlock meaning, potential, peace, and empowerment. Yet even in shadow work, there’s much on social media that feels like artificial light. To go into the shadows is to walk in the time of kairos, it is slow work. There’s no one-minute reel that’s going to do the work. Only we can. In my personal understanding, Hekate is the guide that can support us as we wander in the depths of our souls.

Shadow Work: Recognizing Projection

I’d like to say that I have one ritual or spell that’ll bypass this deep work, but I’m not much of one lies like that. I will say that I’ve seen people do this work, sometimes supported by my books and courses, sometimes without. There are some keys to shadow work, including studying dreams, shamanic experiences (spontaneous and planned), and ending the addiction to projection. So much on social media is projection. There’s the positivity side of it: buy this thing and your problems will evaporate. There’s the negative version, when people position themselves by sharing other’s content and then criticize it.

Projection, simply stated, is when we (because we all do it) take our own issues and insecurities and push them outward rather than examining them. Now there are times when we need to speak out against injustices, but a lot of what I’ve seen is more about virtue signaling than information sharing. It’s like “look at me, I am not this thing.” However, within the lens of exploring our projections, it may be that our deepest fear is that we are, indeed, that thing.

The opposite of this is healthy engagement with identity. Coming to terms with who we are includes figuring out what we aren’t. But that’s only part of it. The richness of the dark is that our own truth comes to light. The need to define ourselves in terms of what we aren’t, over-identifying with our enemies, evaporates. This creates the space to express all we are.

Bringing Near Enemies To Light

In Buddhism, there’s a practice regarding “near enemies.” I’ve found this approach so helpful in my own shadow wanderings. The near enemy of toxic positivity is toxic negativity. The near enemy of compassion is virtue signaling. Projections are driven by these near enemies. At the surface level, it can look as though we are doing good, but underneath our insecurities are running the show. Co-dependency can look like connection. Superficial content can feel like meaning. Going into our darkness can reveal how these near enemies are working on us.

The Keys: Time, Intention, and Capacity

This takes time, intention, and capacity. Time to reflect on who we are, what projections are working on/through us, and figure out those near enemies. Intention that sets the energy to personal inquiry, seeking to understand our shadows rather than project them outwards. Capacity includes time and intention, and the ability to increase self-awareness, to cut off distractions, establish boundaries, and choose the way of truth. How this looks can take so many forms. For me, Hekate has been an enduring companion, through examining her history, observations, and personal experiences.

What Does Hekate Have To Do With All This?

When we are at a crossroads, or already in the Underworld, Hekate can rise up out of the deeper world, showing up in the cracks of our lives. She sends her emissaries—angels and hungry ghosts alike—to do her bidding. They occupy our dreams, invade our imaginations, and drop their uncanny hints until we pay them heed. Although their faces vary and their methods may be disparate, their message is always the same: Wake up! They intrude on our quiet minds until we hear them speak. And when we do, they tell us stories that unsettle us. They bring back the past, show up our own faults, and generally shake us to the core. That is the work of Hekate in action. She scares the life back into us. She is the spirit of the sacred feminine that calls us to embark on the journey of the soul. - from Entering Hekate’s Cave.

Hekate is a spirit of the shadows, both bringer of light and the darkness. She represents the duality of the universe - light and dark co-exist. In a world where artificial light prevails, from social media and elsewhere, she calls us to elevate the depths.

Watch: Hekate’s Darkness: Shadows, Psychopomps and Dreams

In this episode, Christen and I talk about the profound connections between Hekate and the themes of darkness, night, and the afterlife, while contrasting her illuminating aspects. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing darkness as a sacred journey towards personal healing and empowerment, featuring rituals and practices guided by Hekate. Christen and I share personal stories illustrating the challenges of confronting one’s shadows, alongside insights from psychological theories on dreams and shadow work. We encourage a mindful exploration of inner darkness, seeking community support and the gradual nature of healing, ultimately unlocking Hekate’s transformative darkness.

WATCH this episode wherever you do podcasts, and right on the Keeping Her Keys website. GO THERE.

Read more

It’s been eight years exactly since I first wrote about November 16, and the entire month, being a time for sacred darkness. As Christen reminded me, I declared back then that the “holy darkness is nigh.” Perhaps a bit too-Scorpio, but that’s my nature. Here’s an excerpt from that original article:

“November 16 is a night for deep spiritual work, of offering Hekate Borborophorba our internal refuse so we may work toward healing our shadow and beginning the process of rebirth. Hekate welcomes her chosen home, but the profane will be banished. Seek her out of sincerity, or risk her fierceness. This ritual will open you to the spirits of the Underworld. Participants have received messages from departed loved ones, animal allies, and Hekate’s companions. Persephone, in particular, often meets those who perform this rite.

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In the same way we leave offerings at a crossroads for Deipnon, during this ritual, we need leave our spiritual junk, the miasma, in Her underworld, and we don’t look back. We offer her the toxic parts of ourselves that we are ready to let go of, in order to make space for our rebirth, space to take up her keys and move forward as sovereign, fire-walking, truth-weaving witches.”

What I wrote about in that article, and the ritual I included, has since evolved into The Animarum Catharsis in Hekate’s Keys on the Scorpio New Moon each year. I also included a DIY version of that ritual in my book, Entering Hekate’s Cave.

While we are not accepting new students in The Gate of Release, the course within the Hekate’s Keys program where the Animarum Catharsis is the concluding ceremony, enrollment is open for the next gate, The Gate of Retrieval. The first month is dedicated to Hekate’s sacred darkness, through her epithet of Skotia. Christen and I just recorded a new class on Hekate’s Darkness that’s available in The Gate of Retrieval Playlist now.

I recorded this podcast episode back in 2019, exploring Hekate’s Holy Darkness. You can listen to it, and the meditation below, wherever podcasts are found, and on the Keeping Her Keys website.

Enter her sacred darkness
To be reborn
Into the witch you have always been.
Hail Hekate.

Cyndi

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Hekate’s horns evoke so much, from power to a mystery that can’t be put into words. The history of her association with bulls is fascinating. The horns often place atop her head in ancient images are thought to have multiple meanings, from the obvious ones associated with bulls to the symbolic meaning of their horns. With the Taurus Full Moon on November 5, 2025 at 8:19 AM ET, the energy is ideal to explore the power of Hekate’s Horns.

Not only is Hekate shown with bull horns in images from antiquity to today, ancient texts evoked her using titles linked to the bovine, from Tauroropolos in The Orphic Hymn to Hekate, to the more sweet-sounding “Boopis,” or cow-eyed in other sources.

The Orphic Hymn to Hekate

Lovely Hekate of the roads and of the crossroads I invoke.
In heaven, on earth,
then in the sea, saffron-cloaked,
tomb spirit reveling in the souls of the dead,
daughter of Perses,
haunting deserted places,
delighting in deer,
nocturnal, dog-loving,
monstrous queen,
devouring wild beasts,
ungirt and repulsive.
Herder of bulls,
queen and mistress of the whole world,
leader, nymph,
mountain-roaming nurturer of youths,
maiden, I beseech you to come
to these holy rites,
ever with joyous heart,
ever favoring the oxherd.

(Athanassakis translation)

Yes, bulls are powerful. Seeing Hekate as Tauropolos (The Herder of Bulls) speaks to her mightiness - she controls the most powerful animals. Other epithets, such as “Tauromorphos,” give her bullish features.

Let’s unpack the symbolism of the bull to those ancients who linked her to these kings of the barnyard.

Connection: The Moon and The Womb

The bull’s horns were a symbol of both the moon and the womb, which were themselves entwined. The bull’s horns were a representation of the crescent moon, perhaps evoking Noumenia, the time when the first crescent appears after the dark moon when honoring Hekate through ritual suppers occurred. Hekate was not the only goddess who bore horns, though. Many expressions of The Great Mother Goddess from different cultures and times were adorned with them, such as Egyptian Isis.

The bull’s horned head resembles the uterus and fallopian tubes, the womb, so they were also a symbol of fertility, just like the moon. An interesting meaning that isn’t obvious, but once you see it, it becomes so potent.

In this charm from The Campbell Bonner Magical Gem Database, Hekate’s twin torches are evident, below them are what appear to be bull’s horns sitting on top of a very full womb. The word inscribed on the back may be “Eilytheia,” or Divine Midwife, which makes sense given the illustration on the opposite site. The great ouroboros, the serpent of life, surrounds the illustration.

Thus, those horns help us connect to the sacred feminine, with her characteristic awakening of intuition, emotions, and magic.

Intention: Being In Hekate’s “Herd”

The meaning of “Tauropolos” itself is multifaceted. There is the surface interpretation that she is powerful enough to control bulls, linking her to agriculture, and richness. To sacrifice a bull to Hekate was truly expensive. Not only in their value, which prize bulls still retain today, but in taking away the ability to create new cattle. Bulls, particularly black ones, were sacrificed in Hekate’s name in ancient times, although not unique to her unlike the black dogs who were only sacrificed to her. If you sacrifice a bull, that is because the deity you are honoring is so powerful that they are worthy of the greatest offering. This makes me consider my offerings. Do I truly make sacrifices?

The metaphorical meaning of “bull herder,” is that of Hekate as leading her followers. Bulls are strong-willed and intelligent animals, to guide them requires great wisdom, in addition to power. The line in the Orphic Hymn “ever favoring the oxherd,” is thought to reflect this dual meaning: she blesses the actual animals and their owners, and also those who honor her.

As one of Hekate’s bulls/witches, the choice is ours. We can roam away. Nobody can easily stop a determined bull. Or we can follow her with intention. Being in a herd also conveys a sense of community. How am I with intention being supportive to others?

Action: All Acts Are in Her Service

This leads to the final aspect of Hekate’s Horns I’m exploring in this article: what bulls actually do. We may have images of bull running or bull fighting that appear, yet bulls are generally peaceful animals. Often living a solitary life in service to their owner for the sake of creating more cattle. Pushing aside the weirdness of being a literal stud muffin, the symbolic meaning here is that as part of her “herd,” our task can be to continue the lineage. We honor Hekate through our lives. Whenever we show up with passion, kindness, and integrity, we honor her. Even if we are from the herd living a solitary life, we are still part of community. The times in which we live fracture that sense, it is our work to foster community and to be in her service.

The Witch of Enchantment has set up a fundraiser to help those in the U.S., which reminded me of how being in her service means more than sitting idly, sniffing flowers. That’s a Ferdinand The Bull reference for those who remember. We’re called into the herd to help. I put the link below in case you can. Ancient suppers were left at the crossroads for Hekate, with those who did so knowing that the food would be consumed by the less fortunate. Consider the donation an offering.

DONATE

Work, Steadiness, Embodiment: Qualities of Taurus

Characteristics: Acquisitions, calm, caring, determined, patient, persistent.

Traits and Themes: A structured environment with clear expectations is desired by Taurus, violations of these basic needs can result in avoidance. Typically, slow to warm up to new people and places, but once they are “in” they are in all the way. Excellent listeners. Taureans require predictability in order to thrive, so they are advised to avoid high risk situations with uncertain outcomes unless absolutely necessary. For example, Taurus does best in careers and relationships that are clearly defined and unlikely to change. This sign thrives in leisure time as much as at work, and greatly enjoys pursuing the finer things in life. They are often generous to family and friends, especially when it comes to gift giving and treating others to their passions like fine dining. With Taurus on the ascendant, there is likely to be a very strong ambition with growing self-confidence over the lifespan.

Gender: Feminine

Ruled by: Venus

Quality/Element: Fixed Earth

Temperature: Cold and dry

Additional attributes: Taurus needs both sexual fulfilment and emotion intimacy. They are disinclined to casual romance. Since they love pleasures of the body, food is very important to them, and there may be a risk of over-indulgence in this area, and potentially with other addictions.

The Astrology Highlights of The Taurus Full Moon on Nov. 5, 2025

Venus is of special consideration during the Taurus Full Moon, which she governs, because she is forming an important association with Jupiter, amplifying the beneficial vibes for these few days.

The full moon in Taurus on November 5, 2025, at 8:19 AM ET highlights the balance between everyday life and deeper mysteries, influenced by the opposition with Scorpio. It’s a time for planning and organization, as early November offers a calm celestial environment. With Mercury nearing retrograde and Mars in Sagittarius, expect some tension, while themes of rebellion and justice emerge. Those with Taurus or Scorpio placements, particularly in the sixth house, should pay attention to health and work matters as the full moon acts as a pause before more intense energies unfold. The Asteroid Hekate has moved into Sagittarius, for a quick direct drive through, so her “fiery arrows” may be working on us in the coming month.

LOOK BACK: TAURUS NEW MOON

Practice Notes: The Orphic Hymn, Root Work and Spirit Collecting

Work with The Orphic Hymn to Hekate to explore connection, intention, and action in your personal journey.

Grounded as they come, Taurus is an ideal companion for all earthy practices, from standing barefoot in the dirt to draw down the moon to doing “root work,” examining what we are carrying in ours, what longs to be sent back to the earth, and what we are manifesting. Work with plants of Taurus, such as rose and oak, to give steadiness and love, as you do this deep work.

A note about spirit collecting that came up in a funny way during the live Moon Day class on the Taurus Full Moon: tarot and oracle decks. Many of us personify the avid collector trait of Taurus in our vast collections of these spirited cards. Or books. Or botanicals. Looking around my office to see all the different accumulations of witchery typologies. At any rate, the Taurus Full Moon is a good time to reflect on all the “spirits” we are surrounded with. Illuminated Taurus delights in their pleasures, but shadowy Taurus veers into hoarding.

Hekate Tauropolos: The Horns of Power

The three of us had a far-ranging conversation about the meaning of Hekate Tauropolos, particularly her associations with bulls and horns, highlighting her role as the “herder of bulls” in the Orphic hymn. Bulls, revered in ancient Mediterranean cultures, symbolize fertility and life, reflecting Hekate’s identity as a mother goddess. Horns used in ancient iconography represented the crescent moon, and the female reproductive organs. The imagery of Hekate with bull horns represents strength and authority, while the concept of “ox herd” underscores her connection with devotees. The conversation also delves into the importance of sacrifice, mindfulness in engaging with powerful energies, and personal reflections on bulls’ behaviour, culminating in a rich exploration of Hekate’s ties to fertility and the divine feminine.

Taurus Full Moon Meditation

The Tauropolos meditation positioned at us the center of Hekate’s Crossroads, the convergence of the three worlds and selves, as we connected with her governance over the realms to bring a deep attunement within ourselves. Tauropolos connects Hekate to the crescent moon through bull’s horns, symbolizing majesty, power, and fertility. Beginning with The Orphic Hymn to Hekate as our invocation, which highlights her dominion over the underworld, middle world, and celestial realms, while also emphasizing her role as “The Herder of Bulls,” the meditation grounds us in her abiding power. Follow up the meditation with practices that honor the body and embrace sensual pleasure, aligning with the nurturing essence of Taurus moon energy.

However you are connecting to Hekate’s horns and the Taurus Full Moon, may you be blessed with connection, intention, and action.

Cyndi

keepingherkeys.com

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It’s been eight years since I wrote the first article on the Keeping Her Keys blog. I didn’t set out to do anything, other than answer Hekate’s call. Libra season, when the sun is in the sign, personally holds so much significance for me. I’m a lifelong learner, so this time of the year unlocks the potential for developing further. Going back to school. I have a Libra moon, positioned three days after the new moon. The energy of beginnings, coupled with Libra’s sense of commitment.

Makes perfect sense that I started KHK during the time of Libra. Three years later I left the platform I had been publishing the blog on because I couldn’t reconcile my beliefs with those of the company that owned the website. Checking the dates, the waxing moon was in Libra when I made the decision, reflecting this sign’s call for personal integrity. The baser side of Libra might have wanted me to stay, desiring acceptance and popularity over integrity. The scales, which perfectly symbolize this sign, of integrity and ambition, tipped to the former, and I quit. I could have handled it better. I own the mistakes I made in leaving that platform, and other groups that I was involved with at the time. But I have zero regrets. I did what was best for me. What I felt called by Hekate to do. Very Libra moon.

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I did this ritual on the beach prior to launching the Keeping Her Keys blog in Oct. 2017.

And here we all are today. If you are wondering if answering Hekate’s call is right for you, permit me to be your inspiration. Should you be wondering if it is Hekate calling you. It is. You’re here reading this. That is all the evidence I need. Trust, another key of Libra, is on the altar. Trust that if it feels right in your soul, it is. Make the choice. You are sacred. Your life is the altar.

The Real Meaning of Devotion

The word “devotion,” can carry trauma for me. I was raised in the evangelical church. Being a "devoted” Christian was dogmatic, believing that this religion was the only way to heaven, and scorning others was all part of the package. Jesus demanded a virtuous life, free of incorrigible sins like going to movies, dancing, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes. Being queer was a guaranteed one-way ticket to hell, the same with being a witch. I knew, as we all do in our hearts, who I was, yet I didn’t dare to go for those unforgivable sins, since my dalliances with the minor ones of movie going and dancing resulted in such uproar. I moved who I was to the bottom of my life list, and focused on surviving. Libra loves costs/benefits analyses, and the toll was too steep to even dream of being who I was in the world.

My life was a sham, which is part of the shadow side of Libra. Playing a role to survive, denying what would make me thrive. Watch out for this trap. I made it out, and you can, too. Whatever pit life has thrown you into, reach out to Hekate. Like the wonderful Torch Bearer in Covina, Kira, said recently, “devotion to Hekate is devotion to yourself.” That’s the meaning of devotion. Showing up for ourselves. Being true to who we are. Like the indomitable Dolly Parton said, “find who you are and do it on purpose.” That is devotion.

I often get asked about what is required for being a devotee of Hekate. Dolly said it best. Do it on purpose. Libra brings us that energy. It asks, as does Hekate, “what is your purpose?” Hekate offers us keys, yet it is up to us to claim them. Devotion doesn’t need to be an elaborate daily practice, although I have a system of what I know works. You can do it in bed, on the toilet, during your commute. It’s naturally a three-step method, as our beloved Triple Goddess (Triformis) is. First, connect to Hekate or whomever you align with. A simple candle, a few words spoken, just open yourself. She will be there. Second, deepen the connection through meditating. It can be a mantra, or a guided meditation, or even just quieting down and listening. Third, reinforce the experiences of part one and two with a bit of divination. This method brings the harmony within and connection that Libra so desires.

Hekate as The Great Balancer

In my personal journey of creating harmony between who I was and the life I was inside, step by step, I broke out of all this programming. One act of rebellion at a time. Like my wife likes to say, “your new life is going to cost you the old one.” That was true, in the Libran energy of the balancing scales, to choose me was to remove so many things from their other side: the approval of my family, my career, relationships, and more. Yet it was as is Hekate, long before I even knew it was her, put a finger on that empty side of the scale and brought me the harmony I had never had. My weights of identity, purpose, passion, and those who supported me, among other things, were held in balance by the divine feminine. Always.

Since I answered her call to start the blog, her finger has remained on the other side of my personal scale, keeping me in check. Holding the balance when life got rough, and it was overwhelming at times. Recalibrating her weight on the scale as I grew, found love, and built a loving home. Yes, also a business. Why this word gets such a negative reaction out of some people is beyond me. Would it be better if I sucked at the business side of being an author and leader of a coven? No, of course not. Libra is good for helping us with the business side of life, governed by Venus who evokes love, and air that is concerned with communication and commerce.

Speaking of the coven, I grew into the role of High Priestess, too. It took so much from my Libra moon to learn the skills necessary, from administration to technology. I’m proud, in the humble Libra way, that I’ve been able to grow into this role that Hekate placed on the scale. Always balanced by her.

Now it’s the day before I realize another key that she gave me: to lead a moon-month long devotional journey with other witches committed, in the very essence of Libra, to following her torches along the crooked path. Step by step I’ve arrived at this place where I am living as my whole self, and supporting others as they do the same. The Libra moon in particular speaks to being a guide of others, and helping to heal with words into our unique beautiful selves.

Balance, Commitment, Beauty: Qualities of Libra

Christen and I explored the characteristics of Libra in a recent Moon Day class dedicated to the upcoming new moon on Oct. 21 at 8:24 AM Eastern.

The Astrology Highlights of The Libra New Moon on Oct. 21, 2025

This Libra new moon occurs when it’s ruler, Venus, is nearby in the same sign, elevating the potency. Look to your chart to see what you have in the 12th house, where this new moon occurs. The 12th house is associated with rebirth, death, devotion to higher ideals, spiritual values, and overcoming what haunts us. What a perfect time to begin a devotional journey, whether by joining us in The Via Hekate, starting with the Keeping Her Keys book, or however you are called.

Additionally, there is a conjunction (meeting) of Mars and Mercury in Scorpio around the time of the new moon, which may bring the relational focus of Libra into the arena of speaking strong truth to those we are close to.

The asteroid Hekate is leaving the sign of Scorpio, moving into Sagittarius. I like to track how Hekate shows up in my life and others as the asteroid changes signs. She’s been in Scorpio since the beginning of 2025. I consider this the home sign for the asteroid based on the essential characteristics of Scorpio, including mystery, desire, and magick, being at the heart of how Hekate is typically experienced.

Hekate and The Libra New Moon

Epithets: Kalliste (Fairest); Eukoline (Good Tempered); Lampadios (Torchbearer)

Meaning: Ruled by air, this sign craves balance and interpersonal closeness. The illuminated side of Libra is a steady burning light that guides others. But shadowy Libra also veers into self-sacrifice in the name of love. Hekate in Libra speaks to the crossroads of self-identity and the need to be accepted.

Themes: Because of the emphasis on commitment inherent in Libra, coupled with the initiatory energy of the new moon, rituals of both are recommended. Seek Hekate’s guidance for navigating the complexities of your personal relationships and perhaps even appeal to her for a deepening of yours with her.

Read more about the signatures of the moon and Hekatean witchcraft in Entering Hekate’s Cauldon.

Practice Notes: Honoring Hekate on The Libra New Moon

In the coven, the Libra New Moon is when we experience our annual commitment ritual. Whether you join us for the ritual or do your own, the Libra New Moon is an opportune moment to answer her call, and commit to following her torches along the crooked path. In the coven, our personal work and collaborative project was to create a triple mask, consisting of our shadow, soul, and whole, bringing harmony. A great exercise to unlock your personal keys, creating harmony among our three selves. Whether on paper or an app, or even on papier mache masks, decorate them as you feel led, and then adorn with keywords for each of the three. Form into one whole shape and offer to Hekate as a symbol of your devotion.

The invocation I’ve selected is one from the early days of the Keeping Her Keys blog:

Hail Hekate Kleidouchos, She who holds the Keys.
Hail Hekate Dadouchos, She who lights the World.
Hail Hekate Propylaia, She who stands at the Gate.

I stand before you, humbled by your blessing of a new key,
That opens the gate to a new beginning.
Accept my gratitude for bringing me to this place.

May I be brave enough to take up the key.
May I be committed enough to do the required work.
May I be strong enough to overcome all obstacles.

I ask for Your continued blessing,
Your guidance,
And protection,
So that I will be true to my path ahead.

Hail Hekate Kleidouchos, She who holds the Keys.
Hail Hekate Dadouchos, She who lights the World.
Hail Hekate Propylaia, She who stands at the Gate.

Libra New Moon Meditation

I’m a bit sick in this video, in case you notice I’m not my usual self. Just a virus.

Blessings of The Libra New Moon,
And Hail Hekate, Bringer of Balance.

Cyndi

keepingherkeys.com

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I call to you, Queen of the Hieros Pyr,
For you were born of the stars and darkness,
You are the spark,
Giving birth to your sacred flame.
Your fire reigns.
Your fire breathed life into the world,
Descending into your fiery cave at the core,
Fueling your eternal cauldron
Your flames fuel all that is.
From hence you walk the worlds,
Guiding your chosen.
Hail Hieros Pyr, Keeper of the Wheel of Fire,
May I walk in your Wheel of Fire.

The harvest of the sacred fire is the energy of the Aries Full Moon of October 6-7 (11:47 PM Eastern on Oct. 6). This event brings the fire, evoking the illumination of Hekate’s Torches. Not only is this enough energy to fire us up, but it’s also a supermoon and often called The Harvest Moon, being the first full moon after the autumn equinox. The Season of The Witch truly ignites with this full moon.

Hekate and The Aries Full Moon

Ruled by the element of fire, and cardinal in position, the first sign of the zodiac is about the ignition, courage, and vitality necessary to begin anew. Aries is associated with assertiveness, independence, and power. As one of the three fire signs, Aries connects to all fiery aspects of Hekate. With it’s potential to burn away what doesn’t serve, but also create a free life, it’s an ideal full moon for illuminating the way forward. Certainly, connecting to Hekate during the Aries Full Moon will unlock the harvest of fire, both as a creative force and for releasing what blocks.

Bound “aries,” witches. Aries doesn’t suffer fools, or self-limiting beliefs. It is an intense, pedal-to-the-metal full moon. Stay rooted in the earth while you embark on your personal fire harvest. Keep your boundaries solid. Working on them is an excellent practice for this full moon.

Aries

Epithets: Ergatis (Energizer); Rixipyle (Breaker of Barriers); Agriope (Fierce)

Meaning: Brash, courageous, and independent. Hekate in Aries amplifies assertiveness, bravery, motivation, and the quest for personal freedom.

Themes: As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is excellent for rebirth. Aries can bring up conflict, yet also courage. Petition Hekate in Aries for help with both.

Practice Notes For The Harvest of Fire

There’s many ways to connect with this full moon, including calling forth Hekate’s Sacred Fire. So aligned with the energy. Light a candle and explore the messages about what to harvest as bounty and what to banish as bane. Here’s a couple of different invocations to work with.

You may be feeling more “harvest-y,” called to examine your personal ones, such I was in this invocation:

Harvesting The Power of Hekate’s Torches

I’m using “Harvest of Fire,” as the key expression for this one. Fire both creates and destroys, it nourishes and kills. Here at Aster Cottage, the months long fire ban was lifted on the anniversary of when Christen and I got engaged one year ago. Of course, we had a fire to celebrate. Sitting round the flames, drinking wine, telling stories. The nourishment of fire after months of being in a high risk zone for wildfires. There was one nearby, and we watched it from our property. Fortunately, the wildfires here in Nova Scotia this summer were not personally devastating, but they were part of our everyday life, rendering the danger of fire ever present. We couldn’t even go into the woods on our property until a month ago. The government had imposed a $25,000 fine. That’s how high the fire risk was.

When we were on vacation a few weeks ago, we drove through an area that had been devasted by fire a few years back. While there was still so much damage, new greenery had already taken hold. A powerful reminder that the old needs to burn to birth the new. I look to the signs and meaning in the natural world to connect me to Hekate and her deeper world. As above, so below. What is all around is a reflection of the mystical. The question for us is where do we need to allow spiritual fire to clear out the clutter so that we can harvest of our personal sacred flame, that is being offered by Hekate.

Watch the new podcast episode, featuring Christen and I discussing the meaning and mystery of Hekate’s Torches on all major platforms, and right here watch the whole recording:

You can learn more about Via Hekate and other ways to join Covina HERE.

Paid subscribers: continue onto my Hekate’s Fires and The Aries Full Moon talk and meditation:

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There’s a change in the wind, calling us downwards. Persephone stands in solidarity. She knows the value of the descent into the mysteries. Hekate emerges to guide the way. This Virgo Eclipse-Autumn Equinox convergence on Sept. 21 - 22, holds the potential for ushering in a new era of the divine feminine, and personal empowerment.

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Hekate, Goddess of The Eclipse.
Ruler of The Moon.
Realm of magick and mystery.
Land of emotions and intuition.
Keeper of the Keys of the universe.
Behold how the natural cycle of your Wheel
Brings dark to light,
Ushering in a new era.
Goddess of darkness and light,
Watching over land, sea and sky.
All that is revealed, and yet remains
Hidden, even in this bright light.
Moon Mother, Mother of All.
Wandering under her moon
With rattling keys,
Offering freedom from what binds.
Shining moon-torch
Is as near as my shadow.
Light, darkness, and the in-between.
Life, death, and what lies beyond.
Dark Mother, Moon Mother, Witch Mother.
My soul’s harvest offered,
Triumphs and tragedies,
Guide me to true illumination,
Opening the Gate of Autumn,
So that I may seek your mysteries.

A short update about what’s happening in Covina, including the free Sabbat Salon this weekend. Here’s everything that we have available.

Tomorrow is The Evocation of Hekate during the Lampadios New Moon Salon, at 8:00 PM Eastern. All ritual guides will meet one hour before start time.

Sunday is the Autumn Sabbat Salon in the free Crossroads space. All those who will be reading their contribution to the Collaborative Hymn to Persephone and/or sharing their work on the Persephone's Journey Through The Major Arcana should join via the event link 30 minutes before start time.

There's no Moon Day class this Monday. Instead, we're working on our Collaborative Hymn to Hekate on The Autumn Equinox lesson for contributions. We'll be sharing our work on the hymn during the Book of Shadows Chat Circle on September 23.

View the recordings from last year's The Witches Hour On The Autumn Equinox.

Southern Hemisphere Witches: Go to the Spring Equinox replays.

Find the Autumn Equinox Spotify Playlist that I put together, and share your autumn intentions HERE.

The Via Hekate Resources Section is now available. Find everything you need to prepare for this immersive journey HERE.

The Month of Lampadios Curriculum is available in The Gate of Release, including new recorded classes and the replay from the special road trip edition of Moon Day when we connected with the Eclipse-Equinox energy, with Persephone and gratitude. VIEW.

NEW: Upgrade to Hekate's Keys and/or the Via Hekate with promo codes for 10% off: Hekate's Keys - HEKATESKEYS and Via Hekate - VIAHEKATE. Enter at checkout. LEARN MORE.

My next event hosted by Amityville Apothecary focusing on Hekate's Cave on The Night of Hekate of The Crossroads (November 3) is now available for purchase. CHECK IT OUT.

Can’t join us in Covina? Watch this MEDITATION.

Blessings of The Witch’s Season,

Cyndi

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A simple altar honoring Hekate Einalia, Goddess of The Sea, and the sign of Pisces, the final stop on the zodiac wheel, with the characteristics of emotions, intuition, and mysticism. On the altar: seashells, sea moss, and sand.

Hekate's watery aspects are connected with the three energetic realms. The depths of the sea, with the darkness and monsters like Scylla, are very much in keeping with Hekate as a Dark Goddess. In the everyday world, water we use to sustain our lives can be associated with Hekate as Enodia, the way through the Middle World. Hekate as The World Soul represents her energy of the Upper World, with her soul-stream fueling all creation. This can be represented many ways, including using rain water or melted snow.

The Qualities of Pisces

Pisces is the unique double fish who seeks strength of will to help manage how deeply they feel all their experiences. Coming after the heights of Aquarius to bring balance in the zodiac, it’s the final sign: the possibility of rebirth. This is the deepest depths that go so deep that it becomes ascension into the mystical, imaginal, and intuitive. Pisces asks if we’ve been too “up in our heads,” ignoring our intuition and feelings that come from our root. Pisces corrects this by pulling us deep down into the watery depths. Pisces beckons us to explore the inner life of emotions along with how we are being nourished by others.

Emotional intelligence allows Pisces to be deeply attuned to their interior lives, while also attending to the feelings of others. Because Pisces occupies the depths of the element of water, they can live in the imagination. This fuels their intense creativity, but their inner world can get the best of them. Many Pisces are actors, artists, dancers, musicians, and writers. Both Albert Einstein and Kurt Cobain, two famous Pisceans, had the double fish in their sun. Pisces creates because they are driven to and may shun the spotlight that results from their typically brilliant output.

Pisces laid back nature regarding material pursuits can free them of the demands of our culture, for they often are unaware – or disinterested – in norms about careers and paid work. They must follow the dictates of their inner voice instead. For those with major placements in Pisces, especially the ascendant, this can lead to working with the marginalized, especially as healers.

Pisces thrive in relationships where their inner world can remain intact, so they are truly more independent than interdependent, even though they care so very deeply. Usually introverted, needing large chunks of time away from others to be with themselves.

Bright Pisces is compassionate, kind, and very invested in creating a better world. Their conscientiousness leads them to be devoted companions, although they can become aloof when their cup gets drained by too much stress or drama.

Read more about Pisces, including Spirit Cards and a Spotify playlist in The Oracle.

Hekate and Pisces

Epithets: Einalia (Of the Sea); Phileremos (Lover of Solitude); Ambrotos (Eternal)

Meaning: Otherworldly and oceanic, Pisces longs for the interior world of imagination and mysticism. Chronological time and daily life are foreign to this sign. Hekate Einalia is the sea itself—mysterious, eternal, and primordial—just like Pisces.

Themes: Ritual bathing with sacred smoke and all the accoutrements for transcendent shamanic journeying is appropriate for this new moon. Make a pilgrimage to the sea and place offerings suitable for the wildlife or cleanse yourself in the ocean air. Call on Hekate’s Piscean aspects to connect with her primordial essence.

I included a section on Hekate’s connection with all the major moons in Entering Hekate’s Cauldron, which is great for planning upcoming practices and for reflecting on how previous moons aligned with your connection to her. In Covina, you can find videos and more in The Oracle.

The Astrology of This Lunar Eclipse

Lunar eclipses, such as the Pisces one occurring on September 7, 2025 at about 2:08 pm Eastern, happen during full moons. While this eclipse won’t be visible for us in North America, the energy of the eclipse is still felt. Learn more about the astronomy of this eclipse, including where it’s visible HERE.

Each eclipse is a significant event, marking the transitional point in the greater cycle between earth, moon, and sun. This is the first eclipse of the Pisces-Virgo axis series, meaning that the following solar eclipse on September 21 will be in this earth-bound sign. In the zodiac, they are opposite signs signifying that their characteristics very dissimilar. Virgo makes lists, Pisces dreams. Virgo is practical, Pisces mystical.

The Pisces Full Moon occurs while the sun is in the sign of Virgo, bringing the imaginal into the rational. The opposite happens when the sun is in Pisces. This is how the axis signs of the zodiac work.

In traditional astrology, Pisces is governed by Jupiter, associated with expansiveness, optimism, and spirituality within this sign. At present, Jupiter is in the sign of Cancer, which is governed by the moon, forming a mutual reception with the moon in Pisces. This amplifies the power of the eclipse.

Generally, eclipses unlock what’s been stuck, or they call us back to finish up loose ends. With this eclipse occurring in the fourth house, what we’re called to dive into may swirl around our private self, home and family, psychological wellness, and nurturance. The fourth house is governed by Cancer, adding more tidal pull to the mutual reception I mentioned earlier.

To unlock how this eclipse may be especially relevant for you, look for your Pisces, Cancer, Jupiter, and fourth house placements in your natal chart.

Practice Notes: Eclipse Energy, Invoking Einalia, and Watery Witchcraft

Eclipses are such a powerful time to explore darkness, so very Hekatean in their essence, for they not only either dim the world or occur at night when they are visible, but are also liminal times. As part of my personal studies, I reflect on experiences during the previous eclipses to see how they brought powerful medicine to me.

More on Hekate and eclipses in The Oracle.

Hekate's association with the sea, and thus all the water signs in the zodaic, stretches from the earliest known descriptions to contemporary understanding. As Einalia, she is the Goddess of the Seas, ruling over the oceans and providing bounty to those who make their living from it. As The World Soul, she is the stream providing essence to all of nature. There are many ways to incorporate Hekate's watery aspects in contemporary devotion and witchcraft, ranging from honoring her though activism to making magick with oceanic treasures.

Eclipse Water

Set pure water, especially sea or salted, under the moonlight the night before and after the eclipse to infuse with the qualities of the Pisces lunar eclipse. Keep in mind that the moon is also full, so the attributes of this phase, such as illumination and manifestation, will be co-mingled with the “new era,” characteristics of the eclipse. You can watch this recording about making moon water, although I am discussing Aries, but the technique is the same.

Watery Hekatean Witchcraft

Water can play a big role in our witchcraft, from the suit of Cups in the Tarot to using oceanic items in spells. If you are inclined to work with Hekate as a Goddess of the Sea, you can incorporate water, sea salt, sand, oceanic rocks and even seaweed in your workings. I included seaweed in Entering Hekate’s Garden specifically to connect to Einalia. Seaweed can be found and purchased in various forms.

Pictured below is a small abundance wreath made from the type of seaweed known as bladderwrack.

Evoking Hekate Einalia

Beyond the invocation shared at the beginning of this article, connect with Hekate Einalia through focusing on water, from a simple offering bowl to submersing yourself. Einalia is of the depths, so she will unlock the mystical, coupling up with the sign of Pisces.

Ancient texts such as The Orphic Hymn to Hekate and Hesiod’s Hymn, as well as portions in The Greek Magical Papyri include her aspect of Einalia, such as this one:

For you engendered everything on earth

And from the sea and every race in turn.

Of winged birds who seek their nests again.

Mother of all, who bore Love, Aphrodite.

Lamp-bearer, shining and aglow, Selene.

Adapted from The Greek Magical Papyri, IV 2441-2621. (In Entering Hekate's Cave)

Hekate as Goddess of the Sea provides another way to work with her in addition to her more widely known roles as a liminal goddess and as a an Under World deity. Just like the water we so often take from granted, we acknowledge Hekate as a watery life force is vital to our practice and existence.

Coupled with this Pisces eclipse, Hekate Einalia comes through with the keys of emotional intelligence, imagination, and mysticism.

However this eclipse unlocks for you, may you swim in the magic.

Here’s what’s happening in Covina:

In the Via Hekate, we’re chatting about how we’re honoring Hekate on this dark moon, as we get ready for the program which has the first class in September. The immersive 30 Days of Hekate, with THIRTY live events, including three rituals starts with the preview class on September 21, the autumn equinox. Join now to get ready, and connect with other devotees, plus add the schedule of events to your calendar, and get early access content.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VIA HEKATE

In Covina this month, we’re exploring Hekate’s aspect of Chthonia, of the depths, which connects to our work with Einalia. We’re celebrating the Pisces eclipse with the Chthonia Full Moon Salon, when we’ll be collaborating on a sustaining talisman, and crafting Oleum Spirita, which is traditional for the Pisces Full Moon, merging the mystical with the liquid. Watch the replays from this week’s Pisces Eclipse class, too. Coming up is the Month of Lampadios, Hekate as the Torch Bearer, starting on the solar eclipse-autumn equinox.

DISCOVER HEKATE'S KEYS

Get a taste of Covina with the free self-directed Crossroads space, full of recorded classes and lessons.

JOIN THE CROSSROADS

All Covina members can also join our free supplemental spaces, including The Keeping Her Keys Read Along, The Oracle: Astrology and Divination, and The Well: Healing Resources once inside the coven. There’s the Coven Chat, Help Desk, and more to unlock within the gates of Covina. You can upgrade to a program of study within the tradition whenever you are ready.

Continue onto my class on Hekate and The Pisces Lunar Eclipse, plus a brand NEW conversation about Einalia that Christen and I recorded on the coastal cliffs. We took a full day to dwell in her mysteries as we connected with the upcoming eclipse energies.

Read more

I’ve felt called to lead an immersive experience of Hekate that challenges and connects for a long time. That time has finally arrived.

The Via Hekate is a five-week long program with thirty live events, including three rituals that runs from Oct. 18 - Nov. 22, 2025.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Suitable for anyone called to deep work with Hekate. We’ll be exploring thirty aspects of Hekate, from personal reflections, exercises, meditations, readings, and rituals. Of course, there’s witchery, too, with our collaborative talisman and personal versions.

We’ve already got an amazing group of students, guides and torch bearers in the Via Hekate. Join now to get ready, review the schedule and topics, plus connect in our chat. All located within Covina, a private network where you can safely express your spirituality.

The program is $99 USD/$109 CDN, which includes a one year subscription to Via Hekate so you can work through all the event recordings and content at your own pace, plus stay connected to the community of Hekatean devotees. Since it’s a one-time payment, joining now doesn’t cost any extra.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VIA HEKATE

If you want to wait to decide until the free preview, that’s great. The preview is on Sept. 21 at 4:00 PM Eastern. Here’s the link to join the live preview event:

SEPT. 21 LIVE PREVIEW LINK

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To the flame,
I now release
All that blocks my inner peace.
From the flame,
Drawing truth and power.
I call them to me this very hour.
Standing before this flame of might,
I invoked the sacred light.
To Chthonia,
I now descend.
To Lampadios,
Who shines within.
To Borborophorba,
Bringer of catharsis.
Entering Hekate’s Cave,
The journey begins…

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