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The Temple of Hekate: Exploring the Goddess Hekate Through Ritual, Meditation and Divination
The Temple of Hekate is a vibrant and exciting collection of modern rituals and practices exploring the mysteries of the Goddess Hekate. In this book Tara Sanchez draws together her knowledge of ancient practices and literature merging it with her personal experiences and ideas. Thoroughly modern, but steeped in history, this is a book of rituals, meditations, divinations and other techniques through which the reader is invited to explore the magick of this ancient goddess of the crossroads, sorcery and witchcraft. The reader is introduced to essential practices such as keeping a magickal journal, setting up the altar, ritual purification, sacred space, preparing incenses and making a ritual robe; as well as more advanced practices such as ritual gestures, sacred vowels and dream incubation. Other techniques covered include knot magick and phylacteries, psychic development and the use of banishing rituals. The exercises in this book present the beginner with everything they need, and the experienced practitioner with a new and fresh perspective. Divination is a very popular area of study amongst those interested in modern witchcraft and magic, and this book presents a unique Hekatean approach to using and interpreting the Major Arcana of the Tarot. Through drawing together ideas from ancient literature and applying it to modern works, the author has created the Oracle of Her Sacred Fires. This oracle is a system of divination by dice and draws on the writings of dozens of modern priests, priestesses and mystics who contributed to the anthology Hekate Her Sacred Fires (d'Este, 2010) - a wonderful blend of old and new! The comprehensive appendixes provide additional reference material which can be used to enhance workings with the Goddess Hekate. They include material on Hekate and the other Gods, herbs, plant and animal correspondences, other spiritual beings such as daemons, the winds and the four elements - as well as techniques for reduction sigils and planetary hours. Filled with a blend of ancient and modern wisdom, ritual, technique and theory - this book is essential reading for complete beginners, intermediate students and experienced hands who are looking for relevant 21st century insights and ideas, which also honour the past - and in the process it opens up entirely new ways through which to explore the magick of the Goddess Hekate today.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2011
303 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 24, 2012
I've been meaning to write this review for some time, and now that I sit here looking at the Temple of Hekate again, I know I need to re-read and spend some more time with this book. Not because it requires more than one reading to understand, far from it, but because it is a joy to read, and contains so much wonderfully practical material that it could become a reliable companion for anyone wishing to build a magical practice under the guidance of the Goddess Hekate.
In truth, this would make an excellent beginners book for one serious about building a personal magickal practice, whilst at the same time holding fascinating original material which is sure to tantalise practitioners of all levels.
The research is sound and thorough without being stodgy.The exercises, of which there are plenty, are full of substance born of practice, and honed to a level of clarity that makes them within reach of all.I particularly enjoyed Tara's insights on Hekate and the Tarot and had been thinking along similar lines myself. I hope she develops these ideas further!
As for the alleged typos and editing errors, I am decidely picky about such things, and I didn't notice a one inside the book.
I would HIGHLY reccomend Temple of Hekate to anyone on a magickal path,not just Hekate devotees.
In truth, this would make an excellent beginners book for one serious about building a personal magickal practice, whilst at the same time holding fascinating original material which is sure to tantalise practitioners of all levels.
The research is sound and thorough without being stodgy.The exercises, of which there are plenty, are full of substance born of practice, and honed to a level of clarity that makes them within reach of all.I particularly enjoyed Tara's insights on Hekate and the Tarot and had been thinking along similar lines myself. I hope she develops these ideas further!
As for the alleged typos and editing errors, I am decidely picky about such things, and I didn't notice a one inside the book.
I would HIGHLY reccomend Temple of Hekate to anyone on a magickal path,not just Hekate devotees.
February 5, 2017
I think I'm on a personal pilgrimage to read absolutely everything there is to be found about Hekate, starting with all of the offerings at Avalonia books.
This is a guide to working with, honoring and worshipping the goddess Hekate within a Wiccan-inspired framework. I'm a Wiccan, so that works for me. Those of you who are looking for history-based, recon. methods and ceremonies will not exactly find that here, but Tara Sanchez does provide a solid bibliography, citations, and appendices that would help you to locate the sort of information you're looking for. I would also recommend those readers pick up a copy of Hekate: Liminal Rites by Sorita d'Este. It's filled with historic practices and lore. To be fair, Sanchez is very clear about what attributions and symbols are historically related to the perception and worship of Hekate, and which ones came from her own gnosis.
There is a fair bit of 101 type information in here, but it's solid information. Sanchez provides information about keeping a record of your rituals and experiences, internal work to train your mind and sharpen your focus, rites of purification, creating an altar, creating ritual garb, and creating sacred space and designing rituals. Plenty is here to inspire and inform.
She has a system of gestures to be used during ritual that I thought were a very nice touch. There is also a chapter devoted to the subject of knot magick and phylacteries, a lengthy and impressive chapter on Hekate in the symbolism of the Major Arcana, and another lengthy and extremely impressive chapter about creating an oracle that I won't even try to explain here. She also teaches you how to use dice effectively as a means of divination. There's plenty here to keep anyone occupied for months, so don't let the short length of this book fool you.
There is a lovely section filled with hymns and mantras to Hekate; some historical and some modern. I think they're all very lovely and would work well within ceremonies or on their own as prayer. The last section is a Night Battle group ceremony based on Ginzburg's account of the Benandanti and Malandanti. If I only knew of enough people who were of the right mindset and persuasion to take part, I would consider doing this myself. The overall feel seems to be inspired by the mystery plays of the Mediterranean region.
I hope she considers writing another book about her work at some point.
This is a guide to working with, honoring and worshipping the goddess Hekate within a Wiccan-inspired framework. I'm a Wiccan, so that works for me. Those of you who are looking for history-based, recon. methods and ceremonies will not exactly find that here, but Tara Sanchez does provide a solid bibliography, citations, and appendices that would help you to locate the sort of information you're looking for. I would also recommend those readers pick up a copy of Hekate: Liminal Rites by Sorita d'Este. It's filled with historic practices and lore. To be fair, Sanchez is very clear about what attributions and symbols are historically related to the perception and worship of Hekate, and which ones came from her own gnosis.
There is a fair bit of 101 type information in here, but it's solid information. Sanchez provides information about keeping a record of your rituals and experiences, internal work to train your mind and sharpen your focus, rites of purification, creating an altar, creating ritual garb, and creating sacred space and designing rituals. Plenty is here to inspire and inform.
She has a system of gestures to be used during ritual that I thought were a very nice touch. There is also a chapter devoted to the subject of knot magick and phylacteries, a lengthy and impressive chapter on Hekate in the symbolism of the Major Arcana, and another lengthy and extremely impressive chapter about creating an oracle that I won't even try to explain here. She also teaches you how to use dice effectively as a means of divination. There's plenty here to keep anyone occupied for months, so don't let the short length of this book fool you.
There is a lovely section filled with hymns and mantras to Hekate; some historical and some modern. I think they're all very lovely and would work well within ceremonies or on their own as prayer. The last section is a Night Battle group ceremony based on Ginzburg's account of the Benandanti and Malandanti. If I only knew of enough people who were of the right mindset and persuasion to take part, I would consider doing this myself. The overall feel seems to be inspired by the mystery plays of the Mediterranean region.
I hope she considers writing another book about her work at some point.
April 28, 2021
The author never met a run-on that she didn't like.
November 11, 2018
I have been working with Hekate a bit lately and all I can say is when I was reading this is just seemed off to me. Plus it had a strong Wicca feel to me and I don't proclaim to Wiccan, so that was a bit disappointing.
July 18, 2012
This red book of magic has blown me away.
Tara states in her foreword
The first part of the book provides a brief history of 1) Hekate's lineage and 2) the world view of those who first set down her lineage concerning the Otherworld and its denizens. The second part of the book is devoted to Practices. In this part of the book, Tara builds a magical framework from the bones outward for those (new and experienced) who wish to work with Hekate. Tara is also generous1 in providing a wealth of practical exercises in each section that compliments the history and theory behind each subject discussed (ex. the seven Sacred Vowels). There is a lot of theory included in the book, but Tara's style of writing more as a confidant and fellow traveller instead of a university lecturer makes it easier and more enjoyable to read.
However, I cannot (at this time) attest to any of the practical exercises. Like the many other books I use in my practices, I read the book first, and now will go back to begin to use it. I am looking forward to this cycle.
1. Again from the foreword: "I have for a long time been conscious of the difficulty that exists for the newcomer, especially those who may not have access to local (and reputable) occult bookshops, moots and open circles etc." Instead of adding her voice to the bleating chorus of "when the student is ready the teacher will appear" Tara lives up to her vows and freely and gladly gifts the lessons to those who seek them and are willing to put in the hard work of seeking.
Tara states in her foreword
What I have attempted to achieve with this book is to provide a framework, an exemplar of what can be done, and how. As an old mentor once said to me, I can give you a map, but the map is not the whole territory. This is a map...And what a map it is. The cartography of the book can (and should be) used as a template for serious practitioners seeking to connect more deeply with any cultural, heritage based godforms.
The first part of the book provides a brief history of 1) Hekate's lineage and 2) the world view of those who first set down her lineage concerning the Otherworld and its denizens. The second part of the book is devoted to Practices. In this part of the book, Tara builds a magical framework from the bones outward for those (new and experienced) who wish to work with Hekate. Tara is also generous1 in providing a wealth of practical exercises in each section that compliments the history and theory behind each subject discussed (ex. the seven Sacred Vowels). There is a lot of theory included in the book, but Tara's style of writing more as a confidant and fellow traveller instead of a university lecturer makes it easier and more enjoyable to read.
However, I cannot (at this time) attest to any of the practical exercises. Like the many other books I use in my practices, I read the book first, and now will go back to begin to use it. I am looking forward to this cycle.
1. Again from the foreword: "I have for a long time been conscious of the difficulty that exists for the newcomer, especially those who may not have access to local (and reputable) occult bookshops, moots and open circles etc." Instead of adding her voice to the bleating chorus of "when the student is ready the teacher will appear" Tara lives up to her vows and freely and gladly gifts the lessons to those who seek them and are willing to put in the hard work of seeking.
March 22, 2013
must say that this is the most practical book on getting to know the Titan/Goddess Hekate. Author, Tara Sanchez does an effective job of giving the reader a nice little background on this goddess and then gets into the practical details. Most books do not give the reader so many practical details on getting started. The neophyte newbie is usually forced to crawl around on their knees in the dark trying to figure things out, this book takes you from the beginning level all the way to the intermediate. Great job Tara. The book has plenty of sources for further reference and also demosntrating the information as authentic.
The book has plenty of practical information. The new student is started off with step by step instructions on how to creat altars, keep a magical diary and create and consecrate new tools. Some nice little goodies include incense recipes, mediations and how how to do divination.
Some of the instruction of how to create a sacred space, knot magic and miror making could use illustration as they were a bit hard for me to follow. Giving instrction in step by step or bullet form would be a major improvement. i would also change the order of hat is taught. Circle casting should be taught first because you will cast a circle before most workings especially consecrating tools and statues. Good idea to tell the reader which operation require circle casting.
Great book!
The book has plenty of practical information. The new student is started off with step by step instructions on how to creat altars, keep a magical diary and create and consecrate new tools. Some nice little goodies include incense recipes, mediations and how how to do divination.
Some of the instruction of how to create a sacred space, knot magic and miror making could use illustration as they were a bit hard for me to follow. Giving instrction in step by step or bullet form would be a major improvement. i would also change the order of hat is taught. Circle casting should be taught first because you will cast a circle before most workings especially consecrating tools and statues. Good idea to tell the reader which operation require circle casting.
Great book!
December 14, 2023
The Temple of Hekate.. (39/45)
Not what I thought it would be, but interested all the while. I went in seeing the name Hekate assuming it was a collection of tales, retellings etc. I really wasn't expecting a legitimate book on witchcraft, which is pretty interesting regardless.
I don't really know what to say, clearly it wasn't written for me, I thought it was strange that the book focused on the Greek aspect of Hekate considering considerably older than the Greek culture but whatevs.
Funny
Not what I thought it would be, but interested all the while. I went in seeing the name Hekate assuming it was a collection of tales, retellings etc. I really wasn't expecting a legitimate book on witchcraft, which is pretty interesting regardless.
I don't really know what to say, clearly it wasn't written for me, I thought it was strange that the book focused on the Greek aspect of Hekate considering considerably older than the Greek culture but whatevs.
Funny
January 22, 2022
Excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about Hekate or wishing to work with the ancient, and often misunderstood, Goddess. It is more difficult than one would expect to find reliable information about Hekate that is sourced from actual historical research. Most of the "information" readily available out there now is based on flawed modern interpretation, appropriation (primarily Wiccan), and/or personal gnosis. Tara Sanchez has put much thought, care, and energy into creating something that not only honors the Goddess but can also be used by any beginner (or intermediate) Witch interested in more traditional, historically based magical practice. Highly recommended! This one took me a lot longer than it should have to get around to. I wish I had read it years ago when I was just starting on my spiritual journey.
October 3, 2019
Good book about practicing as a Hekatean, more of a theurigal style than witchcraft. Worth reading.
March 31, 2021
Ms Sanchez is extremely well educated and this is a great resource. Sometimes it's a little short on the practical. However, if you are interested in the current worship of Hekate it's a very worthwhile read.
November 22, 2021
I really loved this book! As someone who has begun working with Hekate in the past year, this book really brought me further on my path and gave me more to think about for my faith and practice. Highly recommend if you're looking to learn more about Hekate and/or how to work with her!
June 27, 2023
Excellente
I pray to this goddess every day I pray..... she will not let me forget her.... I love this woman she gives me eternal facetime.... she'll be in my heart forever.... She'll be one of my main goddesses.....
She makes me love magick more....
I pray to this goddess every day I pray..... she will not let me forget her.... I love this woman she gives me eternal facetime.... she'll be in my heart forever.... She'll be one of my main goddesses.....
She makes me love magick more....
January 11, 2024
I reall liked this one. Great for beginners, but also advanced practitioners will find something useful in it. I do not agree with everything, but it is definitly worth a read if you work with Hekate.
I loved the chapter about divination.
I loved the chapter about divination.
December 21, 2020
Informative
I have be studying Hecate for many years. While I know most of this it is great as a refresher or new addition for anyone on the path
I have be studying Hecate for many years. While I know most of this it is great as a refresher or new addition for anyone on the path
April 2, 2022
A really great resource for those curious about Hekate!
September 18, 2024
EXCELLENT
Read
July 20, 2025she desperately needs an editor.
June 4, 2020
Great read
I liked that this got into more depth than the previous books I’ve read on the topic. Worth it to add to collection.
I liked that this got into more depth than the previous books I’ve read on the topic. Worth it to add to collection.
September 17, 2015
This is not just one book for Hekate. It is a practical valid Witchcraft book with instructions and Hekate based techniques. The exercises are effective, small, well written and based in ancient texts. You will learn instructions of balancing energy, making a circle, banishing ritual, consecrate an item, creating a phyllactery, making incenses, using planetary energy, using tarot cards as meditation tools, meditations with the four elements, activating a temple and a group ritual. All those magickal techniques are based in Hekate, so the reader should feel the Goddess of the Crossroads close and know a lot about Her. Even better, be a devotee. I just wish it would have many more pages, that is the only drawback.
October 10, 2012
This book is good in several different ways. It would be suitable for someone completely new to magick,but also suitable for someone a bit more advanced and looking to learn about working with Hekate. I felt that the sections were arranged logically with quite a bit of valid source material. I learned several different magickal techniques and will be adding them to my practice. One of the main things I liked about the book was the balance of focus on Hekate and general magickal practice as to not seem overwhelming. I would recommend it as a basic primer and also one of the most well-researched and arranged books on a Goddess around.
March 5, 2015
A true guide book. Perfect for beginners who are willing to start their path with Hekate. I don't recommend reading it all at once, before trying the exercises, though. Take your time with it. Most likely the reason why you got this book was to improve your practice, wasn't it? So take advantage of the many practical exercises this book has to offer.
December 20, 2016
Honestly, I was hoping for a bit more out of this book. Though it is easy to read and the rituals are easy to follow, I was hoping for much more in depth with Hekate specifically and not just another fuzzy-bunny beginner's book. Out of the entire book, there was only 2 subjects that I found interesting (being a seasoned magick practitioner).
April 11, 2014
I got a lot out of this book, and no doubt will get a lot more when I put the exercises into practices. The appendix alone is worth owning this book for. One that will be read and used for a long time to come.
December 8, 2013
excellent book lots of info on Hecate worth reading
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews