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Hekate Liminal Rites: A Study of the rituals, magic and symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads
Hekate - Liminal Rites A Study of the Rituals, Magic and Symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine At the crossroads of life, death and rebirth stands the Goddess Hekate. Honoured by men, women and gods alike, traces of her ancient provenance reach back through the millennia providing clues about her nature and origins along the way. Depictions of her as three formed facing in three ways, sometimes with the heads of animals such as the horse, dog and snake hint at her liminal nature, as well as the powers she holds over the triple realms of earth, sea and sky. The sorcery of Medea and Circe, the witchcraft of the women of Thessaly, the writings of philosophers such as Hesiod and Porphyry all provide glimpses into the world of those who honoured her. Her magical powers were considered so great that even King Solomon became associated with her, she was incorporated into Jewish magic, and merged with other goddesses including Artemis, Selene, Bendis and the Egyptian Isis. Whilst for some she was the Witch Goddess, for others she was the ruler of angels and daimons, who made predictions about Jesus and Christianity. Wherever you look, be it in the texts of Ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantium or the Renaissance, the Greek Magical Papyri or the Chaldean Oracles, you will find Hekate. The magical whir of the strophalos and the barbarous words of the voces magicae carry her message; the defixiones, love spells and charms all provides us with examples of the magic done in her name. She was also associated with the magic of death, including necromancy and reanimation; as well as prophetic dreams, nightmares, healing herbs and poisons. The temples dedicated to her and the important role she played in the mysteries of Eleusis, Samothrace and Aigina all provide us with clues to her majesty. The popular shrines at the doorways of ordinary people, offerings left at the crossroads and guardian statues of her at the entrance ways to cities and temples all attest to her status in the hearts and minds of those who knew her mysteries. In this book the authors draw from a wide range of sources, bringing together historical research which provides insights into the magical and religious practices associated with this remarkable Goddess. In doing so they provide an indispensable guide for those wishing to explore the mysteries of Hekate today. About the Authors Sorita d'Este and David Rankine are esoteric researchers, mythologists and modern day magicians who have between them authored more than twenty published books on magic, mythology, folklore and the occult. Sorita is the editor of the anthology "HEKATE KEYS TO THE CROSSROADS" and the author of Artemis Virgin Goddess of the Sun & Moon. Together they have produced titles such as Visions of the Cailleach, The Isles of the Many Gods and The Guises of the Morrigan.
194 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2009
903 people are currently reading
2428 people want to read
About the author
Sorita d'Este
26 books265 followersSorita d’Este is an author, researcher and priestess who has devoted her life to the Mysteries. She is the author of around 20 books exploring subjects related to the practice and history of magic, mythology, religion, folklore and witchcraft. Her previous books include titles such as Hekate Liminal Rites, Practical Elemental Magick, Visions of the Cailleach, Wicca: Magickal Beginnings and The Isles of the Many Gods. Her latest release is Circle For Hekate: Vol I. She lives on a hill in Glastonbury (Somerset, UK) from where she works as a publisher and writer. She is frequently distracted from her work by her love of gardening, exciting visitors and the promise of interesting esoteric knowledge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 7, 2010
There are a few things in this book I'd not encountered elsewhere, a first time translation into English of Hymn by Proclus, or the first time I've seen it English'd, at least, among others. This book is an all too short reference work on all things Hekate. I'm talking about historical lore as She has been revered down the millennia, not the absurd notion of Her as "Crone" of contemporary ignorance, an imposition of recently invented dogma on a multimillennially (sempiternally?) pre-existent Goddess, never once depicted or described as "Crone." Ugh. Enough of that.
Hekate Liminal Rites is about the Hekate the Great Goddess or Potnia Theron, Mother of the Beasts, a bit like Cybele I suppose, first known to the Greeks from Her worship in Asia Minor or Thrace or both. And Hekate the Protogena, One of the Firstborn of Night and, dependent on the source, Erebos or Khaos. Later Graicized yet more into a second generation Titan who fought on Zeus's side in the Titanomachy (and Zeus could not have given Her power over the Skies, the Earth and the Sea, as it was all already Hers): a Maiden Goddess, widely honored and worshiped, later feared, throughout the Hellenic World then the Roman Empire. Some Neo-platonists saw her as the Anima Mundi and Axis Mundi, the true World Tree, Queen of all our Reality as Zeus had become sole God of the Ultimate. Finally, Her role became mostly Queen of the Witches, of the Dead, and Lady of the Crossroads, and Her worship in that aspect probably reached as far as Scotland and who knows where else?
There's lots more details in Hekate Liminal Rites: I just wish the book were longer. But even that has a just cause: Hekate's name may well mean "Distant One" --- and, as one who is just beginning to know Her, I can say that She can be painfully close and intense (tho' you'll still never know Her) and painfully distant. It's simultaneously true that you cannot know Her and and you can never quit knowing more. Most of all She is beautiful in the extreme, and an Initiator (not always a gentle one) and a Protector: scary too, sometimes.
Whether you just like well-documented mythological lore, or are interested in Hekate be is as archetype or Goddess of both "soft" and "hard" polytheists, you just might be drawn by Her call in ways you do not expect. This book is a good starting place.
Hekate Liminal Rites is about the Hekate the Great Goddess or Potnia Theron, Mother of the Beasts, a bit like Cybele I suppose, first known to the Greeks from Her worship in Asia Minor or Thrace or both. And Hekate the Protogena, One of the Firstborn of Night and, dependent on the source, Erebos or Khaos. Later Graicized yet more into a second generation Titan who fought on Zeus's side in the Titanomachy (and Zeus could not have given Her power over the Skies, the Earth and the Sea, as it was all already Hers): a Maiden Goddess, widely honored and worshiped, later feared, throughout the Hellenic World then the Roman Empire. Some Neo-platonists saw her as the Anima Mundi and Axis Mundi, the true World Tree, Queen of all our Reality as Zeus had become sole God of the Ultimate. Finally, Her role became mostly Queen of the Witches, of the Dead, and Lady of the Crossroads, and Her worship in that aspect probably reached as far as Scotland and who knows where else?
There's lots more details in Hekate Liminal Rites: I just wish the book were longer. But even that has a just cause: Hekate's name may well mean "Distant One" --- and, as one who is just beginning to know Her, I can say that She can be painfully close and intense (tho' you'll still never know Her) and painfully distant. It's simultaneously true that you cannot know Her and and you can never quit knowing more. Most of all She is beautiful in the extreme, and an Initiator (not always a gentle one) and a Protector: scary too, sometimes.
Whether you just like well-documented mythological lore, or are interested in Hekate be is as archetype or Goddess of both "soft" and "hard" polytheists, you just might be drawn by Her call in ways you do not expect. This book is a good starting place.
February 2, 2017
One of the best books about Hekate I have ever read! It's not a book about how we, today, should worship Hekate but a book about how She was worshipped and how Her cult grew and grew throughout the ages, mixing with other traditions until coming to us today as the complex, unique and amazing Goddess She is. I recommend this book to EVERYONE who wishes to learn who Hekate is.
February 26, 2021
A wonderful collection of rituals, rites and stories regarding the goddess Hekate. This book is very well cited and their sources are always listed where the reader can find them easily (either in footnotes or in the back of the book). The authors even went as far as to cite certain passages that came from different reading sources.
The book itself reads rather flat as though the authors are presenting just straight facts, however let's be real, that is exactly what this book is. It gives great historical accounts of the goddess Hekate, her many counterparts, as well as her many cohorts.
With the way this book is written it may be a little bit boring for just the casual reader. I would definitely suggest REALLY wanting to read this book before picking it up as the information is a little dry. However very good nonetheless.
The book itself reads rather flat as though the authors are presenting just straight facts, however let's be real, that is exactly what this book is. It gives great historical accounts of the goddess Hekate, her many counterparts, as well as her many cohorts.
With the way this book is written it may be a little bit boring for just the casual reader. I would definitely suggest REALLY wanting to read this book before picking it up as the information is a little dry. However very good nonetheless.
March 6, 2012
Hekate Liminal Rites is a highly informative text. The material within this book was sourced from original historical texts which certainly makes this book a creditable resource to refer to. With its concise chapters, it provides the reader with a basic and easy to read synopsis of a wide scope of these original historical texts.
This book is one of those books which are brilliant to have on the bookshelf. It’s a book that can be referred to time and time again. For new comers to the Goddess Hekate, this book sets up a fantastic foundational starting point. From this starting point, the person can then research further and extend their knowledge. For the more experienced devotee, it still remains a great book to read and reread due to its concise and rich information.
I would recommend this book to all who are interested in and have a love for the Goddess Hekate.
This book is one of those books which are brilliant to have on the bookshelf. It’s a book that can be referred to time and time again. For new comers to the Goddess Hekate, this book sets up a fantastic foundational starting point. From this starting point, the person can then research further and extend their knowledge. For the more experienced devotee, it still remains a great book to read and reread due to its concise and rich information.
I would recommend this book to all who are interested in and have a love for the Goddess Hekate.
July 30, 2025
Sorita d'Este can do no wrong in my eyes. If you're interested in Hekate at all, please read all her Hekate books, they are so good.
February 16, 2012
This book is an excellent summary of historical information on the ancient Greek Goddess Hekate. Pulled from ancient resources and modern archaelogical texts, this book functions as a guide through the mystery that is Hekate, her functions, how she was worshipped, and how she fit in with the Greek gods and ancient Greek civilization.
I personally appreciated that the authors made clear where to find specific passages regarding Hekate in Greek and Greek-influenced literature.
I personally appreciated that the authors made clear where to find specific passages regarding Hekate in Greek and Greek-influenced literature.
January 4, 2021
Immensely boring
This reads like a dry encyclopedia. It has no form, no personality and is just horribly written. It's showing how Hecate can be associated with all of these other Goddesses but the way they do this is through chapters that have no structure. It makes little sense as to what most of the paragraphs are even supposed to be about and why it is relevant. I was so bored I am glad I never need to read that again.
This reads like a dry encyclopedia. It has no form, no personality and is just horribly written. It's showing how Hecate can be associated with all of these other Goddesses but the way they do this is through chapters that have no structure. It makes little sense as to what most of the paragraphs are even supposed to be about and why it is relevant. I was so bored I am glad I never need to read that again.
August 18, 2024
This one was just hard for me to get through. I'm not really sure why, but it didn't capture my interest.
January 27, 2025
Very academic and well supported survey, but wish the author took some more liberties beyond it in interpretations. I appreciated learning so much about the history of this magical mythic figure, but was left wanting more.
April 9, 2023
I became fascinated by the goddess Hekate during a Roman and Greek mythology class and asked the instructor for recommendations about books or articles about the goddess. He suggested I explore this book (although he admitted he hadn’t yet read it). This is an interesting short book that covers many topics related to Hekate, including mentions of her by Greek philosophers and writers, the syncretization of Hekate with other goddesses (including the Egyptian goddess Isis), various origin stories, her powers, and more. It is filled with quotes from various classical authors with mentions of Hekate.
June 3, 2025
Oh, SO informational. I’ve been looking for books that dove deeper than the surface and this did just that. I will have to reread this at some point because a lot of the references to certain philosophers, customs, and papers went over my head but it truly showed the depths of devotion to Hekate. I learned so much!! 🖤🗝️🐾🤍🔥
March 17, 2022
This book wasn't quite what I was searching for (all my fault, I should have checked better) and if I'm entirely honest, I think I lacked some references to understand everything. But it was still a very informative read, not too obscure, and I learned a lot. I think I might come back to it once I'll have gotten more references books.
March 22, 2021
This is massively detailed with historical references. It is a big dry, very much like a textbook.
July 16, 2025
This is probably one of the best books on Hekate, especially if you don’t know much about her and want to get to know about her history and traditions. Sorita and David goes really in depth with her history linking with actual historical sources, quotes from historians and authors of ancient literature things that I wasn’t aware about. PGM and Chaldean Oracles they break it down on how one would’ve cast this spell or her perspectives in not just Ancient Greece but outside of it throughout time from the Ancient Greeks to Early Christian writers and Philosophers. I can’t tell you how many notes I took and tabbed the book for reference that’s why it took me so long.
She goes in depth about her fusions with other deities like Selene, Artemis, Isis, etc. plus her association with death and being a Psychopomp, her traditional offerings and herbs and plants based on mythology and other historical sources. I think if you are just starting to work with Hekate and want to know more about her the best book, plus the bibliography is amazing and so many resources to continue on with reading about Hekate. The information in each chapter is short and summed up in a way that makes the reader digest whats being convey to them, but it’s not a textbook nor a chunky book it’s a book that opens up a more complex path. Sorita knows her stuff base upon the book and her website she goes out of her way to make this information accessible and it makes me want to read the other books cause she focuses on the historical sources than her own personal experience and that’s what I love. She will say “we don’t have much evidence but here is one source that may help….” Or to that effect and gives the impression that she is honest but fair.
If there is one thing I wish she would elaborate on is the Chaldean Oracles, she mentions it a lot and quotes it but she never really explains what they are exactly maybe in her other books she explains in depth but in this book she just mentions it. A lot of authors will reference Chaldean Oracles but never quotes it or never really explains what is in the book. But I will say in this book Sorita when she does quotes it definitely gives more nuance to what the Oracles are. Maybe I missed something in here perhaps she does explain it but very little though it made me interested in learning it more and more. But I wouldn’t take that as a overall negative I can look beyond that and recognize this is a great source in your collection if you want to work with Hekate or if you already do it’s great to have a source to look back on.
She goes in depth about her fusions with other deities like Selene, Artemis, Isis, etc. plus her association with death and being a Psychopomp, her traditional offerings and herbs and plants based on mythology and other historical sources. I think if you are just starting to work with Hekate and want to know more about her the best book, plus the bibliography is amazing and so many resources to continue on with reading about Hekate. The information in each chapter is short and summed up in a way that makes the reader digest whats being convey to them, but it’s not a textbook nor a chunky book it’s a book that opens up a more complex path. Sorita knows her stuff base upon the book and her website she goes out of her way to make this information accessible and it makes me want to read the other books cause she focuses on the historical sources than her own personal experience and that’s what I love. She will say “we don’t have much evidence but here is one source that may help….” Or to that effect and gives the impression that she is honest but fair.
If there is one thing I wish she would elaborate on is the Chaldean Oracles, she mentions it a lot and quotes it but she never really explains what they are exactly maybe in her other books she explains in depth but in this book she just mentions it. A lot of authors will reference Chaldean Oracles but never quotes it or never really explains what is in the book. But I will say in this book Sorita when she does quotes it definitely gives more nuance to what the Oracles are. Maybe I missed something in here perhaps she does explain it but very little though it made me interested in learning it more and more. But I wouldn’t take that as a overall negative I can look beyond that and recognize this is a great source in your collection if you want to work with Hekate or if you already do it’s great to have a source to look back on.
December 30, 2022
Hekate Liminal Rites covers the recorded history of the Goddess Hekate, whose first known origin comes from Asia Minor but is perhaps best known by the works of Greek poets such as Homer, Hesiod, and Proclus and through later works such as The Chaldean Oracles and The Greek Magical Papyrus.
The book takes a scholarly approach to Hekate and examines where she is mentioned, how she was viewed in different centuries. It also mentions her symbols, best known epithets, and magical powers.
If you are a pagan looking to read about Hekate, then this book will cover her history, but it’s not written in a personal style from the perspective of a devotee. If that is what you’re seeking, you might be disappointed and I would recommend Courtney Webers book instead. That is written from the perspective of worship experience rather than being focused on research and historical record.
As a Hellenic pagan, I found the book useful but I’m really glad I got the Courtney Weber book, too, because Sorita D’Estes’ book is denser and less personal. It’s much harder to look at this book for guidance on worship practices, as some of the things historically done to honor the Goddess are impractical or illegal now. For example, dog sacrifice was common, as was creating a pit and putting animal blood, milk, and honey as an offering to Hekate and the spirits of the dead.
For those who are interested in a scholarly approach, this book includes many citations, references, and a detailed Bibliography. It also has a handy chart putting poems, plays and other works mentioning Hekate into Chronological order.
Summary: Red this book for historical research and literary references, but if you’re looking for a book on modern worship, try a different book, such as Hekate by Courtney Weber.
The book takes a scholarly approach to Hekate and examines where she is mentioned, how she was viewed in different centuries. It also mentions her symbols, best known epithets, and magical powers.
If you are a pagan looking to read about Hekate, then this book will cover her history, but it’s not written in a personal style from the perspective of a devotee. If that is what you’re seeking, you might be disappointed and I would recommend Courtney Webers book instead. That is written from the perspective of worship experience rather than being focused on research and historical record.
As a Hellenic pagan, I found the book useful but I’m really glad I got the Courtney Weber book, too, because Sorita D’Estes’ book is denser and less personal. It’s much harder to look at this book for guidance on worship practices, as some of the things historically done to honor the Goddess are impractical or illegal now. For example, dog sacrifice was common, as was creating a pit and putting animal blood, milk, and honey as an offering to Hekate and the spirits of the dead.
For those who are interested in a scholarly approach, this book includes many citations, references, and a detailed Bibliography. It also has a handy chart putting poems, plays and other works mentioning Hekate into Chronological order.
Summary: Red this book for historical research and literary references, but if you’re looking for a book on modern worship, try a different book, such as Hekate by Courtney Weber.
June 21, 2015
This book is full of ancient small-sized texts about the Goddess Hekate. Many of them could be easily found. The conclusions and the comments are very helpful too. The texts came from ancient Hellenes writers, Roman writers, Byzantine writers, PGM and Chaldean Oracles. The book has small chapters concerning many things about Hekate, like Elefsinean Mysteries, statues, ancient coins, ancient temples, curse tablets, voces magicae, herbs, metals, hymns, animals, necromancy, angels, the medieval connection with solomon's magick etc. The writers continue their good work revealing the nature of the Goddess.
September 21, 2024
Solid History
Beautiful review of the Triple Moon Goddess and the crossovers between most religions and her influence. Should make one think why most Christian religions stole something devine from a woman. Was it to rewrite history or just perpetuate the myth that the patriarchal influence is necessary.
Beautiful review of the Triple Moon Goddess and the crossovers between most religions and her influence. Should make one think why most Christian religions stole something devine from a woman. Was it to rewrite history or just perpetuate the myth that the patriarchal influence is necessary.
December 3, 2025
The OG maiden mother crone!!!
Lots of great info about Hecate and her origins, relation to other gods/goddesses she’s associated/likened to. All kinds of rites, rituals, and other ways people have connected to Hecate throughout ancient history, incl overlap with Egyptian, Jewish and Christian cultures/religions. Very well researched !!
Lots of great info about Hecate and her origins, relation to other gods/goddesses she’s associated/likened to. All kinds of rites, rituals, and other ways people have connected to Hecate throughout ancient history, incl overlap with Egyptian, Jewish and Christian cultures/religions. Very well researched !!
March 6, 2012
This is essential reading for anyone interested in the Goddess Hekate. Sorita and David are excellent researchers and this book provides more than any other for those who are involved in withcraft, paganism and wicca, but also those who are interested in the history of magic and Hekate.
tbr-recommended
February 27, 2016My interest in this title stems from an experience I had almost 25 years ago: I edited a friend's master's thesis on Hecate, Hermes, & the Liminality of the Crossroads. That inspired in me a life-long interest in the subject as a result. Hope our library has a copy.
September 12, 2021
Boring
So incredibly dry. It was difficult to get through. There wasn’t really any structure to this book and it read like a list of scrambled information.
So incredibly dry. It was difficult to get through. There wasn’t really any structure to this book and it read like a list of scrambled information.
October 3, 2024
Really strengthened my knowledge of the practices of antiquity. I highly recommend
October 4, 2024
Informative, fast and mysterious is She. Hail Hekate!
October 4, 2023
That was quite interesting though I think that reading it in a physical book would've been dull as there's no narrative thread, it feels like an encyclopedia almost. But listening to it while I worked around the house was interesting.
I'm obviously not the target audience for this (assuming the target audience is neopagans) but the book was very focused on the historical aspect with most of the sources being pre-Christian era so it satisfied my curiosity in that regard and didn't seem to present an overarching theme or claim about Hecate. Each chapter just focused on different aspects of how Hecate was perceived or worshiped without trying to pull her together into some great goddess and as far as I could tell didn't try to read modern sensibilities into the ancient sources.
And I'm wondering about some of these spells. One of the love spells mentioned calls for plucking out the eyes of a live bat and placing it in a dog-shaped loop of unbaked dough. How'd somebody decide that's how it works? Was there trial and error involved? Did somebody do that and it worked? Or did it take them a while to figure out the dough ought to be unbaked?
Also, when talking about Hecate being depicted with animal heads some of the connections are just strange. Like the hydra head being associated with water, okay. But what gets associated with air? A bull because they snort. Strange, but I see the connection. And fire? A horse of course, because apparently they breathe fire. That just cries out for a book on its own.
I'm obviously not the target audience for this (assuming the target audience is neopagans) but the book was very focused on the historical aspect with most of the sources being pre-Christian era so it satisfied my curiosity in that regard and didn't seem to present an overarching theme or claim about Hecate. Each chapter just focused on different aspects of how Hecate was perceived or worshiped without trying to pull her together into some great goddess and as far as I could tell didn't try to read modern sensibilities into the ancient sources.
And I'm wondering about some of these spells. One of the love spells mentioned calls for plucking out the eyes of a live bat and placing it in a dog-shaped loop of unbaked dough. How'd somebody decide that's how it works? Was there trial and error involved? Did somebody do that and it worked? Or did it take them a while to figure out the dough ought to be unbaked?
Also, when talking about Hecate being depicted with animal heads some of the connections are just strange. Like the hydra head being associated with water, okay. But what gets associated with air? A bull because they snort. Strange, but I see the connection. And fire? A horse of course, because apparently they breathe fire. That just cries out for a book on its own.
November 11, 2024
Hekate Liminal Rites by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine is a masterful exploration of one of the most complex and powerful deities of the ancient world. This book goes beyond superficial descriptions, delving into the rich history, symbols, and practices associated with Hekate, the torch-bearing goddess who reigns at the threshold of the crossroads, life, death, and the mysteries beyond. The authors’ dedication to scholarship is evident, drawing from a remarkable range of sources—from the Greek Magical Papyri to the Chaldean Oracles and beyond.
D'Este and Rankine capture Hekate’s liminal nature through detailed studies of her various aspects, including her ties to necromancy, dreams, and prophecy, and her links with other deities across different cultures. What makes Hekate Liminal Rites exceptional is its ability to weave historical accounts and mythological interpretations into practical guidance for modern practitioners who feel drawn to Hekate’s mysteries. Each chapter feels like a door into her ancient rites, shedding light on both her dark and luminous aspects.
The meticulous research and depth of insight make this book invaluable for anyone interested in Hekate or the broader traditions of ancient magic. It’s a book that’s as close to indispensable as they come, equally satisfying for academics, practitioners, and anyone seeking a meaningful connection to the goddess of the crossroads.
D'Este and Rankine capture Hekate’s liminal nature through detailed studies of her various aspects, including her ties to necromancy, dreams, and prophecy, and her links with other deities across different cultures. What makes Hekate Liminal Rites exceptional is its ability to weave historical accounts and mythological interpretations into practical guidance for modern practitioners who feel drawn to Hekate’s mysteries. Each chapter feels like a door into her ancient rites, shedding light on both her dark and luminous aspects.
The meticulous research and depth of insight make this book invaluable for anyone interested in Hekate or the broader traditions of ancient magic. It’s a book that’s as close to indispensable as they come, equally satisfying for academics, practitioners, and anyone seeking a meaningful connection to the goddess of the crossroads.
November 23, 2025
An episodic read on the many religious and magical practices associated with Hekate, as viewed through the optics of an occultist and a priestess of Hekate. If you approach the book knowing this, you can enjoy the material for its insights and passion without expecting the structural rigor of a scholarly work.
Both fortunately and unfortunately, it shows that this is not an academic text. The authors have a tendency to repeat themselves in numerous places. More than a few of the chapters would benefit from context, for example chapter 9 on The Armour of Hecate and chapter 29 on King Solomon. If you know nothing about the Jewish spirituality or the Chaldean Oracles, it’s easy to get lost in those chapters (tried and tested this for you). The book also sorely lacks more illustrations that would help one visualize what the authors are talking about (e.g., the cursed tablets). On the other hand, there are many interesting translations of ancient texts, the book reads well and it is thoroughly researched.
Both fortunately and unfortunately, it shows that this is not an academic text. The authors have a tendency to repeat themselves in numerous places. More than a few of the chapters would benefit from context, for example chapter 9 on The Armour of Hecate and chapter 29 on King Solomon. If you know nothing about the Jewish spirituality or the Chaldean Oracles, it’s easy to get lost in those chapters (tried and tested this for you). The book also sorely lacks more illustrations that would help one visualize what the authors are talking about (e.g., the cursed tablets). On the other hand, there are many interesting translations of ancient texts, the book reads well and it is thoroughly researched.
June 19, 2019
Despite its slimness, there is a lot of information packed into this book regarding Hekate. For those unfamiliar, Hekate is the Goddess of Crossroads and witchcraft... Among other things, as I soon discovered reading this book. In fact, the book presented compelling evidence that perhaps Hekate pre-dates even her popular Greek avatar. Far from being a crone, she was actually quite polymorphous with the myriad animals associated with her. The approach of the writers of this book in presenting the information reminded me of a picture that is constantly being zoomed into, revealing further intricate details. The first couple of chapters dealt with her popular image, and her possible origins, tracing them through history. The subsequent chapters focused on specific symbols, traditions, and even trinkets associated with Hekate, with the chapters getting shorter and shorter. Be warned, despite "Rites" being part of the title, this is a mostly academic, historical and archaeological book about Hekate. Although it does include some English translations of fragments of rituals dedicated to Hekate, there is little in actual practical instructions of working with the Goddess. That being said, anyone interested in working or already working with Hekate will find useful information on which to build and improve their own praxis.
November 11, 2024
Hekate: Liminal Rites is nothing short of a treasure for anyone drawn to the mysteries of the Crossroads. Sorita d’Este and David Rankine have outdone themselves, gathering an astonishing range of historical sources that weave a vivid picture of Hekate’s complex, triple-formed power. The level of detail here—from the Greek Magical Papyri to the Chaldean Oracles—makes this a book that feels truly alive with the ancient and multifaceted legacy of Hekate.
D’Este and Rankine don’t just give a history lesson; they’ve created an essential guide for practitioners. Every page reveals another layer of Hekate’s influence on magic, prophecy, and transformation, tracing her journey from guardian statues to necromantic rites, the strophalos, and the secret entrances to the mysteries. This book has depth, rigor, and reverence, making it an irreplaceable resource for anyone who seeks not only to study Hekate but to connect with her on a soul level. A powerful work, and an absolute must-have.
D’Este and Rankine don’t just give a history lesson; they’ve created an essential guide for practitioners. Every page reveals another layer of Hekate’s influence on magic, prophecy, and transformation, tracing her journey from guardian statues to necromantic rites, the strophalos, and the secret entrances to the mysteries. This book has depth, rigor, and reverence, making it an irreplaceable resource for anyone who seeks not only to study Hekate but to connect with her on a soul level. A powerful work, and an absolute must-have.
October 5, 2022
Very interesting. VERY academic. I listened to this on Audible, though I have the book. I will have to go back and read it again. Lots of info on the ancients' view of Hekate and the ways in which they interacted with her. Many of these aspects are not the experiences I've had with Her, but I'm eager to learn more. I especially appreciated reading more in depth about her epithets, which are a great way to understand her better. Audible voice one of those pretty generic voices which I will usually avoid, but getting back to the long commute means less time for reading and since I really wanted to read this book, and it's pretty short, I put up with it. Good short volume to get started with Hekate but I'm looking forward to the more robust volume by d'Este.
October 28, 2024
Such a fascinating lore and what an incredibly strong goddess.
The format of the book was fairly dry and academic, highlighting the careful research, but lacking a through line or story arch. Skip the boring sections, the rest is worth the read. From chapter 10 on, the sections are more interesting.
I was struck most by the comparison of Hekate's qualities being ascribed to Jesus during the rise of Christianity and attempted squashing of polytheism. Specifically, how body and blood of bread and wine are provided by wealthy for the poor, as were Hekate's feast rites at the crossroads on a new moon. It was interesting that her attributes had manifested across religions and cultures as the gatekeeper to the underworld. Such a boss b!
The format of the book was fairly dry and academic, highlighting the careful research, but lacking a through line or story arch. Skip the boring sections, the rest is worth the read. From chapter 10 on, the sections are more interesting.
I was struck most by the comparison of Hekate's qualities being ascribed to Jesus during the rise of Christianity and attempted squashing of polytheism. Specifically, how body and blood of bread and wine are provided by wealthy for the poor, as were Hekate's feast rites at the crossroads on a new moon. It was interesting that her attributes had manifested across religions and cultures as the gatekeeper to the underworld. Such a boss b!
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