Goddess Hecate and her meaning: magic and the power of decisions
In Greek mythology, the goddess Hecate plays a very special role. She is not a typical Olympian, but an ancient, mystical figure - a goddess of magic, crossroads, night and transformation. Her realm is the in-between: those threshold moments in life when we don't know what's coming, but sense that something old can go.
Hecate is often depicted with torches, which she uses to light the way through the darkness. She is the one who accompanies us through the night - not to protect us from the darkness, but to teach us to see in it. She knows the secrets of the underworld as well as the wisdom of heaven. In her trinity - virgin, mother, old woman - she embodies the cycles of life and the power of inner change.
She probably originated in Asia Minor and was later incorporated into the Greek pantheon. Unlike many other deities, Hecate was never disempowered or reduced - she retained her power over heaven, earth and the underworld.
In ancient tales, she often appears as a wise companion: she helps Demeter in her search for the abducted Persephone and thus becomes the guardian of the underworld paths.
She is also associated with sorcery and herbalism and is considered a teacher of witchcraft. Sacrifices were made to her at crossroads - places that, like her, stand for decisions, transitions and the unknown. Her presence is powerful and ambiguous: sometimes frightening, sometimes comforting - depending on where you are in life.
The dogs at Hecate's side - Guardians of the threshold
Her connection to dogs is particularly striking. These animals not only accompany Hecate as protectors, but also show her all kinds of valuable information. In ancient times, it was believed that dogs could see spirits and mediate between the worlds - they are guardians of the invisible, attentive, intuitive and loyal.
In the symbolism of Hecate, dogs stand for vigilance, protection, intuition and transition. They are the instances that warn us when something is out of balance and guide us when we do not (yet) recognize the path ourselves. Their proximity to Hecate underlines how important it is to listen to your inner voice.
Goddess Hecate's message today
Hecate invites you to pause, listen and take the path inwards. She reminds you that it is okay to be in transition - in a phase in which many things are uncertain.
Perhaps you know those moments when you don't seem to know who you actually are anymore because so much has changed inside you. Then it's time to let go of an old version of yourself and open yourself up to a completely new phase of your life.
Hecate gives you the courage not to flee in the darkness, but to linger. She stands for the acceptance of not-knowing, the power of intuition and trust in your own inner compass.
Her aspect of magic and witchcraft today also stands for becoming aware of the consequences your decisions will have on your life. Whenever you recognize inner patterns that keep you trapped or 'small', it is time to resolve them for yourself and focus more on your strength. This is also what Hecate and her magic stand for. She is also still used today by people all over the world as a helper for magical rituals when practicing witchcraft (depending on the tradition).
My painting "Hecate and the dogs" - a modern interpretation
I wanted to capture this multi-layered energy in my painting "Hecate and the dogs". I worked on a black canvas to emphasize the depth, the unconscious and the magic that surrounds Hecate. The background consists of luminous spray paints, which have a particularly intense effect on the dark background - like magical lights in the night.
I have worked geometric patterns into the picture using texture paste. These represent the many possibilities and paths that life has in store - even (or especially) when you can't see them yet.
Hecate and the two dogs do not appear threatening in my picture, but powerful and present - as an invitation to recognize your inner strength and to pay attention to the signs that accompany you through phases of change in your life.
German