Are you looking into working with a deity? Do you feel particularly drawn to Hecate's figure? If you are approaching a big breakthrough, she might be calling you.
Get to know Hecate
Hecate is one of the lesser-known Greek goddesses. The abilities attributed to her in Greek mythology are many, and they are mysterious. That is why, even nowadays, some myths around her present her as an evil goddess. Certainly, some of her powers and characteristics can be associated with the Underworld. However, some of her domains undoubtedly belong to the realm of life. She has extensive powers and many divine duties. She is considered to be the goddess of the night, light, childbirth, ghosts, necromancy, and the moon. Today, we know her mainly for being the goddess of magic and witchcraft.
According to mythology, her divine duties include ushering souls from the physical world to the underworld and vice-versa. She is, therefore, a liminal goddess. As such, she was given the title of goddess of gateways and borders. In this aspect, those “in-between” spaces are under her domain. She is also called the goddess of crossroads. To represent this, she is frequently represented as a triple goddess. For example, she is most commonly seen as a triple feminine figure, or as a woman holding a three-headed dog.
Hecate’s calling
Hecate is known to call people even when, more often than not, some witches are afraid of working with her. she may call you despite you knowing very little about her -or even if you do not know her at all. This goddess tends to be persistent and does not care about the resistance or inexperience of those she wants to call.
As we know, Hecate’s domains include crossroads. Not unexpectedly, she often calls people who are going through major life changes. This is why she is believed to call pregnant and dying people predominantly. She also likes calling young witches, as she likes to teach her craft using old-school methods. This is, of course, not true for everyone. You might be invited to work with her at any age.
However, if you are standing at any kind of turning point, she might lend a hand to help you. It might come across as an inconvenient time to embark on something new. But she will empower you to burn bridges leading back to those things that no longer serve you.
This is a deep, internal process. When something inside you starts breaking, her power seeps through the cracks and starts lighting up your soul. But Hecate is loud about what she wants. The work might be inward, but she will not leave room for doubt. If she wants to call you, you will notice subtle, yet unmistakable signs from her. You just have to pay attention.
6 signs Hecate is trying to get your attention
- Black dogs
Dogs are sacred to Hecate. They are her animal companion and she is frequently depicted with one. Repeatedly coming across large, black dogs can be a signal from her. However, this sign can manifest in different ways. For example, you might hear dogs howling or barking a bit too frequently. If these sounds seem to come out of nowhere, they might be her hounds calling you.
- Keys
Hecate is the goddess of gateways, and keys are one of her symbols. Of course, we handle keys on a daily basis. But if you unexpectedly come across keys while running errands, or find a long-lost bunch of keys, it might be a sign.
- Torches
In most representations, Hecate is holding torches. This is related to her soul-guiding and gate-keeping duties. Unlike keys, torches are not frequently seen in our daily life, so spotting one without actively seeking it could be a sign.
- The number 3
Hecate is often represented as a triple female figure. This is the representation of crossroads, one of her domains. In Greek mythology, she is also connected to the three realms of the Cosmos: earth, sea, and sky. Therefore, 3 is a sacred number when it comes to Hecate. If you notice it around you often, take note. It could be a message from this goddess.
- Crossroads
Hecate will likely call you when you are standing at a crossroads. But not only metaphorically! If you have a strange experience while standing at a crossroads, especially in a forest, pay attention. A symbol, a vision, a channeled message… that could be her calling.
- Symbols
Sometimes, the calling is even more obvious. If straightforward symbols, like Hecate’s wheel or triple moon imagery, appear around you repeatedly, she might be trying to call you.
What to do when you are called by Hecate
Receiving these signs from Hecate herself might be overwhelming. Maybe you sense that she’s trying to get through, but you are not completely sure. That is normal, especially if you have never worked with deities before.
At this point, being open to signs is more effective than actively looking for them. If you suspect that Hecate wants to work with you, taking notes might be useful. Keeping a detailed log of these signs will make them tangible and can help you understand them better. Write down if they are present in dreams or real life. Mention every symbol you notice. If you have a vision, jot down any other elements present. If you are undergoing any kind of change in your life, explain that, too.
Of course, it is difficult to discern what is really a sign. However, this is when faith comes into play. Remember that Hecate works from the inside out. If you have an unexplainable gut feeling, you are most probably correct. Trust her guidance and she will show you the right direction.
First steps working with Hecate
If you are ready to start working with Hecate, you can start small and work up progressively. Here are some ideas to start your journey.
- Include her in your altar
Having her picture on your altar or lighting a candle for her is a good place to start. You can add elements as your confidence grows.
- Work with Moon cycles
You can start by cleaning your home during a Full Moon as a cleansing ritual. Make sure to intention your actions.
- Help animals
Hecate is deeply related to Nature and animals in general. Even when she is mostly seen around dogs, other animals like snakes and polecats (similar to ferrets) are also included among her symbols. Working in your local shelter or with strays is a nice way to connect with her.
- Take care of your plants
This is a rather easy way to start understanding Hecate’s work. She is an herbalist and honors medicinal herbs and plants in her craft. Learning to work with these elements can take long study sessions. However, bonding with your houseplants is an easy starting point.
- Do shadow work
Hecate is the connection between light and darkness. She walks in life, death, and anything in between. Working with your shadow will spark a close connection between you and this wise, mysterious goddess.
- Practice green witchcraft
Devote time to including herbs and elements from Nature in your practice. Not only will you feel closer to Hecate. You will also learn a new craft.
Have you received Hecate’s calling? What were your signs? Share your experience with the community in the comments!
I too have found lots of random keys and seen MANY black crows as well as dogs and I’ve seen spirits as well as hearing a mysterious female entity whisper my name when I was younger and I am in love with nature and the full moon and wish too become an herbalist one day when i walk outside at night i always feel safest when there’s a clear skies and full moon BLESSED BE TO ALL
I was living in a toxic situation, the day I plucked up the courage to leave I had found my house keys had broke and fell off the set, that gave me the final courage I had needed. Currently sofa surfing and I had finally found a place for my self, the landlord went incognito when my reference checks came through. I eventually heard back with next steps at this point I was a bit deflated and wanted to turn down the offer but I am not exactly in the position to. I accepted to proceed although I had a gut feeling of don’t, there is something better out there. Landlord got back to me today advising they had decided to let the place to someone else due to missing information in application which could have easily been amended, I don’t know why but instantly felt relieved. I am finding it quite calming believing heckate is responsible for this looking out for me.
My experience began when I was four. I began seeing entities. I didn’t want to so I hid from them and told them to leave. Then ravens began following me, they still do. I’ve had two times in my life where I was at a crossroads and I made decisions very rapidly and whole heartedly that was out of my nature but that sent me a different direction a better direction. I do believe Hecate has been calling me I just haven’t figured out how to answer.
So this is a vintage print that I found in a little antique store in Western Maine one summer about 15 years ago. It immediately stood out to me and I loved it and bought it immediately. I had always been drawn to mythology and deities, I knew this must be either Pandora, Persephone, or Hecate with the 3 headed dog of the Underworld Cyrbus. Recently on the night of August’s Dark Moon 2023, this image I’ve enjoyed looking at and had hanging on my wall called to me. I am going through a very strong and obvious spiritual awakening as well as seeking inner healing from unusually severe childhood and adult traumas. Keys have been appearing in my dreams and I found 3 beautiful antique skeleton keys in the cellar of my mother’s house that I cherish. Hecate has been coming to mind often, a patron Goddess of abused women, accompanied by a 3 headed dog and holding keys, one of her symbols. Hecate accepts rejected, offended people, raped women, runaway slaves, revenges for their offences with terrible slow way. She can grow cruel plants whose juice, properly used, gives revelation, and in other doses can become fatal poison… I placed this print on my altar with the keys and a red clove pillar candle I’ve charged with manifesting all I desire, my personal magical powers, psychic strengths and protection to be lit every time I work a spell or celebrate an esbat or sabbat or divining, holding a circle, to lend energy, strength and might to me.
I can’t help but wonder if Hekate has, with all these happenings and my new desire to study her, called ME forth to her, to honor and learn from her. I KNOW as a Virgo the story of Persephone is near to me, as she is that maiden who was taken against her will to Hades and whose absence caused everything to die and wilt and turn barren.
All I know is the Goddess of Witchcraft, keys, and crossroads seems to be beckoning me to worship, honor, learn, heal and take my power back finally. To heal the shadow within and become her daughter.
So, I’m wondering if this is what really does happen, we don’t pick our Deities to work with, they pick us. Did she pick me with her image and keys and perfect timing?
I saw a giant woman in a black wedding/funeral dress. She had piercing blue eyes and she was sitting on my bed. If she stood up she would have been over 10 foot tall. Anyways she frightened me as I woke up out of a sleep. She disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Is this the same woman? Someone said it was and through Google I found this site. If it is why would she come watch me sleep? What does she want?
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