Hecate is the moon and magic goddess who is often depicted holding two torches and a key, thought to represent her knowledge of the night and necromancy.
Hecate was the daughter of Perses and Asteria, although some versions of her myth also call her the daughter of Zeus. She was an attendant of the goddess Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was abducted by Hades and taken into the Underworld. Hecate heard Persephone’s scream and set out on a search for nine days and nine nights. When Demeter realized that Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds in the Underworld and would have to spend six months of every year there, Hecate agreed to be her companion and friend for the time she with Hades.
Another myth shows her shrine featured prominently in the Argonauts tale, where Medea, a follower of Hecate, was waiting to meet Jason for the first time. She agreed to help him acquire the Golden Fleece by giving him advice on how to tame the Brazen Bulls and sow the Dragon’s Teeth to raise the earth-men with knowledge learned from Hecate. Jason pledged to marry Medea if she followed him to find the Golden Fleece.
Perses and Asteria
Goddess of the moon, magic, and witchcraft
Two torches and a key
{Microdata type="HowTo" id="9532"}Hecate is a goddess in Greek mythology known for magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and crossroads. She is often depicted holding torches or keys, symbolizing her role as a guide through darkness.
Hecate is associated with powerful symbols like torches, keys, dogs, and the moon. Her powers include magic, protection, and the ability to move between worlds, making her an important figure in ancient rituals.
In ancient Greece, people worshipped Hecate with offerings at crossroads, small shrines called "Hecate's suppers," and rituals during the new moon. She was honored as both a protective and mysterious deity.
Hecate differs from other Greek goddesses because she rules over magic, witchcraft, and the boundary between the living and the dead, while others like Athena or Artemis focus on wisdom or the hunt.
Hecate is important because she represents mystery, transformation, and guidance. She appears in stories like Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and has inspired art and literature throughout history.