Goddess Hecate (Hekate or Hekátē)

Divine goddess of the crossroads, magic, lunar lore, and childbirth, she is known as a protector of entrances; her presence was well known in the ancient world.

Intrinsically polymorphous, she straddles conventional boundaries and eludes definition, and is known contemporarily by some as the maiden, the maid, and the crone, though this association itself is an ancient one.

Hecate was frequently shown in her triplicate (trimorphic) form and altars dedicated to her were placed at crossroads as well as before private homes and city gates. Hecate was associated with borders, city walls, doorways, crossroads, and, by extension, with realms outside or beyond the world of the living.

Although associated with other moon goddesses such as Selene, Hecate ruled over three kingdoms; the earth, the sea, and the sky. She had the power to create or hold back storms, which influenced her patronage of shepherds and sailors alike.

Hecate was closely associated with plant lore and the concoction of medicines and poisons. In particular she was thought to give instruction in these closely related arts. The yew in particular was sacred to Hecate. The Greeks held the yew to be sacred to Hecate, queen of the underworld, crone aspect of the Triple Goddess.

Hecate is also associated with the figure of Isis in Egyptian mythology, as well as Artemis and Diana. The Romans knew her as the goddess Trivia. (the Three Ways)

Hecate also came to be associated with ghosts, infernal spirits, the dead and sorcery. Like the totems of Hermes (herms), hectarions were placed at borders and crossroads as a ward against danger. Over time, the association with keeping out evil spirits could have led to the belief that if offended, Hecate could also allow the evil spirits in. According to one view, this accounts for invocations to Hecate as the supreme governess of the borders between the normal world and the spirit world, and hence as one with mastery over spirits of the dead.

De Baun Fine Ceramics is proud to offer Goddess Hecate bowls, shrines and statues. Follow this link to view our collection of Goddess Hecate items.

We also have more Hecate items at our Etsy shop.