Keeping Her Keys: At The Crossroads of Modern Life and the Deeper World

Join Dr. Cyndi and all the Key Bearers from Covina: The Coven of Hekate for this fascinating discussion about Hekate's ancient titles referring to her as a maiden to what this means for us as modern witches.

We explore the different meanings of the terms 'maiden' and 'virgin' when applied to Hekate in ancient Greek and Roman texts. Then we flesh this out by examining the historical meanings of "Parthenos" and "Kore," and delve into the complexities and cultural baggage associated with these terms, highlighting the societal expectations placed on women. The discussion also touches on the concepts of sovereignty and independence, as well as the multifaceted nature of Hekate as a goddess. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand the historical context and the diverse interpretations of these terms.

Keywords: Hekate, maiden, virgin, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, cultural baggage, societal expectations, sovereignty, independence, goddess.

Key Takeaways

• The terms 'maiden' and 'virgin' had different meanings in ancient Greek and Roman texts when applied to Hekate.
• The societal expectations placed on women and the cultural baggage associated with the concept of maidenhood are explored.
• Hekate is seen as a multifaceted goddess, embodying qualities of sovereignty, independence, and connection to nature.
• Understanding the historical context and diverse interpretations of these terms is crucial to fully grasp their meaning.

Eclipses are such a powerful time to explore darkness, so very Hekatean in their essence for they not only either dim the world or occur at night when they are visible, but are also liminal times.

As Hekateans, the MOON will always be highly influential since we are naturally attuned to it's powers: emotions, intuition, magic(k), mystery. They are sacred events when we can behold the majesty of the universe, and Hekate Anima Mundi, with awe and wonder.

Generally, I recommend connecting to the eclipse in a more intuitive manner during the precise times, such as contemplative work of devotion (see prayer below), and reserving spells and rituals for hours before/after. Viewing eclipses in person is deeply spiritual experience, which I have been fortunate enough to have many times. 

Welcome to the season of Spring. Through a meditative journey, we will explore the myth of Persephone's emergence from the underworld. I recommend reading the chapter "Kore Reborn," in Entering Hekate's Cave to fully immerse yourself in the meaning of emergence. Get your candle ready for the opening ritual. In the meditation, we start by attuning the Three Selves, and then venture into the deeper world. In Hekate's Garden, we gather at the altar and offer something symbolic of what needs to be released or born. As we celebrate the equinox, a time of balance and transition, we honor goddesses and spirits such as Demeter, Medea, Artemis, and Circe. Absorb any gifts or messages received from them and conclude the meditation by returning to regular consciousness. Don't forget to make notes or sketches of your experience. Enjoy the journey.

Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe.
Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun.
Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon.
As Creator of the Sun,
You shine down upon us,
Bringing life to all things,
As Ruler of the Moon,
You light up the darkest nights.
On this day when the day equals the night,
And the sun and moon are balanced,
I honor you as Divine Keeper of Balance.
On this day when the day equals the night,
May I understand the balance of my own life,
That the darkness and the storms
Yield to the winds of change,
Ushering in a new season.
Hekate Enodia, my road
May be a difficult one,
But my faith that all will be born anew is strong.
I offer my gratitude, Blessed Hekate.
Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe.
Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun.
Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon.

- Cyndi Brannen

Shake it up, Witches! Hail Rixipyle!

Join Cyndi and Christen for this discussion on Hekate's aspect known as Rixipyle, the chain-breaking, gate crashing liberator. Cyndi starts us off with a meditative being check-in exercise to assess physical and emotional states. We breakthrough seeing all emotions as sacred, and how liberating expressing emotions is, particularly anger. We unlock concepts like over-functioning and getting stuck in a rut as common chains, emphasizing healthy boundaries and not trying to fix or control others. Tips for connecting with Rixipyle: readiness for radical change, assessing capacity for change, writing letters, and creating altars. Power of music and movement in connecting with Rixipyle energy is so fabulous.

This episodes draws from the Rixipyle Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness, available wherever books are sold.

It is nights like tonight,
She finds me.
Slipping in through a crack in the curtains.
Riding on pale moonlight.
It is nights like tonight
That I long to be her.
To have no familiarity
With words like,
“diagnosis,”
“mortgage,”
and “grief”.
It is nights like tonight
She reminds me
Of who I was before,
And who I could be.
Shooting her arrows into my heart,
Putting the wild back in me.

Artemis awakens much within us, shooting arrows that illuminate the wildness within that may have been pushed into darkness as we navigate all the complexities of "adulting," not to mention healing from difficult experiences.

Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness by Cyndi Brannen, PhD, can be purchased wherever books are sold.

This is a guided class and meditation that introduces the listener to Soul Retrieval.

Join my soul school, The Covina Institute, for the in-depth eight week journey that takes place between the first and third new moons of the calendar year.

If you missed this course, consider joining for The Rebirth Journey that runs from the third to fifth new moons.

Perhaps to me the most enduring way that Hekate presents to me is as Psychopomp, The Soul Guide. So much so that this entire moon month is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of Psychopomp, from connecting with a past life to experiencing the transformative Animarum Recupero (Soul Retrieval Ritual). Hail Hekate, Psychopomp.
Guide us, light our journey.

Check out my windy day musings video and more HERE:

https://keepingherkeys.com/read/f/exploring-hekate-and-soul-retrieval

For an in-depth examination of Hekate Psychopomp, read the eponymous chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave. Here's an excerpt:

One of Hekate’s most ancient roles is as Psychopomp, which translates as “soul guide.”[i]  According to the Greeks, the psychopomp guided the departed into the afterlife, whether it was the nightmarish Tartarus or the heavenly Elysium.[ii] Certain deities like Hekate and Hermes, her frequent companion, had the special ability to travel at will between the Underworld, the world of everyday life, and the heights of Olympus, so they could easily cross into the territory of the afterlife.[iii] 

Hekate, in particular, was responsible for overseeing the restless dead and for guiding souls to the other side. There is a special relationship between Hekate and those who have suffered great soul loss at the hands of others. She held close to her the dead who were marginalized by society, especially women and girls who had died due to sexual violence or during childbirth. In modern terms, Hekate is a trauma specialist whose darkness welcomes our fleeting soul fragments that find refuge in her cave. She tends to them until we are ready to be reunited.

Hekate Psychopomp is much more than the one who helps the earthly dead cross over the river to the other side, however. She is the midwife who assists new souls as they are born into flesh, and she reunites us with the fragments of our selves that we lose along the way. She calls us to take care of our own souls, and to see the soul in all things. When we care for our own souls and seek to understand the soul in all things, it draws us closer to the archetypal web, to the very soul of the world. The shamanic and psychological practice of soul retrieval is the process of calling back pieces of our soul that were lost due to individual and cultural trauma.[iv] In my own work, I function as a psychopomp, lighting the way to the wholeness known only through the return to soul. 

Step into the mystery of Hekate's Wheel, also known as the strophalos, in this guided meditation.

Hekate's Wheel, also known as the strophalos, is a symbol evoking the mysteries, and a powerful way to connect to her. Cyndi shows some of her favorite Hekate's Wheel talismans that she's created over the years, from a botanical stained wooden one, to a spinning version, and more. Hekate's Wheel makes an ideal foundation for exploring The Wheel of The Year, as discussed in the book "Keeping Her Keys," which also includes a ritual to tap into the force of the Hekate Wheel. In Covina, you'll find tons of resources for connecting to Hekate's Wheel.

Join me in a powerful meditation exercise to align with your purpose, and a conversation exploring creating magic(k) life. A daily spiritual practice is essential for manifesting a magic(k)al life, but it doesn't need to be complicated. Balancing the grand vision with small, achievable intentions unlocks the way towards your magic(k)al life and being authentically you. Get inspired by quotes about living a life others may not understand and embracing your truth. Take the leap towards your magical life, even if it means taking risks and embracing change.

You can purchase True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch from major booksellers.

Happy New Year.
Welcome to a new beginning.

How fortunate we all are to be here at the start of a new calendar year. I'm sending out the sacred smoke, deep healing, cleansing and connection to the divine, to our beloved Hekate, to all the spirits and her deeper world as the new year commences.

May you find meaning and value in wholeness in this new year.
Hail Hekate,
And Welcome to 2024.

My NYD personal ritual for invoking 2024 included exchanging letters with the me of today with the me of January 1, 2025.

Join me on this meditative journey to the heart of Hekate's Cave where we meet The Cailleach for unburdening our "stones," on the Winter Solstice (or anytime we need to let go our heaviness). I adore The Cailleach. She connects me to my Celtic roots, and always welcomes the weary traveler, offering shelter from the winter's storms.

There is a light so deep inside of meThat nothing can extinguish.It has burned through a thousand lifetimes, Always leading me back to Hekate's Cave.

Join Christen, Coyote Mae, and me for this enlightening discussion about the connections between Hekate, Persephone, and Demeter, with a special focus on their role as Torch Bearers.

Align with the energy of the waxing moon in this restorative meditation that reconnects and recharges.

Descend into the mysteries of these enduring goddesses of the deeper world.

"None of the immortal gods or mortal folk heard her cry, nor the Olives shining with fruit—  except the daughter of Perses,tender-hearted Hekate, veiled in light, heard from her cave…"-   From The Homeric Hymn to Demeter The Homeric Hymns: A Translation, with Introduction and Notes (Joan Palevsky Imprint in Classical Literature) by Diane J. Rayor

"Chthonia (usually pronounced "ka-thon-ee-ah," but also as "thon-ee-ah") is one of Hekate’s most ancient titles. A deity is considered chthonic if they abide in the Underworld, as opposed to ouranic deities, who reside on high. Hekate and Persephone are chthonic queens, while Demeter has strong ouranic characteristics, too. It is Hekate’s chthonic energy that often presents to us when we are at our lowest. This is a symbolic representation of our own "earthiness," an indication that we feel deeply when our internal Underworld calls us to deep healing. Chthonia comes at these moments and especially during autumn, when all is returning to the earth." - from Entering Hekate's Cave by Cyndi Brannen, PhD

My take on Imposter Syndrome.

Go gently into this work.

Step into your Head Mistresses' Parlor as we celebrate my favorite time of the year. The Moon takes precedence over the sun, the veil thins, spirits wander through dreams and the streets, and Hekate is ever-near. The most wonderful time of the year.

Let's invoke The Spirit of Samhain with this reading of a story that the moon once told me.

Submerge in the potion found in Hekate's Cauldron, releasing the past wounds and swimming in her mysteries. Perfect for the Samhain Season, when we are often called into her deep mysteries, or anytime we need to connect and heal.

From Entering Hekate's Cave:

This force leads us down a River Road that pours from her cauldron in the heart of her cave. It calls us to the crossroads, where we stand on the bank of this river—a river that is a road, a road that is a river. We see this River Road through the eyes of the soul. And this looping road always leads us back to where we are meant to be. Our souls long to dive deep into this river, but our shadows may tell us that the water is too deep. It is not. We are strong swimmers.

Cyndi starts by talking about experiencing Samhain as a year-round witch, and then shares her thoughts about being The Witch In The Room.

We're back for a new season exploring our beloved Hekate and her deeper world here at the crossroads, where we're inviting you into The Temple of Good Enough.

Christen, Coyote Mae, Liz and I have a candid conversation about abiding in this temple, covering a wide range of topics from the intersection of being etheric limitless beings that also have physical realities with max capacities, to becoming a tree.

Our invocation for this episode is from Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft by me (Cyndi Brannen), which is a perfectly imperfect guide to walking the crooked path that leads to The Temple of Good Enough.

We Are Good.

We Are Enough.

We Abide in The Temple of Good Enough.

Thanks so much for being part of the Poven. I'll be back around October 12 with a new season, and some special treats.

Medea is a challenging companion, who teaches us both what to do, and what not to do. She is central to the practice of Hekatean Witchcraft, representing the healing and destructive power of The Poison Path. She is a central figure in Entering Hekate's Garden, in fact she wrote the introduction. Medea will have her way.

In this solo episode, I talk about the importance of recognizing the seasonal transition from summer solstice to autumn equinox, and connecting with nature during this time. This includes celebrating the Celtic Fire Festival called Lammas or Lughnasa, the story of Lugh (an Irish mythic hero), practicing traditional harvesting techniques, speaking out and harvesting responsibly, and connecting with the energy of the goddess, Demeter, a frequent companion of Hekate, Mother of Persephone, and a great teacher for standing in our power and taking account. Finally, this is an opportunity to practice harvesting your life’s abundance while aligning root, heart, and crown energy centers through a meditation.

Christen and I are joined for the first time by Amanda, an amazing witch who keeps the Key of Psychologika (The Mind) in Covina, for this discussion about the meaning we find in Honoring Hekate on The Dark Moon with a special ritual meal, inspired by ancient practices.

This conversation is part of our ongoing exploration of the history and significance of Hekate's Suppers.

Our other episodes on Hekate's Suppers (aka The Deipnon):

A minisode this week, witches. Just me musing about the meaning of Hekate's Suppers, transitions, and her roles as Enodia and Propylaia.

Christen, Coyote Mae and I find our practice of witchcraft to be incredibly healing, something that is real and true to us. That's a real key for mental wellness: doing what is authentically you. This discussion follows up our first conversation about psychology and witchcraft for a discussion on the connections between mental health and practicing magick. We stay focused on the mental health challenges that everybody faces: anxiety, depression, and stress instead of getting into clinical diagnoses, and how practicing natural magick can be an effective coping mechanism.

Some of the topics we unlock include how magick is therapeutic for us, our animistic view of the world, and various coping mechanisms. We center around the importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of life, coping mechanisms, and being mindful of our capacities. Then we discuss the power of spells to help us cope with anxiety, depression, and stress. Seeing ourselves as self-sovereign, and viewing the divine and spirits as partners and helpers, as we navigate the demands of life, is the most magical key for merging our witchcraft with mental wellness.

NOTE: We use "magick" to refer to practices that focus on intentionally connecting to energies of the deeper world to craft spells, talismans, and such. This is in contrast to the general sort of magic that exists in the universe. The key here is intentional practices that attune to forces like plants and spirits that result in the creation of an object that serves as a conduit for working with these energies. Specifically, all three of us practice natural magick which can be defined as aligning with the etheric essences of plants and other aspects of the natural world, as well as archetypes, such as expressions of the divine.

I'm joined by Liz and Christen for this conversation about altars, which are truly the center of my witchcraft. Like Liz says, "there's no wrong way to altar." Connecting us to Hekate and all our spiritual helpmates, altars are a portal to the deeper world.

Creating an altar connecting to our beloved Hekate and her deeper world is an empowering and meaningful spiritual practice. We offer tips for creating an altar that is attuned to Hekate, including recommendations on which sacred objects to use, how to anoint the altar with oils, and the importance of setting intention when creating the altar. We especially encourage personalization of what the altar looks like and tailoring it to reflect the user's needs and desires. Altars bring joy and beauty, and serve as a way to show commitment and devotion to the divine.

The Sovereign Goddesses Ritual is a glorious solar celebration of many faces of The Sacred Feminine, especially Hekate and her companions (Artemis, Circe, Demeter, Medea, Persephone and Selene).

Keep your Goddesses wild and free.

The four of us invite you into the circle to discuss the intersection of psychology and witchcraft, which form the foundation of my teaching and writing. I'm joined by Christen, Coyote Mae, and Liz in a very candid conversation about self healing, covering a wide range of topics from being marginalized by mainstream health services to specific diagnoses, such as ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder, blending theories and techniques with our personal journeys.

In this episode, Coyote Mae and I interview pagan author Laura Perry about deathwalking, underworld goddesses, and guiding souls (aka psychopompery). We begin with a simple ritual, including The Prayer to Hekate for The Dead. We discuss deathwalking, which is a spiritual practice in which an experienced individual guides those of the departed to the afterlife, and often overlaps communicating with those on the other side. We dig into our personal experiences, and cultural attitudes towards death, linking these to the history of Hekate, especially her roles as Psychopomp, Anassa Eneroi and Eilytheia, along with the myths associated with related underworld goddesses (including Ariadne). Lastly, we talk about the implications of working with the departed, and ways to connect to your dearly departed, while staying safe from unfriendly spirits.

Let's circle around my original audio guide to the Keeping Her Keys Book in this episode. Since this perfectly imperfect book was published for years ago this month, it's unlocked Hekate's Witchcraft for thousands around the globe. Something I never imagined.

Hail Hekate and HER glorious witchcraft.

Especially splendid for the Witches' May Eve Sabbat, often referred to as Beltane today. Beltane was a traditional Celtic fertility festival, while the May Eve Sabbat comes from folklore about witches' gathering to celebrate the season, such as the stories about Walpurgis Night. Around the time of May Eve, Cyndi hosts an annual retreat drawing inspiration from the tales of the May Eve (aka High Spring) Witches Sabbat, focusing on the splendor in Hekate's Garden.

The meditation attunes to the mythic witch, Circe, and others as well as ancestral spirits. Recorded during The High Spring Sabbat of 2022, this meditative journey draws us to the secret Witches' Realm, through transforming into Circe's hawk. Through relaxation and breath, the portal to the deeper world opens, awakening us to the mystical powers of The Witch within. Shapeshifting into hawk unlocks the power of transformation, a key skill of all witchcraft.

Dr. Cyndi Brannen is a witch and psychologist, who teaches and writes from the crossroads of modern life and the deeper world. She's the founder of Covina: The Coven of Hekate, an online school that merges psychology with the esoteric, centered around the magick, medicine, and mystery of The Goddess Hekate.

As part of our ongoing project researching ancient Hekate's Suppers, we are cracking the mystery surrounding raw eggs as part of an otherwise fully prepared meal. Hekate's Suppers, also known as The Deipnon, were important rituals of purification and protection that were conducted in areas of the ancient Mediterranean.

Eggs were a key feature in the ancient suppers left for Hekate at the crossroads. These suppers, which are sometimes referred to as The Deipnon (which means "supper") were part of the monthly ritual of propitiation to Hekate on the night when the moon was hidden (aka the modern new moon).

"As is usually the case with offerings to the dead, the regular Hekates deipnon on the thirtieth of the month consisted of food. The specific articles, so far as they are mentioned, were magides a kind of loaf or cake, the shape and ingredients of which are not clear; the mainis or sprat; skoroda, or garlic; the trigJe, or mullet; psammeta, a sacrificial cake described by Harpocration as "somewhat like the psaista;" eggs, cheese, possibly the basunias a kind of cake." - Stephan Ronan, The Goddess Hekate.

Eggs have a rich history throughout many religions and cultures, symbolizing life, purification, and rebirth. In ancient Greece and Rome, eggs were used for spiritual rituals, including offerings for the goddess Hekate. In particular, Hekate's Suppers included raw eggs as a means of both purification and protection from evil spirits. Eggs, as well as many animal based foods, were viewed as chthonic, which means they were connected to the underworld, and deities who were associated with it. Through the Christian tradition eggs are linked to the purification ritual of communion, and the resurrection of Jesus. In particular, Mary Magdalene was associated with eggs, particularly red ones. Today eggs still have spiritual significance and can be used to achieve spiritual transformation and protection.

Witch, heal yourself. If there is one key that has unlocked my own soul more than just about any other (besides mother and teacher), it is embracing that I am a witch. With all it's glory and pain, to me, being comfortable with one of my core identities has healed me like no other. In this recording, I discuss my own journey from being so in the broom closet that I was behind the brooms to being a public figure, as well as share tips for navigating different spaces, and reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of both staying in the closet and coming all the way out. Of course, Hekate, Goddess of Witches, is a KEY part of this journey, so let's Hail Hekate and claim The Key of Witch.

Chapters:

The Witch in the Room: Exploring Life's Myth in the Mess

08:013 Exploring the Depths of the Witch Within: A Portal to Self-Love, Catharsis, and Healing  

15:09 Exploring the Depths of Witchcraft and Ancient Mythology

22:47 Navigating Hostile Rooms: An Exploration into the Richness of Dreams, Intuition, and Natural Magic

29:51 Self Healing and Embracing Identity

35:57 Occupying the Margins: Reflections of a Healer-Witch in the Mainstream

43:24 In or Out? The Broom Closet And Being A Goddess-Loving Warrior 

50:20 Unveiling the Witch Within: Relationships and Authenticity 

In this episode, Luxa Strata and Dr. Cyndi explore the practice of Pharmakeia - Witchcraft Medicine - and its ancient roots connected Hekate, Circe, and Medea. We get into a deep discussion of the poison path's intersection with these goddesses. We start out with a simple ritual, awakening The Sacred Fire, and finish up with a meditative journey into Hekate's Garden. The seven forces associated with each of the seven planets of the ancient world and botanicals associated with each is covered, as well as speaking and singing to plants. They also emphasize importance of respect and mindful practices when using plant medicine. Finally, they give recommendations on books and resources to explore Hekate's Garden on a deeper level.

I was delighted to speak with Nicholas Pearson, author of so many wonderful books and fabulous teacher. Nicholas is my go-to source for information on stones, as well as his books on energy healing and floral essences. Liz Westlake, owner of Materia Magikeia and Stone Instructor in Covina, joined in this conversation where we covered so many topics, from how stones are connected to Hekate (and other goddesses) to practical methods for working with our beloved rocks and crystals. Nicholas and I bonded when we discovered we shared a love for ancient magical gems. Be prepared to spend time researching them.

Hekate's connections to other goddesses and mythic witches, including Artemis, Selene, Persephone, Demeter, Circe and Medea, are explored in this episode from the archives.

Coyote Mae and Dr. Cyndi explored the intersection of spiritual programming and liberation through witchcraft. Focusing on their personal journeys and observations, they discussed the insidious nature of spiritual conditioning, from how it shows up in pagan practices to the unconscious restrictions on personal practice. Respect for varying spiritual paths by seeking to understand rather than dominate, and how self-discipline is a key of personal liberation are also covered.   

This chat goes well with "Rixipyle: The Liberator," in Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness by Cyndi Brannen, PhD. Available wherever books are sold.  

I wanted to do something special for International Women's Day, and I can think of nothing better than starting our conversation about being embodied witches, my lovelies. However you move, from breath to adventure, I honor you on this day, and every damn one. As women, we are often told from the moment we are born (and sometimes even before) that we need to force our bodies into tiny little forms of what's acceptable. To not take up space. To diet, to dye our hair, to dress a certain way, to hide our beautiful flaws, etc. etc. etc. So much bull*. It stops NOW. Move your beautiful body however you are able.

This meditation restores equanimity to beings through releasing fear (Phoberos) and embracing the energy of pure love (Agape). This meditation works with breath and the body-spirit essence, forming an internal system unlocking trust, security and firm boundaries. Within this energy field of pure love, we access agape energy, allowing us to embrace/release fear, as well as open up to memories, desires and the warmth of the Goddess. In this way, we can create a flow of acceptance, validation, healing power and rejuvenation, ultimately returning us to our truest selves.

This is a new version of the meditation for 2023.

This episode explores the powerful archetypal Great Mother Goddess, a figure that spans many cultures, times, and traditions. Focusing on Hekate as one face of this primordial goddess, and others, including Kybele, Demeter, and Kali Ma, discussing how SHE can be a powerful ally for healing our personal mother wound. The mother wound is something that we all carry in different ways, from the consequences of early childhood trauma, to the collective denial of the sacred feminine. Associated with insecure attachment, the consequences of bearing this injury are significant, often infiltrating all aspects of our lives. This painful burden shows up as mistrust, self-denial, lack of purpose, and in many other distressing ways.

We live in a time when the goddess is returning, from reclaiming The Madonna to connecting with Hekate, is occurring within many, and in mainstream western culture. This comes after centuries of being diminished due to the ubiquity of rational thought (part of patriarchy).  Restoring The Great Mother, whether you call her Hekate or otherwise, includes recognizing diversity and that we are all in need of healing. Finally, heeding the voice of the Great Mother is an invitation to not only personal healing, but to help restore balance to the world.