Keeping Her Keys: At The Crossroads of Modern Life and the Deeper World
By Cyndi Brannen
About me:
Cyndi Brannen is an author, herbalist, psychologist, and teacher, merging her years of experience studying health and relationships with the traditional wisdom of the goddess.
keepingherkeys.com/
Learn more about Cyndi's work at keepingherkeys.com
Keeping Her Keys: At The Crossroads of Modern Life and the Deeper WorldMar 10, 2022
Being A Witch In The World: Boundaries, Connection, and Safety
From close relationships to our beloved goddess, it is only through having the courage to open up that we deepen these connections. As we communicate with the deeper world, while navigating everyday life, we face specific challenges in being open, but it is only through such that we can truly walk with our beloved goddesses and practice our craft. How then do we navigate this need for trust, which is the essence of vulnerability, with the necessity of protection through our boundaries? Join Cyndi, Christen, Liz, Margie, Melanie, Leah, Nicole, and Alyssa for this exploration of being a witch in the world.
Learn more about Cyndi Brannen and Covina at keepingherkeys.com
Demeter: Ancient Goddess of Getting It Together
We had a fabulous deep conversation about Demeter, who often comes to us when it's time for us to "get it together," whatever the "it" may be for us personally. Demeter, the mother of Persephone, is a significant goddess in Greek and Roman mythology. She represents the natural cycle, agriculture, order, civilization, and the ruling of the home.
The Homeric Hymn to Demeter recounts the story of Persephone's abduction and Demeter's profound grief and anger. In the story, Persephone has been traumatized and abducted by Hades, all with the preapproval of her father (and his brother), Zeus. In her grief, Demeter's refusal to let the seasons change symbolizes the powerlessness and sorrow of a mother who has lost her child.
However, the Orphic Hymn to Demeter gives a fuller picture of her might and majesty. We explore some of her fascinating ancient history, and then bring the conversation forward to today, with our own understanding of her.
We all have differing opinions and personal experiences of Demeter, so this is a very spirited conversation.
Consider joining me, Christen, Liz, Melanie, Margie, Nicole, Leah, and Alyssa in Covina. Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more.
Beltane Meditation
Beltane kindles the sacred flame of growth and generativity, igniting our personal journeys and the natural world.
To join the Beltane Retreat, go HERE. Subscribe to either Hekate's Keys or The Mystai.
Hekate: The Meaning In The Maiden
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.
For more info and to register for courses, go to keepingherkeys.com
Hekate: Goddess of The Eclipse
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.
REGISTER for the Beltane Retreat.
Spring Equinox Ritual and Meditation: Gathering In Hekate's Garden With The Goddesses
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
keepingherkeys.com for more info on courses and my books.
The Magick of Liberation: Exploring The Past Fifty Years of Goddess Witchcraft
Join me and Christen Bennett (she/they) - Coven Key Bearer as we review how Goddess Witchcraft has evolved over the past five decades and how we are creating our own religion, both as a movement and personally. I'm calling this The Goddess Liberation Movement, as the Spirit of Rixipyle has certainly liberated us spiritually.
The Goddess Liberation Movement celebrates the freedom to practice spirituality without fear of punishment. It focuses on creating one's own religion and embracing personal spirituality. With a history spanning five decades, the movement has seen significant changes and progress. From the rise of feminist theology and goddess worship in the 1970s to the recognition of Wicca as an official religion in the 1980s, and the mainstream popularity of witchcraft in the 1990s, the movement has evolved. In the 2000s, online communities and resources for witches emerged, and in the 2010s, organizations like the Temple of Witchcraft and increased political and social activism by witches became prominent. While witchcraft has become more mainstream, there are concerns about consumerization and a focus on material objects. The movement encourages individuals to create their own spirituality and embrace their sacredness.
Watch with CC and transcript HERE.
Join the COVEN.
Learn more about Hekate as Rixipyle in Entering Hekate's Cave by me, Cyndi Brannen.
Hekate Rixipyle: The Chain Breaking, Gate Crashing Liberator
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.
Join Cyndi, Christen and the rest of the coven for The Journey of Rebirth. Learn more at keepingherkeys.com
Artemis: Wild Mysteries of The Moon
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.
Join me, Christen Bennett (She/Her) - Coven Key Bearer
and Coyote Mae (they/them) apGovannon for our brand new conversation about the mysteries of our beloved Artemis.
My first Goddess and namesake, I will always adore her.
There's a lot of references to epithets, goddesses, and so on in this episode, so check in the transcript for spelling.
Watch with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
Learn more about Covina.
Imbolc, Hekate, and Soul Retrieval With Guided Meditation
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.
Learn more at keepingherkeys.com
Psychopomp, which translates from Greek as “Soul Guide,” is one of Hekate’s most ancient roles. Certainly, she guided Persephone through rebirth out of the cave, yet we can envision Hekate helping her call back the missing soul shards that shattered during her great trauma at the hands of those powerful men who brought about the end of her innocence. As Persephone learned to sing her soul once more, so do we. Our chorus becomes a beacon to the missing pieces of the soul in this lesson as we experience Soul Retrieval.
The Soul Guide is much more than the one who helps the earthly dead cross over the river to the other side, she is the midwife who assists new souls as they are born into flesh, and she reunites us with the fragments we lose along the way. Hekate calls us to take care of our own souls, and to see the soul in all things. Caring for our own souls and seeking to understand the soul in all things, draws us closer to Anima Mundi.
It is to Hekate as Psychopomp, and to our own ability as the guide of our own souls, that we turn to in this lesson as we experience soul retrieval. A shamanic practice as well as a psychological one, soul retrieval is the process of calling back pieces of our soul that were lost due to trauma.
Hekate Psychopomp: Following Her Back To Soul
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.
You can watch my recorded class on Hekate and The Soul, with CC and transcript, HERE.
[i] Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life's Ordeals
by Thomas Moore contains an excellent discussion on Hekate and the soul.
[ii] A short summary of the Greek ideas about the afterlife: https://greekreporter.com/2021/06/12/the-ancient-greece-concepts-for-heaven-and-hell/.
[iii] Restless Dead: Encounters between the Living and the Dead in Ancient Greece by Sarah Iles Johnston (1999).
[iv] For more on soul retrieval, read Sharon Ingerman’s Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self.
Hekate's Wheel Meditation
Step into the mystery of Hekate's Wheel, also known as the strophalos, in this guided meditation.
You can augment the meditation with Casting Hekate's Wheel in Lesson 12 of the Keeping Her Keys book.
Learn more about The Gate of Rebirth.
Watch this meditation with CC and transcript HERE.
Connecting to Hekate's Wheel - Meaning, Talisman, and Resources
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.
Watch with CC and transcript HERE.
Go to our live events this week:The Hekate's Wheel Ritual on January 10. NOTE: This event is cross-posted in the KHK Read Along, since this is an all-members event.
Hekate's Wheel of The Year New Moon Salon on January 11, when we'll be invoking the Covina Wheel of The Year and crafting talismans with the padded altar board.
Learn more:The Hekate's Wheel of The Year Section in Hekate's Crossroads, where you'll find the templates and more.
Lesson's 7 and 12 in the Keeping Her Keys Read Along.
Share:Honoring Hekate on The Dark Moon - Capricorn New Moon Sharing Circle
Go to keepingherkeys.com/freeresources for the Catalogue of Epithets and Hekate's Garden Companion.
Purchase the Keeping Her Keys altar cloth featured in the video HERE.
Living a Magic(k)al Life and Being Authentically You
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.
https://keepingherkeys.com/ for more info on my books and courses.
Welcoming 2024 With An Invocation
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.
If you're called to a deeper practice of Hekate's Modern Witchcraft, explore the options available at keepingherkeys.com
Winter Solstice Meditation: Meeting The Cailleach
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.
Become a Coven Member with the Kindness subscription: MORE INFO HERE.
Join the Keeping Her Keys Video Library HERE.
This episode expands on the Skotia Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave by Cyndi Brannen.
From Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness The Cailleach[i]is an expression of The Crone, a healing spirit that offers respite along the journey through the cave. There are stories regaling The Cailleach as the eternal wise woman healer. Sometimes denigrated as a mean-spirited hag, The Cailleach of various locations, such as the Cailleach Béara (Cally Berra)[ii], were Goddesses of Winter to ancient Celts. The importance of place is central to the tales of The Cailleach, where she typically be based in a specific location, such as Béara. Being linked to places signifies how deeply she is connected to the land and its people. She is of the earth itself. This connection of place also speaks to her message of reconnecting to the land, of treating the earth well so that we can be nourished. [i] Sorita d'Este and David Rankine. Visions of the Cailleach: Exploring the Myths, Folklore and Legends of the pre-eminent Celtic Hag Goddess (2009). [ii] Leanne O'Sullivan. Cailleach: The Hag of Beara (2009)
Hekate's Torches: Exploring The Meaning And Connecting To Her Sacred Flame
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.
Christen Bennett (She/Her) - Coven Key Bearer, Coyote Mae (they/them) apGovannon Guide-Key of Lampadia and I sat down for an illuminating conversation about Hekate Lampadios, The Torch Bearer.
Perhaps there is no more iconic contemporary symbol of Hekate than her torches. There are several references to Her torches in various ancient texts. In ancient rituals, spells and tales Hekate is seen as lighting the way with her blazing torches. Perhaps the most commonly known is The Homeric Hymn to Demeter where Hekate’s torches light Persephone’s way to and from the underworld. We light up the history, and how we connect to her sacred fire in this spirited discussion.
Become a Coven Member with the Kindness subscription: MORE INFO HERE.
Join the Keeping Her Keys Video Library HERE.
This episode expands on the Lampadios Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave by Cyndi Brannen.
The Triple Torch Bearers: Illuminating Hekate, Persephone and Demeter
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.
This episode companions the chapter on Lampadios in Entering Hekate's Cave.
Moon Attunement Meditation
Align with the energy of the waxing moon in this restorative meditation that reconnects and recharges.
If you enjoyed this meditation, consider joining Covina: The Coven of Hekate.
Discover more of Cyndi Brannen's work at keepingherkeys.com
Cyndi Brannen, PhD, is a psychologist, author and teacher. She teaches and writes from the crossroads of psychology, spirituality and traditional wisdom, merging ancient knowledge with modern practices.
Her work explores the journey through darkness to wholeness using the archetypes of the witch and Hekate.
Her teaching focuses on personal healing through herbalism, rituals, meditations, and exploration of the deeper self.
She founded The Covina Institute, a soul school dedicated to the pursuit of wholeness through structured programs of study and transcendent experiences.
After years of a successful career in academia and healthcare, she transitioned to teaching and writing about reclaiming the sacred feminine through spiritual practices after she became convinced that mainstream psychology was not sufficient to lead to personal wholeness.
The Archetype of The Witch Merged With Modern Psychology
Her writing explores the archetype of the witch as a mechanism for healing from trauma, and as a font of personal sovereignty. She examines the many faces of the goddess, through mythology and personal experiences, as a reflection of the feminine principle, the anima, within. Added to her work is her years of professional experience in developing and evaluating self-directed programs based on modern psychological evidence. Notably, the roles of attachment, coping skills, and stress management. She draws heavily from certain modalities, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Goddesses of The Depths: Persephone Hekate Demeter Chthonia
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
You can watch this on The Keeping Her Keys YouTube.
Healing The Shadow, Releasing Shame and Imposter Syndrome
My take on Imposter Syndrome.
Go gently into this work.
"We experience shame not only through personal invalidation, but also from a culture that devalues our identity. Underneath all of this is always a history of trauma. We have so many wounded among us who carry a great deal of shame. While the initial escape from abusive organizations and individuals often brings respite, unless we acknowledge our shame, we often remain controlled by it. What happens on the individual level is therefore expressed in our communities as a whole. We need to confront shame at both these levels. Shame keeps us silent. We fear that everyone will think we’re idiots or crazy if we speak up. No one will believe us. That's shame talking. Shame is a specific type of fear that's related to having our sense of self violated by others. But this fear is also spread through societal views of what's acceptable. Think of shame as a disease-infected tree that is weighed down with a variety of rotting fruit. In the garden of your life, this tree draws out all your energy and keeps you from nourishing anything beautiful." - from Entering Hekate's Cave (Chapter 10 - Borborophorba).
Get the complete list of the symptoms HERE.
Caliban and The Witch by Silvia Federici
Brené Brown's TED Talk on shame.
I highly recommend reading this article from the Harvard Business Review by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey
If you found this helpful, consider joining The Covina Institute.'
WATCH this on The KHK YouTube
Working With Ancestors
It is traditional to honor ancestors during Samhain. These can be loving remembrances leading to conversations with them, or more intense healing of our familial line. However you are working with ancestors, may you find connection and comfort. "We are the embodiment of a thousand dreams, and we stand on top of an eternal bone pile. In a way, we function as Anassa Eneroi over our own lineage. What is shockingly absent from mainstream culture is veneration of the departed. Even Halloween, once a time for connecting with ancestors, has been thoroughly commercialized. Yet still, there is the presence of death in many of our Halloween festivities—from children in cute ghost get-ups to decorations of skeletons. We have a need to connect with death. Intentionally honoring the departed can be a beautiful experience. We can connect with “ancestors of spirit,” those with whom we feel a kindred bond, in spite of a lack of blood ties. This can include writers, celebrities, and other figures. Whatever memories we have of those of our flesh who have departed this world—whether troubling or beautiful, or more likely both—we are a result of their lives." - from Entering Hekate's Cave.
Prayer and Ritual to Hekate For The Dead HERE.
Invocation of Samhain: Dialogue With The Moon
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.
WATCH this reading.
Meditation: Healing In Hekate's Cauldron
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.
WATCH this meditation in Covina: The Coven of Hekate.
The next course in the Hekate's Keys Program is now available. Get started with the lessons in The Covina Tradition immediately, start the daily ritual, attend our live gatherings, and more. Start by becoming a Coven Member HERE.
The Spirit of Samhain and Being The Witch In The Room
Cyndi starts by talking about experiencing Samhain as a year-round witch, and then shares her thoughts about being The Witch In The Room.
Welcome To The Temple of Good Enough (Hail Hekate)
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.
Join The Temple of Good Enough: The Free Coven For The Podcast (which we call "The Poven")
Keeping Her Keys Season 3 Wrap
Thanks so much for being part of the Poven. I'll be back around October 12 with a new season, and some special treats.
To join Covina, go to keepingherkeys.com
Hekate, Dreams, and Nightmares: Healing In The Dark
"When I’m asked about beginning a relationship with Hekate, my response is always to look to your dreams. Trust me, she’s been trying to get your attention your entire life. Dreams can offer illumination into your own darkness; from aspects you need to heal to long-abandoned desires. They can also be about the external world, providing insight into relationships, situations, and others. Dreams are communications from the unconscious. Their symbols can evoke strong emotions. When we enter the darkness of sleep, we go into Hekate’s world. As we wander in the dreamscape, our physical selves vanish into something more. We walk among archetypes, tread in the web of the universe, and stretch beyond our mortal limitations. It is a sad state of affairs that our culture devalues the importance of dreams." - from Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness
"Hekate has long been implicated in dream interpretations. Both the magical view that considers dreams to be foretelling and the nineteenth-century mechanistic view that attributes them to waste products of physiological sensations (garbage) show Hekate's influence. When she becomes equated with Nyx (night), as in Spenser and at times in Shakespeare, then dreams become her province and our interpretative ideas reflect her perspectives.
"We may continue this tradition, although in a different manner. Yes, the dream is made of scraps that belong to the Goddess who makes sacred the waste of life, so that it all counts, it all matters. Offering the dreams to "the mysteries of Hekate and the night" (King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1) means giving back the regurgitations that "come up" in dreams without attempts to save them morally or to find their dayworld use. The junk of the soul is primordially saved by Hekate's blessing, and even our trashing ourselves can be led back to her. The messy life is a way of entering her domain and become a "child of Hekate." Our part is only to recognize that their is myth in the mess so as to dispose of the day residues at the proper place, that is, to place them at Hekate's crossroads. Ritually, the garbage was placed at night at a crossroads, so that each dream may lead off in at least three directions besides the one we have come from. Hekate, was has traditionally been represented with three heads, keeps us looking and listening in many ways at once." - James Hillman, The Dream and the Underworld.
Hillman's excellent treatise on dreams argues that we should resist the temptation to make our dreams serve our ego. His strong case for allowing the dream to stay mystical is compelling. We have been programmed to think that dreams are either random neural firings, "garbage," or to try to reduce them into specific interpretations. Dreams do not care that we do such foolish things. They exist with or without our attempts to rationalize them. I urge you to allow your dreams to be what they are for it is in their pure form where the true medicine abides.
Dreams speak the symbolic language of the spirit world. They are archetypal and nonrational. Rarely literal, dreams are the way our unconscious speaks to us. The dreamer within is a star-traveler who has great wisdom to share, if we only listen.
Medea and Healing Our Personal Shadow
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.
Medea, that mythical sorceress whose magic built a king and then destroyed him. For over 2,000 years she has captivated our attention. Reviled by some for her unspeakable actions, understood by others as a woman robbed of any personal agency. Medea operated in the shadows, often crafting her spells in secret, and she can also be seen as being in the grips of the shadow self. Her longing for her prince, and perhaps power, possessed her above all. In this episode, Angela Natividad and I explore the themes of Medea, then find examples of her in contemporary society (Amber Heard, for example). We draw from both art and literature to discuss how Medea, as a symbol of the dangerous woman, is entwined with both the systemic disempowerment of women and capitalism. The central question we used was borrowed from Margaret Atwood's introduction to Christina Wolf's contemporary retelling of Medea's story: "Like a tunnel full of mirrors, it both reflects and echoes. The question it asks the reader, through many voices and in many different ways, is: What would you be willing to believe, to accept, to conceal, to do, to save your own skin, or simply to stay close to power? Who would you be willing to sacrifice?" You can watch this video with closed captioning and view the transcript here: https://app.searchie.io/watch/AYDazg63NQ Access the PDF of the slides we used to frame the discussion here: https://keepingherkeys.com/downloads You can watch this on YouTube. Make sure to subscribe to Keeping Her Keys while you're there.
Join the Crossroads and Keys Online Retreat HERE.
Lughnasa/Lammas: Demeter, Connecting to Meaning, and A Meditation For The First Harvest
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.
I read from The Celtic Spirit: Daily Meditations for the Turning Year by Caitlin Matthews
Watch the video version of this episode, with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
READ my deep dive on Demeter.
Find out MORE about Crossroads and Keys and The Hekate's Keys Program.
Hekate's Supper: The Meaning In The Meal
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):
Cracking A Mystery: Eggs for Hekate
Culinary Psychopomp: Hekate's Suppers, Soul Retrieval, and Kitchen Witchery
Watch with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
The Nowness of Hekate: Crossroads, Openings, and Honoring Her
A minisode this week, witches. Just me musing about the meaning of Hekate's Suppers, transitions, and her roles as Enodia and Propylaia.
Join the Free Crossroads and Keys Online Retreat.
Honoring Hekate on the Dark Moon HERE.
Watch Hekate Enodia on the KHK YouTube Channel.
The recording of the Propylaia class is only in Searchie. You can watch it with this LINK.
Purchase Entering Hekate's Cave wherever books are sold.
And Hail Hekate.
Gifts of the Sibyls Meditation
Let's take a break from all the deep explorations with this meditative journey into Hekate's Garden. Based on the opening verse in Chapter 10: Sibylika in Entering Hekate's Garden, you'll experience The Gifts of The Sibyls, awakening your inner mystic.
Find the deep dive on the Sibyls HERE.
Learn more about our upcoming free event, The Crossroads and Keys in Hekate's Garden Online Retreat HERE.
Watch the meditation with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
Self Healing At The Crossroads Part 2: Magick And Mental Health
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.
Go deeper by becoming a member of Covina.
Watch with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
Learn about the differences between anxiety, depression, and stress HERE.
Information about coping mechanisms can be found HERE.
Finding Connection, Healing, and Joy By Creating Altars
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.
Learn more about COVINA.
Sign up for my email newsletters HERE.
Watch this episode with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
Check out Materia Magikeia.
Summer Solstice: The Sovereign Goddesses Ritual Meditation
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.
Experience this ritual live online on the Summer Solstice by becoming a student in Hekate's Keys. LEARN MORE HERE. (Special podcast rate.)
Self Healing At The Crossroads Part 1: The Intersection of Psychology and Witchcraft
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.
You can watch the video, with searchable transcript and CC HERE.
Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more, including how to join Covina.
Deathwalking, Underworld Goddesses, and Being A Psychopomp
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.
Learn more about Laura Perry HERE.
The Prayer and Ritual To Hekate For The Dead can be found HERE.
Watch this episode with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
Laura Perry's talk on deathwalking:
More on the Lavender Lady at The Winter Garden theatre: https://youtu.be/PKdHvIE33Rw
Hekate Triformis: The Triple Goddess and Her Companions (With Meditation)
Hekate as a Triple Goddess is one of her most iconic images. Usually including either three heads or three bodies, there are many ancient and contemporary depictions of her like this. In this episode, I discuss three trios of Goddesses that all include Hekate. Circe, Medea, and Hekate comprise a triplicity of Goddesses of Witchcraft, and are the spirits of my book, Entering Hekate's Garden. In Entering Hekate's Cave, it's Hekate, Persephone and Demeter who are the guiding Triple Goddess. Finally, there's the lunar trio of Hekate, Artemis, and Selene.
I start out with a new intro to the original episode, and you'll find Hekate's Help Desk at the end after the meditation. The question I answer for HHD this time concerns my mentioning of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Hekate's History's Part II.
To view the CC and the searchable transcript, GO HERE.
The illustration I reference near the beginning is available HERE.
Go to keepingherkeys.com
Unlocking The Keeping Her Keys Book: Hekate's Modern Witchcraft
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.
Learn more: keepingherkeys.com
Join the Keeping Her Keys Read Along HERE.
The Magick, Medicine, and Mystery of Hekate's Garden
This episode guides you through Entering Hekate's Garden: The Medicine, Magick, and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft by me, Cyndi Brannen.
I begin by answering a listener's question about mugwort.
Rooted in plant spirit witchcraft, Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft guides the reader through exercises, practices, and rituals, teaching respect and gratitude for the plant world and embracing spiritual, physiological and magical properties of plants. Hekate's Garden is a mystical experience that offers transformative effects through plant spirit witchraft, drawing wisdom from Hekate, Medea, and Circe as The Triple Goddesses of Witchcraft.
Hekate's Garden is a sacred space filled with plants associated with Hekate, the goddess of witchcraft and magic. The most extensive list of plants associated with her is found in the fourth-century version of the tale of Jason and the Argonauts, which describes a sacred grove in the innermost recess of the enclosure shaded by green trees, where Medea performs her spells.
1. Welcome to Hekate's Garden
2. Exploring the origins of Hekate's Garden 08:34
3. Defining Pharmakeia and Plant Spirit Witchcraft 16:03
4. Awakening to The Magick of Botanicals 23:29
5. The Power of Plant Spirit Medicine 30:44
6. Unlocking the Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft 37:59
7. Claiming Your Place as a Pharmaka 45:09
Beltane Meditation: Shapeshifting Flight To The Witches' Realm
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.
Join The Hekate's Garden Beltane Full Moon Retreat from May 5-7, 2023 for FREE.
Learn more at keepingherkeys.com
Cracking A Mystery: Hekate's Suppers and The Ritual Use of Eggs
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.
Watch this as a video with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
View the PDF of the slides HERE.
Eggs and Ancient Hecate Suppers: Exploring Symbolic Meaning and Use in Rituals
Historical Practice Associated with Hecate 08:19
Dialogues of the Dead: Eggs, Purification and Hekate 15:49
Hekate Suppers: Protection and Purification of the Restless Dead 22:27
The Complexity of Hekate: Threatening and Philanthropic 30:18
The Unsettling Side of Hecate's Suppers, Rituals and Ancient Curse Tablets 37:57
Purifying Restless Dead and Pollution In Ancient Greek Religion 45:56
Cleansing Through Diet: A Portal to Ancient Practices of Purification 52:50
The Complexities of Purity: Exploring Orphism and Ancient Greek Dietary Practices 01:00:18
Understanding the Mythos and Misconceptions of Hekate Suppers 01:07:14
Connecting the Ancient Hekate Suppers and Practices to Lent 01:14:16
Purifying the Soul: A Comparison of Hekate Suppers and Christianity 01:21:31
The Fascinating Mythology of Mary Magdalene and the Red Egg 01:28:03
Eggs in Ancient Times: Unravelling Ancient Rituals of Protection and Cleansing
Being The Witch In The Room: Self Healing, Navigating Unsafe Spaces, and The Broom Closet
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
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS TALK AND IF YOU'RE IN/OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET HERE.
View as video with CC and searchable transcript HERE.
More about Cyndi Brannen's teaching and writing can be found at keepingherkeys.com
Entering Hekate's Garden With Luxa Strata: The Poison Path, Circe, Medea + Meditation
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.
Entering Hekate's Garden is available wherever books are sold.
Learn more about Cyndi at keepingherkeys.com
Check out Luxa's LinkTree for ways to connect, including how to listen to the Lux Occult Podcast.
Listen with CC and view the transcript HERE.
1. Reclaiming The Sacred Word: Pharmakeia & Plant Witchcraft Medicine (00:00 - 07:41)
2. Reclaiming Pharmakeia: The Poison Path, Aconite and Its Roots in Ancient Witchcraft (07:42 - 13:42)
3. Hekate's Garden: Uncovering the Potent Power and the Mythical Relationship Between Medea and Circe. (13:42 - 19:50)
4. Hekate: Queen of Poisons, Green World, and Roads. (19:50 - 26:54)
5. Unlocking the Power of Kronos and Kairos to Enhance Divinatory and Astral Work. (26:54 - 33:27)
6.The Witch's Voice and Plant Spirit Possession (33:27 - 39:30)
7. Developing Magic Through Voice and Relationship: A Guide to Plant Spirit Witchcraft (39:30 - 45:09)
8. Exploring Hekate's Cave: A Journey of Intentional Healing, Magic, and Ritual. (45:10 - 51:16)
9. The Nourishing Darkness (51:16 - 58:47)
10. Hekate's Garden Meditation (58:47 - 01:06:16)
Stones and The Goddess With Nicholas Pearson
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.
Watch (with CC) and access the transcript HERE.
Learn more about Nicholas:
Check out Materia Magikeia:
Learn more about COVINA, our online coven:
https://members.covinainstitute.com/feed
More about Dr. Cyndi:
Hekate and The Great Goddesses of Magic and Mystery: Artemis, Persephone, Circe And More Amazing Connections
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.
View the transcript and watch with CC HERE.
Spiritual Spring Cleaning Meditation (From The Archives)
A meditative journey to connect with the energy of early spring, for some spiritual cleaning.
Blessings for the Spring Equinox.
The Liberating Power of Witchcraft: Recovering From Spiritual Programming
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.
Watch with CC and access the searchable transcript: https://app.searchie.io/watch/YxDWXy7MNg
Witches Working It IN and OUT: Connecting to Body/Spirit Through Movement
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.
In this "moving" conversation, I'm joined by Neesheta Patram-Arenson, Covina Movement Instructor, and the fabulous hosts of JenOsha and Lauren from The Witches Workin/out podcast. We touch upon so many aspects of being an embodied witch, from grief in the body to the deeper aspects of exercise.
There's a short meditation for returning to the body. too. Neesheta highlights the power of movement in healing, while Witches Working Out encourages listeners to use witchy practices while in the gym or engaging in physical activity. Trigeminal neuralgia is discussed along with taking up space with an imperfect body, self-care, grief and loss and breaking up with perfectionism. Finally, the importance of trusting our intuition and body while finding enjoyable forms of physical activity is emphasized, encouraging listeners to embrace the Temple of Good Enough. Don't forget to do your Squats For Hekate.
Watch with CC and view the transcript (click on the magnifying glass) HERE.
More about Dr. Cyndi Brannen HERE.