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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.