Hecate was seen as a triple deity, identified with the goddesses Luna (Moon) in the sky and Diana (hunting) on the earth, while she represents the Underworld. The oldest known direct evidence of Hecate's cult comes from Selinunte (near modern-day Trapani in Sicily), where she had a temple in the 6th5th centuries BC. Hecate was a goddess in Greek Mythology. [citation needed], One surviving group of stories[clarification needed] suggests how Hecate might have come to be incorporated into the Greek pantheon without affecting the privileged position of Artemis. As the worship of Artemis evolved over time, the Greeks began to focus more on her purity and positive aspects. Hecate is sometimes identified with the with three-headed dog Cerberus, who guards the entrance to Hades, and there may be connections with the Egyptian dog-headed god Annubis, who conducted souls to the Underworld. She was an attendant of the goddess Persephone, daughter of Demeter, who was abducted by Hades and taken into the Underworld. In Brittany it is believed that the yew sends a root to the mouth of each corpse, allowing the spirit to escape and be reborn. I'm passionate about painting. I raise up the oppressed and empower the disenfranchised. what is hecate passionate about. [79] Mooney however notes that when it comes to the nymph Perse herself, there's no evidence of her actually being a moon goddess on her own right. Hecate Triodos is the specific aspect presiding over crossroads. As a protective goddess, it was common for statuettes of Hecate to be placed in the doorways of homes in Greece in the hopes that she would intervene to prevent bad fortune from passing in. In Lucan's Pharsalia, the witch Erichtho invokes Hecate as "Persephone, who is the third and lowest aspect of Hecate, the goddess we witches revere", and describes her as a "rotting goddess" with a "pallid decaying body", who has to "wear a mask when [she] visit[s] the gods in heaven. It could also be that the fragment reads 'Phorcys', agreeing with Acusilaus' version. Use the three masks approach to invoke the multifaceted wisdom approach of Hecate . It has been suggested that this arose from the use of watchdogs, particularly at night, to scare away intruders and warn their owners of danger. In pre-dynastic Egypt, the matriarch and wise woman of the tribe was called the 'heq'. When they heard this the Moirai uncrossed their arms, releasing the bonds that kept the infant Heracles from the earth. [36], Although in later times Hecate's dog came to be thought of as a manifestation of restless souls or daemons who accompanied her, its docile appearance and its accompaniment of a Hecate who looks completely friendly in many pieces of ancient art suggests that its original signification was positive and thus likelier to have arisen from the dog's connection with birth than the dog's underworld associations. No one can tell you what your passion is. I first came across hecate in a shop down on a trip down in Cork in Ireland (where in from - ireland) I just feel very drawn to her, and it was 6 months after my mother passed away. Hecate or Hekate is a goddess in ancient Greek religion and mythology, most often shown holding a pair of torches, a key, snakes or accompanied by dogs and in later . According to the Encyclopaedia of Ancient Deities, Hecate 'was only worshipped at night by torchlight'. Hesoid claims that She was born of the Titan Perses and the star goddess Asteria. Make a self-evaluation and find the areas where you probably need some improvement. They were often associated with the three stages of life youth, adulthood, and old age. ThoughtCo, Dec. 6, 2021, thoughtco.com/greek-mythology-hecate-1526205. the way to choose is to fly free The droves of kine and wide herds of goats and flocks of fleecy sheep, if she will, she increases from a few, or makes many to be less. [7] However, it is clear that the special position given to Hecate by Zeus is upheld throughout her history by depictions found on coins of Hecate on the hand of Zeus[121] as highlighted in more recent research presented by d'Este and Rankine. Hecate was a cathonic goddess that preceded the Olympians, and it seems that she was highly worshipped in Thrace. 264 f., and notes, 275277, ii. ", I am the glinting sword that protects you from harm. From the Greek word for to turn away, apotropaic magic is that which defends by turning away evil or harm. Such things they call charms, whether it is the matter of a spherical object, or a triangular one, or some other shape. Hecate was the goddess of borders, barriers, and boundaries. To the Greeks this meant not only the moment at which the soul crossed between those to states, but also to a literal place. Employers love to ask, What are you passionate about? in interviews, and theyre testing you for a few key things. "Hekate: Representations in Art", Hekate Her Sacred Fires, ed. Hecates best-known role in Greek myth is in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. And she is good to stand by horsemen, whom she will: and to those whose business is in the grey discomfortable sea, and who pray to Hecate and the loud-crashing Earth-Shaker, easily the glorious goddess gives great catch, and easily she takes it away as soon as seen, if so she will. What are some good things to be passionate about? The Christian Church was still trying to stop people leaving offerings at the crossroads as late as the 11th Century, and it is certainly carried on today so it is entirely possible that there is an unbroken tradition. The goddess Hecate is one of the lesser-known goddesses of the Greek pantheon. She is sometimes shown holding a key. [72], From her father Perses, Hecate is often called Perseis (meaning daughter of Perses)[73][74] which is also the name of one of the Oceanid nymphs, Helios wife and Circes mother in other versions. Hecate was a goddess in Greek Mythology. So if you really dont feel like answering with a work-related passion, then you can give an answer like the example we covered. Even in her origin, Hecate moved between two places. Hecate. [166] In Wicca, Hecate has in some cases become identified with the "crone" aspect of the "Triple Goddess". This is related to the first two things (learning a new skill and being creative). Each of the Greek gods has a few specialized functions. Historian Robert Graves notes that the heads could be distinctive of a dog, lion and horse, representing the constellations which cover the calendar year. No other Greek deity attracted such an atmosphere of 'evil and debased superstition' how did Hecate become transformed from a popular, bright young Goddess into a dark and terrifying hag? Little round cakes decorated with lit miniature torches were also offered on the eve of the New or Full Moon. [67] Another work connecting Hecate to Helios possibly as a moon goddess is Sophocles' lost play The Root Cutters, where Helios is described as Hecate's spear: O Sun our lord and sacred fire, the spear of Hecate of the Fairbanks, Arthur. In the Michigan magical papyrus (inv. She was associated with witchcraft, necromancy, and poisons. I bought the statue of hecate - I dunno why I did, it just felt real for me. So keep reading, because the answer examples are coming up next. For example: You could say youre passionate about software, computers, and technology. Greece itself worshipped many trios of goddesses or goddesses with three forms that fit this archetype. Hecate was a wise goddess and she often helped gods in their wars against . The droves of kine and wide herds of goats and flocks of fleecy sheep, if she will, she increases from a few, or makes many to be less. Hecate rules over the night, magic, and places where three roads meet. I make the arrogant humble. During this time Hecates power was still recognized: Zeus gave Her dominion over Heaven, Earth and Sea, and they shared the right to grant or withhold gifts from humanity. Hecate knew what had happened: Hecate reveals the truth to Demeter, and together they go to try and rescue Persephone. Lucius Apuleius in The Golden Ass (2nd century) equates Juno, Bellona, Hecate and Isis: Some call me Juno, others Bellona of the Battles, and still others Hecate. On any trip to Greece, it's helpful to have some knowledge of the Greek gods and goddesses. at the crossroads Hecate probably originated in the mythology of the Karians in southwest Asia Minor and was integrated into Greek religion around the sixth century BCE. Other ideas include garlic, salmon, honey, and edible flowers. Zorya The Slavic goddess of beauty and light took three forms corresponding to morning, evening, and midnight. Hecate the wise woman. [58], It was probably her role as guardian of entrances that led to Hecate's identification by the mid fifth century with Enodia, a Thessalian goddess. the way to choose is to let die Sorita d'Este, Avalonia, 2010, "Hecate had a "botanical garden" on the island of Colchis where the following alkaloid plants were kept: Akoniton (. The yew was associated with the alphabet and the scientific name for yew today, taxus, was probably derived from the Greek word for yew, toxos, which is hauntingly similar to toxon, their word for bow and toxicon, their word for poison. Antiphanes, in Athenaeus, 313 B (2. Hecate henceforth acts as a guide for Persephone on Her journeys between the worlds. Join 10,000+ job seekers in our email newsletter and we'll send you the 30 must-know questions, plus our best insider tips for turning interviews into job offers. Even Zeus, the King of the Olympian Gods, is said to have reverenced her, and there are hints that she was considered to be an all-powerful goddess. "[22] In particular, there is some evidence that she might be derived from the local sun goddesses (see also Arinna) based on similar attributes.[23]. Several times, authors make a connection between Medeas use of magic, both harmful and protective, and her worship of Hecate. She is still generous to those who recognize Her. While disclaiming all his paternal care for Cordelia, Lear says, "The mysteries of Hecate and the night, Hecate was considered the god of magic, witchcraft, crossroads, doorways/gates, ghosts and necromancy. All of these tips are covered in more detail in the article above, so if you skipped down to the conclusion, Id recommend scrolling back up and reading step-by-step how to handle this job interview question. In that place were also the mysteries of the Korybantes [Kabeiroi] and those of Hekate and the Zerinthian cave, where they sacrificed dogs. In later myths, She is represented as a daughter of Zeus who rules the Underworld and the waning Moon. Hecate is also sometimes interpreted in association with Artemis and Selene. He adds that such an instrument is called a iunx (hence "jinx"), but as for the significance says only that it is ineffable and that the ritual is sacred to Hecate. I was fascinated with computers from a young age, so I decided to study Computer Science in college and Ive continued in that direction since graduating. If youre thinking what are my passions?, or if youre still not sure which one thing to mention in your interview answer, then this section is for you. Her association with boundaries such as walls and doors give her a quality of between-ness. [99], Hecate's island ( ) also called Psamite (), was an islet in the vicinity of Delos. After crossing the RiverStyx, a newly dead ancient Greek soul found themselves at a place where three roads meet to be judged. Another example: Lets say youre a Nursing job candidate. [e], As Hecate Phosphorus (the 'star' Venus) she is said to have lit the sky during the Siege of PhilipII in 340BCE, revealing the attack to its inhabitants. The Greeks began to emphasize Her darker aspects; Hecate as Goddess of the Dead & Queen of Witches. Ovid writes that Hecate could be conjured up from darkness "with long howls." Next, lets look at an example answer for people who are in a job thats tougher to explain passion for. While Hecate was described as a single goddess with three parts, the tripartite goddess in other instances was shown as three separate but intrinsically-linked beings. All wild animals are sacred to Hecate and She sometimes appears three-headed as dog, horse & bear or dog, snake & lion. I also feel that it helps me to be more creative in other aspects of my life. Seek me at the crossroads, and you shall be transformed, for once you look upon my face, there is no return. [148], Strmiska (2005) claimed that Hecate, conflated with the figure of Diana, appears in late antiquity and in the Early Middle Ages as part of an "emerging legend complex" known as "The Society of Diana"[154] associated with gatherings of women, the Moon, and witchcraft that eventually became established "in the area of Northern Italy, southern Germany, and the western Balkans. here's a secret I'll share Of course, as the goddess of boundaries she had the power to let things in as well as keep them out. Hecate is defined by her powerful magic, being at ease with the night and darkness and in wild surroundings. In revenge for the trick, Eileithyia turned Galinthias into a polecat. [43] After mentioning that this fish was sacred to Hecate, Alan Davidson writes, In her three-headed representations, discussed above, Hecate often has one or more animal heads, including cow, dog, boar, serpent, and horse. Hecate was greatly worshipped in Byzantium. The hekataion depicted Hecate as three women encircling a central column. This practice may have derived from Hecates close relationship to Artemis. Symbols of Hecate are her place, the crossroads, two torches, and black dogs. what is hecate passionate aboutsailing through the strait of gibraltar My Blog. When Your Passion Is Directly Related to Work. Its been a great choice for me! The Byzantines dedicated a statue to her as the "lamp carrier". [48], Hecate was closely associated with plant lore and the concoction of medicines and poisons. [32][33], Dogs were closely associated with Hecate in the Classical world. Hecate's Deipnon is, at its most basic, a meal served to Hecate and the restless dead once a lunar month[102] during the New Moon. Well cover that, too. The yew, cypress, hazel, black poplar and the willow are all sacred to Hecate. It has been suggested that the idea of magic coming from Hecate was an evolution of the many gifts she was capable of bestowing upon her favorites. When needing clarity for a decision, use the masks to represent the aspects of where you are, where you desire to be, and what is . Supporters of this etymology suggest that Hecate was originally considered an aspect of Artemis prior to the latter's adoption into the Olympian pantheon. Controlling who moved through the border between the earth and the underworld gave her a unique power to summon spirits and raise the dead. Names derived from hers were common, including Hecatomnus, the father of the ruler Mausolus who built the famous tomb. Relief of triplicate Hekate. I am the Healer of all wounds, the Warrior who rights all wrongs in their Time. Some of my most creative solutions to work problems have come when I'm painting in the studio. The most commonly repeated story of her birth was that Hecate was the daughter of Perses and Asteria, two second-generation Titans. They are associated with certain ideas, occupations, or stages of life. If you only honour Her once in the year, this is the time to do it! The first literature mentioning Hecate is the Theogony (c. 700 BCE) by Hesiod: And [Asteria] conceived and bore Hecate whom Zeus the son of Cronos honored above all. In Ancient Greece, animal sacrifices would have been made, but leaving a Hecates Supper at the Crossroads is a more appropriate offering today. [10] In what appears to be a 7th-century indication of the survival of cult practices of this general sort, Saint Eligius, in his Sermo warns the sick among his recently converted flock in Flanders against putting "devilish charms at springs or trees or crossroads",[62] and, according to Saint Ouen would urge them "No Christian should make or render any devotion to the deities of the trivium, where three roads meet". The best way to decide which passion to name is to look at the job/industry, and work backward by thinking about what excites you and interests you in that job. In this article, Im going to show you the best way to answer what are you passionate about? with word-for-word answer examples, mistakes to avoid, and more. This practice has a very long history. Larger Hekataions, often enclosed within small walled areas, were sometimes placed at public crossroads near important sites for example, there was one on the road leading to the Acropolis. [82] Likewise, shrines to Hecate at three way crossroads were created where food offerings were left at the new Moon to protect those who did so from spirits and other evils. The seeds are highly poisonous, but the fleshy, coral-coloured 'berry' surrounding it is not, and if prepared correctly can bring inspirational visions. She was also closely associated to the spiritual world, ghosts, and the dead. Close. The Olympians 'adopted' Her after they had defeated the Titans, but She was not of the same kind, and never lived amongst them. "[30], While Greek anthropomorphic conventions of art generally represented Hecate's triple form as three separate bodies, the iconography of the triple Hecate eventually evolved into representations of the goddess with a single body, but three faces. Her parentage was given differently by various writers. So from the beginning she is a nurse of the young, and these are her honours. All' ei tis humn en Samothraikei memuemenos esti, The play Plutus by Aristophanes (388 BCE), line 594 any translation will do or. At least one story, however, gives the goddess a much more human origin. One sculpture depicts Hecate with a friendly dog and another with heads of a cow, dog, boar, serpent or horse. That answer we just looked at is a nice catch-all answer if youre still not sure what you are passionate about, or what to say. Im always looking to challenge myself and learn new things. choice creates endings If you only honour Her once in the year, this is the time to do it! Demeters beloved daughter Persephone, the Goddess of spring, was playing in the meadows when Hades emerged from the Underworld and captured Her. Not only could she move between the realms, but she had power to control the passage of others. If you are going to cast a love spell, you should consider using Saffron instead, as it is a natural love and passion booster! "[160], Shakespeare mentions Hecate both before the end of the 16th century (A Midsummer Night's Dream, 15941596), and just after, in Macbeth (1605): specifically, in the title character's "dagger" soliloquy: "Witchcraft celebrates pale Hecate's offerings"[161] I take an evening art class once a week and try to find time each weekend to paint. They will also appear in Google search results. at the crossroads I sit in the blackness of the Hecate also presided over more mystical boundaries. Shakespeare mentions Hecate also in King Lear. I am Justice tempered with Mercy.". Like Hermes, who was also a deity of liminal spaces, statues of Hecate were often placed at crossroads and borders. Overall, hiring managers just want to know that youre interested in their position and that youre energetic and positive in general. I am the web which connects all things. My biggest passion is learning about software and technology. Later periods show statues of Hecate in three-fold having 3 separate bodies and faces. Hordern, J. H. Love Magic and Purification in Sophron, PSI 1214a, and Theocritus Pharmakeutria. The Classical Quarterly 52, no. He is told to sweeten the offering with a libation of honey, then to retreat from the site without looking back, even if he hears the sound of footsteps or barking dogs. This is especially ironic since, after this, she seems to have become more associated with the underworld, not less. In aiding Demeter during her search for the missing Persephone and transfiguring Hecuba to spare her captivity or death she showed a level of compassion that might not be expected from an occult figure. "[28], Apart from traditional hekataia, Hecate's triplicity is depicted in the vast frieze of the great Pergamon Altar, now in Berlin, wherein she is shown with three bodies, taking part in the battle with the Titans. It is possible that the representation of a triple Hecate surrounding a central pillar was originally derived from poles set up at three-way crossroads with masks hung on them, facing in each road direction. [119] Another theory is that Hecate was mainly a household god and humble household worship could have been more pervasive and yet not mentioned as much as temple worship. Watchdogs were used extensively by Greeks and Romans. ", I am the fire that kisses the shackles away. She was a goddess of magic and the underworld, but she was also a protector of the home and a guardian of borders. Then think about why that excites you, or how that fits into your personal interests. The potion in Hecates cauldron contains 'slips of yew'. 7, Suidas s.v. Hekate was a psychopomp deity, able to travel freely between the world of men, that of the gods, and the kingdom of the dead. With word-for-word answer examples are coming up next least one story, however, gives goddess... 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