30 Days of Devotion to Hekate: Day 3

3. Symbols and icons of this deity.

Partial repeat from Day 1.

Keys - Used to open the gates to the underworld and to access the knowledge of occult mysteries and the afterlife hidden there. The Orhpic hymn to Hekate addresses her as "holder of the keys of Cosmos". One of Hekate's many names is Kleidoukhos, Keybearer. There was also a position as such at Her temple at Lagina.

Hekate’s Wheel/Circle or Strophalos - Mentioned in the second century in the Alexandrian text known as the Chaldean Oracle - an emblam of the initiatory lunar Goddess Hekate in her triple aspect. Originally a Mycenean motif, found on a button, thought by some to have been on clothing worn by Hekatean priests/priestesses. In modern accountiny it is usually described as a maze depicting the path between life, death, and rebirth.

Torches - Brings light and wisdom to the world, Hekate uses her torches to reveal what is already there. Lights the way and that of the subconscious. Shining light on the shadows of our self doubt and removes our fear of the unknown. That which the person NEEDS to heal, but not necessarily what they WANT to see. Used when Hekate assisted Demeter in searching for her daughter, Persephone. Nearly all images currently remaining show Hekate holding a torch, sometimes two. The Altar of Pergamum depicts her battle with the Gigante Clytus, whom she used her torch to slay

Dagger - Later known as the athame of witches - used to cut delusions and as a symbol of ritual power. Hekate uses her knife (dagger) to sever the cord as midwife and to detach the body from life force at death.

Rope - Also called a whip, scourge and cord that symbolizes the umbilical cord for rebirth and renewal.

A single golden, bronze, or brazen sandal (sometimes referred to as a pair worn with a white gown/robe and polos (headdress).

Oinochoe - a libation pitcher - sometimes included in modern and ancient depictions.

Phiale - Libation/offering bowl, also seen in modern and ancient depictions.

Fruit - Often a pomegranate amongst others for her role in reuniting Persephone and Demeter, and her continued friendship of Persephone.

Ancient surviving images show her as a maiden in all guises while modern images vary wildly, some depict a maiden, some the triformed Maiden, Mother and Crone, some, just the Crone.