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

A meditative journey to connect with the energy of early spring, for some spiritual cleaning. Blessings for the Spring Equinox.

This conversation delves into the symbolism of Hekate's twin torches, representing the duality of creation and destruction. We begin by lighting candles with a new sigil for Lampadios, exploring the significance of fire in both personal experiences and recent wildfires. Hekate's various fire-related epithets highlight her role in spiritual illumination and guidance, particularly in shadow work. Our conversation reflects on her historical context in mythology, her connection to thresholds and journeys, and the integration of the sacred with the mundane, culminating in a celebration of Hekate as the eternal torchbearer.Learn more about Via Hekate.

Explore the essence of Gemini, a sign embodying duality, communication, and adaptability through this attuning meditation. Governed by Mercury, Gemini emphasizes the importance of sharing ideas and embracing diverse perspectives. The attunement process fosters grounding and mental agility, while promoting emotional balance and acceptance of internal dualities. Discover how Gemini season encourages growth and connection, and reflect on the influence of spiritual guides and Hekate's insights. Embrace the journey towards unification and wholeness as you integrate Gemini energy into your life through an attuning meditation.The discussion emphasizes the duality of Gemini, the importance of communication, and the role of personal development through witchcraft. Key takeaways:Gemini embodies strong ideas and adaptability.Hecate's teachings guide personal development and witchcraft.The lunar cycle plays a crucial role in spiritual practices.Gemini's duality fosters a deeper understanding of self.Communication is key in both personal and spiritual growth.Nature's interconnectedness enhances our spiritual experiences.Hecate's aspects provide insight into our journeys.Personal development leads to empowerment and sovereignty.Embracing Gemini energy can help overcome fears and perfectionism.The practice of witchcraft is about spiritual wholeness and alignment.Chapters00:00Understanding Gemini: The Dual Nature05:54Grounding and Connecting with Gemini Energy09:02The Interpersonal Nature of Gemini11:53Embracing Duality and Wholeness14:55Attuning to Gemini's Mysteries115:39 Introduction to Hekatean Witchcraft18:39Exploring the Keys of Hekate21:31The Transformative Power of Covina GO TO THE SUBSTACK.https://keepingherkeys.com/

Cyndi Brannen and Amy Blackthorn discuss the intersection of witchcraft and social media, focusing on Amy's new book, the Social Media Spellbook. They explore the collaborative process behind the book, the importance of rituals in the digital age, and how to share magical practices online while maintaining personal boundaries. The conversation also touches on the significance of vetting sources in the witchcraft community, the use of online magical names for safety, and the liminal nature of social media as a space for connection. Finally, they introduce a fun spell called 'Candy Corn Creativity' that encourages practitioners to weave their magic into social media posts. Amy Blackthorn.com Keepingherkeys.com keywords witchcraft, social media, magic, rituals, online community, boundaries, magical names, creativity, collaboration, book review

This episode combines meditation and discussion to ignite our connections with Hekate's Torches. Explore a transformative meditation centered on Hekate's torches, symbolizing creation, nourishment, and destruction. Participants engage in breathwork to ignite their inner fire, while acknowledging local spirits and ancestors. The session emphasizes grounding through visualization, activating the heart for emotional balance, and connecting with higher wisdom. By integrating root, heart, and crown energies, participants foster inner harmony and receive guidance from Hekate's sacred fire, concluding with an invitation to reflect and meditate further. The Pyriboulos Council project in Covina blends witchcraft, spirit rituals, and personal healing, drawing inspiration from Hecate, the symbol of trusted guidance. Participants engage with wise advisors, including deities, spirit guides, and influential figures, to aid personal growth and shift perspectives on relationships. This dynamic practice encourages the inclusion of nature elements and tools like tarot and oracle cards, allowing individuals to create their own councils that evolve with their needs and experiences. keepingherkeys.com

We delve into catharsis through Hekate, emphasizing personal empowerment and release via witchcraft. Join us in a candlelit ritual symbolizing letting go, while a protective circle welcomes spirits of release. Key contributors share insights on creative processes, magical crafting, and the integration of psychology with witchcraft. The focus is on shadow work, personal growth, and practical tips for starting a catharsis journey, including a unique ritual with garlic cloves. Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

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. keepingherkeys.com

In this episode of the Keeping Her Keys podcast, Dr. Cyndi Brannen guides listeners through a transformative ritual dedicated to the divine feminine, specifically focusing on the energies of Hekate during the Aries New Moon eclipse. The conversation explores themes of rebirth, cleansing, and connection to the deeper world, culminating in a meditative journey into Hekate's cave, where participants are invited to embrace their true selves and offer their sincerity to the goddess.Go deeper into this meditation with Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness.Become a student in The Hekate's Keys Program for the live ritual experience and curriculum.Highlights:The Aries New Moon symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth.Rituals can serve as powerful tools for personal transformation.Hekate is a guide in the journey of self-discovery and healing.Cleansing rituals help release what no longer serves us.The cauldron represents the potential for rebirth and renewal.Connecting with the divine feminine can enhance spiritual practices.Offerings to Hekate should come from a place of sincerity.The journey into the deeper world is a personal and collective experience.Astrological events can influence our spiritual practices and rituals.Integration of the ritual experience is essential for personal growth.Embracing the Divine Feminine: A Ritual JourneyRebirth and Renewal: The Power of HekateKeywords: divine feminine, Hekate, Aries new moon, eclipse, rebirth, ritual, meditation, cleansing, spiritual journey, astrology, goddess worship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Aries New Moon Rebirth Meditation02:55 The Significance of Rebirth and Transformation05:55 Astrological Insights and the Power of Eclipses08:05 Preparing for the Meditation Experience09:28 Rebirth Meditation44:44 Outro

Some announcements: new free space, livestreams, and courses. Go to keepingherkeys.com for all the details and links.

Christen and Cyndi delve into the historical origins and personal meaning of Hekate's three forms, from the earliest references to her as governing land, sea, and sky in Hesiod's Theogony to a contemporary perspective on our own tri-valent nature. This episode accompanies the chapter on Triformis in Entering Hekate's Cave. For more info about this book, and the teaching and writing of Dr. Cyndi Brannen, go to keepingherkeys.com

Embark on a mystical journey to Hekate's Garden to connect with the Sovereign Goddesses, including Hekate, Circe, Medea, Persephone, Demeter, Artemis, and Selene. Ground yourself before delving into the deeper spiritual realm, and then journey into the garden on the Summer Solstice. As the sun sets and the moon rises, gather at the moon altar to invoke blessings from the goddesses. Embrace sovereignty, honor teachings, and cherish your body as a sacred gift. Stay true to your authentic self, acknowledge your struggles, and depart with newfound wisdom and treasures in your heart. To join Covina, and learn more about Dr. Cyndi Brannen, go to keepingherkeys.com Choose the Hekate's Keys course on offer to join.

Hail Hekate Triformis, The Triple Goddess. The Unifying The Three Selves Meditation is a foundational practice for connecting with Hekate while aligning our personal energy field consisting of The Three Selves. These three selves represent the lower self (root), the middle self (heart), and the higher self (crown). The meditation process involves connecting with one's breath, relaxing the body, and focusing on the root, heart, and crown selves. By contemplating Hekate Triformis, we perceive our own tri-fold nature mirrored in her three forms. The Unifying The Three Selves Meditation can be found in Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft, Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft, and Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness. Join Covina for a supportive coven community, dedicated to Hekate, where we explore this meditation as part of our daily sacred practice, known as Quotidia. Learn more about Dr. Cyndi Brannen, and how to join Covina: The Coven of Hekate HERE.

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

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

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.

It is nights like tonight,She finds me.Slipping in through a crack in the curtains.Riding on pale moonlight.It is nights like tonightThat I long to be her.To have no familiarityWith words like,“diagnosis,”“mortgage,”and “grief”.It is nights like tonightShe reminds meOf 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.

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. LEARN MORE ABOUT COVINA [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.

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.

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.