Episodes
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Embark with us on a mystical journey, attuning with goddesses and practicing healing witchcraft. Light candles, invoke mystical experiences, and embrace wild and free goddesses. Through poetry and sacred creativity we deepen connections, without rigid rules, following the way of the wild and free goddesses. We discuss balancing everyday life with sacred practices, the benefits of documenting mystical experiences, and cover exercises for awakening your internal mystic, like writing letters for guidance. The cards, dreams, intuitive writing, and more deepen our relationships with goddesses, as we embrace the mystical lifestyle for courage and deep rewards. I wouldn't want to live otherwise. Would you?Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more about events, courses, and more.
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Missing episodes?
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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