Hekate's historical alliance with the natural world is deep rooted, from her epithets that connect her with nature (Physis in The Chaldean Oracles, for example) to the application of her many animal titles in the spells found in The Greek Magical Papyri. Then there are the myths where she is involved in transforming women into animals. Some may see this as a lessening of status, but recentering the women in the stories shows they may have found liberation from societal norms and suffering. From Artemis transforming Iphigeneia into a deer, and possibly Hekate herself to Hecuba (Hekabe) becoming a canine priestess, there's such a rich web of ancient knowledge. Yet, we do not live two thousand years ago. In this talk, I explore the history while weaving it into our contemporary practice.

Learn more about my books and courses at keepingherkeys.com

In this talk, I contextualize the rich history of Hekate Kleidoukhos, ranging from ancient sources such as The Orphic Hymns to her role governing thresholds. Note that this talk was recorded as part of a live class on Hekate as Key Bearer, which was the central seminar for a weekend devoted to this aspect, including the second segment on the thirteen modern Keys of Hekate, a guided meditation to receive a key, a collective tarot reading, and a ceremonial ritual. You can become a student in Hekate's Keys to view those recordings.

The current six month cycle is rooted in my book Entering Hekate's Cauldron. Weekly live seminars, moon salons, sabbat rituals. Resource guidebooks, sharing circles and a vibrant community of Hekate's Witches. If you join before July 18, you'll immediately have access to all eight lessons of Part 1. Use code "OURANIA" at checkout. LEARN MORE.I wrote a lengthy essay about Hekate Kleidoukhos, which you can read on my Substack.

For over 3,000 years, Hekate has reigned as Queen of the Heavens—yet her celestial nature remains one of her most overlooked aspects. In this transformative episode, we journey beyond the underworld to discover Hekate Ourania, the goddess who dwells among the stars and holds dominion over the cosmic realms.

Join us as we reclaim the heavens from patriarchal programming, explore the scientific truth that we are literally made of stardust, and learn practical techniques for working with Hekate's Upper World nature. This is the first episode in our Upper World series, perfectly timed with Gemini season's focus on divine mind and celestial consciousness.

Historical Deep Dive (5:00)

Discover how ancient sources consistently portrayed Hekate as a goddess of three realms—land, sea, and sky. Learn why her celestial nature has been obscured in modern practice and how we can reclaim this essential aspect of her identity.

Reclaiming the Heavens (13:00)

Explore the difference between patriarchal religious concepts of "heaven" and the ancient understanding of celestial wisdom. Learn how to release conditioning that keeps you from accessing your cosmic birthright.

Science Meets Spirituality (23:00)

Dive into the fascinating science behind our cosmic origins. Discover how the carbon in your body came from stellar dust, why Earth is literally made from star factories (nebulae), and what Carl Sagan meant when he said "we are a way for the cosmos to know itself."

The Witness Consciousness (30:00)

Explore the part of you that observes your own thoughts—the metacognitive awareness that connects you to divine mind (Noeros) and proves your participation in cosmic intelligence.

Practical Upper World Work (35:00)

Learn about the four celestial epithets, discover your botanical ally (frankincense) and crystal ally (fluorite), and understand the Sigil of Ourania—a septagram representing the Sacred Seven celestial bodies.

Unlock The Mysteries: Go Deeper

Hekate Ourania Guidebook - Get your complete guide to working with the Celestial Queen HERE.

Enlightening the Three Selves Meditation - A 20-minute guided meditation working from crown to root, bringing celestial consciousness into embodied awareness.

KEEPING HER KEYS SUBSTACK.
Hekate's Keys of The Cauldron - The most comprehensive training on working with Hekate's complete cosmic nature across all three realms. LEARN MORE.

Use code OURANIA for 15% off

Historical Sources Referenced

• Hesiod's Theogony (~700 BCE)
• Orphic Hymn to Hekate (beginning of Common Era)
• Chaldean Oracles (2nd century CE)

Remember: You are made of stardust, you are cosmic consciousness embodied, and Hekate Ourania is waiting to illuminate your path.

In this episode, Christen and I explore the connections between Hekate and the crone archetype.

Hekate embodies wild wisdom and inhabits the threshold—the space between worlds. The crone similarly occupies liminal territory. Like Hekate, crones are associated with magic and mystery. Hekate tends to restless spirits, helps us cross into the deeper world (and back), is associated with protecting children, and has been subjected to much denigration. When examining Hekate’s ancient attributes—guiding souls, serving as divine midwife, protecting children, and practicing magic—these qualities resonate strongly with what might be called “crone energy.” While a few lesser-known myths depict her mothering her own children, she generally appears in ancient Greek stories as a wise woman associated with the natural world and spirits, dwelling in caves or gardens rather than cities.

I'm taking a break from the podcast and other public-facing activities for the new few months while I work on my new book.

I'll be teaching a six-month long course diving deeper into my book, Entering Hekate's Cauldron, starting May 1. Go to keepingherkeys.com for more details.

If you're interested in the crone, consider joining the Destination Crone course. LEARN MORE HERE.

You can read an in-depth article exploring Hekate and The Crone on my SUBSTACK.

Content discusses sexual violence and other potentially distressing themes.

For centuries, Medea’s story has been twisted: cast as avillain or a victim, her truth buried beneath myths of revenge and foreignness. But beneath the myth, she’s a powerful archetype—one who challenges us to confront our own traumas, shadows, and the boundaries we fear to cross.

Christen and I explore the mythological and historicalsignificance of Medea, her representation in ancient stories, and her relevance for modern shadow work and healing.

She’s the witch who transforms poison into medicine—reminding us that healing often comes from the deepest shadows.

Key questions:

What choices are you capable of making to claim your voice?
What does your longing for belonging look like?

Keywords: Medea, shadow work, mythology, Hecate, Hekate, Greek gods, healing, trauma, witchcraft, ancient Greece, empowerment

Key topics:

Medea's mythological origins and cultural context

Her connection to Hekate and ancient Greek magic

Themes of trauma, betrayal, and empowerment

The role of shadow work in healing personal wounds

Symbolism of serpents, dragons, and thresholds in Medea'sstory

"Medea challenges us to explore our shadows."

"She is a spirit of poisons that heal."

"She is a symbol of the sacred feminine andthresholds."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Medea: The Complex Witch

04:32 Medea's Story: A Reflection on Power Dynamics

07:39 Healing Through Shadows: The Power of Medea

08:24 Exploring the Myth of Medea

13:02 Medea's Truth: A Channeled Message

19:17 Understanding Medea's Power and Presence

22:02 Historical Context of Medea's Story

29:04 Medea as a Symbol of the Other

34:00 The Enchantment of Medea

36:29 Medea's Sacrifices for Love

39:27 The Tragic Consequences of Betrayal

42:03 The Complexity of Choice and Power

45:08 Medea as a Symbol of Grief and Loss

47:50 The Duality of the Feminine Spirit

51:14 Medea's Role in Founding Cities

52:51 Medea as a Figure of the Oppressed

57:13 The Wisdom of Medea

Books by Cyndi Brannen:

Entering Hekate's Garden

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron

Euripides’ Medea
The Argonautica - Ancient Greek Epic

Madeline Miller's Circe

Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

I'm sharing one of my favorite rituals, focused on healing with the five elements, in this episode. The ritual, inspired by Hekate’s epithet of Physis, connects deeply with the natural elements—earth, air, fire, water—and invoke divine guidance for healing and transformation - with the fifth of spirit. This practice offers a powerful way to release pain and align with your authentic self.

Included:

• Steps to connect with each of the natural elements for healing
• How Hekate’s energy enhances and guides the ritual
• Use of sacred symbols such as the pentacle and the Hekate sigil
• Practical tips for integrating elemental practices into daily life
• The symbolism of the five elements and their role in spiritual cleansing
• Visualizations to embody your healed, empowered self
• Timing and lunar considerations for ritual practice

Go to Keepingherkeys.com to learn more about the courses I teach and my online coven.

00:00 - Introduction to the elemental healing ritual and its origins
00:32 - Personal reflections on connecting with the elements daily
01:06 - Overview of Hekate’s Physis and its significance in nature
01:52 - Preparing for the ritual: setting intentions and environment
02:36 - Invocation of the elements and the sacred space
03:05 - Casting the circle and calling upon the moon and Hecate
04:37 - Visualization and calling upon Earth for grounding
06:11 - Evoking Air with steam bowl and breathwork
08:00 - Utilizing Fire through incense and flames
10:04 - Water as a symbol of emotional cleansing
12:12 - Receiving healing from the elements and lighting of the spirit candle
15:03 - Embodying your healed self through visualization and imagery
16:30 - Integration of the five elements and divine guidance
17:29 - Closing blessings and gratitude to Hekate and the elements

I claim the Key of Catharsis,
Letting go of what blocks and binds.
I claim the Key of Retrieval,
Calling back what was lost.
I claim the Key of Rebirth,
Emerging whole.

Episode cover: Moon phases with the Hekate Paionios: The Healer sigil in the middle. Yours to use as you feel led.

As the world continues to spiral downward, there can be a pull into the vortex that amplifies our own personal wounds. If you're feeling this impact, there are ways that connecting to Hekate can help guide us through healing from our trauma, and help center us during these difficult times.

I believe there are three distinct yet connect spiritual keys for healing. The first one is to release our burdens. We can even choose to see them as offerings to Hekate, sacred tears and pains. Retrieval of our missing pieces is the second key, reclaiming parts that have been hidden in shadow. The final key is rebirth, choosing to let all that no longer serves come to a conclusion so we can emerge whole.

In this episode, I share a class on Hekate and Healing from Trauma that delves into the ways that she can guide us through shadow work so that we can emerge stronger, more whole, and better equipped to navigate the crossroads that the world is at.

I cover various aspects of healing, including the importance of rituals, understanding pain, and addressing relationship wounds. I share personal insights and practical techniques for healing, such as cord work and daily rituals, while encouraging us to embrace their unique healing journeys.

This isn't a substitute for medical care or therapy. What I know to be true is that when mainstream treatment fails, or isn't enough, that the spiritual work we do can make all the difference.

I wrote a book about healing from trauma through practices and rituals centered around Hekate. You can find Entering Hekate's Cave wherever books are sold.

Find comfort in a supportive coven. LEARN MORE.

Takeaways:

• Healing from trauma is a journey towards wholeness.
• Hekate serves as a guide in the healing process.
• Rituals can help center and ground us in our healing.
• Pain can be understood as an ally and teacher.
• Self-care is essential for healers to avoid burnout.
• Understanding relationship wounds is crucial for healing.
• Daily rituals can create a meaningful practice of healing.
• Cord work can help sever unhealthy attachments.
• Empowerment comes from taking charge of one's healing journey.
• Healing is not about perfection but about living authentically.

"Our wounds are often our greatest strength."

"You are the architect of your own life."

"Don't let anyone tell you how to heal."

Chapters

00:00 Healing from Trauma: A Journey to Wholeness

14:31 Rituals and Practices for Healing

26:21 Understanding Relationship Wounds and Healing

37:23 The Role of Pain in Healing and Transformation

Keywords: healing, trauma, Hecate, Hekate, Paionios, The Healer, natural magic, rituals, relationship wounds, cord work, practices, self-care, empowerment.