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

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.

The world is at a crossroads. This is Hekate's realm, where she can help us navigate the most turbulent times. In this new episode Christen and I sit down for another conversation about Hekate as Psychopomp, The Soul Guide.

We explore the different ways we can experience Hekate as The Psychopomp. The first is how we can call upon her to help us find our way to our own soul, from soul retrieval work to past lives, and even more regular personal development. The second is her function as the one who guides souls between the living world and the deeper one. The final way is that she may share this key with us, enabling us to work as mediums, transmitting messages between the living and the other side, and as ones who can assist spirits in making the transition to the deeper world. A fascinating trio of topics to explore.

We highlight her historical significance in facilitating transitions between life and death, while also addressing the evolution of psychology and the need to integrate soul work for deeper fulfillment. Our conversation touches on the responsibilities of those engaged in psychopomp work, emphasizing the importance of personal boundaries and self-care.

Join Covina, become a student in Hekate's Keys and explore our intensive courses: Keeping Her Keys Book, Destination Crone, and Via Hekate.

keepingherkeys.com

[email protected]

With every step, growing nearer.Rising into realness.She is. She is. She is.With each breath, growing closer.Murmuring into life.She is. She is. She is.Deepest shadows, becoming clearer.Crackling in the night.She is. She is. She is.The end, and the beginning.Rattling and unsettling.I am. I am. I am.

This episode explores the wisdom and power of the Crone archetype, embracing aging, and finding beauty in life’s transitions. The podcast delves into mythology, personal growth, and the journey of self-discovery, centering The Crone as a guide as we navigate the path of becoming a wild and wise older woman.

Christen and I discuss various aspects of The Crone, circling around three figures: Demeter, Baubo, and Hecuba. Demeter’s identity crisis when Persephone was abducted by Hades, and how the humble Baubo helped her get her joy back. Then we talk about the tragic Hecuba, who asks us “what are we willing to sacrifice for?” We’ve done full episodes on Demeter and Hecuba if you want to go deeper.

At The Crone’s Crossroads

For the past several months, I’ve been abiding at a crossroads. Personally, this has been the time when I’ve been at the threshold of what I call The Third Act. It’s time for me to venture into this new stage of life. Not yet a Crone, but that is certainly my desired destination. To grow into a wild and wise older woman. To arrive at the end of my life knowing that I lived with purpose and passion. That I took good care of myself and those I care about. That I created a beautiful life, full of magic and wonder. That I had lived in service to the divine feminine, in all her glorious forms. Witches, hags, goddesses. They are the lifeblood of my soul. I love their magic and mystery. From Hekate’s ancient suppers to Baba Yaga’s chicken leg hut. Roman witches that tormented heroes. Cerridwen’s cauldron of inspiration. The Morrigan’s shapeshifting. All these stories are as so dear to me.

I’ve been mulling over all of this while on a quest to discover the mysteries of The Crone through stories told about her, from mythology to contemporary renderings. Back in August 2024, my wonderful editor, Judika Illes, unexpectedly called me right after I’d had the vision for a book about The Crone. She loved the idea. So did my publisher. A book was born. Since then, I’ve been quietly working on it. More accurately The Crone has been working on me.

Wild Older Woman At The Edge

The Crone is a complex archetype. She is hag, goddess, witch. Always the woman at the edge, whether the crossroads or deep in the forest. Connected to the natural world, she is a spirit of the land, sea, and sky. From countless folktales to modern media, she is unsettling in so many ways. A reminder that death is always nearby, she evokes the natural cycle I am part of. To know death is to embrace life, with all it’s challenges and triumphs. Always associated with animals, she teaches that instinct and intuition are to be trusted. That the world is already enchanted. It’s my task to pay attention to it. Cycles, transformation, magic, mystery. These are The Keys of The Crone.

I got started with The Crone over twenty years ago when I went to a friend’s “croning,” ceremony. At the time I was quite miffed that merely reaching menopause resulted in becoming a crone. I remember thinking that a fifty year old woman is hardly old enough to enter cronedom. I wasn’t yet forty at the time, but it seemed outrageous to me that this arbitrary marker of menopause was selling women short.

Reimagining The Crone

The idea that menopause equals cronehood gained popularity, at least in the pagan circles I travelled in, back in the nineties. Looking at the history of why this became thus, I discovered a host of books dedicated to the Maiden, Mother, Crone model of women’s lives, and applied to The Triple Goddess. This wasn’t an ancient idea, but came out of the modern paganism movement of the twentieth century. Yes, crones have always existed in folklore and more, but the notion that menopause meant we magically became them, is thoroughly modern.

It didn’t seem right to me, at all. To me, The Crone is a spirit of wild wisdom. Something my body stops doing - menstruating - hardly seemed adequate for instilling me with her character.

That experience brought The Crone to me. She’s never been far from me since. As a devotee of Hekate, I’ve honestly been irked when people view her purely as one. Of course, she has big crone energy, with her association to helping souls to the other side, abiding at crossroads, and, generally, being a font of wild wisdom. Yet the ancients didn’t see her that way, and I didn’t, either. Still, The Crone persisted. Taking up space in my psyche, rattling her bones and whispering that my time would come.

Should you be wondering if this means I am breaking up with Hekate. Not at all. I’m evolving, and I hope you’re interested in where The Crone takes me.

Let me know in the comments if The Crone is calling you, and your thoughts on this new episode.

You can watch this episode on YouTube and wherever podcasts are found.

⁠Join Destination Crone⁠

Key words: Crone archetype, aging, mythology, personal growth, self-discovery, Demeter, Baubo, Hecuba.

This episode explores the wisdom and power of the Crone archetype, embracing aging, and finding beauty in life's transitions. The podcast delves into mythology, personal growth, and the journey of self-discovery, centering The Crone as a guide as we navigate the path of becoming a wild and wise older woman.

Christen and I discuss various aspects of The Crone, circling around three figures: Demeter, Baubo, and Hecuba. Demeter's identity crisis when Persephone was abducted by Hades, and how the humble Baubo helped her get her joy back. Then we talk about the tragic Hecuba, who asks us "what are we willing to sacrifice for?" We've done full episodes on Demeter and Hecuba if you want to go deeper.

Join Destination Crone

Key words: Crone archetype, aging, mythology, personal growth, self-discovery, Demeter, Baubo, Hecuba.

Takeaways:

• The Crone archetype represents wisdom and power.
• Embracing aging can lead to personal growth.
• Mythology offers insights into life's transitions.
• Self-discovery is a lifelong journey.
• Authenticity is key to living fully.
• The Crone challenges societal norms about aging.
• Aging is a natural and beautiful process.
• The Crone embodies the spirit of independence.
• Embracing the Crone can lead to empowerment.
• The journey to self-discovery is unique for everyone.

• Embrace Your Inner Crone
• The Power of Aging Gracefully
• Unlocking the Wisdom of the Crone
• Mythology and the Journey of Self-Discovery
• Living Authentically as We Age
• The Crone: A Symbol of Empowerment
• Finding Beauty in Life's Transitions
• The Crone's Guide to Personal Growth
• Aging with Grace and Wisdom
• The Journey to Embrace the Crone