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

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.

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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

Christen and I delve into the lore and meaning of The Cailleach, and then I guide us through a meditation.

Conversation

We explore the significance of The Cailleach in Celtic folklore, highlighting her role as a symbol of winter, wisdom, and the land. With our personal connection to her, we reflect on how she is the earth itself - land, sea, and sky. She is primordial, she before she had a name, and offers us deep attunement to her wild, natural world. We discuss our annual winter solstice ritual that honours the Cailleach with stone and story offerings. We encourage everyone to find and decorate stones, write letters sharing their stories, and engage in community discussions about their experiences, fostering a deeper connection to this powerful figure, and the power of place.

Meditation

Embark on a meditative journey to The Cailleach's Cave. Sacred smoke from juniper and pine resin sets the tone for reflection and connection. Attune the three selves and journey into her Cave, offering stones as symbols of burdens and gratitude to the Cailleach, the Stone Mother and Bringer of Winter. The meditation invites wisdom and insights from winter's challenges, fostering a deeper connection to nature and personal growth before concluding with a renewed sense of purpose.

Learn more at keepingherkeys.com

In this episode, Christen and I talk about the profound connections between Hekate and the themes of darkness, night, and the afterlife, while contrasting her illuminating aspects. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing darkness as a sacred journey towards personal healing and empowerment, featuring rituals and practices guided by Hekate. Christen and I share personal stories illustrating the challenges of confronting one’s shadows, alongside insights from psychological theories on dreams and shadow work. We encourage a mindful exploration of inner darkness, seeking community support and the gradual nature of healing, ultimately unlocking Hekate’s transformative darkness.

Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more about courses and books.

Suitable for The Night of Hekate on November 16, this meditation evokes the threshold of light and dark, symbolized through Hekate's torches and the cave-womb of the divine feminine. Through an exploration of the three selves, attune to the power of the dark mysteries, for shadow healing and empowerment.

It's been eight years exactly since I first wrote about November 16, and the entire month, being a time for sacred darkness. As Christen reminded me, I declared back then that the "holy darkness is nigh." Perhaps a bit too-Scorpio, but that's my nature. Here's an excerpt from that original article:

"November 16 is a night for deep spiritual work, of offering Hekate Borborophorba our internal refuse so we may work toward healing our shadow and beginning the process of rebirth. Hekate welcomes her chosen home, but the profane will be banished. Seek her out of sincerity, or risk her fierceness. This ritual will open you to the spirits of the Underworld. Participants have received messages from departed loved ones, animal allies, and Hekate's companions. Persephone, in particular, often meets those who perform this rite.

In the same way we leave offerings at a crossroads for Deipnon, during this ritual, we need leave our spiritual junk, the miasma, in Her underworld, and we don’t look back. We offer her the toxic parts of ourselves that we are ready to let go of, in order to make space for our rebirth, space to take up her keys and move forward as sovereign, fire-walking, truth-weaving witches."

What I wrote about in that article, and the ritual I included, has since evolved into The Animarum Catharsis in Hekate's Keys on the Scorpio New Moon each year. I also included a DIY version of that ritual in my book, Entering Hekate's Cave. 

While we are not accepting new students in The Gate of Release, the course within the Hekate's Keys program where the Animarum Catharsis is the concluding ceremony, enrollment is open for the next gate, The Gate of Retrieval. The first month is dedicated to Hekate's sacred darkness, through her epithet of Skotia. Christen and I just recorded a new class on Hekate's Darkness that's available in The Gate of Retrieval Playlist now.

I recorded this podcast episode back in 2019, exploring Hekate's Holy Darkness. You can listen to it, and the meditation I shared above, wherever podcasts are found, and on the Keeping Her Keys website. 

Key themes:

• Standing at the threshold between light and darkness
• Following Hecate's torches into the sacred darkness
• Releasing what no longer serves before crossing the threshold
• Connecting with Chthonia (of the earth) through root visualization
• Opening to the season of the moon's dominion during the darkest time of year
• Letting go of perfectionism and preconceived notions

This classic meditation, the earliest in what's become hundreds, works to attune our seven energy centers, aka chakras, with the celestial forces of the original seven planets. Goes with my first book, True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch.

Also works well when connecting with Hekate Ourania, Queen of The Heavens.

Just in time for the Taurus Full Moon on Nov. 5, 2025.

The Orphic Hymn to Hekate

Lovely Hekate of the roads and of the crossroads I invoke.
In heaven, on earth,
then in the sea, saffron-cloaked,
tomb spirit reveling in the souls of the dead,
daughter of Perses,
haunting deserted places,
delighting in deer,
nocturnal, dog-loving,
monstrous queen,
devouring wild beasts,
ungirt and repulsive.
Herder of bulls,
queen and mistress of the whole world,
leader, nymph,
mountain-roaming nurturer of youths,
maiden, I beseech you to come
to these holy rites,
ever with joyous heart,
ever favoring the oxherd.

(Athanassakis translation)

The Tauropolos meditation positioned at us the center of Hekate’s Crossroads, the convergence of the three worlds and selves, as we connected with her governance over the realms to bring a deep attunement within ourselves. Tauropolos connects Hekate to the crescent moon through bull’s horns, symbolizing majesty, power, and fertility. Beginning with The Orphic Hymn to Hekate as our invocation, which highlights her dominion over the underworld, middle world, and celestial realms, while also emphasizing her role as “The Herder of Bulls,” the meditation grounds us in her abiding power. Follow up the meditation with practices that honor the body and embrace sensual pleasure, aligning with the nurturing essence of Taurus moon energy.

Go to my Substack for more.

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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.

Experience profound connection to Hekate and Persephone in this meditative journey. Unlock your inner mysteries as we descend into HER realness, for inner exploration, healing, and transformation. We begin this journey by activating our energetic roots, summoning what sustains and releasing what burdens. Persephone's message of balance, mercy, and grace, comes through, reminding us that we are not meant to be perfect, but whole . Conclude with a return to awareness, integrating the insights gained from this enriching experience.

Join the free Keeping Her Keys Library for tons of recordings and episodes.

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Explore the essence of Gemini, a sign embodying duality, communication, and adaptability through this talk and attuning meditation.

Gemini is blessed with the ability of see all sides of any scenario, and is forever in the process of embodying duality. Analytical and multifaceted, Gemini uses their “twinsight” to create a life built on their unique truth while cutting through the restrictions others try to place on them.

Plants associated with Gemini and Hekate: mugwort, yarrow, black cohosh.

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.

Gemini And Hekate

Epithets: Amphiprosopos, Looking Both Ways; Phaenno, Brilliant; Triformis, The Triple Goddess.

Meaning

Like Hekate’s all-seeing, evolving multiple forms, the intelligent twin is always transforming. Focused on creativity, driven by curiosity, appeal to Hekate in Gemini for support with matters of communication, and creativity.

Themes

The ever-mercurial Gemini during the new moon is all about shapeshifting, making this an ideal time for transformation.

Communication, education, and technology concerns are suitable for this new moon.

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.

More on the meaning of the new moons in Hekatean Witchcraft in Entering Hekate’s Cauldon.

Join The Tarot Parlor: Hekate and The Cards at 10 AM Eastern on May 25, 2025.

Go deeper into the magick and mystery of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft by becoming a student in Hekate’s Keys: The Gate of Renewal, including the Gemini New Moon two hour recorded class, written monograph, and Spotify playlist.

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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.

Chapters

00:00Understanding Gemini: The Dual Nature

05:54Grounding and Connecting with Gemini Energy

09:02The Interpersonal Nature of Gemini

11:53Embracing Duality and Wholeness

14:55Attuning to Gemini's Mysteries1

15:39 Introduction to Hekatean Witchcraft

18:39Exploring the Keys of Hekate

21:31The Transformative Power of Covina GO TO THE SUBSTACK.

https://keepingherkeys.com/