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In the forest outside of Athens, fairies play and cause mischief while Hecate plots her return. What do you need to know about these magical beings if you encounter them? Although both fairies and Hecate can be helpful, they have their rules. Never fear though, there are ways to control your experience if you happen to luck upon either while roaming in the woods.
The Fairies (The Fey)
Although some believe that fairies (the fey) are solely the stuff of lore, there is a remarkable preponderance of fairy and human interaction that has been recorded throughout the ages in every culture, especially in the Celtic tradition. Some of the earliest written accounts of the fey appear in Greek mythology and Le Morte d'Arthur (1495). Today, websites and podcasts exist to track and record fairy encounters. In fact, the desire to ‘prove’ the existence of fairies captured the public’s attention during the 1920, when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle attested to the authenticity of the Cottingley Fairies photographs.
So who, and what, are the fairies?
It’s important to note that descriptions of fairies have remained fairly consistent across cultures and time. They are small nature spirits who tend to be found in the woods or by streams and are often attracted to tinkling bells and shiny objects. Though universally considered mischievous, there are kind and unkind fairies, who respond to human offerings mainly of the sweet or dairy variety. In fact, in Ireland it had been customary to leave a dairy offering for the fairies each night to ensure that the cows would continue to give milk.
Fairy mounds, often considered to be European Neolithic burial chambers, are widely accepted as entrances to the fairy realm. Some believe that these fairy mounds are a link between the worlds of the living and the dead. Some even say that these fairy mounds glow at night.
If you can’t find a fairy mound, look for a fairy ring. Circles and arcs of mushrooms, formed naturally, are said to be magical places. Though a fairy ring may alert you to the presence of the fey, it’s wise not to jump in as they can be dangerous for humans. Only running around a fairy ring nine times will help prevent ill fortune from settling upon the person who ventures near or into a fairy ring. Considering that many believe the fey to be fallen gods, or the guardians of nature, then it stands to reason that they would not welcome unwanted human interference.
Still, for those who believe and who respect the natural order of the world, the fey seem to welcome human connection. Perhaps they are simply happy to help us in return for delectable offerings. Perhaps the benevolent fairies want us to be prosperous and safe. Perhaps they understand that we must live in symbiosis to find harmony.
For those wanting to connect with the fey there are many options. You can write a declaration of your intent, written directly to the fairies, wherein you state your reason and your desire. This declaration can be left somewhere special in your home, be buried, or be left on a tree stump. You can leave out your dinner scraps for a household fairy, or leave a sweet offering, like a milk pudding or blancmange, outside your door or by a garden gate. Tying ribbons to trees while you state your declaration can also work to bring the fairies to you. However, just be careful not to accidently invite one of the malevolent fairies into your world.
The fairies will help you, but you must treat them right.
Hecate (Hekate)
Perhaps one of the most ambiguous goddesses, Hecate defies easy categorization. Today she is mostly known as a goddess of the occult and witchcraft; however, in Greek mythology Hecate was, simultaneously, a goddess of the underworld and protector of the home. She was, and remains, the goddess of boundaries and borders.
Doorways, geographical borders, and gates are sacred places to Hecate, which is why statues that honor her are often found at crossroads.
Representations of Hecate often feature keys, torches, her wheel, or her dog. In fact, her large black dog was so closely tied to Hecate that when people in Ancient Greece heard howling and barking they often expected the goddess, or her magic, to appear. So if you happen to be at a crossroad and hear dogs barking in the distance, you may actually be in her presence.
It is her association with the crossroads that led to Hecate’s depiction as a Triple Goddess (maiden, mother, and crone): three women keeping watch in different directions, protecting those who worship her. Therefore, as goddess of the domestic, statues of Hecate were often placed in the doorways of homes to protect the dwellers from bad luck.
The labyrinthine Hecate’s Wheel features a maze that connects three parts (representing both her triple identity and her realms of earth, sky, sea) to the inner circle, which can be seen as a crossroads. The serpent, traditionally a symbol of the circular nature of life, also features prominently on the wheel to represent personal journeys to knowledge.
As benevolent as Hecate may seem, never forget that she was also feared. She is, after all, the Goddess of magic, ghosts, and the underworld. Her justice is swift.
Today, Hecate is most widely associated with dark magic and witchcraft. Many continue to celebrate and honor her with sacramental feasts on those days traditionally associated with Hecate: on the eve of a new moon; on November 16, when she appears at crossroads; January 31 (feast day); or August 13, to appease.
These feasts, which often are used to request her protection, often include breads, cakes, fish, mushrooms, pomegranates, garlic, eggs, almonds, wine, and honey. Traditionally, these feasts were not to be eaten by those who left the offering; instead, the food was left untouched for the goddess (or taken by the poor). Today’s rituals differ in that those offering the feast also partake. Taking place at night by candlelight, sometimes in a crossroad, a place is set for Hecate. Devotees toast Hecate and serve her first; she receives either a full plate or the remains of the meal. Once the ritual ends and the food is eaten, her followers depart by never looking back at the table. It’s important not to look for her, just as it’s important to remember that Hecate is powerful.
As much as she protected, she was also feared. She is the goddess of death and magic. Although you can attempt to invoke her help, she always has the power to deny your wishes. She sees all and acts swiftly when vengeance is necessary.