Hekate Liminal Rites: A Study of the rituals, magic and symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads [Paperback]

Sorita d'Este (Author), David Rankine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 2009

Hekate - Liminal Rites A Study of the Rituals, Magic and Symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine At the crossroads of life, death and rebirth stands the Goddess Hekate. Honoured by men, women and gods alike, traces of her ancient provenance reach back through the millennia providing clues about her nature and origins along the way. Depictions of her as three formed facing in three ways, sometimes with the heads of animals such as the horse, dog and snake hint at her liminal nature, as well as the powers she holds over the triple realms of earth, sea and sky. The sorcery of Medea and Circe, the witchcraft of the women of Thessaly, the writings of philosophers such as Hesiod and Porphyry all provide glimpses into the world of those who honoured her. Her magical powers were considered so great that even King Solomon became associated with her, she was incorporated into Jewish magic, and merged with other goddesses including Artemis, Selene, Bendis and the Egyptian Isis. Whilst for some she was the Witch Goddess, for others she was the ruler of angels and daimons, who made predictions about Jesus and Christianity. Wherever you look, be it in the texts of Ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantium or the Renaissance, the Greek Magical Papyri or the Chaldean Oracles, you will find Hekate. The magical whir of the strophalos and the barbarous words of the voces magicae carry her message; the defixiones, love spells and charms all provides us with examples of the magic done in her name. She was also associated with the magic of death, including necromancy and reanimation; as well as prophetic dreams, nightmares, healing herbs and poisons. The temples dedicated to her and the important role she played in the mysteries of Eleusis, Samothrace and Aigina all provide us with clues to her majesty. The popular shrines at the doorways of ordinary people, offerings left at the crossroads and guardian statues of her at the entrance ways to cities and temples all attest to her status in the hearts and minds of those who knew her mysteries. In this book the authors draw from a wide range of sources, bringing together historical research which provides insights into the magical and religious practices associated with this remarkable Goddess. In doing so they provide an indispensable guide for those wishing to explore the mysteries of Hekate today. About the Authors Sorita d'Este and David Rankine are esoteric researchers, mythologists and modern day magicians who have between them authored more than twenty published books on magic, mythology, folklore and the occult. Sorita is the editor of the anthology "HEKATE KEYS TO THE CROSSROADS" and the author of Artemis Virgin Goddess of the Sun & Moon. Together they have produced titles such as Visions of the Cailleach, The Isles of the Many Gods and The Guises of the Morrigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Avalonia (May 24, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905297238
• ISBN-13: 978-1905297238
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #400,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, November 9, 2011

By 

adams87 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hekate Liminal Rites: A Study of the rituals, magic and symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads (Paperback)

This is a very nice book. I enjoyed the academic references put into the work and the language is profound. I am half-way through the reading and I have a hard time putting the book down even for a few minutes. I highly recommend this book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hecate, July 13, 2011

By 

KRISTIN RODGERS - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hekate Liminal Rites: A Study of the rituals, magic and symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads (Paperback)

This is a must read for any devote to Hecate. Finding ancient symbols not only takes work but they are so powerful. The herbs and the amulets will only help person continue to grow on a spiritual path. It is wonderful to see so many books coming out about this Goddess that for to look has been forgotten or ignored. Maybe simply passed off as the Goddess of Witches and nothing more. But there is more and this book will show you the way and illuminate your path. Do the rituals and learn from the Goddess herself.

12 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A scholarly study for the student of Hekate, April 22, 2011

By 

Boudica (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Hekate Liminal Rites - A historical study of the rituals, spells and magic of the Torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads (Kindle Edition)

I know what to expect from David Rankine and Sorita d'Este - a book that relies on research of texts and resources other than those published by "other pagans" and offers key insights and opinions rather than parroted neo-pagan hearsay and prattle. Knowing this, I purchased the Kindle version of this book with confidence and was not disappointed.

Within these pages are well researched references to the historical nature of Hekate of the Greeks and the Romans. The book looks at the written references of various scholars and scholarly works that have been carried down through the ages and traces the impact and effects of Hekate, her rituals, the magic and her followers. Discussion focuses on the centers of her worship, her mysteries, her better known followers, her rituals and rites, her history through the ages and what she was best known for - the magics that are attributed to her.

It's very interesting, though if you were looking for one of those new age story books on gods and goddesses, this is more than just some stories. You will find interesting and different information presented; this is more a work for the serious follower of Hekate who is looking to connect with the Goddess on more than a casual level and emerse themselves in all that is Hekate.

While there is much here to ponder, there are some surprising insights into the Goddess, her rituals, magic and the practices associated with her followers. The vegetarian followers suprised me, as it seems to have done with a few other reviewers, but then that is what research does turn up. Sometimes it is a confirmation of what we already know, sometimes it's a deep insight into what we practice but had no knowledge of why, and then sometimes it's the little bits of surprising information that makes the reading that much more interesting. And I am one of those people who appreciates having all this research gathered into one place, rather than having to look for something specific over and over again on the web. It's all in this book. I can reference it myself thanks to the work of these two authors.

I enjoyed this book. BTW, the Kindle edition is very good in the formatting, many of the features worked flawlessly so the formatting was spot on, and these old eyes enjoyed reading a book in a typeface I didn't have to squint to read or tire my eyes to the point where I couldn't read. The experience overall was quite enjoyable.

Again, a great book to add to your library if you are a Hekate follower and want some real food for thought on the goddess Hekate. - Boudica