The Goddess of Witches, Queen of Shades and Shadows, and the ever-eternal Dark Muse – Hekate, Fair Queen of the Shadow-Lands, haunts the pages of this poetic devotional, enchanting those who love Her with the charm only this Dark Goddess can bring. Join in the journey as we meet Hekate, Queen of Sorcery, in the realms of Dream and Enchantment, weaving magic through the Worlds – Seen and Unseen. We take flight to the Lands Eternal in this part devotional, part grimoire and learn how to venerate this Great Goddess of antiquity and connect with the Spirits of the Shadow-Lands… Vivienne Moss is a Solitary Witch, Mystic, and Priestess of Hekate who resides in a small Indiana town. She spends her days brewing up trouble with her boyfriend and two daughters, and her nights dreaming the enchanted life. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her taking long walks in the forest or strolling through the local cemetery. A lover of all things occult, Vivienne dedicates her time to the study of esoteric knowledge. Pagan Portals Hekate A Devotional By Vivienne Moss John Hunt Publishing Ltd. Copyright © 2015 Vivienne Moss All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-78535-161-7 Contents Introduction – Into the Storm, Chapter 1 — In the House of Hekate, Chapter 2 — At the Crossroads We Meet, Chapter 3 — At the Gates of Death, Chapter 4 — To Embrace the Muse, Chapter 5 — Our Lady of the Witches' Craft, Chapter 6 — The Breath of Life, Chapter 7 — Hekate — She Who Is All, Chapter 8 — The Cunning Way, Conclusion, Recommended Reading, CHAPTER 1 In the House of Hekate Hekate, You are the allure of Autumn and the madness of Winter. You are the smell of damp earth after the passing of storms. You are the Raven's flight and the Owl's call. You are the soft glow of Sunset and the hoary light of the Moon. You are the crisp breath of a Midwinter morn and the soft sigh of Spring's awakening. You are the silence of Death and the enchantment of Life. Hekate, My Queen, You are..... [Vivienne Moss] She Whispers in my Dreams I first heard Her in the realm of my dreams. She was softly calling to me, beckoning me to follow. I silently shadowed Her, unsure of where we were headed. I heard birdsong in the distance and the crashing of waves. She led me to a seashore where we stopped by the entrance of a secluded cave. As I stepped into the cave a soft glow of welcoming light enveloped me. There were ancient markings on the stone walls, symbols both arcane and unfamiliar. On the floor of the cave was a small altar decorated with skulls, feathers and all manner of found baubles. Fruit, honey, and wine were laid out pleasingly, ready for this shrouded figure to consume. I looked deeply into Her primeval eyes, knowing instantly who She was. Hekate, Queen of Witches. She had claimed me as Her own. I awaken from my slumber, embracing my new self. Hekate, I whisper, I am Yours.... Many times I have traveled to Hekate's cave in Spirit Flight. She is always shrouded, Her features hidden. Only the depths of Her eyes can be seen. They go on for eternity, full of knowledge and, sometimes, sadness. She has seen all; the beginning of Earth and the slow destruction of these sacred lands. Hekate is one of the first of many Gods to inhabit this world. She is as ancient as the Starry Heavens and Her reach is far. She dwells on the borders of this world and the Shadow-Lands, Her cave safely hidden at an ancient Crossroads. It is so ancient that no memory of it survives. You can only find it during Spirit-Flight, or Hedge-Riding, much like the Witch's Mountain or Benevento. She visits my Dream-World often, leaving hints of Her esoteric knowledge in Her wake. As I ride the currents of eternity to Her hidden cave, I feel the rush of Death pass me by. The once hidden Shadow-Lands materialize, figures emerging, both uncanny and obscene. Feeling the tug of forgetfulness, I steady my senses, bracing for the Night Queen to arrive ... And arrive She does. With each visit to Her Cave of Dreams, I grow closer to the Pale Mother — She Who is Born of Stars. For it is the stardust of dreams that gather at the tides of the seasons, bringing the Spirits of the Shadow-Lands closer to our waking world. Hekate — I Dream with You tonight May I elude the Spirit of Forgetfulness ... The Hearth of Remembrance The Shadow-Lands, or Otherworlds as they are more often called, are just beyond our Earthly realm. Spirits dwell there. Some were once human, our Ancestors, but many are Spirits who have never had a human form. They have been here from the beginning, much like our Gods. Hekate, a psychopomp, is an intermediary between the living and the dead, the Spirits and mankind. She protects the home from wayward Spirits and ghosts, and guides lost souls back to their Underworld home. Much of my work with Hekate includes my Ancestors and the Mighty Dead. A shrine dedicated to them is a main focal point in my home. It cannot be missed. When you