Please note that posts on this site may contain affiliate links
The practice of worshipping celestial beings, especially the stars, has been a part of many modern witches’ spiritual practices for centuries. Two goddesses who are commonly worshiped by witches and other magical practitioners are Hekate and Asteria, both of whom embody and represent the night sky in their own ways. By exploring these two deities, we can learn how to better incorporate them into our spiritual practices today.
Hekate is typically known as the goddess of magic, the night, and crossroads. She is said to be a guardian of those facing difficult transitions, offering guidance and protection to those who need it. She is associated with sacred herbs and plants such as mugwort and blackthorn which can help harness her energy during magical workings or rituals. As a lunar deity, Hekate may be called upon when looking for answers in dreams or seeking clarity while exploring the subconscious mind during moonlit nights.
Asteria is most commonly recognized as a star goddess associated with grace under pressure, femininity and intuition. She represents protection from emotional turmoil in addition to providing insight into personal growth through cosmic healing.
By connecting with either one or both of these goddesses during rituals or meditation practices, modern witches can gain new insight into their spiritual path that may not have been accessible to them before.
Asteria As Titaness
Asteria, otherwise known as the “Starry One”, is a Titaness in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Koios (Coeus) and Phoebe, and the sister of the bright-haired Leto. Asteria was said to be associated with the night sky, stars, falling stars, dreams (oneiromancy), and astrology. This powerful goddess was also able to transform herself into a quail to escape from Zeus.
Asteria then married Perses who continued her lineage as she gave birth to Hekate, goddess of witchcraft. Following the fall of the Titans, Zeus chased Asteria all across the sky but she escaped him by transforming into a quail and plunging into the sea. Here she became an island known as Delos; her sister, dark-gowned Leto gave birth to Apollon on it too. Later on, Asteria was depicted in Athenian vase-paintings alongside other gods such as Apollon, Artemis and Leto often named as “Delos” which some say is possibly linked to ancient goddess known for prophesying dreams called Brizo.
Hekate As Liminal Goddess
Hekate is a liminal goddess, connecting both the celestial and chthonic realms. As the “Queen of the Night”, she can see into the past, present, and future and is often called upon for protection, guidance, and wisdom. She was born from Perses and Asteria, who blessed her with power over the heavens, earths and seas. She helped Demeter in searching for Persephone by providing her with two flaming torches at night. Hekate then became Persephone’s companion in Haides.
She also has three animal counterparts: a black she-dog, the polecat (a mustelid pet meant to hunt vermin), and snakes. The she-dog was formerly Trojan Queen Hecuba while its unknown if polecat was either Gale or Galinthias.
In visual portrayal Hekate is usually shown as a woman holding twin torches while her name refers to working from afar as seen in Apollo’s epithet indicating his far shooting ways. Furthermore she has associations with other goddesses such as Artemis, Selene (the Moon), Despoine, Krataeis (Crataeis), Perseis, Iphigeneia, Bendis & Kotys (Cotys). Maira (the Dog-Star), Daeira & Hercyna from Eleusinian & Boiotian respectively.
Prayer To Hekate And Asteria
Goddesses of the night sky and the stars,
we call upon you to guide us through the darkness.
Hekate, you who walks the paths between worlds,
show us the way to our true selves.
Asteria, you who shines in the night sky,
light our way to the truth.
Together, you are the guides of our souls,
and we honor you with this prayer.
Working With Hekate And Asteria In Your Witch Practice
When working with Hekate and Asteria, it is important to remember that they are both associated with the night sky and the stars. One way to incorporate them into your practice is by stargazing and making offerings to them during the full moon. You can also create an altar dedicated to them and place symbols of the night sky and stars, such as a quail or a crossroads, on it. You can also use symbols of falling stars and nighttime divinations such as dream catchers and astrological charts.
Another way to work with these goddesses is by meditating on their energies and asking for their guidance in your life. Hekate can help with protection, guidance, and wisdom, while Asteria can help with insight and truth. You can also ask for their assistance in matters of divination, dream interpretation, and astrological understanding.
What Hekate And Asteria Can Teach Us
Hekate and Asteria can teach us about the power of the night and the stars. They can show us that even in the darkness, there is light to be found. They can also teach us about the importance of guidance and protection, as well as the ability to see into the past, present, and future. They can also teach us about the power of divination and understanding the messages that the stars and our dreams hold.
In addition, these goddesses can remind us of the importance of honoring and working with the natural cycles of the earth, such as the phases of the moon. They can also remind us of the importance of self-discovery and the ability to see the truth in ourselves and in the world around us.
In conclusion, Hekate and Asteria are powerful goddesses that can be incorporated into our modern witch practices. By working with them, we can gain insight, guidance, and wisdom, as well as a deeper understanding of the natural cycles of the earth and the power of the night and the stars. They can also help us to better understand the messages that the stars and our dreams hold, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
