Hecate, the Torch bearer

Goddess of transformation

Hecate, Goddess of magic, guardian of crossroads, light bearer, deity of transformation, lunar goddess, I reach out to you with respect and ask you to use your torch to light my way and the way of others to gently guide us through the dark so that we may see our light, and our way.

That is my prayer. Once long ago, I did not believe in a world I could not see with my physical eyes. I was highly skeptical. That perception changed though, as I walked my own challenging experiences and experienced working with the flow of source as a Reiki Master. I asked for help from the Divine in its different forms and help often came through unusual ways. If there is such a thing as sculpting oneself into more through life challenges, I have earned a Masters. However, I did not do it alone. I had help from the visible and invisible. So, it is through this lens of life experience that I am speaking.

I believe magic and energy move in visible and invisible realms. And that this goddess’ energy still lives with us, the magic is awaiting our request. From Mother Mary to Kali Ma to Hecate, the variation of the Goddess comes in many forms. Simply ask – you do not have to believe.

Hecate is often associated with Greek mythology, although there are some sources which acknowledge her existence prior to this. Hecate is often depicted as a lunar goddess holding a flame or torch in each hand, with a dog walking with her. Sometimes she is holding a dagger, a rope, a key, or a snake. And, if this symbology is not impressive enough to represent her gifts, wait there is more. Hecate is often shown as a triad, a triple-faced Goddess.

Legend has it that Owls were special to Hecate, and held her wisdom, her mysterious nature, and were her messenger between worlds of the seen and unseen. Hecate a lunar goddess is mysterious and multi-dimensional.

Hecate, according to lore, was revered for her beneficent magic, worshiped in Athenian households as a protector and bestower of daily blessings. She is known as the guardian of thresholds. She is associated with the moon and is known to be both tender-hearted and fierce. The face you see is the face you ask for, figuratively and literally.

The number three in numerology symbolizes creativity, communication, joy, and manifestation. I believe if you want to experience your inner Goddess, begin by developing a relationship with your creativity, and explore your multi-dimensionality. Think of the number of roles we embody as women and how the richness and differentiability of each view allows for multiple perspectives.

The number three is a representation for triads in spirituality and the divine feminine is no exception. Think of the power of three in math, three to the third power, and how much more powerful it is than simply being three. Now, look at the power of three and the magnified expression of the triple Goddess. What if the symbology of three is much more than three. Triads move us to wholeness, three holds the power of alignment of your body, your mind, and your spirit. Three expresses the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. Anytime, a belief you hold dissolves you are going through a three cycle. Anytime your belief system is shattered you are going through the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

In Reiki, I experience the receiver as energetic constructs. When I am conduit of Reiki source energy for someone, their beliefs, values, and boundaries form an energetic construct that can be felt through my hands and my senses. I believe that when our world feels like it is falling apart, you may be experiencing the collapse of this energetic construct. That is why each time your belief system is challenged it feels so threatening. Energetically a change in the way you relate to the world, a new perspective can feel like a death and rebirth depending on the intensity or stretch of the change in belief or value.

Each beginning is an ending, and each ending is a beginning in a continued cycle of evolution. Evolution being the only constant, the cycles. Life is circular. You can evolve in the spiral towards your higher self and an expression of the Divine or you can go in downward spirals. When you catch yourself in a downward spiral, pause, ask for help, and recalibrate. Life is more of a two-step than linear.

Play, and ask the Goddess Hecate to walk with you in times of deep transformation to find the light, and see what shows up.

Remember that one of Hecate’s gifts or magic is that of snake, the ultimate example of transformation, and shedding of one’s skin. There are moments when letting go of the old feels like shedding, and the discomfort is immense while the new grows. Ask for help when you need whether it is Hecate, another Goddess, or a goddess friend form. Sometimes you only need to be willing.

Pause at new doorways, and ask for the way to be lit, then pay attention. The way may not show up as a flame, it may be a simple sparkle that resonates with you or a knowing. Take lessons from the Goddess and incorporate the triad when you can. One of the traits of the triad being multiple perspectives and creating solutions within that multi-dimensionality.

To live in this realm might be painful at times, as you integrate the pieces of yourself you closed off, or the shadow of meanness you will not look at, or the boundary you let slide, or the mistake you will not forgive. Life gives us so much opportunity to lose pieces of ourselves, it takes the courage of a Goddess to reintegrate them back. This can be a Shamanic soul retrieval or simply a moment of self-forgiveness. If you can forgive yourself, as you accept your own imperfections you can move towards self-acceptance and self-love.

Call the Goddess when you need to stand strong in yourself, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the difficult, knowing that you are not abandoning any part of yourself.

Self-forgiveness is a powerful teacher and tool. This allows you to become more like a sponge that learns and adjusts with new wisdom rather than a brick that ignores the knowledge around it. If you can forgive and own your mistakes, you also have the power and strength needed to tame your own ego.

Allow your soul to reign, feel your life again, feel your strength again, feel your abundance of Spirit again. Bring the knowledge of your prior selves to the newest version of yourself. Integrate the experience of the triad, become the expanded power of three. Allow yourself to evolve into a more beautiful demonstration of you as a multi-dimensional human. Live life as the triad, looking to the past, while living in the present and being mindful of the future. Have a hobby, an interest(s) other than work or family; look at multiple viewpoints and sources. Learn to hear your own voice amongst the noise. Do your work.

Life is so much richer when connected and aligned with your soul. This world needs you; it needs you in full embodiment and with a managed ego.

The Goddess is gentle and kind while also being fierce and determined. Remember to guard what matters with your own warrior nature, and to stay present and aligned with the good in you. Remember that different moments require different elements of yourself, work on your multi-dimensionality to become your full embodiment of you. Do not forget that when needed ask the Goddess Hecate to light your way.

Namaste’

L Kay

Copyright L Kay Smith 2026 ©

Artist: Award winning Taos artist Shari Ubechel

Painting: Owl Catching the Moon

Used with permission

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Dearest Hecate:

I ask for your presence and assistance as I allow the old versions of myself to integrate into the version of me that brings about positive, gentle, and divinely guided transformation in my life. May you, Hecate, light my way through these thresholds.

May I become one who can value the beauty of the other, may I see the soul of my brother or sister, may I see the life of source running through the river, standing tall in a tree, or reflected to me through the eyes of what I consider wildlife. May I know that I do not walk alone as life is here all around me.

May I carry the torch and key of my own life, so I may be a blessing to myself and to others.

Thank you for the blessing of lighting my way, and the magic of protecting my home. Thank you for daily blessings.

In deepest respect and gratitude. Thank you.

Copyright L Kay Smith 2026 ©

Torch Photo by Igor Lepilin on Unsplash