Hecate

2025

39.5cm x 21cm x28 cm

materials: Japanese stone clay, mohair, silk, cotton fabric, leather, kozo paper, polymer clay, other air dry clay, balsa wood, acrylics, garnet gemstones

 

Hecate is often described as dark, evil, and mostly associated with witchcraft.  But her original roles and representations were very different, more diverse. She was the only child of the Titanes Perses and Asteria from whom she received her power over heaven, earth and sea. She was a benevolent goddess who received prayers gladly and  was happy to help those in need. She could grant protection for newborn children, help fertility in livestock, help fishermans, she was associated with agriculture, liminal spaces, she was also seen as protector and helper, even of those  considered outcast. Her association with witchcraft and the underworld may have been emphasised in later interpretations, leading to misrepresentation of her full character. 

According to the most genuine traditions, she appears to be an ancient Thracian divantity. She was the only one among the Titans who retained her powers under the rule of Zeus, and she was honoured by all the immortal gods.

 She also assisted the gods in their war with the Gigantes. Hecate assisted Demeter in her search for Persephone , guiding her through the night with flaming torches. She became Persephone’s companion in the underworld.