The Many Gods Anthology Volume 1 - Hekate - Emily Carding

The Many Gods Anthologies Volume I: Hekate offers a diverse and insightful look at one of antiquity's most enigmatic and powerful goddesses.

This volume brings together in-depth research into her origins alongside personal stories from those who have felt her guiding presence and who has been inspired to delve deeper into her history, mythology, rituals and influence through different regions and centuries. She had, and has, many forms, many names and many functions. She is the Goddess of roads and crossroads, protectress of women and children, accompanied by dogs she is a goddess of the restless dead and she is the Soul of the World and Saviour.

This first volume of the Many Gods Anthologies (series) honours Hekate's growing contemporary presence and highlights the scholarly and spiritual interest she continues to ignite. The anthology draws on archaeological findings and modern experiences to illustrate her far-reaching impact, transcending time and geography.

Readers are invited on a journey through the layers of Hekate's ancient and modern significance, where the sacred past meets living tradition.

From the Foreword by editor Vikki Bramshaw:

"What follows in these pages is a selection of papers written from different perspectives about the goddess Hekate. It seemed appropriate to start the Many Gods Anthologies with the goddess Hekate, who has already undergone this wave of interest and whose worship has been firmly rekindled during the past few decades. What has been very clear is the amount of academic material supporting Hekate's history and worship and, by association, her rituals and magic. It is also appropriate to say that nothing is in isolation; like so many ancient Gods, the worship of Hekate and the use of her magic extends beyond the mortal boundaries of her native shores, with a wealth of academic research and archaeological evidence to support this. "

From the essay "Many Named and Many Faced Goddess" by Sorita d'Este:

"Where do I start an introduction to the Goddess of many names and faces? A Goddess who is a protector, saviour, guide, and companion? A Goddess who cares for the young and who has a role in guiding the restless dead? Or perhaps, the Goddess of witchcraft and sorcery, who was honoured by Medea - arguably the most famous magical enchantress of all time? 

I have dedicated more than two decades to researching and learning about Hekate. I spend a lot of time reading academic works and other literature, as well as listening to experiences modern-day devotees and practitioners of magic have with Her today. I have also been privileged to make pilgrimages to dozens of museums to see many of the ancient icons of the Goddess for myself. I have visited archaeological sites and their landscapes to imagine what life might have been like for those who knew Her name in ancient times and find context for the evidence they left behind. I have also visited modern temples, sanctuaries, and shrines that devotees in the here and now are creating for Her and spoken to others who are developing or hoping to create such spaces for Her. And all of this has taught me one thing - There is always more to learn!"