A simple altar, honoring Hekate on the Cancer New Moon. The Queen of Cups evokes her attributes as The Great Mother (Pammetor), and the seashells for her role as Goddess of The Sea (Einalia). Around the candle there’s agrimony for healing, dreams and breaking free of burdens.
Hekate and Cancer
I set out alone,
Walking barefoot along the path.
I think of Hekate,
And the earth beneath my feet.
Torch-bearing guardian,
Guide along the path,
And gatekeeper of the mysteries.
To her I make this monthly quest.
At the crossroads, I place my offerings.
She meets me there,
Always.
- from Entering Hekate's Cauldron. Find out more HERE.
There’s something so comforting about the crossroads, especially making a pilgrimage to honor beloved Hekate at one. Cancer as a sign is governed by the moon, rendering a special alliance with Hekate. The qualities of Cancer center around the Great Mother, including caregiving, emotions, and intuition. Beyond the Great Mother aspects of Hekate, other epithets include Kourotrophos (Guardian of Children) and Eilytheia (Divine Midwife). Cancer is an introspective, creative and nocturnal sign, who abides with steadiness, much like the moon and Hekate. Atala, meaning “tender,” is another characteristic of Hekate that is linked with Cancer.
It is curious to me that the ancient religious practices honoring Hekate as a Great Mother Goddess are often overlooked in pop culture versions of her. Perhaps, more accurately, only her fierce mother tendencies are emphasized. In antiquity, Hekate was a full force expression of the Great Mother with a specialization in crossroads, from life to death and all points in between. One of her primary aspects, Enodia, meaning “Of The Roadways,” speaks directly to this. She is with us throughout all parts of our journey, much like the moon, and the companionship offered by the sign of Cancer.
Cancer, for all it’s blessings, can come with the curse of caring too much, sometimes leading to emotional burdens. This New Moon, occurring at 6:31 AM Eastern on July 25, offer yours to her as part of your crossroads ritual. What are you carrying that simply isn’t yours to bear?
With Jupiter aligning with the moon and sun, this new moon is certain to be a potent one. The world needs more Cancer right now. We can all do our bit by invoking care, intuition, and grace offered by this sign. However, Cancer can struggle with boundaries, so make sure yours are in place. Care burnout is a real risk.
Cancer Affirmation
I offer my Cancer wounds and scars, those that led to defensiveness and isolation.
I turn away from the past.
I abide in the now with security and nurture.
I look to the future with openness and hope.
Amethyst is a great stone for supporting work with Cancer energy.
Qualities of Cancer
Epithets: Pammetor, Geneteira, The Great Mother; Mene, Phos, The Moon, Atala, Tender.
Meaning
Governed by the moon, and maternal in many ways, Cancer is focused on nurturing self and others, emotions, and intuition. Call upon Hekate in Cancer to heal from past wounds, and to mother you well.
Themes
Healing the mother wound and opening up to Hekate as The Great Mother is an ideal focus for the Cancer new moon.
Appealing to Hekate for guidance with how you nurture your own self and others, be it a desire for taking care of yourself better or letting go of codependency.
Discover more ways to Honor Hekate on the Dark Moon in my new book, Entering Hekate’s Cauldron.
Entering Hekate’s Cauldron Launch Box + Live Event AUG. 2
Hosted by Amityville Apothecary.
Join Cyndi Brannen for the launch of her new book, Entering Hekate's Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites and Rituals, for a spirited gathering exploring the magick and mystery of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft. Featuring a live ritual for enchanting your cauldron, along with a meditation, and discussion. Dr. Cyndi will share tips and practices for centering your cauldron in your witchery, and answer any questions.
Class Incudes: Entering Hekate's Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites, and Rituals by Cyndi Brannen; Cauldron; Herbs; and 7 Day Candle.
Continue reading as a paid subscriber to view the recorded class and meditation on Hekate and Cancer, plus Chapter 5 from Entering Hekate’s Cauldron: Honoring Hekate on The Dark Moon.
