I claim the Key of Catharsis,
Letting go of what blocks and binds.
I claim the Key of Retrieval,
Calling back what was lost.
I claim the Key of Rebirth,
Emerging whole.
Moon phases with the Hekate Paionios: The Healer sigil in the middle. Yours to use as you feel led.
As the world continues to spiral downward, there can be a pull into the vortex that amplifies our own personal wounds. If you’re feeling this impact, there are ways that connecting to Hekate can help guide us through healing from our trauma, and help center us during these difficult times.
I believe there are three distinct yet connect spiritual keys for healing. The first one is to release our burdens. We can even choose to see them as offerings to Hekate, sacred tears and pains. Retrieval of our missing pieces is the second key, reclaiming parts that have been hidden in shadow. The final key is rebirth, choosing to let all that no longer serves come to a conclusion so we can emerge whole.
Freely offered healing altar, with candles for each of the components of the shadow healing process, plus the lovingkindness of rhodochrosite, the all-healing quality of yarrow, and the purification of salt. Candle on the left is the Hekate Sigil, and the one on the right is a mandala I made for 2026.
Hekate and Shadow Healing
In this episode, I share a class on Hekate and Healing from Trauma that delves into the ways that she can guide us through shadow work so that we can emerge stronger, more whole, and better equipped to navigate the crossroads that the world is at.
I cover various aspects of healing, including the importance of rituals, understanding pain, and addressing relationship wounds. I share personal insights and practical techniques for healing, such as cord work and daily rituals, while encouraging us to embrace their unique healing journeys.
This isn’t a substitute for medical care or therapy. What I know to be true is that when mainstream treatment fails, or isn’t enough, that the spiritual work we do can make all the difference.
I wrote a book about healing from trauma through practices and rituals centered around Hekate. You can find Entering Hekate’s Cave wherever books are sold. An excerpt is below:
Hekate Paionios: The Healer
In one of the most compelling hymns in The Greek Magical Papyri, the ritualist cries out in anguish to the goddess, beseeching Paionios, the Healer, to intervene. The words speak of all the pain that befalls us, and of our desire to right the wrongs that have been done to us. I’ve found myself in a similar scenario, crying out for relief from the pangs of heartbreak, while wanting the cause of my upset to feel the weight of their transgressions. Like the ancient prayer, my words reeked of raw pain, to which we can all certainly relate.
Arise, Moon Goddess, Solar Healer, Guardian of the Departed.
Oh cunning, celestial, swift, and crested one,
Brave, drawing your swords.
Healer, wise one, renowned, encouraging,
Quick-footed, courageous, crimson.
Darkness, Fierce, Immortal.
- Adapted from The Greek Magical Papyri, IV,
2241-2358, Hymn to the Waning Moon
Imagining the backstory behind the speaker’s despair, I was inspired to dive into the power of the epithets used. Perhaps her lover had betrayed her or harmed one of her children. Although there is much about The Greek Magical Papyri that will forever remain a mystery, the visceral emotions of the prayer reverberate deep within anyone who has ever been consumed by despair and rage due to the actions of another—someone once trusted, now revealed as traitor. In fact, there is nothing that begs stronger for healing than our relationship wounds.
Hekate Paionios understands the pain that we endure because of our bonds with others. She is the one who has seen it all and helped countless sufferers find their way through the dark abyss of heartbreak. Just as she tended to Persephone, who was alone in her grief, she comes to us when we are in despair. The energy of Paionios is that of the compassionate wise one who restores our well-being through healing our wounds. She heals with the energy of love, trust, and unwavering support. She abides during our mistakes and waits until we are ready for her to work on us.
Find comfort in a supportive coven. LEARN MORE.
You can watch this episode on the KEEPING HER KEYS PODCAST.
Takeaways:
Healing from trauma is a journey towards wholeness.
Hekate serves as a guide in the healing process.
Rituals can help center and ground us in our healing.
Pain can be understood as an ally and teacher.
Self-care is essential for healers to avoid burnout.
Understanding relationship wounds is crucial for healing.
Daily rituals can create a meaningful practice of healing.
Cord work can help sever unhealthy attachments.
Empowerment comes from taking charge of one’s healing journey.
Healing is not about perfection but about living authentically.
The Gate of Rebirth Starts February 18. LEARN MORE.
