Keeping Her Keys: At The Crossroads of Modern Life and the Deeper World

This ritual is held live every Night of Hekate around November 16. The text of the ritual can be found in Lesson 6 of the Keeping Her Keys book. In this episode I read through the ritual so you can perform it with me guiding your through it. The second recording is a meditative journey for after the ceremonial components, available in Covina for those who cannot attend live. JOIN COVINA FOR FREE TO ATTEND THE LIVE RITUAL AND ACCESS.

In this episode, Cyndi and Christen are joined by priestess/xes from Covina for an in-depth roundtable about being a Modern Hekatean Witch. Participants share their personal journeys and the evolution of their practices, inspired by Judika Illes' "Witches A Compendium." The session emphasizes modern Hekatean Witchcraft as an eclectic path for personal growth and spirituality, while discussing diverse cultural influences and the positive reclamation of witchcraft. Personal stories highlight the importance of safety and choice in embracing one's witch identity, encouraging exploration of individual practices. Join Covina: The Coven of Hekate. Become a member for weekly live classes, seasonal rituals and a vast library of content. Become a student in the tradition to go deeper through moon salons and high rituals. Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more.

This is deep work, go gently. If you are not feeling up to connecting with our ancestors who were persecuted and murdered, or your own witch wound inflicted by hurtful others, you may want to take a pass on this meditation. This meditation honors witch ancestors and acknowledges the historical persecution of witches, including the Salem witch trials. It emphasizes deep lineage healing and encourages participants to connect with their witch ancestry while extending healing to victims of witch hunts. The session includes grounding exercises, collective healing in a circle, and a focus on reclaiming the identity and power of witches. Participants are invited to connect with specific ancestors for guidance, culminating in a celebration of goddess Hekate and reflection on their experiences. Join Covina: The Coven of Hekate FREE for all our Samhain content HERE.

In this special episode, I had a conversation about Hekate and Spirits with senior students in Covina: The Coven of Hekate about our experiences, ranging from troublesome poltergeists to healing intergenerational trauma. This conversation delves into the vast world of spirits and their connections with Hekate. Our panel shares personal experiences and tips for navigating spirits, ranging from poltergeist activity, emotional encounters with deceased loved ones, and protective animal spirits. The discussion highlights the contrast between romanticized and real-life spirit connections, the significance of dreams, and the importance of boundaries in spiritual practices, concluding with a reminder to approach the spirit world with respect and intuition. Watch this conversation with bonus ritual and session in COVINA. Learn more about Kristyn Dunnion's writing and teaching HERE.

Cyndi Brannen and Amy Blackthorn discuss the intersection of witchcraft and social media, focusing on Amy's new book, the Social Media Spellbook. They explore the collaborative process behind the book, the importance of rituals in the digital age, and how to share magical practices online while maintaining personal boundaries. The conversation also touches on the significance of vetting sources in the witchcraft community, the use of online magical names for safety, and the liminal nature of social media as a space for connection. Finally, they introduce a fun spell called 'Candy Corn Creativity' that encourages practitioners to weave their magic into social media posts. Amy Blackthorn.com Keepingherkeys.com keywords witchcraft, social media, magic, rituals, online community, boundaries, magical names, creativity, collaboration, book review

This episode combines meditation and discussion to ignite our connections with Hekate's Torches. Explore a transformative meditation centered on Hekate's torches, symbolizing creation, nourishment, and destruction. Participants engage in breathwork to ignite their inner fire, while acknowledging local spirits and ancestors. The session emphasizes grounding through visualization, activating the heart for emotional balance, and connecting with higher wisdom. By integrating root, heart, and crown energies, participants foster inner harmony and receive guidance from Hekate's sacred fire, concluding with an invitation to reflect and meditate further. The Pyriboulos Council project in Covina blends witchcraft, spirit rituals, and personal healing, drawing inspiration from Hecate, the symbol of trusted guidance. Participants engage with wise advisors, including deities, spirit guides, and influential figures, to aid personal growth and shift perspectives on relationships. This dynamic practice encourages the inclusion of nature elements and tools like tarot and oracle cards, allowing individuals to create their own councils that evolve with their needs and experiences. keepingherkeys.com

We delve into catharsis through Hekate, emphasizing personal empowerment and release via witchcraft. Join us in a candlelit ritual symbolizing letting go, while a protective circle welcomes spirits of release. Key contributors share insights on creative processes, magical crafting, and the integration of psychology with witchcraft. The focus is on shadow work, personal growth, and practical tips for starting a catharsis journey, including a unique ritual with garlic cloves. Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

Embark with us on a mystical journey, attuning with goddesses and practicing healing witchcraft. Light candles, invoke mystical experiences, and embrace wild and free goddesses. Through poetry and sacred creativity we deepen connections, without rigid rules, following the way of the wild and free goddesses. We discuss balancing everyday life with sacred practices, the benefits of documenting mystical experiences, and cover exercises for awakening your internal mystic, like writing letters for guidance. The cards, dreams, intuitive writing, and more deepen our relationships with goddesses, as we embrace the mystical lifestyle for courage and deep rewards. I wouldn't want to live otherwise. Would you? Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more about events, courses, and more.

Some announcements: new free space, livestreams, and courses. Go to keepingherkeys.com for all the details and links.

Christen and Cyndi delve into the historical origins and personal meaning of Hekate's three forms, from the earliest references to her as governing land, sea, and sky in Hesiod's Theogony to a contemporary perspective on our own tri-valent nature. This episode accompanies the chapter on Triformis in Entering Hekate's Cave. For more info about this book, and the teaching and writing of Dr. Cyndi Brannen, go to keepingherkeys.com

Embark on a mystical journey to Hekate's Garden to connect with the Sovereign Goddesses, including Hekate, Circe, Medea, Persephone, Demeter, Artemis, and Selene. Ground yourself before delving into the deeper spiritual realm, and then journey into the garden on the Summer Solstice. As the sun sets and the moon rises, gather at the moon altar to invoke blessings from the goddesses. Embrace sovereignty, honor teachings, and cherish your body as a sacred gift. Stay true to your authentic self, acknowledge your struggles, and depart with newfound wisdom and treasures in your heart. To join Covina, and learn more about Dr. Cyndi Brannen, go to keepingherkeys.com Choose the Hekate's Keys course on offer to join.

Hail Hekate Triformis, The Triple Goddess. The Unifying The Three Selves Meditation is a foundational practice for connecting with Hekate while aligning our personal energy field consisting of The Three Selves. These three selves represent the lower self (root), the middle self (heart), and the higher self (crown). The meditation process involves connecting with one's breath, relaxing the body, and focusing on the root, heart, and crown selves. By contemplating Hekate Triformis, we perceive our own tri-fold nature mirrored in her three forms. The Unifying The Three Selves Meditation can be found in Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft, Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine and Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft, and Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness. Join Covina for a supportive coven community, dedicated to Hekate, where we explore this meditation as part of our daily sacred practice, known as Quotidia. Learn more about Dr. Cyndi Brannen, and how to join Covina: The Coven of Hekate HERE.

From close relationships to our beloved goddess, it is only through having the courage to open up that we deepen these connections. As we communicate with the deeper world, while navigating everyday life, we face specific challenges in being open, but it is only through such that we can truly walk with our beloved goddesses and practice our craft. How then do we navigate this need for trust, which is the essence of vulnerability, with the necessity of protection through our boundaries? Join Cyndi, Christen, Liz, Margie, Melanie, Leah, Nicole, and Alyssa for this exploration of being a witch in the world. Learn more about Cyndi Brannen and Covina at keepingherkeys.com

We had a fabulous deep conversation about Demeter, who often comes to us when it's time for us to "get it together," whatever the "it" may be for us personally. Demeter, the mother of Persephone, is a significant goddess in Greek and Roman mythology. She represents the natural cycle, agriculture, order, civilization, and the ruling of the home.  The Homeric Hymn to Demeter recounts the story of Persephone's abduction and Demeter's profound grief and anger. In the story, Persephone has been traumatized and abducted by Hades, all with the preapproval of her father (and his brother), Zeus. In her grief, Demeter's refusal to let the seasons change symbolizes the powerlessness and sorrow of a mother who has lost her child.  However, the Orphic Hymn to Demeter gives a fuller picture of her might and majesty. We explore some of her fascinating ancient history, and then bring the conversation forward to today, with our own understanding of her. We all have differing opinions and personal experiences of Demeter, so this is a very spirited conversation. Consider joining me, Christen, Liz, Melanie, Margie, Nicole, Leah, and Alyssa in Covina. Go to keepingherkeys.com to learn more.

Beltane kindles the sacred flame of growth and generativity, igniting our personal journeys and the natural world. To join the Beltane Retreat, go HERE. Subscribe to either Hekate's Keys or The Mystai.

Join Dr. Cyndi and all the Key Bearers from Covina: The Coven of Hekate for this fascinating discussion about Hekate's ancient titles referring to her as a maiden to what this means for us as modern witches. We explore the different meanings of the terms 'maiden' and 'virgin' when applied to Hekate in ancient Greek and Roman texts. Then we flesh this out by examining the historical meanings of "Parthenos" and "Kore," and delve into the complexities and cultural baggage associated with these terms, highlighting the societal expectations placed on women. The discussion also touches on the concepts of sovereignty and independence, as well as the multifaceted nature of Hekate as a goddess. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand the historical context and the diverse interpretations of these terms. Keywords: Hekate, maiden, virgin, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, cultural baggage, societal expectations, sovereignty, independence, goddess. Key Takeaways The terms 'maiden' and 'virgin' had different meanings in ancient Greek and Roman texts when applied to Hekate.The societal expectations placed on women and the cultural baggage associated with the concept of maidenhood are explored.Hekate is seen as a multifaceted goddess, embodying qualities of sovereignty, independence, and connection to nature.Understanding the historical context and diverse interpretations of these terms is crucial to fully grasp their meaning. For more info and to register for courses, go to keepingherkeys.com

Eclipses are such a powerful time to explore darkness, so very Hekatean in their essence for they not only either dim the world or occur at night when they are visible, but are also liminal times. As Hekateans, the MOON will always be highly influential since we are naturally attuned to it's powers: emotions, intuition, magic(k), mystery. They are sacred events when we can behold the majesty of the universe, and Hekate Anima Mundi, with awe and wonder. Generally, I recommend connecting to the eclipse in a more intuitive manner during the precise times, such as contemplative work of devotion (see prayer below), and reserving spells and rituals for hours before/after. Viewing eclipses in person is deeply spiritual experience, which I have been fortunate enough to have many times.  REGISTER for the Beltane Retreat.

Welcome to the season of Spring. Through a meditative journey, we will explore the myth of Persephone's emergence from the underworld. I recommend reading the chapter "Kore Reborn," in Entering Hekate's Cave to fully immerse yourself in the meaning of emergence. Get your candle ready for the opening ritual. In the meditation, we start by attuning the Three Selves, and then venture into the deeper world. In Hekate's Garden, we gather at the altar and offer something symbolic of what needs to be released or born. As we celebrate the equinox, a time of balance and transition, we honor goddesses and spirits such as Demeter, Medea, Artemis, and Circe. Absorb any gifts or messages received from them and conclude the meditation by returning to regular consciousness. Don't forget to make notes or sketches of your experience. Enjoy the journey. Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe. Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun. Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon. As Creator of the Sun, You shine down upon us, Bringing life to all things, As Ruler of the Moon, You light up the darkest nights. On this day when the day equals the night, And the sun and moon are balanced, I honor you as Divine Keeper of Balance. On this day when the day equals the night, May I understand the balance of my own life, That the darkness and the storms Yield to the winds of change, Ushering in a new season. Hekate Enodia, my road May be a difficult one, But my faith that all will be born anew is strong. I offer my gratitude, Blessed Hekate. Hail Hekate Pasikratea, Queen of the Universe. Hail Hekate Aglaos, Creator of the Sun. Hail Hekate Erigeneia, Ruler of the Moon. - Cyndi Brannen keepingherkeys.com for more info on courses and my books.

Join me and Christen Bennett (she/they) - Coven Key Bearer as we review how Goddess Witchcraft has evolved over the past five decades and how we are creating our own religion, both as a movement and personally.  I'm calling this The Goddess Liberation Movement, as the Spirit of Rixipyle has certainly liberated us spiritually. The Goddess Liberation Movement celebrates the freedom to practice spirituality without fear of punishment. It focuses on creating one's own religion and embracing personal spirituality. With a history spanning five decades, the movement has seen significant changes and progress. From the rise of feminist theology and goddess worship in the 1970s to the recognition of Wicca as an official religion in the 1980s, and the mainstream popularity of witchcraft in the 1990s, the movement has evolved. In the 2000s, online communities and resources for witches emerged, and in the 2010s, organizations like the Temple of Witchcraft and increased political and social activism by witches became prominent. While witchcraft has become more mainstream, there are concerns about consumerization and a focus on material objects. The movement encourages individuals to create their own spirituality and embrace their sacredness. Watch with CC and transcript HERE. Join the COVEN. Learn more about Hekate as Rixipyle in Entering Hekate's Cave by me, Cyndi Brannen.

Shake it up, Witches! Hail Rixipyle! Join Cyndi and Christen for this discussion on Hekate's aspect known as Rixipyle, the chain-breaking, gate crashing liberator. Cyndi starts us off with a meditative being check-in exercise to assess physical and emotional states. We breakthrough seeing all emotions as sacred, and how liberating expressing emotions is, particularly anger. We unlock concepts like over-functioning and getting stuck in a rut as common chains, emphasizing healthy boundaries and not trying to fix or control others. Tips for connecting with Rixipyle: readiness for radical change, assessing capacity for change, writing letters, and creating altars. Power of music and movement in connecting with Rixipyle energy is so fabulous. This episodes draws from the Rixipyle Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness, available wherever books are sold. Join Cyndi, Christen and the rest of the coven for The Journey of Rebirth. Learn more at keepingherkeys.com