Tina Georgitsis's Blog, page 8
December 31, 2022
Greek Folk Magick: New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
Today is the last day of the Gregorian calendar year.
In my family we always had our Greek folk traditions and celebrations to honour this time as New Years was one of the main holidays we observed.
I continue to honour some of the Greek folk customs to this day whilst also incorporating and acknowledging my ancestors and one of my main patron Gods – Hekate.
Some Greek folk traditions you can do on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to bring in good luck, prosperity, health and blessings can be:
You can then upcycle the pomegranate by drying it and then burning it as incense. Hekate is the perfect Goddess to offer it to as she not only is font of pomegranate but also a liminal Goddess which this is a time of.
Play cards on New Year’s Eve to bring in luck.
You can also give yourself a tarot reading by pulling a card for each month of the year to see what will unfold for you.
Light sparklers or watch fireworks to welcome in the New Year.
You can light a candle or an olive oil lamp to Hekate as a liminal Goddess to welcome in the New Year. You can also light candles and oil lamps to your ancestors.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve throw all your change at the front door and then the next day the first person to wake up and gather it – has collected that luck.
You can donate the coins to a charity in Hekate’s name.
Hang up an onion inside the house on New Years’ Day.
You can hang it up above your Hekate shrine/altar as a devotional offering.
Enter your home on New Years’ Day on the right foot by literally walking into your home with your right foot first.
You can asperge around your home clockwise three times with bay leaves and khernips as a cleansing beforehand after you have called upon Hekate for assistance or alternatively smoke cleanse around your home by burning some dried bay laurel leaves.
Bake a cake with a coin (wrapped in bakers parchment) within it and share it with your loved ones. The person who gets a piece with the coin is going to have a lucky year. The traditional cake is called a vasilopita but you can also make an basic almond flour sponge.
You can offer a piece to Hekate as a food offering.
Sing traditional carols.
You can also sing hymns or prayers to your ancestors and Hekate.
Exchange gifts brought by Agios Vassilis (Greek Santa Claus).
You can also make offerings to your ancestors and Hekate.
Decorate a small wooden boat with twinkling lights. This is a symbolic vessel for family members who aren’t able to be with us during the holiday season.
You can also light a candle on your ancestor shrine along with some livani incense. You can inscribe a white candle with your loved ones name and burn it on Hekate’s shrine.
Share a meal with loved ones with traditional sweet cakes (kourabiedes and melamokarona).
You can also leave food offerings on your doorsteps for Hekate or the spirits of the house.
Go for a swim in the sea or lake to cleanse yourself.
You can also use Khernips made from salt and purified water and ritually cleanse yourself with the aid of Hekate.
If you don’t honour Hekate you can substitute one of your patron God/dess with the above suggestions as long as your devotion and intention is pure.
So work your magick this New Year’s, honour the liminal time and cleanse the old and bless the new to enable you to embrace the beginning of a new calendar year.
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
December 21, 2022
Solstice Blessings: Summer in the Southern Hemisphere and Winter in the Norther Hemisphere!
Wishing all a fabulous solstice and turning of the wheel in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres!
I have previously written on some things you can do for the summer solstice in my blog here:
https://setjataset.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/hekate-devotion-summer-solstice-litha%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/I have also written previously some things you can do for the winter solstice in my blog here:
https://setjataset.wordpress.com/2021/06/20/hekate-devotion-winter-solstice/?fbclid=IwAR3x1XA-qVyLODblji_mnZsVtO0Ieb1gfR3ffPvkNy9DCCKe47WeyH05yoY(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
November 4, 2022
Full Moon Eclipse Magick: 8th November 2022
We have a lunar eclipse coming up on the 8th November 2022. A solar eclipse always comes two weeks after a solar eclipse which occurred on the 25th October 2022.
A lunar eclipse which is often called a Blood Moon, happens during a full moon when the earth’s placement falls between the sun and the moon – which casts a shadow across the moon.
This lunar eclipse will be visible in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America and parts of South America. A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Russia, Central Asia, Iceland and parts of South America.
You will be able to view this lunar eclipse safely with the naked eye.
To see if you can view the lunar eclipse from your area, go here for more information:
Lunar Eclipse Guide November 8th 2022
Eclipse magick is when the energy is amplified due to the moon energies intermingling. The Lunar Eclipse energies transition through the new and full moon phases during the eclipse, which enables the moon to cycle through the various stages of the moon and its magick.
This total eclipse is in Taurus* therefore the energies heightened during this time is the Taurus star sign.
The kind of magick you can perform during the lunar eclipse:
Liminal – magick worked between the darkness and the light.Cleansing – with relation to body, mind, spirit and emotions.Releasing – energy which is chaotic and destructive.Raising – energy which is grounded through movement.Working – on the shadow self.Manifestation – reveal that which is hidden.Protection – against curses, bad habits, bad relationships and untoward connections.Devotion – to lunar or liminal Gods and Goddess.Intention – mundane and spiritual development which needs illumination.Reduction – magick which can reduce a situation, habit or thing.Banishment – removal of obstacles which have been hindering you.Transformation – of self or situations you are involved in.Veneration – of the blood bound ancestors.Revelation – of what we need to complete or move on from.
This Taurus moon will be very empowering and will motivate us to embrace that aspect of ourselves. It will pull us towards the way we have been drawn towards for a while, however it will feel somewhat unexpected. This is due to hidden desires being able to be fully felt and acknowledged, connecting us and enabling them to be seen and manifested. It will also allow us to seise our personal fire found within our souls to deeply explore these desires and make them a reality.
Since Taurus is an earth sign it’s a great time to work with this element. The perfect magic for this sign is working with something tangible where you can get your hands dirty.
Below I have outlined a ritual you can perform in any tradition you resonate to, with the guidance of Hekate which works with the energies of this moon:
Hekate Eclipse Magick by SetjatasetPreparation:
Chose a liminal time and place for the ritual to be set, preferably around the time of the eclipse.
Purify body by showering.
Your working space and offering should be placed on a shrine or working altar and should include: a bowl of earth (or sand), black candle, red candle, purified water, salt, a token or offering you have for Hekate, incense and an image/statue of Hekate.
Welcoming and Opening
Open sacred space or the shrine/altar and welcome Hekate by simply calling to her or reciting a hymn, poem, evocation in her name.
Light your incense and waft over sacred space.
Sprinkle purified salted water mixed with salt over sacred space.
Magical Working
Write or carve on a black candle what personal hindrance you want to move on from.
Write or carve on a red candle what personal desire you want to manifest.
If so desired anoint both candles. Use an oil such as Abramelin oil or something simple such as olive oil. You can also use one of the Oils For Hekate from the list I have compiled previously used in her devotion. If you have no oil, use your own saliva. Sprinkle a bit of the earth on each of the candles over the oil/saliva to earth them.
Light both candles.
Push the black candle away from you and the red candle towards you and then say:
“Hekate Queen of Earth, Sky and Sea
Assist me to straddle this liminal time
Guide me through the Darkness and into the Light
With the power of the moon I bless and release my intentions”
Let the candles burn down completely in a safe manner.
Thanks and Closing
Thank Hekate and close sacred space or the shrine/altar.
Ritual is now complete and any grounding work can take place.
Do not speak about your working until it has manifested.
*Taurus is an earth sign which is ruled by Venus. It is a sign which can appear stubborn but is consistent, stable, hard working, loyal, resilient, ambitious, focused, trustworthy, full of sensual passion and devotion who loves luxury and comfort.In her name
Setjataset
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
October 29, 2022
Isian News: Issue #186, Samhain 2022
In the latest issue of Isian News by the Fellowship of Isis, features a piece by me called “Amulet Stones and Their Magic“ which describes what it is, what it does and how to use it magically/spiritually.
For your FREE copy follow this link:
isian-news-issue-186-samhain-2022DownloadOctober 22, 2022
Solar Eclipse Magick: 25th October 2022
We have a solar eclipse coming up on the 25th of October 2022. A solar eclipse always comes two weeks before a lunar eclipse which occurs on the 8th of November 2022.
A solar eclipse is when a moon is placed between the earth and sun which casts a shadow over the earth. This only occurs during the new moon phase. This solar eclipse is a partial solar eclipse which means the moon doesn’t fully block out the sun, therefore only a portion of the sun is obscured and the moon looks like it’s taking a “bite” out of the sun.
This solar eclipse will be partially visible in Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, East Indies, Middle East, Northern Africa and Europe. For Melbourne, Australia the eclipse begins at 7.58pm, is at its maximum at 10.00pm and ends at around 12.02am.
Please Note: A partial solar eclipse should ONLY be viewed through solar filters like a pair of solar eclipse glasses for safety reasons, as you don’t want to damage your eyes.
To see if you can view the lunar eclipse from your area, go here for more information:
Solar Eclipse Guide October 25th 2022
Solar eclipse magick is when the energy is amplified due to the moon energies intermingling with the sun energies. The sun and the moon are in the same star sign and the energies co-mingling this way, emphasises the energies of that particular sign. This solar eclipse is in Scorpio* therefore the energies heightened during this time is the Scorpio star sign.
The kind of magick you can perform during the solar eclipse:
Liminal – magick worked between the darkness and the light.Transition – use the sun and moon moving through this time to highlight or work with important transitions in your life.Change – harness this quick moving energy to bring about purposeful change in your life.Rebirth – moving from one cycle to the other in the form of a death of the old and and bringing in and welcoming of the new.Breaking – down barriers before you which have caused blockages in your life can now be removed.Movement – cleanse the stagnant decayed and no longer necessary and embrace the fresh new and potential within problem areas of your life.Rituals/Spells – in dedication to Gods who embrace this time and can assist you in manifesting the energies of the liminal, transitional, rebirth, movement, breaking away and change such as Hekate.
Scorpio moon is a good time to cleanse and reset so I would suggest focusing on releasing what no longer aids you to be able to focus on a fresh start. Work out what you need to let go of to be able to fully embrace a new beginning. This can be anything from unhealthy relationships, situations we find ourselves in, to habits we need to move away from. It’s time to remove these things to make room for that which benefits us.
Since scorpio is a water sign it’s a great time to work with this element. The perfect water magic for this sign is the ebb and flow ability of water which is found by the sea, stream or river. As it is a moving body of water – its waters are transformative. I have created and used the following ebb and flow water magick in practical workshops dedicated to Hekate. I would suggest this be performed liminally on the shore of a beach/bank of a river.
Ebb and Flow Water Magick
Stand on the shore of a beach or bank of a stream/river and place the container which you will be using to collect the living water on your right. Pick up a handful of sand or a stone from the shore/bank and place it on your left.
Evoke a Deity which resonates with this time of sorcery and leave an appropriate offering (I would suggest Hekate Einalia if you are working on a beach and using sea water).
Look out before you to into the ocean/stream/river and repeat the following blessing:
“I come to you during this time of transformation
To take of your waters for self consecration
Like the powerful energies of your ebb and flow
I ask you to remove obstacles to allow me to flourish and grow.”
Pick up the sand/stone with your left hand and pick up the container with your right hand and walk down to the water’s edge. Focus on your left hand with the sand/stone and think upon what you want to let go of in your life and then throw it in the water. Now focus on your right hand with the container and think upon what you want to bring into your life and collect some water in it . Take the water home and either place it into a bath you have run, ensuring you submerge you head or pour it over your head in the shower to receive the blessings of renewal.
*Scorpio is water sign which is ruled by Mars. It is a sign which can appear intense and introspective yet emanates authenticity, loyalty, intelligence, creativity and passion whilst embracing fearlessness and boldness.In her name
Setjataset
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
October 8, 2022
Kemetic Devotion: Lotus
Symbol of the Lotus
The lotus flower in Ancient Egypt was quite significant and symbolised rebirth, creation and the sun. This is due to the fact the lotus flower at dawn opens up its petals towards the sun (over the water it lives in) and in the evening when the sun sets, it closes itself up and withdraws back under the water. The lotus also symbolised spiritual enlightenment and healing and Ancient Egyptians were often depicted eating them as well as bathing with them. The lotus also symbolised the Nile where the branches of the lotus were seen to be the branches of the Nile which was fertile and abundant.
In Ancient Egyptian tombs the lotus was the symbol of the union of the lower and upper Egypt, as well as the symbol of rebirth due to the strong connections to life after death. The lotus was so prevalent and valued it was was used to decorate cups and bowls due to its shape, as well as frequently appearing in architecture – often adorning columns and monoliths in structures, as well as used in the design and decorations of ships.
In Ancient Egypt the types of lotus depicted and used were the white lotus (Nymphaea lotus) which opens its flowers at dusk and the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) which opens its flowers at dawn from the Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily) family. The blue lotus was also known as the Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and scared lily of the Nile which was highly valued to due its fragrance and delicate yet beautiful shape. The blue lotus can still be found in the wild in the Delta of modern Egypt (known as lower Egypt where Memphis was located in Ancient Egypt).
In modern day – the lotus is a symbol of rebirth as well as purity and strength. In Modern Egypt the white lotus is the county’s national flower.
The Lotus in Myth
The blue lotus was associated with Nefertem who embodied the manifestation of the life giving primordial lotus and was the master of perfume.
The lotus was also associated with Ra the Sun God who brought his light to the world and the lotus itself symbolised the “Soul of Ra” which would open its blooms every sunrise and emit its celestial scent.
Hapi the Nile God was depicted with a lotus flower upon his head due to its connection to the Nile.
The Use of Lotus Historically
The lotus was not only a spiritual symbol but it was also used for its fragrance which was and is still used in perfumes, incense and oils which have various applications. Historically the root was used in skin powders and ointments and the whole lotus: flowers, leaves, seeds and roots were used to make medicine – specifically for stomach, liver, bleeding, cough and fever conditions. The blue lotus flower specifically was used as a sleep aid and anxiety reliever, as well as used in bread (however in the modern day I would warn against its use due to the fact it can be quite toxic and poison you).
Lotus flowers were often presented as offerings at funerals and were found covering King Tutankhamun’s body when his grave was opened.
I feel compelled to make my own products and one of the magickal items I love to make for my practice is creating my own oil blends. I use these oil blends to anoint myself, others and items (such as statues, jewellery tools etc), add to baths, oil burners, washes, sprays, as well as blending them with other items I create such as incense blends, soaps, candles, pouches, wands and bags. I also make these oil blends with complimentary vibrational allies such as crystals, roots, herbs, flowers, salts, metals and the like in my magick.
An oil blend I have been making for nearly as long as I have maintained a regular devotional Kemetic practice is lotus oil. I did this as I was unable to find a lotus oil which was pure and affordable. As cold pressed essential lotus oil can be quite expensive, mixed with artificial colours, fragrances, or other oils which I didn’t want – I struggled to find something which was pure enough for my practice. Therefore, I made my own lotus oil infusion for use in my spiritual and magickal workings which was exactly what I wanted and needed for purity and price. To complement my oil and give it an enhanced vibrational kick I added crystals into the oil to maintain its purity.
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is easily sourced as a dried root for making oil blends and can be used for magickal connection, creativity, wisdom, strength, abundance, protection, prosperity, beauty, rebirth, fertility, obstacles, enlightenment, reincarnation, clarity, connecting with the element of water, the moon, feminine energy and your root chakra.
Below I have outlined a simple method to make your own lotus oil:
How To Make Lotus Oil by Setjatset
Ingredients:
Lotus RootOlive or Almond OilWheatgerm or Vitamin E OilSmall Piece of Clear Quartz CrystalInstructions:
Place some lotus root in a glass jar and add some olive oil or almond oil to cover (depending on how much you want to make).Put in a dark draw for up to a week macerating (shaking) occasionally (for best results leave from two weeks up to a month).Strain and separate oil infusion from lotus root (throw out lotus root which can include placing it in compost or burying it in your garden).Place oil infusion in a glass bottle and add 10 drops of wheatgerm or vitamin E oil (vitamin E capsules can be used ensuring they are the plant based version) to prevent from going rancid.Lastly place a small piece of cleansed clear quartz with the mixture to enhance its energetics.Note: To keep the infusion for longer – store in the refrigerator.
To charge the oil simply place on your working shrine or magickal altar (if you don’t have one simply go somewhere and calm and centre yourself such as your garden or in a room you feel comfortable in). After a moment of contemplating and focusing on your goal, create sacred space in your preferred method (ie by calling in spirit guides, patron God/dess, ancestors, quarters and/or elementals). Hover your hands over the oil and out loud charge the oil by stating its purpose (such as to spiritually and magickally charge anything it is applied to or mixed/placed with). Thank the energies who have assisted you and close down the sacred space by respectfully dismissing them. Now you have oil imbued for that purpose which you can use as needed. Also note that you can cleanse and reuse crystals when you use up all the oil.
Senebty
Setjataset
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
September 25, 2022
Apollo – My Seer God
I have never discussed my working with Apollo publicly before, however I have had a respectful relationship with him for decades which began when I started working as a professional tarot reader.
Who is Apollo?
Apollo is a God in the Hellenic pantheon.
He is the God of Archery, Prophecy, Poetry, Music, Dance, Medicine, Healing and represents light and the sun as Hellios.
He is the twin of Artemis, son of God Zeus and Titan Leto and father of Asclepius and Troilus. Shown as a youthful athletic handsome man (one of the most beautiful Gods) who carries a quiver of silver or golden arrows and a silver or golden bow – due to creating archery, along with his sister.
Apollo was also recognised as the national divinity of the Greeks because he is considered the most Greek of all the Gods.
Some Myths of Apollo
Killed Python (who tormented his mother) with a bow and arrow, gifted to him by Hephaestus.Served King Admetus of Pherae for several years due to killing Python who was a child of Gaia and was temporarily banned from entering Mount Olympus.During the Trojan War fought with Troy against the Greeks by guiding Paris’s deadly arrow to Achilles heal as well as bringing a plague to the camp of the Greeks.When he was rejected by Cassandra (Daughter of King Priam) cursed her and her prophecies to be viewed as madness.Won a contest against Pan to see who was a better musician.Shot by a golden arrow of Eros which made him fall in love with the nymph Daphne, who turned into a laurel tree to escape him.Romantically linked with all the 9 muses.Lover of Hecuba (wife of King Priam) who bore him a son called Troilus.Lover of Hyacinthus (Spartan Prince) whom he accidently killed during discus practice – as an envious Zephyrus took it off its course. Apollo was so upset at the loss of Hyacinthus he made a flower which flowed from Hyacinthus’s blood and called it the Hyacinth in his honour.Lover of Cyparissus whom he gave a deer to. Cyparissus accidentally killed the deer and due to his grief was turned into a cypress tree by Apollo to be allowed to cry forever.The Temple of Apollo in Delphi housed the Oracle of Delphi whom he gave the gift of prophecy to.Apollo’s Symbols
Bow and ArrowCypress TreeDeerDolphinFoxLaurel WreathLyrePythonRavenSunSwanWolfApollo’s Sacred Places
Apollo was born (along with his twin Artemis) on Mount Cynthus on the island of Delos and is the guardian and patron of the sacred site of Delphi and the town of Actium.
Apollo’s Sacred Days
Sunday and during the monthly Noumenia (New Moon).
Apollo’s Historic Sacred Festivals
ActiaApellaiBoedromia held on the 7th day of the month of Boedromion in the Attic Calendar. DaphnephoriaDeliaDelphinia held during the 6th or 7th day of the month of Mounuchion in the Attic Calendar.Ludi ApollinaresMetageitnia held during the month of Metageitnion.Pynapsia held on the 7th day of the month of Pyanepsion in the Attic Calendar.Thergelia held on the 6th and 7th day of the month of Thargelion in the Attic Calendar.
What does Apollo do?
Apollo speaks the truth as his role as an oracular and prophetic God. He repels evil and helps those to ward against it.
Apollo protects the young and helps youth blossom and grow along with safeguarding and encouraging their education and good health. As such Apollo is a God whom presides over the transition from child into adulthood. During this time, the male children of Ancient Greece would cut their hair to symbolise their move into adulthood and it was dedicated to Apollo.
Apollo reveals and presides over poetry, music and dance due to his connection as companion to the Muses and the creator of string instruments such as the lyre.
Apollo is the God of crops and herds and is the patron of shepherds, herdsmen, seafarers and foreigners and as such protects fugitives, refugees and colonists. He also was foundational in the creating of new towns and its construction, therefore had domain over creation of its laws, where the people would consult him in those endeavours.
Apollo is associated with healing and medicine and can assist those who require assistance in those areas whether they be healers or those requiring healing. Yet is he is also attributed as the God who can bring forth plague and illness.
Some of Apollos Epithets
Acersecomes (He Who has Unshorn Hair)Acesius (Healing)Acestor (Healer)Aegletes (Light of the Sun) Agyieus (Street)Alexiacacus (Warding off Evil)Aphetor (To Let Loose)Apollo Atepomarus (The Great Horseman)Apollo Belenus (Brilliant/Bright)Apollo Cunomaglus (Hound Lord)Apollo Moritasgus (Masses of Sea Water)Apollo Vindonnus (Clear Light)Apollo Virotutis (Benefactor of Mankind)Apotropaeus (To Avert)Archegetes (Founder)Arcitenens (Bow Carrying)Argyrotoxus (With Silver Bow)Averruncus (To Avert)Chrysocomes (He Who has Golden Hair)Clarius (Allotted Lot)Clytotoxus (He Who is Famous for His Bow)Coelispex (Sky)Cullcarius (Of Midges)Delphinius (Delphic)Epactaeus (God Worshiped on the Coast)Epicurius (To Aid)Genetor (Ancestor)Hecaergus (Far Shooting)Hecebolus (Far Shooting)Hellus (Sun)Iatrus (Physician)Latromantis (Prophet)Leschenorius (Converser)Loxias (To Say)Lycegenes (Born of a Wolf)Lyceus (Light)Lycoctonus (Wolf)Manticus (Prophetic)Medicus (Physician)Musagetes (Muse Leader)Nomius (Pastoral)Nymphegetes (Leader)Paean (Physician/Healer)Parnoplus (Locust)Patroos (Related to One’s Father)Phanaeus (Giving or Bringing Light)Phoebus (Bright)Proopsios (Foreseer)Pythius (From Delphi)Sauroctunos (Lizard Killer)Sol (Sun)
A Hymn to Apollo
Some Offerings to Apollo
Date PalmBay LaurelBarleyFigsOlivesApplesGrapesMilkHoneyIncenseWineRaven/Crow FeathersHyacinth FlowersSun Blessed Purified WaterCake made from almond and honeyPoetryDanceMusicWhite linen
I personally created the following incense I have used successfully when divining (for myself or giving readings to clients) which you can easily make yourself:
Apollo Oracle Incense by Setjataset
1 part Dried Bay Laurel
1 part Aniseed
1 part Frankincense
1 part Myrrh
Instructions: crush herbs and resins in a mortar and pestle and sprinkle over hot charcoal or throw into a fire pit. Scry using smoke or flames.
I personally created the following oil blend I have used successfully in trance ritual and dance which is an anointing oil you can easily make yourself to induce visions:
Apollo Anointing Oil (For Visions) by Setjataset
Base Oil: 15 mils Olive Oil
Add: 12 Drops Cinnamon
Add: 1 Dried Laurel Bay Leaf
Instructions: place into a clear dry glass jar in the following order: 1 dried bay laurel leaf, 15 mils of olive oil and 12 drops of cinnamon oil (bark or leaf is fine) and put in the sun for a full day (Sunday is the best day to do this as summertime). After the day is over place out of direct sunlight and succuss (shake the bottle) every day for 3 weeks and then the oil is ready for use.
Senebty
Setjataset
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
September 17, 2022
Hekate Magick: Dowsing
A pendulum is a dowsing tool used for divination. It can come in many forms yet is consistent in the fact it’s a weighted object at the end of a string or chain. Traditionally jewellery such as rings or pendants were attached to a chain and used for dowsing, however today pendulums can be made out of a wide variety of materials ranging from crystal, stone, shell, glass, metal and wood. My favourite types of pendulums are made from crystal and it’s fairly common to find beautifully carved and faceted crystal pendulums with a chain attached and ready for use at most esoteric, new age and crystal stores.
Dowsing can be used to find lost or buried objects, discover water or lay lines, for healing purposes such as cleansing chakras and to assist in making decisions. There are many methods that you can employ for dowsing with a pendulum and these can range from simply asking for a yes or no answer, to more elaborate and descriptive rituals. The simplest and most long standing method is to hold the string of the pendulum over your dominant pointer finger wrap the string/chain around the end of your finger once to anchor it and let the pendulum point hang down. Next is simply to ask a question utilising your higher self or intuition to guide you.
Photo by petr sidorov on UnsplashWhen divining with a pendulum it will swing forwards, backwards, left, right, clockwise and anticlockwise which will give you the answer of yes, no or maybe/unknown. Before you begin, work out which direction is ‘yes’ for you, which direction is a ‘no’ and finally a ‘unknown’. A common pattern would be clockwise for yes, anti-clockwise for no and vertical/horizontal swings for unknown.
When using pendulum dowsing for a chakra balancing session, a pendulum is used to determine which of your body’s chakras are “closed” and out of alignment or “open” and in alignment. Simply hold the pendulum over each chakra to see if it spins clockwise (open) or anti-clockwise (closed) and note how many chakras need work or correction. Once that has been established, go back to the closed chakra and simply ask for the chakra to rebalance and open and return back into equilibrium. If you would like to know why the chakra was closed use the yes/no divination method over the chakra.
Photo by Bailey Burton on UnsplashWhen using the pendulum for discovering objects, water or lay lines, ask the pendulum to guide you to what you are looking for whilst focusing on the outcome. Once you have reached what you have been looking for the pendulum will stop swinging and be centred with a sensation of the pendulum being dragged downward yet motionless as if it’s being pulled by a centre of gravity.
My personal experience working with crystals I have found these are the best types of stones/crystals used for various forms of dowsing:
Find lost/burried objects = chalcopyrite, amazonite, clear quartz, unakite, moldavite.
Find water = azurite, sodalite, selenite, fluorite and blue lace agate.
Find lay lines = basalt or lapis lazuli, smoky quartz.
Chakra balancing = tigers eye, amazonite, amethyst or clear quartz.
Making decisions = rose quartz and garnet for matters of the heart, smoky, rutilated or tourmalated quartz for psychic and protection questions and amethyst for general questions.
What I like to do is use pendulums which I am drawn to. When I first started using crystal pendulums I simply used my favourite quartz point which I tied a piece of cotton thread around. To this day, with all my beautifully carved crystal pendulums I have been gifted or purchased, I still prefer to use my first quartz crystal, as I can use it for anything at any time.
Photo by Luca Volpe on UnsplashRecently I was in a witchy occult store and I came across a conch shell which had been attached to a copper chain by being partially dipped in copper and soldered to the chain. It was the first thing I was drawn to in the store and I immediately picked it up and began to swing it like a pendulum and although it was created as a statement jewellery piece, I knew exactly what I was going to use it for. I practice a lot of Hekate magick on beaches as I find it a very liminal place which combines the elements and connects to Hekate’s various epithets. I use my hands as well as my various pendulums to see if I can find vortexes or places of power on the beaches I work on to perform my various rituals and magick. I feel this shell pendulum is perfect for such tasks as well as it being the ideal wearable portable divination tool.
Below I have written a simple yet effective Hekate Dowsing Ritual I have used often which you can use and recreate on a beach or near any body of water such as a lake or stream (or even at home with a bowl of purified water before you) which can aid you in divination dowsing for answers to questions you may have. Make sure before you start the magick, that you have decided which direction means what when using your pendulum ie yes is clockwise, no is anticlockwise and unknown is up and down etc.
Hekate Dowsing Magick by SetjatasetPreparation:
Chose a liminal time and place for the ritual to occur, preferably around sunrise or sunset.
Select a place on the beach (or body of water or simply place a bowl of purified water in a place of your choosing) and place and create a temporary altar which should include: a bowl, candle anointed in a little olive oil, water collected from a body of water (such as sea water or you can even use rain water), earth (such as sand from the beach or dirt from your garden), some barley, your pendulum and an offering you have for Hekate, incense and an image/statue of Hekate.
Welcoming and Opening
Collect some water in the bowl from the beach (or body of water or alternatively pour some purified water in the bowl). Place the bowl in the centre of your sacred space.
Create a perimeter of your sacred space by sprinkling some barley seeds around it and within it (including upon your altar) whilst stating “Let the profane be gone“.
Light your candle.
Evoke Hekate by simply calling to her and her titles or reciting a hymn or poem in her name and state “May the sacred be present“.
Light your incense and waft over sacred space.
Sprinkle water mixed with earth over sacred space.
Magical Working
Make your offering to Hekate by stating something like “My gift to you Great Hekate” and make a gesture of offering (take item and lift it above your head).
Take your pendulum and hold it over the bowl of water and say:
“In your name I work this rite
Bring to me the gift of sight
To be able to foresee
What will come to me“
Take the pendulum (still holding it over the bowl of water) and form the question you have in your mind and focus on it whilst asking it.
Watch the pendulum and take note the answer it gives you.
If you feel so inclined ask another question you may have and repeat the actions you took when asking the first question and so on until you are done.
Thanks and Closing
Thank Hekate for her assistance and farewell her in any respectful manner you choose.
Close sacred space by cleaning up the space and taking everything with you to be disposed of, cleansed or reused as you see fit.
Ritual is now complete and any grounding work can take place such as going for a walk or having something to eat.
Record the answers you have been given or any musings you have, to reflect on them later on.
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
August 27, 2022
The Goddess Hathor (Het-Heru)
Hathor/Het-Heru is a goddess within the Ancient Egyptian pantheon. She is represented by a woman with a red dress and a headdress containing a solar disk and horns of a cow (also at times a uraeus) and sometimes she is represented as a cow with stars. Hathor is known as the goddess of love, dance, joy, pleasure and song. Hathor was also seen as a sky goddess in her representation as a cow goddess (celestial cow myth). She was connected as a fertility goddess by her protecting women during pregnancy and resulting childbirth. A ritual was enacted by plucking papyrus stalks in Hathor’s name and as such her connection to the papyrus was born. When the god Atum creates humanity through self-pleasure, Hathor was a representation of one of Atum’s hands and her connection as a goddess of sexuality was made. The Ancient Greeks equated her with Aphrodite so her connection as a goddess of love was made even further.
Hathor’s name means “House of Horus” which translates to Hathor being the mother of Horus (the child) who was a representation of all pharaohs and by connection known as a mother goddess. Hathor was also the mother of Ihy and Neferhotep. Female royalty would also take on the title of “Priestess of Hathor” in Hathor’s name. Hathor was known to be the consort of Ra, Atum, Khonsu, Horus the Elder and/or Amun.
In the Coffin Texts she was described as a goddess who was created before the earth and the sky and that she held a significant role as mediator for the dead in afterlife which gave her power over their destiny. She was also mentioned in the Coffin Texts as being a creator and guardian over one of the gates of the afterlife. Therefore Hathor became associated as a funerary goddess as people worshiped her to allow them a greater chance of entry into the afterlife. As the sycamore is a tree connected to the dead, as it offered them shade and refreshment in their journey to the afterlife it became associated with Hathor. Since the west where the sun sets is considered where the underworld’s location is, her title as Lady of the West is apt.
In the Pyramid Texts she is described a the Eye of the Sun or the Eye of Ra which was then come to be known as the daughter of Ra although some suggest she was the wife of Ra as well. In the myth of the destruction of mankind when Sekhmet is pacified she wakes as Hathor. The Ancient Egyptians to pacify Sekhmet and keep Hathor’s alter ego dormant would hold a festival called “The Drunkenness of Hathor” right before the inundation of the Nile (where the annual flooding of the land would take place) where wine would be had with music (using the instruments the harp, sistra and the turquoise menat necklace) and dancing – thus she became known as a goddess of dance and music.
Hathor’s cult centre was in Dendera and her priests – who were both male and female, were known to be midwives, dancers, musicians, singers, oracles and artists. Hathor was known as a patroness of festivals due to her connection to celebrations though the expression of dance, singing and music making which brought on happiness.
Some Titles of Hathor:
The Eye of Ra
Lady of the Sky
Eye of the Sun
Lady of the West
Mistress of the Necropolis
The Great Cow Who Protects Her Child
The Mistress of Heaven
Mistress of the Sanctuary of Women
The Lady of the Stars
The Gold that is Hathor
Lady Of Denderah
Lady of the Sycamore
Lady of the Scarlet-Colored Garment
The Golden One
The Primeval, the Lady of all
Hand of Atum
Mistress of Byblos
Lady of Faience
The One Who Shines like Gold
The One Who Fills the Sanctuary with Joy
Lady of the House of Jubilation
Queen of the Dance
Mistress of Inebriety Without End
Mistress of Music
Queen of the Harp Playing
Golden Hathor
Correspondences of Hathor
Animals: Cow, Falcons, Lionesses
Symbols: Mirrors, Menat, Sistrum, Girdle
Stones: Turquose, Emeralds, Malachite
Mineral: Copper
Resins: Benzoin, Sandlewood
Colour: Green, Blue
Plants: Papyrus, Rose, Myrtle
Tree: Sycamore
Festivals: Festival of Drunkenness, Beautiful Festival of the Valley, Wep Ronpet, Festival of the Beatiful Reunion.
My first connection to Hathor was made around group workings within the first magickal group I worked with. After this, I began to honour her and work magick and enact rituals in her name moreso as she assisted me with some personal rites which I had great success in. This deepened when I first started studying with the Fellowship of Isis and then a Kemetic temple where she was named as one of my beloveds. When I opened up my own Lyceum (Lyceum of Heka) within the FOI although she was never named as a patron deity of my teaching school, Sekhmet was which I personally see as a different side of the coin of the Eye of Ra – Hathor being the other side.
Over the years Hathor has taught me much about love but not the kind of love you would equate with her which tends to be romantic or physical. The kind of love she has opened up in me has been self-love as in taking care of myself and valuing my needs. In this day and age where self-care is highlighted due to the importance of taking care of yourself first and foremost (due to burnout if you don’t), I find that Hathor is the epitome of self-care and in the modern age can honoured as part of that.
Below is a invocation I wrote in her name which I have used quite frequently and as such has built up a potent connection and evocation of her presence and energies I would like to share it with you:
INVOCATION OF HATHOR © Setjataset 2004
Beautiful Hathor
We invoke you
Mother of the Underworld
We invoke you
Lady of the Sistrum
We invoke you
Goddess of Love
We invoke you
Eye of Ra
We invoke you
Queen of the West
We invoke you
Ruler of the Sycamores
We invoke you
Guardian of Malachite
We invoke you
Rapturous Neter who brings forth of life
Fill our souls with your sweet scents
Golden Flame who radiates the warmth of the sun
Bestow joy and pleasure to us as we walk under your rays
Senebty
Setjataset
(C) T. Georgitsis 2021
First Appeared in the 1st Issue of the Scottish Goddess Conference Magazine
(The Faces of the Goddess)
August 14, 2022
Hekate Devotion: How Hekate became my Patron
Hekate came to my aid during a dark time in my life. I was just exiting the astrological significance of my Saturn Return as an immediate family member whom I had dedicated many years of care take to, had recently passed away. I fell into a Dark Night of The Soul of sorts as I had sacrificed many a thing for this family member. So after their death I started questioning my purpose in life. I became even more troubled as my patrons as well as my spirit guides remained silent when called upon, be it in meditation or ritual. Nevertheless I continued to enter sacred space and practice regular meditation as my faith is what kept me going.
One night, during the Dark of the Moon whilst in meditation, I asked for clarification or guidance as I was angry and confused about my path in the mundane world. I was quite irate as I incomprehensibly blurted out this request and I did not expect what would happen next.
A beautiful woman with pale flawless skin appeared to me in a vision. She was between her maiden and mother phase with a white streak in her long black hair. Her robes were a saffron coloured Greco Roman styled dress, complete with black edged trimming. She had a powerful and commanding yet graceful presence and she felt familiar, like I had seen or known her before. I began to tremble, my breath quickened and my heart beat deep and sharp as I stared at her in disbelief. I knew this woman…my breath caught…she wasn’t a woman, she was a God! I had worked with her before, within my previous Wiccan covens as well as being aided by her in various forms of magic. This time she appeared differently as if she was summoning me instead.
There she was – Hekate in all her inexpressible magnificence. She leaned towards me and sternly said, “You are lost. I will help you find your way; I will guide you to plant the seed of your hopes which will grow into fruition. This comes with much devotion and attention given. Dedicate yourself to me and I will illuminate your way.” and with that – the vision ended. I stood up from my kneeling pose, still shaking from the experience but I felt lighter, somehow comfortable with the knowledge that I had indeed received an introduction to what I had asked for.
With alacrity I grabbed a nearby pen and notebook and started to compose a ritual to Hekate whilst in a mild trance like state. It flowed easily and once completed I began to construct an impromptu shrine to her. The only place I could put the shrine was facing a door to a storage space which was in an area between the front door and the door leading to the kitchen in my home. Little did I know at the time that Her shrines perfect placement was liminal/in between places.
Once her shrine was complete I began the magickal working to her. I created sacred space in the way I was accustomed to, utilizing my witchcraft experience and proceeded to anoint a natural beeswax candle with some Dark of the Moon oil I had previously made. This oil blend contained essential oils and herbs used in her service such as lavender and saffron which I also anointed myself with in an appropriate manner. As a sign of devotion I offered Hekate a coin which was a drachma I had retained from one of my first trips to Greece and an old iron key. Lighting the candle, dedicated and inscribed to her with my athame, I evoked Hekate in my own way:
Hekate, Mistress of Magic
I come to you as devotee
Hekate, Light Bringer
Illuminate my way in this time of darkness
Hekate, Guide of the Crossroads
Show me the true path of purpose
Hekate, Opener of Doors
Allow me to seek clarity of vision
Hekate, Keeper of the Key
Unlock your mysteries to me
In a vision similar to the one experienced earlier, she appeared and I relayed in my own words where I was in my life, what I felt was holding me back and what my confusion was. I was careful to be clear and concise with my words as well as being completely honest without fear or shame. At the completion of my address, Hekate moved aside and showed me a heavy wooden door. She unlocked the door, opened it before me and encouraged me to pass through the door. Once I did this she handed me a key and I found a crossroad before me.
Hekate took her place within the centre of the crossroad and held her arms up in supplication. Two blazing torches appeared in her hands and she lit one of the paths in the crossroad ahead. Hekate then handed me a torch and beckoned me to walk along beside her as she guided me down the illuminated path. I followed this radiant path until the answers I was seeking began to appear in the form of images, feelings and words. The answers that Hekate shared with me were both personally and deeply moving. She shared with me that I will always be a caretaker where I guide and assist people in my day to day mundane profession as well as my passionate work as reader, healer and teacher. This has always been my purpose and a journey that has not ended.
I felt great release and joy, with tears streaming down my face I thanked her profusely and promised I would dedicate myself to her. I also swore that I would honour her through regular rites as well as magic in her name.
After this rite I worked with her intensely. I found that the ways I started to instinctually work with her, were supported through the writings of others. These writings devoted to Hekate were both modern and ancient and were discovered whilst conducting further research on her. I started coming into constant contact with other devotees of Hekate and I added her as patron to my Lyceum within the FOI. My Lyceum quite aptly needed a third patron and was called the Lyceum of Heka. That year I began to hold many rites devoted to Hekate with my magical working group. A high point included a public Samhain rite dedicated to Hekate which I was told had touched many in attendance. I continue to work many rites in honour of Hekate on my own, as well as with the other devotees of hers that I meet along the way.
I will never forget that Hekate was there for me during a great time of darkness and to this day the devotional is ongoing.
(C) T Georgitsis 2010 – Article first appeared in
Hekate: Her Sacred Fires devotional book in 2010
