torchandkey

[torchandkey]

Goddess of All, heal our wounds,

Bring us peace and give us rest,

The world is weary Hekáte and need You more than ever,

Rally Your devotees, keep us near!

Bring justice dear Mother, we beg, and hear our praise!

[torchandkey]

This was definitely Virgo to Aries eclipse week's card 🤣

new tarot card "fuck your entire life" and its a guy being attacked by devils and flaming skulls and wild animals and screaming and fire everywhere

[torchandkey]

[torchandkey]

Hecate/hekate

Goddess of the night, necromancy, crossroads, witchcraft, boundaries, ghosts

Offerings :

Garlic

Oak

Yew

Willow

Dandelions

Lapis lazuli

Bronze

Gold

Black candles

Silver candles

Red candles

Purple candles

Knives or daggers

Swords

Keys

Depictions of crossroads

Depictions of the moon

Depictions of hekate's wheel

Triple moons

Owl feathers

Crow feathers

Raven feathers

Dog hair

Statues of her

Statues of her sacred animals

Bones (naturally sourced)

Dark chocolate

A wand

A cauldron

A horseshoe

Devotional acts :

Be kind to dogs

Donate to a dog shelter

Invoke her when casting spells or praying

Visit a graveyard (be respectful)

Go to a crossroad

Leave offerings at crossroads

Make a playlist of songs that remind you of her

Speak to her at midnight

Hang keys around your house

Have a feast

Write poetry dedicated to her

REMINDER you don't need to do any of these things to worship a deity, these are just suggestions, remember that if you don't want to or can't do any of this that it's totally ok !!

[torchandkey]

Entering Hecate's Cave: A Transformative Journey into Spiritual Wholeness

When a book speaks directly to your soul, it's more than just reading—it's an experience of recognition, of deep personal resonance. Cyndi Brannen's "Entering Hecate's Cave: A Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness" is precisely such a work, a profound exploration of spiritual transformation that doesn't just inform, but transforms.

A Personal Pilgrimage

My first encounter with this book was through the audiobook on Spotify, a medium that allowed the words to wash over me, seeping into my consciousness. But it wasn't until I held the physical book in my hands—a tangible artifact now part of my sacred *Cista Mystica*—that I truly began to understand its depth.

The journey through Hecate's cave is not for the faint of heart. It's an introspective odyssey that challenges you to confront the shadows, to embrace the darkness as a pathway to wholeness. Brannen's writing feels intimate, as if she's speaking directly to your own lived experiences and spiritual inquiries.

Wisdom Echoed, Wisdom Discovered

What struck me most was how the book seemed to mirror my own research and personal insights. It was less like reading a new text and more like hearing a trusted friend articulate thoughts that had been brewing in the recesses of my mind. Each page felt like a validation, a confirmation of wisdom I had been cultivating but hadn't yet fully articulated.

For the Seeker, For the Witch

To those walking a path of spiritual discovery, especially those drawn to the mystical practices of witchcraft, "Entering Hecate's Cave" is more than a book. It's a map, a mirror, and a companion. It invites you to step into the metaphorical cave of Hecate, to embrace the darkness not as something to fear, but as a sacred space of transformation.

Final Thoughts

Cyndi Brannen has created a pivotal piece of spiritual literature. It's a work that doesn't just describe a journey—it *is* the journey. For anyone seeking wholeness, understanding, and a deeper connection to their spiritual self, this book is an essential guide.

Read my review and see my shelf on Fable

Recommended for: Spiritual seekers, practitioners of witchcraft, those interested in personal transformation and mythological journeys.

[torchandkey]

The Sacred Art of Fiber Crafts: Weaving Magic Through Every Stitch

In the gentle rhythm of needles clicking and yarn flowing through fingers, there exists an ancient magic that modern practitioners are rediscovering. Knitting and crocheting, far beyond their practical applications, serve as powerful tools for protection magic and spiritual meditation – a practice that connects us to generations of wise women who came before.

🧿The Meditative Dance of Thread and Needle

Every stitch is a breath, every row a prayer. When we sit down with our yarn and needles, we enter a state of flow that bears remarkable similarity to traditional meditation practices. The repetitive motions quiet the mind, creating a trance-like state where we can access deeper levels of consciousness. Time seems to slow, and the boundary between craftsperson and craft begins to blur.

This meditative state isn't just peaceful – it's powerful. As we work, we naturally align our energy with the universal flow, much like the steady rhythm of waves on a shore or the cyclical turning of the seasons. Each stitch becomes an opportunity to infuse our work with intention, to weave protection and blessing into every fiber.

🪢Protection Magic in Every Row

The art of protection magic through fiber crafts is elegantly simple yet profound. As we create, we're literally constructing a shield of safety, love, and positive energy. Traditional witchcraft has long recognized that items made by hand carry the energy and intention of their maker. When we knit or crochet with protective purpose, we're creating talismans that carry our magic in every thread.

Consider a shawl crafted for a loved one: Each stitch can be worked with a specific intention – protection from harm, blessing for good health, or a shield against negative energy. The very act of choosing the yarn becomes a ritual – selecting colors that correspond with our magical intention, feeling the texture that speaks to our purpose.

🪄The Witch's Tools: More Than Just Needles

Our tools themselves carry deep symbolic meaning:

🪢Knitting needles represent the duality of creation and protection, like the twin pillars of any magical practice

🪝The crochet hook mirrors the wand, directing energy with precision and purpose

🧶Yarn symbolizes the thread of fate, which we actively shape with every project

⭕The finished piece becomes a magical circle, an unbroken loop of protection and power

A Living Tradition

This practice connects us to a long line of fiber workers who understood the power of their craft. From the Norns of Norse mythology who wove the fate of worlds, to the women who knitted codes into their work during wartime, to modern practitioners who craft protest pieces and healing shawls – we're part of an unbroken tradition of magical crafting.

Ⓜ️Practical Applications for Modern Witches

For those seeking to incorporate fiber magic into their practice, begin simply:

Set clear intentions before starting any project

Choose materials mindfully, considering their magical correspondences

Work in a cleansed and sacred space

Use the rhythm of your stitches as a mantra or focus for meditation

Visualize protective energy flowing from your hands into the work

Remember that the most powerful magic often lies in the simplest acts. A basic garter stitch scarf worked with love and protective intention can be as magically potent as the most complex spell.

Closing the Circle

As witches in the modern world, we're constantly discovering new ways to blend ancient practices with contemporary life. Fiber crafts offer us a perfect bridge between worlds – a way to practice our craft that's both practical and deeply magical. Whether creating a protective blanket for a new baby, a healing shawl for a friend in need, or a grounding sweater for ourselves, we're participating in a form of magic that's both ancient and eternally relevant.

In every stitch, we weave our intentions. In every finished piece, we create not just garments or accessories, but magical tools imbued with purpose and power. So the next time you pick up your needles or hook, remember – you're not just crafting; you're casting a spell that will last as long as the fibers hold together.

[torchandkey]

Hey all I made some cosmic prayer beads 🧿 watch to find out more:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Torch and Key Creative (@torchandkey.creatrix)

[torchandkey]

pick your poison LMAOOO

[torchandkey]

I feel called out! 💀💀💀

[torchandkey]

Excellent reference 🗝️🖤

hekate in the signs and houses

Asteroids have a subtle effect. The more you evolve, the more you feel their effect as a focused expression of your natal chart. The asteroid Hekate (asteroid 100) is a minor astrological asteroid that determines the inner sense—women’s ways of knowing—and whether one can trust that; night; dreams; whether the mother acted as a protector; “crone” stages of life or positions; intuitive wisdom; Hekate is sometimes important at or in connection with childbirth, and can show what wisdom is gained at other life passages. The sacred day of Hekate is the 29th of every month. For astrological aspects, keep your aspects major: conjunction, square, opposition and your orbs right, within 1 degree. If Hekate touches Lilith, you must face your raw sexuality. If Hekate touches Nessus, you must face your potential to abuse. If Hekate touches Eros, you must face your erotic side. Hekate reminds us that our greatest fear…is not our smallness but our greatness.

It’s a very Cancerian asteroid because not only does it have moon symbolism, Hekate trusts her feelings entirely and gives no credence to logic. This asteroid shows where our deepest self trust lies and can be developed. It shows that we are often afraid to look at our “shadow self” (in this case, our power), because if we admit that we are not victims but creators of our lives, we have no excuses for taking the easy road any more…I believe this is also part of Jung’s urging to face the shadow. There is something here about the ability to control the forces of the nature – natural magic. The Dog Star Sirius (which incidentally, is a fixed star in the constellation of Cancer), is also connected to Hekate. As the brightest star in the sky, this association harks back to when Hekate was revered instead of reviled.

In Greek mythology, Hekate was the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She was the only child of the Titans Perses and Asteria, from whom she received her power over heaven, earth, and sea. Three metamorphosis myths describe the origins of her animal familiars: the black she-dog and the polecat (a mustelid house pet kept by the ancients to hunt vermin). The dog was the Trojan Queen Hekabe (Hecuba) who leapt into the sea after the fall of Troy and was transformed by the goddess. The polecat was either the witch Gale, turned as punishment for her incontinence, or Galinthias, midwife of Alkmene (Alcmena), who was transformed by the enraged goddess Eileithyia but adopted by the sympathetic Hekate. Hekate was usually depicted in Greek vase painting as a woman holding twin torches. Sometimes she was dressed in a knee-length maiden’s skirt and hunting boots, much like Artemis. In statuary, Hekate was often depicted in triple form as a goddess of crossroads (x). She showed Demeter the way through the Underworld to Persephone. And so it is, the asteroid shows the way through your shadow and other places unknown. Hekate represents our shadow side. She resides comfortably in the Underworld, but it’s more complex than a shadow side, which sounds like Lilith or Waldemath. Hekate was very levelheaded, practical and reliable, and not blind in the slightest. Her representing the crossroads is majorly important. It adds an ambiguous element to her nature - not unlike a 12th house vibe. And yet the crossroads is a place of enormous power reserve in witchcraft. So with this, the hypothesis is that when she’s prominent in a chart, the native will possess this same kind of energy - powerful and efficient when conscious, and dangerous, stuck in the crossroads; susceptible to evil; and easily led down the wrong path, when unaware.

The sign Hekate is in determines what what we need to do to discern our direction in life; the natal house Hekate occupies can show where we go to find those parts of ourselves that were lost.

The activation of this asteroid (and all asteroids in general) is best expressed in aspects, either natally, or in synastry with another person’s planet/asteroid. Aspects to Hekate in a general relationship are as follows:

Planets in square or opposition to Hekate tend to link the native up with people who use the native for guidance only to discard them after they get what they need, resulting in resentment and anger on the part of the Hekate person. In relationships, the Hekate native tends to be a loner and may prefer not to marry or have children, which in hard aspect, may make the planet person resentful and angry (only if children/marriage is the planet person’s goal).

One person’s Hekate conjunct a planet in another’s chart brings feelings of support and guidance, especially during difficult or dark times of their lives when they aren’t sure what to do or where to turn; however if that person also has a natal planet in hard aspect to Hekate, it conflicts with the other person’s chart and the result is a volatile, often complicated state of “knowing what’s best for the other” and resentment for the other being too smothering.

Hekate in opposition to planets or other asteroids can indicate a situation where opposites attract; the loved one functions as a pillar of strength or a disconnect can emerge in which the planet person winds up distrusting and even hating/dismissing the Hekate person. How good or bad the relationship is is up to the planet person.

Hard aspects in general can represent conflict between acting as one’s ideal self as a human being and acting as a powerful deity in their own right–and this internal conflict could be acted out with their partner.

The sign and house Hekate is found in can indicate where we go to for direction (when we don’t know which path to take) as well as which road makes the best choice, in life and relationships.

hekate in the signs

Hekate in Aries: is asking for notice and asking to speak to us. She is telling us she, not usually included in the more commonly known pantheon of goddesses, has been neglected for far too long.

Hekate in Taurus: it is a time to allow ourselves to experience the pleasures each of the five senses has to offer us, as we partake of the garden of life. Letting ourselves feel secure enough to make the right decision

Hekate in Gemini: tends to seek out and devour massive amounts of information about magic, witchcraft, astrology and other esoteric arts. Is also very likely to be a skilled communicator on such subjects. Our light is bright and we may attract may enemies because of this.

Hekate in Cancer: represents the madness that ensues when we try to ignore our instinctual and emotional responses. Needs to use more moon guidance in our discernment of the pathway, or perhaps we need to go emotionally on decisions and let the thought process be stilled, and use intuition more.

Hekate in Leo: represents the petulance and dissatisfaction that manifests when we try to ignore what makes us special. We need to trust our own gut instincts even if it seems egotistical to do so.

Hekate in Virgo: it’s a time to be helpful, and allow our criticism to be a guide for others who need assistance. We need to allow ourselves to make that intuitive leap in our daily lives, as well as making a daily effort to guide and protect those who need it.

Hekate in Libra: our direction is found in social activities, in the expression of our intellectual and artistic endeavours. We rely on the companionship of others (especially our significant other) to help guide us through life.

Hekate in Scorpio: there’s a need to go to our own deeper mind and to go deep down in the dark recesses of the soul; to go where no one else dares to go. That is the only way we can dig out the truth so that we can provide direction to others.

Hekate in Sagittarius: we need to go elsewhere to find our direction in life; perhaps our guidance is found in religion or philosophy. Other countries and cultures help provide a clearer direction for us in this placement.

Hekate in Capricorn: direction is found through hard work and dedication; by using our innate maturity and wisdom, we can help to guide others on their path.

Hekate in Aquarius: possesses an impartial, positive, and visionary-based magic to guide others to a better, clearer path. Through altruism and focusing on the good of the whole, our sense of direction is realized.

Hekate in Pisces: it’s initially unclear how we should go about getting direction in life, but ultimately, it has a lot to do with being compassionate to those who are down-and-out and living on a higher plane while using the gifts of the unconscious.

hekate in the houses 

Hekate in the 1st house: you must learn to feel your truth in your physical body. Becoming sensitive enough to feel when something feels off in actual health of the body is the way you can know what is the right path to take. That knot in your stomach? That is Hekate telling you no. Those butterflies? Could be a yes.

Hekate in the 2nd house: is about building self esteem through listening to the self. Doing the thing you though you could not do will build the self trust you need. When lost, look to what feels good. This will help you know what is right. Pleasure is a big clue to how Hekate operates in your chart.

Hekate in the 3rd house: may send you oscillating between private and public face with your craft. But you do so enjoy sharing it with those who are onboard. Higher and higher you’ll soar- and no one can stop you. The golden eagle is the totem that come to mind.

Hekate in the 4th house: the father have a very strong influence on their destiny or they will seek counsel from him. is about finding the right path through patience and quiet. This is a very spiritual placement. Relying on females and maternal figures to impart the advice and care you need when you feel lost is key.

Hekate in the 5th house: shows how we can fall back on our sense of play for comfort. This placement reminds us not to take our trials too seriously and will show how we can lighten up or get trapped in a black cloud. How you can use your instincts to find your way is pointed to. Those who have the faith of a child often have a fifth house Hekate placement. Where we need to shed our naivete in order to see the true path before us is also shown.

Hekate in the 6th house: shows how we can achieve self trust in our daily life. Turning to the comfort of health practices for knowledge when we feel lost. Looking for wisdom in alternative medicine, finding solace in loving pets , learning to communicate with life forms other than human when you need assistance.

Hekate in the 7th house: ones spouse will dramatically change ones life path. It tells of needing to ask for help when the chips are down. Relying on the advice of others to help you find the way

Hekate in the 8th house: would likely accent her crone-guardian role at “the gates of life” (both birth and death including those births and deaths of the cycles of changes in behaviour). Hekate here might also be a kind of “psychological counselor” as her inner wisdom would tap into core issues for others; that “knowing” of Hekate would intuit the pain (and defensive games) of others, and have the resources for guiding/leading them through.

Hekate in the 9th house: shows how the wisdom of philosophy, the higher mind and education can show you the way. Meditation and study can be your guide when you don’t know where to turn.

Hekate in the 10th house: shows how we are known for our own emotional confidence or lack of it. Turning to the father or a trusted male figure is often where we can find the help and advice we seek when we don’t know where to turn. Learning to trust the voice of authority.

Hekate in the 11th house: is about turning to friends for advice and help when we feel lost. Friends can often be the voice of reason and comfort, and how we can use this support is shown.

Hekate in the 12th house: shows that you must turn to your own unconscious mind and trust the unseen when you feel lost or confused. Learning to trust that voice that lies at the far back of the mind is key. Not trusting ones own intuition is often the undoing of the person with Hekate in the 12th house. (x)

[torchandkey]

Hello all! Thank you for watching my oracle deck process and as a present to all of you amazing folks! I am so excited to share the Branding Launch soon!

If you do color and share please use the tag #torchincolor so I can see and share your amazing creations!

Additionally a big thank you to my Siren Mentor Program! Visit Starseedshadows.com

[torchandkey]

Hey all how you doing tonight?

[torchandkey]

Traditional Country Style, 1991

[torchandkey]

[torchandkey]

The full Fall/Holiday 1995 'Sanctuary' catalog by Cher (1995)

Incredible mail-order catalog started by Cher in 1994; this is the 1995 edition. Unfortunately, it seems the venture ended after the 1995 issue. According to a 1998 article, this was due to mismanagement & order-fulfillment problems.

Luckily found a copy available online, then scanned & cleaned-up this wonderful relic of 90's Renaissance Revival & Whimsigothic fashion & design!

[torchandkey]

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

[torchandkey]