Hecate: A Patron Goddess for Aging Women

 As we age, it can be challenging to feel seen or valued in a society that emphasizes youth and beauty. At Bitter Threads, I am celebrating aging women and challenging societal expectations that lead to feelings of invisibility. That's why I have chosen Hecate as our patron goddess - she embodies the strength, wisdom, and resilience we hope to inspire in women of all ages.

There are several qualities and associations that make her an ideal representative for us.

Wisdom and Experience

As a mature goddess, Hecate represents the wisdom and experience of age. She is often depicted as a guide or mentor, leading others through dark or difficult times. For aging women, this representation is powerful and vital, as it reminds us that our age brings a wealth of knowledge and insight that should be celebrated.

Independence and Self-Reliance

Hecate was often associated with independence and self-reliance. In ancient Greece, she was worshiped by women living alone or outside traditional family structures. This makes her a fitting patron goddess for aging women living independently or experiencing changes that require a renewed sense of self-reliance.

Protection and Empowerment

Hecate is also a protector of women, particularly those marginalized or facing difficult times. She was known as the "Queen of Ghosts" and was often depicted as a mature woman with three faces or a single face bearing three eyes. 

Connection to Nature

Hecate was also associated with nature, particularly the moon and its cycles. For aging women, this connection to nature reminds us of our own life cycles and the changes that come with them. It also reminds us of our connection to the natural world and the power that comes from being a part of it.

History

Hecate is a goddess with a long history, having been worshipped by the ancient Greeks and later adopted by other cultures. She is often associated with witchcraft, magic, and the moon, but her influence extends far beyond these narrow categorizations. Hecate is a goddess of the liminal spaces, those in-between places where transformation and change occur. She is a guardian of the crossroads, the places where we make choices that shape our lives.

Suffering and Loss

Hecate is also a goddess of the underworld, the realm of the dead. She is often depicted holding a torch, illuminating the darkness, and guiding souls on their journey. This aspect of Hecate speaks to the humility, wisdom, and compassion that come with age. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we inevitably encounter suffering and loss. Hecate teaches us to bear witness to this pain and to find the strength to endure it. She reminds us that even in the darkest times, a glimmer of light always guides us forward.

Connection to Aging Women

Hecate's connection to aging women is especially significant. As the goddess of the liminal spaces, she speaks to the transitional nature of aging. She teaches us that aging is not a decline or a loss but a transformation - a movement from one phase of life to another. Hecate reminds us that with age comes wisdom, experience, and the power to shape our lives in meaningful ways.

Conclusion

In choosing Hecate as our patron goddess for aging women, we hope to embody and celebrate her qualities and associations. Hecate's representation of wisdom, independence, protection, and connection to nature makes her an ideal symbol of the power and strength of aging women. By honoring her, we aim to honor ourselves and remind the world that aging women deserve respect, dignity, and celebration.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Hecate and the mission to celebrate aging women. I hope her story inspires you as much as it has inspired me.

I had two print I had designed of Hecate which I love. One has a Japanese influence and is more modern. The other is an engraving style with Hecate holding an ancient Greek key surrounded. The Crone takes precedence in both pieces and faces outward. I used the second design on my "They Didn't Burn Witches, They Burned Women" Sticker, T-shirts and one on the back of a red windbreaker. 

 

And, of course Hecate's Wheel on a necklace. I love this symbol.