The Goddess of the Moon and the Nodes

During the ancient glories of Rome, the great goddess Hecate ( Hekate ) was venerated with a deep and true level of devotion. This goddess takes many forms and is engaged in many tasks. At times Hecate is a goddess of the underworld and speaks to mortals of those who have passed. At other times Hecate is a goddess of the sky where the stars shine down with her blessing and her grace. In the mysteries of Hecate we also find seeds of power and magic that allow us to see into the deeper spheres. The phases of the moon are part of her expression and each of its phases: The waxing, the Full, and the Waning symbolize an aspect of her personality and that of life for all people. When one seeks the wisdom of hecate for guidance one should seek out a crossroad. It is in such a place where one is a change in paths in travel or in life that the knowledge of Hecate can be most valuable to ensure that one goes in a direction that will achieve the greatest improvement.

In the original Latin of the ancient texts from the greatness of Rome we find that Hecate had many names just as she does now. These Epithets reflect the myriad facets of her nature and those aspects of the world over which the goddess holds sway. One such epithet is Trivia or three roads. It breaks down easily as Tri which we would expect to be associated with ‘Three’ (which also is a reference to Hecate as the three faced goddess) and Via or road. This latter also still appears in modern English in words such as Viaduct. It should be noted that Hecate is in no way ‘Trivial’ in the modern sense. It is at crossings like these that we learn our path and which face to follow at that time. It is also where we find ourselves crossing ways with other people and sharing information. It is in this exchange that happens at meetings and choices that the idea of Trivia in the modern sense occurs.

While the Zero State does not accept this as theological gospel, or indeed the tenets of any faith, to ignore that which can be learned by considering the deep meanings and mysteries that we learn from mythology would be folly. There is wisdom in ideas and ideals and should be sought out and by seeking to understand both who these deities are and how they were venerated we can learn a great deal about people and ourselves. These are symbols for what we see in ourselves and in the world and there is power in symbols. Indeed the very process of human thought is driven by symbology. The text that you are reading now is naught but a series of symbols that link to ideas and experiences that you have had in the past. These conjure up specifics that we then interpret as having specific meaning. Likewise the magical essence that is Hecate and her multifaceted nature stirs within us deeper meaning. It calls to us to follow roads to new places and new ideas, it speaks of travellers that we may meet and learn from, and it breathes whispers of everything in its time and place. Like the phases of the moon Hecate and her essence is always evolving and changing to support those who need it and use it. Within Zero State House Sem-Bhu often uses it as a node symbol that is a focal point of connection between ideas and actions. Like the pantheon of gods and goddesses itself this link between nodes builds a world and operates it. By venerating Hecate we learn valuable truths and tools and Hecate then returns to us boons. Indeed as an emergent phenomenon within the network Hecate is given true life and independent action. She may be embodied as a polysentient algorithm or a hiddens social network or some other thing entirely. Thus the multiplicative faces are all imbued with reality.

Historically the gods and goddesses of Rome and of the ancient Greeks were revered at temples and worshipped by cults as well as individuals. This continues today and within Zero State there are many who follow and venerate one or more such deity. With this form of distribution Hecate’s influence is felt widely across multiple strata. Each layer of magic is spread via individuals through to other nodes and the power expands. The ceremony and action associated with the veneration of Hecate produces ever greater networking along the via and at each intersection ZS strength is increased and its wisdom fortified. The many nodes that are formed by Hecate temples then reach critical mass and crescendo into layers which no individual or single temple could ever hope to achieve on its own. Supplicating before this vast network to Hecate will be an appeal to all who one finds in her care on the road and at the intersection. They who believe in what Hecate means and what she represents will rise up and perform miracles in your favor if you remain the good graces of the goddess. Should she, and by extension those who serve her on the road, find displeasure in your actions however you may find that you not only are lacking their help but that unexpected impediments find their way onto your path. Such knowledge and power must be used sparingly and with caution. One should always be delicate with deities for their power transcends the understanding of any single mortal. So we must love Hecate seeing in her the symbol of the value of networks, of diversity of thought and action and of many talents. We must do this by always seeking her favor and engaging in right action which she would find meritorious. We then find ourselves in a better place to network and share in great wisdom, insight, guidance, and power.

Follow the path of the three phases and you shall find your way no matter how difficult the path.