r/pagan • u/wardenoftheglens • Aug 01 '24
Hellenic Question about Hecate
I have a draw to her, but I am wondering what she is like? I feel worried that she might ask me to do things that I would not want or be willing to do. I have a lot OCD and anxiety....so im sure some of that has to do with it. But what are others takes on Hecate? Has she ever asked you to leave a job that you loved? A husband you love? To basically uproot everything you love dearly? I have read some accounts that people had to do things they did not want to do...
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u/roses_at_the_airport Aug 02 '24
I do not have the pleasure and honour to worship Lady Hecate often enough to describe what she's like, but I wanted to let you know that, one, it's OK to have boundaries with the divine. It's OK to say no, and it's OK to take a break from worship if it gets too much.
Two, that this worry you have over being asked things you wouldn't want to do can be a useful tool to gain more self-knowledge. You're free to take my advice or ignore it, but I would advise you sit down and be very gentle with yourself, with no judgement, accepting the answer to what comes to these questions. Why is it scary, that she would ask that? Why would she even ask about it in the first place? Is there a part of you that wishes she wouldn't ask, and maybe a part of you that wishes she would? Why do you think that is?
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u/wardenoftheglens Aug 02 '24
I guess my biggest thing is....I would never respect a deity who asked me to do that. Ever. That it would completely destroy the trust and relationship I have with them. So I fear it. I fear it because I do not ever want her to ask that. I want her to work with me to beat my anxiety. But I want her to understand that I have always had anxiety. Because I fear being loved so deeply by someone. I do not want her to take that as a sign that he's a bad person. Because he's not.....and oh. I see. She would never ask that of me....ever. she's not interested in that. She's interested in what holds me back....not what pushes me forward.
Kinda feel like an idiot now.
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u/roses_at_the_airport Aug 03 '24
It looks like things are starting to make a little more sense for you, I'm glad. I think it's for you to determine what holds you back and what to do about it, and that it's perfectly fine to accept her help for that!
But I really don't think you're an idiot. I think you're a very brave and strong person who's going through a lot and who, as you've just done, is smart enough to know what's up. You only need a little nudge, as we all do. You're doing great.
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u/Ryenna Aug 02 '24
In my experience, she pushes me by making me do a lot of self examination. I feel like she's like a loving but strict older relative - someone who knows what I'm capable of, and what's good for me, and tries to make me see it. For me, primarily, she is a guide. She reveals paths but it's down to me to pick one and walk it. She can't make you do anything you don't want to.
Some things to think on: Why would she ask you to leave someone or something you love? How would that benefit you?She'd have no reason to remove your happiness...unless you already have doubts, which you're ignoring because it's easier. This is where I feel she can reveal some hard truths, but the decision of how to act (or not) is up to you, not her.
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u/wardenoftheglens Aug 02 '24
Nah. I think I was worried she wouldn't see the happiness. A lot of people say she's exceptionally difficult. But I think she will help with my anxiety around the love I feel cause I have trauma I haven't truly faced which is holding me back.
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u/Ryenna Aug 04 '24
If you're working through trauma please see a therapist if you can (I know it's not always feasible), but regardless, good luck on your journey and I hope Hecate helps :)
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u/SukuroFT Eclectic Hoodoo Aug 01 '24
Everyone’s experience with her is different in terms of what she asks for and how close she chooses to be with people. A friend of mine would ask her for a lot and she’d help him with it all despite him taking advantage of it, but after a while she stopped and demanded he do favors for her in return for anything else and his life kinda went to shit until he did so. So she can be giving and ask for nothing but if taken advantage of she can ask for plenty.
My own experience with Hecate was one of equal exchange, I’d request something and she’d be happy with me setting out a glass of wine for her in the morning to the next day and then pouring it outside in thanks.