In this episode, Christen and I explore the connections between Hekate and the crone archetype.

Hekate embodies wild wisdom and inhabits the threshold—the space between worlds. The crone similarly occupies liminal territory. Like Hekate, crones are associated with magic and mystery. Hekate tends to restless spirits, helps us cross into the deeper world (and back), is associated with protecting children, and has been subjected to much denigration. When examining Hekate’s ancient attributes—guiding souls, serving as divine midwife, protecting children, and practicing magic—these qualities resonate strongly with what might be called “crone energy.” While a few lesser-known myths depict her mothering her own children, she generally appears in ancient Greek stories as a wise woman associated with the natural world and spirits, dwelling in caves or gardens rather than cities.

I'm taking a break from the podcast and other public-facing activities for the new few months while I work on my new book.

I'll be teaching a six-month long course diving deeper into my book, Entering Hekate's Cauldron, starting May 1. Go to keepingherkeys.com for more details.

If you're interested in the crone, consider joining the Destination Crone course. LEARN MORE HERE.

You can read an in-depth article exploring Hekate and The Crone on my SUBSTACK.

Content discusses sexual violence and other potentially distressing themes.

For centuries, Medea’s story has been twisted: cast as avillain or a victim, her truth buried beneath myths of revenge and foreignness. But beneath the myth, she’s a powerful archetype—one who challenges us to confront our own traumas, shadows, and the boundaries we fear to cross.

Christen and I explore the mythological and historicalsignificance of Medea, her representation in ancient stories, and her relevance for modern shadow work and healing.

She’s the witch who transforms poison into medicine—reminding us that healing often comes from the deepest shadows.

Key questions:

What choices are you capable of making to claim your voice?
What does your longing for belonging look like?

Keywords: Medea, shadow work, mythology, Hecate, Hekate, Greek gods, healing, trauma, witchcraft, ancient Greece, empowerment

Key topics:

Medea's mythological origins and cultural context

Her connection to Hekate and ancient Greek magic

Themes of trauma, betrayal, and empowerment

The role of shadow work in healing personal wounds

Symbolism of serpents, dragons, and thresholds in Medea'sstory

"Medea challenges us to explore our shadows."

"She is a spirit of poisons that heal."

"She is a symbol of the sacred feminine andthresholds."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Medea: The Complex Witch

04:32 Medea's Story: A Reflection on Power Dynamics

07:39 Healing Through Shadows: The Power of Medea

08:24 Exploring the Myth of Medea

13:02 Medea's Truth: A Channeled Message

19:17 Understanding Medea's Power and Presence

22:02 Historical Context of Medea's Story

29:04 Medea as a Symbol of the Other

34:00 The Enchantment of Medea

36:29 Medea's Sacrifices for Love

39:27 The Tragic Consequences of Betrayal

42:03 The Complexity of Choice and Power

45:08 Medea as a Symbol of Grief and Loss

47:50 The Duality of the Feminine Spirit

51:14 Medea's Role in Founding Cities

52:51 Medea as a Figure of the Oppressed

57:13 The Wisdom of Medea

Books by Cyndi Brannen:

Entering Hekate's Garden

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron

Euripides’ Medea
The Argonautica - Ancient Greek Epic

Madeline Miller's Circe

Learn more: keepingherkeys.com

I'm sharing one of my favorite rituals, focused on healing with the five elements, in this episode. The ritual, inspired by Hekate’s epithet of Physis, connects deeply with the natural elements—earth, air, fire, water—and invoke divine guidance for healing and transformation - with the fifth of spirit. This practice offers a powerful way to release pain and align with your authentic self.

Included:

• Steps to connect with each of the natural elements for healing
• How Hekate’s energy enhances and guides the ritual
• Use of sacred symbols such as the pentacle and the Hekate sigil
• Practical tips for integrating elemental practices into daily life
• The symbolism of the five elements and their role in spiritual cleansing
• Visualizations to embody your healed, empowered self
• Timing and lunar considerations for ritual practice

Go to Keepingherkeys.com to learn more about the courses I teach and my online coven.

00:00 - Introduction to the elemental healing ritual and its origins
00:32 - Personal reflections on connecting with the elements daily
01:06 - Overview of Hekate’s Physis and its significance in nature
01:52 - Preparing for the ritual: setting intentions and environment
02:36 - Invocation of the elements and the sacred space
03:05 - Casting the circle and calling upon the moon and Hecate
04:37 - Visualization and calling upon Earth for grounding
06:11 - Evoking Air with steam bowl and breathwork
08:00 - Utilizing Fire through incense and flames
10:04 - Water as a symbol of emotional cleansing
12:12 - Receiving healing from the elements and lighting of the spirit candle
15:03 - Embodying your healed self through visualization and imagery
16:30 - Integration of the five elements and divine guidance
17:29 - Closing blessings and gratitude to Hekate and the elements