Pagan Portals - Hekate
S**T
A lovely book of prose poetry
I think the best description of this book is "prose poetry." Before each chapter and each subsection, Moss shares either a free verse poem, a prose poem, or a lilting prayer. But her entire style is poetry-like, with good flow and vivid imagery. Her style helps underscore her deep love for her goddess, and some of the prose poems and prayers could be used to call to Hekate. I think this is what I liked best about this book.The chapters are about aspects of Hekate, including the following: chapter 1, Hekate as a protector of the home and the dearly departed; chapter 2, Hekate as goddess of the crossroads; chapter 3, Hekate as goddess of the dead; chapter 4, Hekate as a goddess of inspiration (muse); chapter 5, Hekate as a the goddess of witchcraft; and chapter 6, Hekate as a goddess of both life and death. Instead of each chapter being an informative essay about whom Hekate is and what she does, the chapters are descriptions of Moss's experiences of these aspects of Hekate.The seventh chapter gives you a few lists to work with, including Hekate's epithets, spirits, animals, colors, metals, herbs, stones, trees, etc. Moss also supplies quick lists of offerings and sacred items and symbols. Chapter 8 gives you some herbal mixtures and directions on collecting and consecrating various kinds of water and dirt for spells. Moss ends with a list of suggested reading if you want to know more about Hekate or Greek deities.As someone who called upon Hekate for the first time only three weeks ago, I can say that this book's quick lists gave me just enough information to set up a proper altar and to get an idea of which of Hekate's aspects most align with my spiritual journey. I can get by on that while I wait for more books to arrive and sift through the wide array of helpful to not-so-helpful websites lurking on the internet.I think the nicest gift of this book is the lyrical quality of it and the author's descriptions of her experience of Hekate, both of which are inspiring to me.Of course, as the author herself predicts in her text, I don't agree with absolutely everything she says, belief-wise. But then again, when I read a Pagan or Wiccan book, I never do. And the whole point of walking this particular spiritual path is to be able to think for yourself and use your own critical thinking skills. Having Moss describe the different "faces" or aspects of Hekate certainly helps with this, as well.I'm glad I ordered this book.
K**E
Misprinted so there is a white line down the middle of the pages
I don't like that there is a line down the middle of all the pages with words missing but luckily I think it is easy enough to get the just of what the words are
R**.
Much better than I was expecting.
At first, I thought it was just sweet thoughtful praise in the forms of poetry and such and I kept reading.It seemed to be sweet and very sincere and I feel the author was being completely authentic in the way they opened themselves up with their writing.I kept reading and then something happened....I started feeling a sort of presence. Like the words describing Hekate were slowly bringing her towards me. The more I read the more I felt destiny pulling me. Calling me.This book is definitely worth reading and you cannot beat the price when you consider the insight it gives you.It is my hope that if you feel drawn to learn about Hekate but are unsure, that you will pick this book up and allow yourself to become immersed. This book has pleasantly surprised me and I am glad I decided to finish reading it.Reading this book was quite an experience!!!
C**A
Intriguing
I absolutely loved reading this! Wish it was longer!! The author did a wonderful job drawing me into her mind. Yes it does mention "Jesus" on the devotional page. For me it was her speaking to a loved one and not her audience. I wasn't too fond of it, but it was a devotional after all. I accept the fact that I'm gonna hear others views in my life. Yes this is a devotional to Hekate, but I really don't see ill intent from the author on this. Witches can be Christian witches too. With that said if you don't like that then just dont read the devotion page, but definitely read the book if you are on a path with Hekate. This was very insightful and felt very close to my own experiences. Also has good information throughout. Take with you what you will! I love it!!
R**T
Inspirational Text for a Fascinating Goddess
This is the first pagan devotional that I ever picked up and I'll be honest, it wasn't what I was initially looking for. However, it's inspired me to try some things and see where they take me. Sometimes we get lucky and find out that what we weren't looking for is actually something we can benefit from.Moss's perceptions of Hekate are very different from my own, but her heart is obviously in her service and dedication to goddess and craft. It was very interesting and inspirational to read about how she sees the goddess and how Hekate has made a difference in her life. She is honest about her personal gnosis instead of claiming to have the be-all end-all info as well, and that's always refreshing.Several of the hymns and invocations are beautiful and moving; I hope the author doesn't mind if I speak them at my own altar. There are also several different recipe ideas for offerings of incense, holy water, and nifty ideas about dirt inspired by the usage and lore of graveyard dirt in cunning craft.I envy the author her convictions and her devotion. May we all be half so blessed in our relationships with the gods as she.
C**H
Excellent!!
Amazingly well written, singular account of Hekate through the eyes of one of her beautiful High Priestess daughters. What a rare and refreshing find!
T**R
Inspired
A must have for any Hekate devotee. I have read this book several times and it always sparks something new to ponder everytime I open it.
K**Y
Hecate is alive and well, in 2016! You must read to keep her alive inside our collective Witches Heart.
I had never pushed myself to know more and more about Hecate, though I have been drawn to her a Number of times down through the years as I gathered my own Eclectic Arsenal of Gods and Goddesses to serve and have as friends of my heart...Recently a relative we call Sundance Kim, introduced me to Vivienne Moss. I waited along side V as she birthed this novel, well through that last hard labour of push to finish and SEE what came out! Thankfully this beautiful Hecate Tome arrived safe and sound. Read and re-read and still using my( Metaphorical) nutcracker pick to pry out every last crumb of info. Thank you Vivienne. I now KNOW Hecate. Blessings on the house that is home to She; Hecate.
T**E
Zero Stars- I have no idea who is recommending this book.
This book is ridiculously stupid, watered down, airy fairy nonsense. You will read the whole book and learn nothing. It is a a collection of poems, musings, and nothing of any import. For example, there is no practical information about how to set up an altar or an invocation. Skip this book and everything in the 'Pagan Portals' series. Unfortunately I also bought The Morrigan, Brighid, and Hekate in this series. All books read like they were written in a day by an 8th grader. I was recommended this book and have since severed ties with the moron who recommended it!
A**Y
Love this book
Love this book.Granted, it's one soul's experience of Hecate, and their own practices under the umbrella of Wicca; but the contents of this book struck a chord with me, and i shall be using a lot of it in my own worship of my Patroness Goddess. Thankyou for sharing this, Vivienne. I see you are a solo practitioner in the States? I'm a solo practitioner in the UK. Just a shame you were not more local, as i would have loved to have worked alongside you in a Coven. Nonetheless, as said, thanks for your gem of a book.
H**E
If you are looking to find confirmation of your experiences with Hekate, this is where to find it.
This book is the most valuable and spirituality fulfilling book i have ever readIt validated my Hekate experiences and decoded some pretty powerful dreams and meetings with wild animals. At one part of the book, the author describes entering the realm of our lady Hekate, and it literally took my breath away! It was almost EXACTLY the same as my own. hekate was and is, with me.
C**S
lovely
I enjoyed its lyrical, poetic style. It is a devotional to the Goddess and I like devotionals. Rich and deep experience and relationship between the author and the Goddess. highly recommend!
D**R
Disappointed
You need a quiet room with this book.
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