Seven Days of Hekate: HEKATE NYCTIPOLUS (Review)

A devotee of the Goddess Hekate, visionary writer and astrologer Jade Sol Luna last year released his phenomenal chanting album Hekate Nyctipolus, which reached the top 25 on the Greek International Music billboard during it's first month of release!

So I was more than humbled (and a little nervous) to be approached by Jade himself on Facebook and asked to review this new album, being privileged to receive all the tracks via e-mail before their actual release. I also took the opportunity to find out a little more about the Nyctipolus project itself.

As per all of Jade's CDs, there was much invocation and meditation on the Goddess Hekate from which Jade used his experiences to bring his music to life. "I create the ambient music and the chants," said Jade of the process. "Then send it to the Mediterranean group Egyptian Ritual and they sample their music over my dark ambient."

Six months in the making, this album reflects the inner experiences of Jade and he feels that this CD is perhaps his most successful to date, for that purpose alone. "Love it or hate it, a deep part of my connection to Hecate is experienced; I have never had a relationship to my CDs like this one."

So it's not altogether surprising that I have taken my time reviewing Hekate Nyctipolus [yes, life has thrown plenty of obstacles in my way but I've been working slowly on this review for some time since being asked]. Like a true musician, this album is part of Jade and his own experience and I have taken each track on its own and as part of the bigger picture, listening to the tracks many times and using them in my own ritual and meditation.

Having not heard any of Jade's previous chanting albums, the whole sound and concept was new to me but my devotion to Hekate was something I could relate to through the seven tracks. I have found Nyctipolus to be a door opener to yet more facets of Hekate, with its chaotic symphony of sounds that come together in a unique and empowering way, conjuring a shared experience that each person can interpret differently within themselves.

Enodia, taking it's name from the epithet meaning "Of the Roads", is a fitting piece to kick start our journey and with Jade's own reading of the Orphic Hymn to Hekate, it feels like a transitional piece, laying foundations to a powerful collection of inspirational music. This track has familiarity in as much as the Hymn carries it's visual imagery in words from across the ages, having that innate quality of being recognisable even set amidst new sounds.

As the lilting sound of lyre plucks fades, Aidonoaia (Lady of the Underworld) begins. This is perhaps my favourite track of the album and I find it extremely powerful. Haunting with its authentic background vocals and instruments, it takes the listener back to a time lost, inherently visual of ancient rites that contain an undercurrent of Bacchic frenzy; and all this is punctuated by the power of Jade's own recitation of the petition for Hekate's patronage from Hippolytus' Philosphumena.

Truthfully, Hex was at first my least favourite track of the album but when the candles flicker and the incense smoke curls all around, this is the Keeper of the Keys; I have found this opens doors on all levels to Hekate. Dark, ambient chanting permeates throughout and long after Hex has ended will it resonate in body, mind and soul.

Night Wanderer, the epithet translated from the album title, despite an initial "simplicity" to it's sound continues that permeable resonance with it's sepulchral tones. Deep and primal, this track conjures Hekate through Jade's vocals from within the self. This is where Hekate ascends into the mortal world, serene but full of dark mystery; the echo of chamber sounds, finished by distant chimes and pipes bringing to my mind an image of Hekate as She collects her midnight offerings from the Crossroads on the darkest of nights.

Hekates Whip is the track I like to play as loud as I can. The sensation of each and every syllable of Jade's potent chanting all around brings out this tracks deep mystery. By now the listener should be no stranger to the dark air that travels within these pieces, but here you are almost guided down to your own personal darkness. Like the title suggests, it's like a musical scourging that allows the mind to free itself to the Shadow Self. With it's sense of the Kthonic, the sound of bats, resonating horns, the tinkling of chimes, Jade's own unique synthesised sounds create a truly profound listening experience.

With an air of shamanistic trance, Antaia (the One in Front) instantly fills you with it's beat, urging you to move; here Hekate is urging your to walk the Path before you. Once again Jade's vocals stir up a power that unlocks those inner Hekatean energies, allowing them to spiral up as the rattles, drums and other percussion free your mind. The repetitious chant is focusing and empowering and played against the backdrop of heady incense and soft candle light can easily be a doorway to an altered state, where Hekate holds the key to the subconscious. Next to Aidonoaia, this is easily my next favourite track.

The last track, Storm Goddess, I have found it the most difficult to write about. Not because I don't like it or that there is anything negative to say about it, but just that somehow words escape me. Calling upon Hekate Perseis (Destroyer) the presence of the new sounds with the old, Jade's personal flare for potent chanting and the imagining of Hekate in this capacity as Storm Goddess create a truly unique experience. Somehow fitting as the closing track, there is a sense of the self in the drumming, reminiscent of one's own heartbeat. Again if taken on it's own, this is a very useful track for ritual and/or meditation, with its soft synths and steady beat, permeated by distant cymbals.

Overall, this is an experiential, visionary and energising collection of sounds that reflect one man's relationship with Hekate as well as being capable of allowing each new listener to relate to the Goddess and/or the darker aspects of their being. The seven tracks invoke Hekate's power to find the balance in our own potential by unleashing visions of a multi-faceted Diety to which more and more people are experiencing and devoting parts of their life to.

Seven Days of Hekate: Dedication

Friday and Saturday were important Hekate-wise as this was the time I chose to carry out my Rite of the Red Cord, to personally finalise my acceptance into the Covenant of Hekate. In part the Rite was similar to the Rite of the Devotee of Her Sacred Fires which is carried out prior to applying for membership but finally the "mystery" surrounding the red cord detailed in that ritual was finally revealed in a simple yet profoundly powerful way.

On preparing for the Rite I was very excited when a dog started barking outside; it was one of those hearty, echoing barks which lasted for some minutes and I took this to be a good sign. During, I had "Hekate Nytcipolus" playing in the background (and I will be reviewing this CD in my next post) and because I had the house to myself I could turn it up a little louder so it really added to the ambience of the task at hand.

I often find it hard to recall details sometimes in recalling ritual as I can get a little lost in myself and also due to the nature of the "members only" dedication I won't be going into specifics regarding what I did.

On the flip side to that, I can share with you something I did to add a personal element to my Dedication and that was to get a tattoo to mark the occasion (and myself). Now I've already had a tattoo of Hekate on my right forearm which was completed by the wonderfully talented Donna at Infinite Ink but upon being accepted into the CoH and recieving the Rite of the Red Cord to carry out, I made the choice to hold off carrying it out and booked myself in to have something small done.

I took the symbol of the Covenant and the Orphic Oath, two things which I have found resonate strongly with me on a personal level, and asked for the symbol line drawing to be stylised a little whilst still keeping the specific and important details such as the 3 waves and the seven-rayed stars.

It took just over 2hrs to complete and I won't deny that it hurt a little more than my other tattoos but it was all worth it and pain is a transitional thing, I could feel it almost melting into me and though uncomfortable at times I knew I was doing this for Hekate and I endured it as part of showing my dedication to Her.

This marks a new leg of my journey, the start of a new direction on my Path and I'm pleased to know that Hekate is within and without, guiding me along the way for I am a child of earth and starry heaven!

Seven Days of Hekate: Deipnon

"Ask Hekate whether it is better to be rich or starving; she will tell you that the rich send her a meal every month and that the poor make it disappear before it is even served."

-Aristophanes, Plutus

Last night marked the darkest night of the lunar month, the precursor to the New Moon: Hekate's Deipnon. It is a time of transition between the old month and the new and is a good time to clear things out, physically, mentally and spiritually.

I have celebrated this day in varying ways and to varying degrees depending on my time, location or frame of mind. I personally prefer to be able to plan ahead, make a big deal about it as I feel it is an important part of my ever-growing relationship with Hekate.

This month, however, I opted to keep things simple but meaningful. I had tidied and done my monthly dismantling, cleaning and reassembling of the shrines so I proceeded by reading a simple prayer I wrote for the book "Bearing Torches" (published by Bibliotheca Alexandrina) and lit a stick of specially blended Hekate incense which burns slowly to release an earthy and aromatic scent. In the flicker of the candlelight I set a small vase of tulips and spent some time in quiet contemplation.

There is a closeness in the quiet darkness outside on these nights and I find it somewhat exhilerating when a lone dog barks suddenly whilst I'm in my reverie. In the amber glow of the many candles I light in My Lady's honour, I can never help but feel that the image of Hekate on my shrine is somehow smiling, just ever so slightly - and this gives a feeling of both comfort and pride.

Other ways I celebrate this Holy Day include buying dog food/treats and leaving them in the dog charity collection bin at the local supermarket; I often find random inspiration to create something in some form or other, be it writing or art and these things become offerings. I have left meals at Crossroads which I try to make as safe and degradeable to the surrounding environment. There are undoubtedly more ways worship Hekate at the Deipnon and I'm sure I will discover some of them in time.

"Torch-bearing Hekate holy daughter of great-bosomed Nyx."

Seven Days of Hekate: Third Times the Charm!

Well what a pain that I STILL haven't managed to sort this little project out from the last time I tried to start it but after the first month of a new year with the usual post-holiday downers like bills, weight issues, work and all that I'm happy to have some time to myself (the next 5 days actually) where I will be getting on top of all the things still outstanding!

So to get us in the mood I'd like to share a little inspired writing which will get the ball rolling and then over the next few entries I'll be talking about the Deipnon, my finished Hekate tattoo, my review of "Hekate Nytcipolus" by Jade Sol Luna, sharing my experiences from my carrying out of the Rite of the Red Cord!

"Robed in Night and crowned with Starfire
I give praise and thanks to You
On this, the Darkest of Nights.
In the crisp silence of the Witching Hour
I set the candles flickering,
the incense smoke spiralling to the heavens.
The drum of my own heart beats out the tempo
to my words which rise and fall,
calling out to You!
Flanked by dogs with eyes like burning jewels
You come across, from above and from below.
Three roads meet where You stand
Mighty and regal with torches in hand.
Fierce protectress and nurturing guide
Whose very presence inspires
both joy and fear!
Tonight beneath a sky of flickering diamonds,
the scent of jasmine lingering on tendrils of smoke
I offer up sweet wine, poured into the Earth;
a simple feast - banquet of the lost and hungry - at Your sacred place.
By words, flame and deed
Hear me and be joyous as I praise Your fathomless Mystery
Hail Hekate!"

Seven Days of Hekate: False Start

Where does the time go!?!

After attempting my little "Seven Days" project I can't believe how quickly time has just flown by what with work and the Holiday Season and now we're starting down the path of our 2011 journey.

So, as this post coincides with the end and beginning of the year, as well as the lunar month I will reignite my project and take it from there!

Hail Hekate!

Seven Days of Hekate: #1

This post marks the start of a little project I want to carry out over the next (hopefully) seven days straight. In each post I'll either muse, share, explain create something for the blog which I hope you will find interesting.

Today I want to talk about the little travel shrine I put together to bring with me to Cornwall whilst I visited my parents. As my main shrine has once again expanded and I wouldn't like to risk transporting my larger statues for fear of them getting damaged, I looked at putting together something portable and convenient that I would be able to take with me on this and any other trip away from home.

Yes I know I don't really need to have something like this but I find it is handy (for me anyways) to have something to focus on, to go through my little ritual "habits" even if on a small scale. There's something devotional about setting up your little piece of the Sacred Divine once you've settled in; just that little extra homely touch.

So, firstly I found a playing card box I've had for a couple of years. It is sturdy wood with a nice floral carving on the lid. It did have a wooden divide inside, but I removed this to give the inside a larger space.

Next I got a black silk square which would act as both an altar cloth and a little bit of protection for the other items that would go in. I then stumbled upon a lovely little pewter figure of Hekate I had otherwise forgotten about hiding in another box along with a small skull icon, an old key and a piece of Chiastolite, the "cross stone", which put me in mind of a crossroads.

I found a small incense cone holder made from wood with copper and mirror-mosiac pieces that I thought would make a lovely little pedestal for the Hekate figurine and I also took the little metal Anubis dog from my main altar, which I use to represent Hekate's hound(s). Finally I took a card from my original Tarot Deck - the Moon, which depicts triple Hekate; an image I've always liked.

Bundled all together it was a perfect - and powerful - little collection of items. I also brought two LED votive "candles" that, although they don't fit in the box, add a subtle glow of candlelight whilst being safe to use (especially in hotels where lighting incense and candles could be risky). Just to cap things off I popped in a vial of Hekate oil and my Hekate Witches Ladder.

I'm really pleased with the way I've laid it out on the top of the chest of drawers in my room and despite its simplicity, it definately feels like I've brought a little bit of Hekate with me! As a sidenote, I'm currently thinking of a way to make a sort of diorama-style shrine out of the main box, which would be used both as a centre piece and potentially as the shrine itself. Once I get started on this project I'll document the progress here, naturally.

I'm not 100% sure what the next entry will be, these Seven Days posts are going to be a little more off the cuff, so to speak, but rest assured it'll be something undoubtedly Hekatean!

Making Hekate a Part of Me

I am currently in the middle of getting a devotional tattoo done of the Goddess Hekate. This is my sixth tattoo, my second devotional and serious piece too. I have the wonderful talents of Donna Finney of Infinite Ink to thank for both my pieces. The first one was for Dionysos; an image taken from the Mythic Oracle deck (pictured left).

The end result of this one was more than I could ever have imagined; nine hours of endurance and skill left me with a breath taking piece of art forever on my body. So pleased was I with the tattoo (the first one from Donna, who I had discovered whilst looking for the right artist for the job) that I immediately wanted Donna to play a role with my Hekate tattoo.

Unlike my Dionysos one, I did not have a single image that I immediately clicked with or liked. Hekate is a Goddess of many faces and forms and I was at a loss as to how to take my idea further. I collected about a dozen of my favourite images of Hekate, detailing her sacred symbols, her most notable forms, and the abstract nature of Her composition in modern artistic representation as well as the powerful simplicity of ancient sculpture. That together with an A4 sheet of basic information (symbols, epithets etc) I left the entire thing in Donna’s capable hands.

A couple of weeks later I popped back in to view the design Donna had drawn up and I was blown away! She had encapsulated the essence of Hekate for me; though I hadn’t had a specific idea of what I wanted, it was now present in her design.

The triplicity, the torches, the sacred animals – it was simple, striking and meaningful and I couldn’t wait to get started!

It is currently 3 hours in and the main figure of Hekate is mostly complete. When it came down to colours, again I could not make up my mind 100% so I went with Donna’s suggestions and I’m really glad I did. I love the striking red robe, blending with the subtle firelight from the torches. I also adored the idea of making Hekate’s face, hair and exposed skin grey, highlighted by the torchlight. It brings realism to the piece, a subtlety.

The remaining imagery of the owl, serpent, dog and (to be added) moon against what I feel is a twilight sky will really bring this piece together and I only have to wait another two weeks to get back under the needle. Seems like an age, but it is well worth it and I hope to have many more wonderful, powerful and meaningful tattoos from Donna in the future!

In the coming days, I am going to start a little blogging project I’m calling “Seven Days of Hekate” – stay tuned…