The Deipnon is a sacred time when we gather under the dark sky and the new moon, the night when Hekate walks among us with her hounds and her restless spirits. This is not just a feast, but an ancient ritual that opens the way to the hidden realm of the Crossroads, where all paths meet and magick sparks. We honor the Queen of Witches, the goddess of night, light, and the in-between, with flames for her grace and shadows for her wisdom. We cleanse our souls from the stains of the past month, remember our ancestors, and light up our intentions for the next cycle with Hekate’s torch. We seek her guidance, protection, and blessing, as we walk beside her in the liminal spaces between the worlds.

The Deipnon marks a sacred threshold, a time for cleansing and renewal. As you prepare for the ritual, consider a calming bath infused with herbs or a simple shower to purify your spirit. Symbolically, washing your hands three times can also serve as an act of purification. Extend this cleansing energy to your home and hearth, and if you have an altar dedicated to Hekate, give it extra attention to honor her presence.

Hekate, as the Goddess of Crossroads, understands the shifting paths of life and the constraints of the mortal world. Feel free to embrace this ritual in its entirety or adapt it to honor your current needs. If connecting with your ancestors or focusing on personal intentions doesn’t resonate with you at this time, that’s perfectly valid. Know that a simple prayer and offering to Hekate hold profound meaning.

Even with limited time, resources, or access to a physical crossroads, your devotion remains powerful. Your altar itself can become a place where paths converge. Alternatively, you can create a symbolic crossroads by drawing a large X on a piece of paper and placing your offering at its center.

Candles are a central element of this rite, and while any color holds significance, selecting one aligned with your intentions can amplify the ritual’s power. Black symbolizes protection, red embodies power, and purple signifies spirituality, all resonating with Hekate’s essence. To honor ancestors, white evokes connection, yellow brings clarity, and brown offers grounding. For personal intentions, green signifies growth, yellow focus, orange passion, blue tranquility, and purple intuition. Trust your instincts and choose a color that feels aligned with your purpose.

As the veil thins, the wisdom of the Crossroads calls to you. Whether you seek to honor your ancestors, find strength within, or simply deepen your connection with the mighty Hekate, let your spirit navigate this hallowed evening.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Altar space

• Incense (for cleansing and purification)

• Offerings (food and drink)

• Three candles (one for Hekate, one for the ancestors, and one for personal intention)

• Matches or a lighter

• A bell, chime, or singing bowl

Begin by cleansing yourself and your space. Light your incense and let the smoke fill every corner, purifying the area and preparing it for the ritual. As you do this, recite the following:

“As the smoke rises and transforms into air, so too may I be transformed. Let this cleansing act dispel all that hinders my connection to the sacred. May my space and my heart be purified, ready to receive the blessings and guidance offered on this Deipnon night.“

Place the three candles on your altar in a triangular formation, with the Hekate candle at the top, the ancestor candle to the left, and the personal intention candle to the right.

Light the Hekate candle and say:

“Great Hekate, Goddess of the Crossroads, Keeper of the Keys, and Queen of the Witches, I stand before you on this hallowed night of Deipnon, filled with reverence and devotion. I offer my humble prayers and seek your benevolent grace and watchful care.

As I honor the dead and cleanse my home and hearth, illuminate the path before me, guiding me through the shadows with your unyielding torch. Grant me the strength to release what no longer serves, allowing your light to reveal hidden connections and illuminate the journey ahead.

Blessed be, Hekate, and blessed be this Deipnon I share in your sacred name.“

Light the ancestor candle and say:

“Ancestors of my blood and of my heart, I gather with you on this sacred night of the Deipnon. I honor your journeys, your struggles, and your triumphs, grateful for the seeds of your spirit, blooming within the garden of my life. As I stand at the crossroads of life, I seek your wisdom and guidance. Share with me the lessons etched in your hearts, the strength that carried you through hardship, and the love that illuminated your paths. May your blessings flow through me like a mighty river, guiding my steps towards a future filled with purpose and joy.“

Light the personal intention candle and say:

“As the flame of this candle dances, it reflects the fire within my heart, alight with purpose. With deepest gratitude, Hekate, I acknowledge your unwavering grace and guiding light that illuminates my path. In your presence, I affirm my worth and the strength to manifest my intention: (state your intention with specificity and power). Yet, I surrender to your boundless wisdom, knowing your will aligns with my highest good and unfolds in ways I cannot yet fathom. With this trust, I release my attachment to the outcome, confident that your magick weaves a tapestry far more intricate and beautiful than I could imagine. Thank you, Hekate, for guiding me on this journey of transformation.“

Offer the food and drink to Hekate, saying:

“I offer this sacred meal to you, knowing that you are the giver and taker of life. As its bounty nourishes my body and spirit, may it also strengthen the bond between us and the wellspring of my ancestors.

Glorious Hekate, your touch grants both blessing and protection. Shield me and my loved ones from shadows that threaten, guiding our steps with your unwavering light. In the face of trials, grant me the courage and strength to rise above.

Wise Hekate, I honor your wisdom as the Goddess of Witchcraft and Magick. Open my heart and mind to your mysteries, guiding me on my spiritual journey with ever-expanding understanding. Bless me with your knowledge and nurture my growth in both wisdom and understanding.

Exalted Hekate, with love and gratitude I offer these sacrifices to you. Thank you for your blessings and your protection, and for your presence on this sacred night of the Deipnon. May my prayers and offerings be received with favor and may they strengthen my connection to you and to the spirits of my beloved ancestors.”

Ring the bell or chime to signal the beginning of the moment of silence.

Sit in silence for a few moments, meditating on your connection with Hekate and your ancestors. You can also offer your personal prayers and petitions to Hekate, or do some sort of divination, such as scrying or tarot cards, to receive guidance or insight from Hekate or your ancestors. Be open and receptive to the answers you receive, and trust that they are for your highest good.

End the moment of silence by thanking Hekate and your ancestors for their presence and blessings.

Blow out the personal intention candle, thanking Hekate for her guidance and protection.

Blow out the ancestor candle, thanking your ancestors for their guidance and protection.

Blow out the Hekate candle, saying:

“Hail Hekate, Queen of Witches, your reign spans unseen realms, your wisdom a blazing torch in the vast darkness! Hail Hekate, Keeper of the Keys, unlocking hidden truths and guiding souls through life’s labyrinths! Hail Hekate, Guardian of the Crossroads, where destinies shift and sacred thresholds lie!

Hekate Nykteria, Goddess of the Night, on this Deipnon your presence vibrates in the air, your unseen wisdom revealing hidden paths within the shadows! Hail Hekate Propylaia, veiled in secrets yet ever-present, weaving your magick where light and darkness meet! Hail Hekate Soteira, healer of wounds seen and unseen, your touch bringing solace and strength to weary hearts! Hail Hekate Phosphoros, your light pierces the veil, beckoning us towards a future yet unwritten!

With reverence and an open heart, I stand before you tonight, offering not just words but the essence of my being. May my actions reflect your unwavering courage, my thoughts resonate with your boundless knowledge, and my deeds honor the sacred bond that connects us all.

Remember me, Hekate, in every breath, every step, every crossroads. May my ancestors’ stories echo in my soul, their resilience fueling my journey. Blessed be, on this Deipnon night and every night that follows.”

If you have the opportunity, you can now take the offerings to a crossroads and place them there as an offering to Hekate. Choose a crossroads that is quiet, secluded, and safe, preferably away from busy traffic or prying eyes. Remember to not look back after placing the offerings, as this is considered disrespectful. Walk away confidently and trust that Hekate has accepted them.