Coven

Just a Witch and His Familiar

Who here is a Hereditary Witch and inherited their power at birth?
- John Wright wants to know!

The Black Hounds

Introduction:

Black hounds, also known as hellhounds, are mythological creatures that have been present in various cultures throughout history. One of the most prominent examples of black hounds can be found in the Greek goddess Hekate's mythology. Hekate is often depicted with black dogs, which are believed to be her familiars. These black dogs have been associated with the underworld and are believed to serve as Hekate's guides in the realm of the dead. This paper will explore the significance of black hounds as Hekate's symbol and the role they play in ferrying spirits to the underworld.

Historical Context:

Hekate is a Greek goddess who is often associated with witchcraft, magic, and the underworld. In Greek mythology, she is the goddess of crossroads, ghosts, and necromancy. Hekate is often depicted holding torches or keys, which symbolize her ability to guide the dead to the underworld. She is also often accompanied by black dogs, which are believed to be her familiars.

Black dogs have been a part of Greek mythology since ancient times. In Greek culture, black dogs were often seen as omens of death and were associated with the underworld. This belief was also present in other cultures, such as Celtic and Norse mythology, where black dogs were believed to be guardians of the dead.

Role of Black Hounds in Hekate's Mythology:

Black hounds play a significant role in Hekate's mythology. They are believed to be Hekate's guides in the underworld, helping her to ferry spirits to the realm of the dead. In some depictions, Hekate is shown riding on the back of a black dog, emphasizing the close relationship between the goddess and these creatures.

In addition to serving as Hekate's guides, black hounds are also believed to be her familiars. Familiars are spirits or animals that are believed to assist witches in their magical workings. Black dogs are considered to be powerful familiars due to their association with the underworld and their ability to guide spirits to the realm of the dead.

The use of black dogs as familiars is not limited to Hekate's mythology. In European folklore, black dogs were often associated with witchcraft and were believed to be the familiars of witches. It is believed that witches would call upon these black dogs to aid them in their magical workings.

Black hounds have been a significant part of mythology and folklore for centuries. In Greek mythology, black dogs are associated with Hekate, the goddess of witchcraft, magic, and the underworld. They are believed to be her guides in the realm of the dead, helping her to ferry spirits to the underworld.

Black dogs are also considered to be powerful familiars due to their association with the underworld and their ability to guide spirits. The use of black dogs as familiars is not limited to Hekate's mythology and is a recurring theme in European folklore. The association of black dogs with witchcraft and the underworld has led to their continued significance in modern-day occult practices.

I want to briefly discuss the controversial topic of the duality between Pagan religions and those of Christianity and Catholicism.

I have often heard Jesus referred to as a Pagan god made flesh here on Earth or at least referred to as a witch himself.

As someone who was raised by a very Catholic mother, you can imagine the struggles one can face in that situation. My aunt was teaching us the craft and how to control it properly, even at such a young age. It was tremendously helpful to see the similarities in the stories rather than the differences. I also found Paganism, especially growing up around the coven of Southold, to be more accepting.

In the past, during my truest moments of need, I have even gone back to my original prayer teachings of Catholicism. It was comforting and eventually led me to study and practice Hoodoo.

In my present-day craft, I have completely combined these two ideas into one. I believe that we are all really praying to the same energies and the same deities. Perhaps there is a Christian and Catholic deity that believes it is the one true god; we should never underestimate energy and faith.

I personally believe that there are deities, and like us, they are slivers or slices of the grand universal consciousness, which I believe to be our true omnipotent divining ruler. After all, even the moon and sun were created by forces beyond themselves.

I will end this with a prayer I often say to Hecate, which is adapted from the prayer of Hail Mary.

"Hail Maiden, Mother and Crone, Cernunnos is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst witches, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Gaia. Hail Hekaté, Mother of all, guide us your children, now until the hour of our deaths. Blessed be."

This is my personal practice that I am sharing for the sake of those who face the same struggle. I am in no way saying that this is the only way, as everyone's craft in witchcraft is as individualized as their DNA.

Blessed be.

J. Wright

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