Hecate Sites - Aigina

Aigina is an island off the coast near Athens. Pausanias mentioned it in the 2nd century C.E., saying that "of all the Gods, the Aiginetans honour Hekate the most and they celebrate Her mystery every year, saying Orpheus of Trace established it for them. Inside the enclosure is a temple with a wooden statue by Myron [a famous sculptor] having one face and body." (Translation taken from Hekate in Ancient Greek Religion by Robert Von Rudloff.)

The temple that remains was originally dedicated to Aphaia, a local goddess who shares some characteristics with Artemis. Artemis Herself is closely associated with Hekate, especially in Classical and later literature. According to the Theogony of Hesiod, Hekate and Artemis are close cousins (their mothers, Asteria and Leto, are sisters). Von Rudloff explore the links between Hekate and Artemis further in his book.

The cult of Aphaia was established very early, possibly in the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C.E. Aphaia was later assimilated by Athena.

There are no clear evidence of Hekate worship here, but hints remain. The sanctuary flourished in the Archaic period, when Hekate was still widely worshipped. Figurines of pregnant women dating from the prehistoric period were found there, which might suggest a link to Hekate as Goddess of Childbirth, a role suggested by Hesiod (c.700 B.C.E.) and referred to in Classical times.

The temple we see today was built around 500 B.C.E., though an earlier building existed on the site in the 6th century, but it was burnt down in around 510. The sanctuary declined in importance at the beginning of the 1st century.

I felt an ancient echo of Hekate here, buried below layers of history and worship of other deities. I found it very difficult to get much of a sense of Her in the temple itself and felt much more connected in certain spots nearby. The site was pretty deserted when we arrived and the staff left us to ourselves so we could comfortably make whatever devotions felt appropriate.

Though the site is fairly remote it is on the itinerary of several tour companies, so when people do turn up, they come in coach loads, so if you arrive during a quite time, make the most of it!

Hekate Pilgrimage/Aigina