Walking the Talk - Living Life as a Keybearer for the Covenant of Hekate

 Often as we go about our day we can forget about those steps that we certainly practice as Keybearers for the Covenant of Hekate.

As part of our dedication to the Goddess, we commit to following what we call the Five Virtues of Hecate.

These virtues are:

• Compassion
• Courage
• Temperance
• Justice
• Wisdom

We agree to reach each other with respect, honesty, and loving kindness. Too often as we go about our day or get caught up in the daily grind we forget that we should treat others how we want to be treated. We get busy and sometimes forget to be kind and compassionate with our actions and words.

A good rule to remember is:

• Is it true
• Is it necessary
• Is it kind

If the answer to any of these is no, just use the backspace button. I think this is especially important when working together on projects online. Too often we can forget that there are people on the other side of the screen. Here are some other tips for working online.

• Wait 5 minutes before replying
• Try to read the message from the other perspective
• Re-read everything you post

Some years ago I worked on a project to create the Five Virtues of Hecate. As part of this, we created a prayer to help us stay in the right mindset and honor the Goddess.

Prayer of the 5-Virtues of Hekate

Sacred Goddess Hekate
help me to manifest Justice in my actions
Temperance in my soul
Courage in my choices
Wisdom in my words
Compassion towards all beings.

How do you work with her? Do you honor the five virtues of Hecate? It all boils down very simply to, treat others how you want to be treated.

Volunteers do this work out of a love for giving. Think twice before posting or attacking them. It may seem like you're just venting but treating others with disregard or belittling the work that volunteers do for your organization can lead to less participation from them and cause your volunteers to quit. 

If you're walking around with the title and the position be sure that your actions are in line with the position you're presenting. The queen should act like a queen. Don't cheapen your title by behaving poorly.

Namaste,

Sosanna

What are the Five Virtues of Hekate?

(This article was written as part of a group project by members)
 

Compassion

– Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Compassion within their daily life and practice would desire to aid in the alleviation of any undesirable situation or at the very least not be a contributing factor towards it.

 

Real Life Example – You could try to help the homeless or less fortunate be they of the two or four-legged variety. Volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives are great ways to learn and show compassion.

 

Courage

– Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Courage within their daily life and practice may choose to stand firm against those who would choose to undermine their beliefs or convictions or to speak out against those who hurt and undermine others.

 

Real-Life Example – Try standing up for someone you or your friendship group may deem unpopular. Also when someone shows remorse for a wrongdoing some people will continue to be angry and unforgiving. Instead, state your position calmly (in itself an act of courage) and then allow the situation to pass.

 

Temperance

– Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Temperance within their daily life and practice may choose to restrict some part of their life be that thought or action in an attempt to find a balance rather than choosing to allow extremes.

 

Real-Life Example – Try abstaining from certain types of food or drink or showing restraint in discussions online. An example would be to learn to hold one’s tongue and listen a bit more before jumping into an argument.

 

Justice

– Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Justice within their daily life would strive to act fairly, truthfully, and with personal integrity when dealing with others and themselves.

 

Real-Life Example – Try to treat others fairly, in action and tone be it online or in person. Try to not pass judgment on another based on your own feelings for a person, your understanding of the situation, or hearsay. There are often two (or more) sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere between. If the truth cannot be ascertained then try being impartial.

 

Wisdom

– To have the common sense, foresight, and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Wisdom within their daily life would strive to apply their knowledge and experiences in a prudent and practical way.

 

Real-Life Example – Try volunteering to share a topic that you are knowledgeable about with a local group or center. Offer to do a guest blog post or write an article for an eZine on a particular subject.