Poseideia-Hekateia

Athenian Calendar Dates: 8 Poseideon
Honouring: Poseidon and Hekate Einalia
Origin: This is a modern festival that is unique to the Sanctuary.

What is Poseideia-Hekateia?

This festival was created in honour of the partnership between Poseidon and Hekate as written about in Hesiod’s Theogony. We also honour Hekate Einalia (of the Sea).

Here are some of the lines that describe Hekate’s domain over the sea:

  • He [Zeus] gave her splendid gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea.
  • but she holds, as the division was at the first from the beginning, privilege both in earth, and in heaven, and in sea.
  • And she is good to stand by horsemen, whom she will: and to those whose business is in the grey discomfortable sea, and who pray to Hekate and the loud-crashing Earth-Shaker [Poseidon], easily the glorious goddess gives great catch, and easily she takes it away as soon as seen, if so she will

Hesiod, Theogony 404 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or 7th B.C.)

Her connection to the sea is also referenced in the Orphic Hymn to Hekate:

  • Hekate Einodia, Trioditis [Trivia], lovely dame, of earthly, watery, and celestial frame

Orphic Hymn 1 to Hecate (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) 

Offerings to Hekate:

  • Milk
  • Honey
  • Wine
  • Olive oil
  • Grains
  • Pomegranate
  • Cakes (such as small honey cakes)
  • Bread
  • Plants and herbs associated with the underworld (e.g. asphodel, cypress, mint)
  • Candles or torches
  • Incense
  • Votives offerings such as depictions of dogs and polecats
  • For Hekate Einalia:
    • Seashells
    • Sea glass
    • Ocean-inspired votive offerings
    • Natural items from the beach
    • Gemstones related to the ocean

Offerings to Poseidon:

  • Honey
  • Water
  • Wine
  • Olive oil
  • Votive offerings such as depictions of horses, dolphins, ships, bulls, fish and other ocean imagery
  • Trident imagery
  • Gemstones such as pearls, aquamarine, and others that remind you of the sea
  • Also gemstones and rocks that are earthy, as Poseidon is a god of earthquakes
  • Incense
  • Natural items from the beach

Ways to Celebrate Poseideia-Hekateia

  • Write and recite a hymn to Hekate Einalia and/or Poseidon.
  • Read Hekate’s part in the Theogony and reflect on it.
  • Light a candle as an offering to Hekate and Poseidon.
  • Cook a meal or offer food.
  • Meditate with the gods.
  • Give offerings to the gods.
  • Do a series of devotional acts for Hekate Einalia and Poseidon:
    • Cleaning up a local beach or local bodies of water
    • Donating to sea-life conservation
    • Visiting the beach or a local body of water
  • Dress in clothing or accessories that remind you of the ocean.
  • Take care of horses, fish or other significant animals to the gods.
  • Plan and conduct a ritual to honour Hekate and Poseidon.
  • Research about Hekate Einalia and Poseidon
    • There aren’t many primary sources about Hekate Einalia apart from what has been written above, though you can look into other people’s experiences and findings to reflect on them and dive deeper.
  • Do divination with Hekate and Poseidon.
  • Read a book for them related to the ocean.

Celebrating Poseideia-Hekateia at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads

At the Sanctuary of the Crossroads, you can celebrate by joining our group guided meditation sessions centering Hekate Einalia.

You can also share what activities and offerings you are dedicating to Hekate Einalia and Poseidon for the day!

© Sanctuary of the Crossroads 2026