Hecate Night: November 16

November 15: The Lantern Vigil In late-autumn traditions found in parts of Europe, as the days grow shorter, carrying or crafting a lantern becomes a symbolic act of guidance. This date also sits on the threshold of the Night of Hecate, a moment associated with crossroads, intuition and protection.

Ritual for Intentions and the Path Ahead This ritual is simple, safe and meaningful. It aligns the mind with the season, honors the turning of the light, and prepares us for the deeper introspection associated with mid-November and the days leading up to the Night of Hecate. 1. Choose a heat-safe jar lantern or a paper lanternwith a battery tea light. Sit in a quiet space with the lantern unlit. 2. Take three slow breaths, imagining the air clearing your thoughts. 3. On a small piece of paper, write a word or phrase that represents the path you wish to follow (clarity, courage, discipline, creativity). 4. Put the paper inside or under your lantern. If using a jar lantern, you can affix the note to the inside wall with tape. 5. Activate the candle or battery light and say something like: “May this light guide my steps and reveal what serves my highest good.” 6. Carry the lantern for a few minutes outdoors or stand by a window. Let the light reflect your direction for the coming weeks.

Where Lanterns Lead Us 🏮 Around the world, this season is illuminated by festivals and traditions, each a small spark of inspiration for The Lantern Vigil: Laternelaufen (Germany): Children walk together with handmade lanterns in evening processions around the feast of Saint Martin of Tours on November 11. Laternelaufen » Räbeliechtli (Switzerland): In Swiss German regions, children carve glowing turnip lanterns and parade through the streets on dark November evenings. Learn more » Martinisingen (Northern Germany): A tradition of singing, lanterns and blessing the neighborhood around November 10-11. Martinisingen » Origins of The Night of Hecate Ancient rites, lunar traditions, and contemporary pagan practice shaped November 16 into a meaningful night of magic and reflection. Click through to uncover where this observance began, how it evolved, and why so many witches honor Hecate on this date today: The Night of Hecate » Offerings to the Goddess 🫴 A simple offering for protection and wisdom: • Leave a key on your altar for the night • Place a bit of garlic, lavender or rosemary at a crossroads or doorway • Light a black candle and ask for clarity in choices still unseen   Ritual Ideas 🕯️ Here are some helpful ideas to celebrate the Night, each offering inspiration for devotion, purification, and moon-centered magic: • Hecate Devotional: A guided prayer and offering practice • Hecate Witches Chant: A simple chant to connect with Hecate’s energy  • Prayer to Hekate to Avert Evil Spirits: A protective invocation  • Keeping Track of the Moon Phases: Support your timing for dark-moon work • New Moon Ritual Bath: A cleansing practice inspired by the Deipnon • Methods of Cleansing and Purification: Ideas for home purification • Altar Blessing Ritual: Prepare a sacred space for your offerings Source:Spells8