Hecate's Deipnon1, or Hecate's Supper is a meal served to Hecate and her retinue of spirits on the dark of the moon or the last night of the lunar month. It is traditionally left at the crossroads, or in front of the home at the "crossroad" between public and private space.
The purpose of the Deipnon is to honor Hecate, to earn Her forgiveness for any slights against her that may have been committed during the month and to appease any vengeful spirits who may be traveling with Her.
Preparation for the Deipnon begins with purification of the home. The floor is thoroughly swept and the sweepings are gathered and placed on Hecate's shrine along with the food offerings that make up the feast. This symbolizes the "garbage" from the last month that you don't want to bring into the next, including any "sins" and misfortunes.
Many modern worshippers of Hecate take this opportunity to clear out their closets and cupboards as well and pass on any physical items they no longer need by donating them to charity. This practice is inspired by the following quote for Aristophones2:
"Ask Hekate whether it is better to be rich or starving; she will tell you that the rich send her a meal every month and that the poor make it disappear before it is even served."
Traditional food items for the Deipnon include eggs, leeks, garlic and fish (especially herring). Incense and candles are often included as well. Some prefer to present an offering of a portion of the meal prepared for the family or the bake special cakes or other items for the occasion. It is important to walk away quickly without looking back after the Deipnon has been served, so as not to catch sight of the dead in the act of consuming their offering. Indeed, I have been told that on the night of Hecate's Supper, it is very bad luck to even look outside after the meal has been served.
Hecate's Supper is the first of the monthly New Moon rituals, followed by Noumenia the next evening when the first sliver of the moon is visible in the sky, and Agathos Daimon the day after that.
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I would like to know the significance behind leaving things at the crossroads or discarding things at the crossroads?
Hecate is the Goddess of the crossroads. It's generally symbolic of 3 ways, past/present/future, Earth/Sky/Sea, etc. But you leave offerings for Hecate at the Crossroads because that is her sacred place.
There are other symbolisms of crossroads independent of Hecate that come from the practice of hanging criminals at crossroads, so that as many people as possible would see them and get the warning. This made crossroads creepy and led to the belief that evil spirits hang out at crossroads (it's interesting to speculate on the fact that Hecate's association with unfriendly spirits correlates, as this was a late addition to her lore, and which came first.). When all magic became associated with evil spirits, it follows that you'd go looking for evil spirits if you wanted magical intervention, and if they hang out at crossroads, it makes sense.
Crossroads are also an in-between place. In-between places are where you meet with spirits.
i was wondering what do you do with the plate after the offering, do you pick it up the next morning and throw it away or just leave it on the road?
I was also wondering what plate do you use for the offering, i used plastic plates, is that ok?
You pick it up and wash it and put it away till next time.
I don't think the material of the plate matters, but, frankly, I am horrified by the idea of leaving garbage laying around and so everyone should be.
If you leave the plate outside your front door. .. If there is food on it still the next day. .. Do you throw that away or toss in the woods?… And do you have to have everything on the list on the plate? … Also if you leave it at the Crossroads. .. Can you leave it off to the side? … ours is busy! ..
Yes. At the crossroads, not IN the crossroads. And I generally put any leftovers in the compost.
I live in nyc where is the how can I find crossroads?
I think maybe I don't understand this question.