What is Strophalos or Hekate’s wheel?
Iynx or Strophalos is an ancient Hellenic symbol dated before 2300 b.C. It is an ancient Greek tool for drawing magical energy towards you or generating energy from your body. It can also be used to send energy out to others or to a situation. This tool was described by the philosopher Damascius. It’s a special tool used by witches who are devoted to Hekate, according to the Byzantine scholar Michael Psellos. In Ancient Greece, it was used with a bird or as a spinning wheel. It was made of gold, crystals, leather, or other materials, with special symbols written on it.
Making your own lynx isn’t too hard. You’ll need an electric drill with circular bits to make the disk, sandpaper to smooth it, and cylindrical wood for the handles. Use a small drill for the holes for the rope, and choose thin but durable rope made of natural fibers.
The Use of the Iynx:
a Spinning Tool for Connecting with Hekate
The Iynx, also called a strophalos, is a special tool used to connect with the goddess Hekate. It’s like a spinning top blessed in Hekate’s name.
Here’s how to use it:
- Hold the Iynx and spin it: While spinning, you can say magic words, wishes, or a special chant. Imagine what you want to achieve as you spin.
- Stop spinning and visualize: Once the Iynx slows down, stop talking and focus on a clear picture of your goal.
- Raise energy (optional): If you’re performing a ritual in a circle, you can spin the Iynx to raise energy and then visualize when you stop.
The Iynx and the Vowels:
In the past, people used the Iynx with special sounds (vowels) connected to planets and stars. These sounds helped them connect with Hekate on a deeper level.
An ancient use of the Strophalos involves correctly pronouncing each of the seven vowels, associated with the planets and astral spheres, to align with planetary energies. This prepares the mind for deeper connection during invocation. I use the fourfold breathing technique before serious rituals.
A = Moon
E = Mercury
H = Venus
I = Sun
O = Mars
Y = Jupiter
Ω = Saturn
This method can connect you with Hekate or a specific aspect of her. The sound and movement of the lynx should match perfectly.
Hekate is considered the Cosmic Soul receiving ideas from the Paternal Intellect and transmitting them to the Creator God. The iynx is linked with these ideas. According to the law of sympathy, the spinning of the lynx depends on Hekate. The Witch-Theurgist should use this power wisely. The Iynx functions to invoke Hekate within the Witch-Theurgist.
Strophalos (Spinning Wheel):
Here’s a revised version with reduced passive voice:
Imagine a spinning toy, like a top. That’s essentially what a strophalos resembles. It’s a circular symbol that represents Hekate, the goddess of many things, because it spins and symbolizes her power in three realms (like a circle with three sections). In magic, practitioners use the strophalos to connect with Hekate’s power.
Iynx or iygnes (Yelling/Crying Out): This word is another name for the strophalos. It originates from a story involving love magic (yelling for love!). Some refer to them as “ferrymen” because they bridge the human and magical worlds.
The iynx (or strophalos) essentially helps magic flow, especially when invoking Hekate, performing love magic, or attracting specific energy.
The Chaldean Oracles describe the whirling of iynx (or iygnes) as a practice to invoke Hekate or show devotion to her. People crafted these spinning devices from gold and sapphire, mounted them onto bullhide cords, and inscribed them with special symbols. The whirring noise they produced likely helped users enter a meditative state.
Let me know if you’d like further edits!
How to Make an Ancient Greek Strophalos
Strophalos (iynx) printable template:
Cut out both of these symbols, attaching one to each side of your cardboard disc. Use the two dots on either side of the star on the left hand Strophalos as a guide for piercing a hole for the string.
The Key Points:
- The Iynx helps you connect with Hekate, the goddess of magic.
- Spinning the Iynx and focusing your thoughts helps you visualize your goals.
- You can use special sounds (vowels) to deepen the connection.
Remember:
Both the strophalos and iynx are tools for magic.
They help connect with Hekate’s power.
Use them wisely and respectfully.
Visit our Facebook page.
One thought on “What is Strophalos”
Comments are closed.