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):
Imagine a spinning toy, like a top. That’s kind of what a strophalos is. It’s a circular symbol that represents Hekate, the goddess of many things because it spins, and she has power in three realms (like a circle with three sections). In magic, people use the strophalos to connect with Hekate’s power.
Iynx or iygnes (Yelling/Crying Out): This word is another way to say strophalos. It comes from a story where love magic was involved (yelling for love!). Some people call them “ferrymen” because they act like a bridge between humans and the magic world.
Basically, the iynx (or strophalos) helps magic flow, especially when calling on Hekate, love magic, or attracting specific energy.
According to the Chaldean Oracles, the whirling of iynx (or iygnes) was performed either to invoke Hekate or in devotion to her. These spinning devices may not look quite how we imagine them, as they are described as being made of gold and sapphire, mounted onto bullhide cord and inscribed with special symbols. The whirring noise it creates may have helped people enter a meditative state.
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.
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