My Personal Shrine

At the heart of my personal shrine, Hestia, goddess of the hearth, holds everything together. I acquired this image from the back cover of my copy of a 1980s SageWoman Magazine. It represents my long and deep connection with her. When I stand before this image, I feel the comforting embrace of home.

To Hestia’s left, a small statue of Ganesha sits on a platform as a reminder of a significant moment on my spiritual journey and the hope for a second chance. Though I turned away from his call in devotion to my Jewish path, Ganesha, now silent, emanates a gentle benevolence. On Hestia’s right, a janut (a nod to Sofia Samatar’s fantasy tale) that I call Lara embodies the protective power that has shielded my soul through life’s battering waves.

Holy Mother Leah, a figure deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, shares qualities with Esau, my favorite biblical figure. Her portrait reminds me of the importance of forging a meaningful life without relying on the love or approval of others.

The image of Hekate on the right side of my shrine changes often, as I have many images of her. The left side of my shrine contains a pillar-like statue of Artemis, reminiscent of Asherah, and a delicate glass vase, like the one Hekate sometimes holds in one hand. The Artemis statue as well as a large, red-eyed serpent brooch, representing Nehustan, were gifts from my friend, Kesam. Ceramic cats, symbols of affection and grace, playfully explore the space, adding a touch of whimsy to the shrine’s solemnity.

Before the first candle flame flickers before Hestia, I invoke her in modern Greek: Estía, i próti kai i televtaía, theá tis estías. Estía, yemáti evloyíes, theá pou me akoúei. “Hestia the first and last, goddess of the hearth. Hestia full of blessings, goddess who hears me.” 

Next, I light the candles before Ganesha and Lara, reciting words of recognition and gratitude: “Ganesha of the benevolent gaze” and “Lara, protector of my spirit.” Then I light two more candles for “Hekate, teacher of sorcery” and “Artemis-Asherah.”

Next to my shrine, the glossy black stove top is where I kindle Shabbos, yahrzeit, and Hanukkah lights. My kiddush cup stands there during Shabbat and incense burns there during the week. A magnificent hanukkiah, also a gift from Kesam, towers at the back of the stove; it is a reminder of tradition, and its enormous size means it dominates my whole studio apartment.

A smaller shrine rests on my desk, featuring the same image of Hestia. A carved wooden Tree of Life, with subdued colors, shows the traditional attribution of Hebrew letters. A photograph of a reddish-orange ceramic image of Hekate with two torches to guide Persephone from the underworld reminds me of Hekate’s long history. A necklace bearing Thor’s Hammer serves as a testament to the thunderstorms that have brought me messages of significance. The wall is covered with photographs of joyous moments with friends and nature, as well as a replica of an antique Shiviti.

I perform rituals before various trays set against the northern wall of my home. The tray becomes an altar, holding the tools and symbols necessary for ritual and spell-craft. Seated in front of this altar, I transport myself to Hekate’s astral temple where I can take purposeful action to shape my life.

Tarot Cards and Sacred Signs

For some tarot readers, certain cards are signs of direct communication from a beloved deity or spiritual guide. Inspired by this, I decided to find which cards Hestia might use to get my attention. Over the course of several days I pulled cards, sometimes finding immediate insight into Hestia's choice, and sometimes being left with questions that I know will be answered in time.

I continued this experiment with other beings: Ganesha, Lara the Protector of my Spirit, Shekhinah-Asherah, HaKadosh Barechu, Sarah Immeinu, Holy Mother Leah, and others.

When I asked Hestia which cards would serve as her sign, the Queen of Wands seemed an obvious and fitting choice for the Goddess of the Hearth. 

Shekhinah-Asherah selected thought-provoking cards. Each card offered glimpses into beginnings, transformations, and endings.

As I sat with the cards that will indicate communication from HaKadosh Barechu, I felt a sense of rightness. It will take time for their significance to dawn on me.

Two pair of cards drawn for Ganesha, made me wonder. Each pair included an image of a difficult situation as well as a picture of joy.
 

Sarah Immeinu's card, The Wheel of Fortune, mirrored the ups and downs of her remarkable life. 

Leah's card intrigued me. The King of Cups was more enigmatic than ever, only leaving me with questions: does it signify her love for Yaakov, her recognition of God's power, or her journey to emotional maturity?

Lara revealed a symbol of authority and true power. That message was very clear, telling me to embrace my own strength and assert my influence in the world.

I had encountered Ulmo and Nienna in The Silmarillion when I was in my early adolescence. Those two have continued to resonate with me throughout the years. 

Nienna is the goddess of lamentation and her card which can symbolize a wedding, where a glass is broken under the chuppah because, as was explained by Rabbi Alan Berg, if we can remember our greatest sorrow at a time of joy, then we will be able to remember our greatest joy in a time of sorrow.

Ulmo, Tolkien's God of the Sea, cared deeply for Elves and Men. His realm extended up through all waterways to lakes and streams, so he could hear their prayers and aid those who called to him.

They say everyone has a spiritual guide. Eager to meet mine, I pulled two cards. They are joyful cards whose significance still eludes me.

Over time, I will continue pull cards to find connections to other divine beings.