In this episode, we dive into the mystical world of Charmed to explore two powerful goddesses—Hekate and Kali. We uncover their fascinating origin stories, their roles in mythology, and the ways they have been worshipped or feared throughout history. Then, we shift focus to how these deities are represented in the series, examining the creative liberties taken and what it says about their place in popular culture. Join us as we blend mythology, magic, and media in this spellbinding discussion!
TRIGGER WARNING: Some references to kidnapping, rape, sexual coercion, and violence are included in this episode as related to the episodes and to mythology.
Learn more:
The Arcana Wiki. (2019). Lasa. http://arcana.wikidot.com/lasa
Atsma, A. J. (2019). Hekate. Theoi Project. https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html
British Museum and London Durgotsav Committee (2022, September 20). Feminine power: Welcoming a new goddess Kali icon. The British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/feminine-power-welcoming-new-goddess-kali-icon
Cartwright, M. (2013, June 21). Kali. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Kali/
Charmed Wiki. (n.d.). Jeweled poignard of the Order of the Stephanine Cross. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Jeweled_Poignard_of_the_Order_of_the_Stephanine_Cross
Conway, D. J. (2023). Maiden, Mother, Crone: The myth and reality of the Triple Goddess. Llewellyn Publications .
Doniger, W. (2024, December 7). Kali: Hindu goddess. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kali
Grimassi, R. (2003). The Witch’s familiar: Spiritual partnerships for successful magic. Llewellyn publications.
Mackay, D. (2024, June 13). Everything you need to know about Hecate (Maiden, Mother, Crone). The Collector. https://www.thecollector.com/hecate-goddess-magic-witchcraft/
The Met. (2024). Goddess Kali. Site name. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/849495
Natesan, S. (2020, November 20). Ma Kali. Hindu American Foundation. https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/ma-kali
Palmer Museum of Art (n.d.). African brilliance: A diplomat’s sixty years of collecting, catalogue 27. https://exhibitions.psu.edu/s/african-brilliance/page/catalogue-27
Struck, P. T. (2020). Dictionary. University of Pennsylvania: Arts & Sciences Department of Classical Studies. https://www2.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/tools/dictionary.php?regexp=HECATE&method=standard
Took, T. (2013). Lasa. The obscure goddess online directory. https://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/lasa.php
Toothpickings. (2018, August 30). Vampires & mirrors: Shattering a myth. Medium. https://toothpickings.medium.com/vampires-mirrors-shattering-a-myth-bcb4199e0531
