The Gift of Hecate
In my final piece, I wanted to focus on the topic of manifestation as a narrowed version of the theme rituals. Ever since I was little, I was particularly interested in creating new objects and repurposing them to enhance their look and function. As a result of that, in this project, I wanted to accomplish this goal of repurposing and elevating cultural objects from the past to incorporate them into our daily life by modernizing them. In the final project,
I wanted to create an object that directly serves my topic of manifestation inspired by contemplative practices and sacred talismans from the past. Additionally, I wrote a researched-based story that will provide further information about the piece, including spiritual symbols and personas from different cultures.
In the making of this piece, I had an extraordinary chance to research hands both as a sacred symbol and as an enchanted limb of our mortal bodies. Additionally, I participated in an experimental process researching different materials to construct my object.
Integrative Studio – First Prototype
The Purpose Behind the Prototype
With this prototype, I intended to build a realistic version of my dream object before finalizing it. Prototypes are particularly useful for clarifying and organizing your thoughts to come up with a more professional and polished final result. In the process of building a prototype, there is a high chance for you to detect wrong measurements in your drawings and correct them. This act also allows you to have a better understanding of the materials you want to use in your final submission. Overall, prototypes offer you a great preview of what your intended object will look like once it is completed.
Material Used for the Prototype
I decided to use cardboard to construct my prototype. Cardboards are durable yet easy to shape, enabling you to form even the most complex structures. Because it has a soft build, there is no need to have special sculpting equipment to shape it. A razor blade knife is just practical enough to cave it out. To be honest, my initial intention was to use clay as a material to build my prototype out of. However, I could not go and buy it because Turkey had stay-in orders through the weekend.
The Process
First of all, I drew up to scale drawings of my final product from all 4 sides. Then guided by them, I started to build my prototype. Because you can not sculpt cardboard, like stone or clay, I had to change my strategy in order to come up with an accurate prototype. I explored the technique of stacking differently sized cardboard on top of each other to obtain a three-dimensional figure. By using my up-to-scale drawing as a template, I cut different portions of the hand several times and stacked them in a sculpture that is as accurate as it can be to the final result that I have in my mind. Below I included the template that I used for the making of my prototype.
Elevation Drawings
-
- First Layer
-
- Second Layer
-
- Third Layer
-
- Fourth Layer
Detailed Photos
-
- Photo 2
-
- Photo 3
-
- Photo 4
Integrative Studio – The Object
Idea Behind the Object
In this project, I want to develop an object that fully serves my narrowed topic of manifestation. My contemplative and sacred objects’ research made me aware of all the iconic yet mythical items in the past. I envision my object as a combination, modernized version of significant spiritual symbols from history. One of the items that attracted my attention was the Hamsa. Hamsa is an ancient talisman that compels happiness, luck, health, and good fortune to its owner’s life. It has the shape of a symmetrical open right hand. When it is faced down, it brings fertility and answers to your prayers and manifestations. Throughout Anatolian history, covens used this sacred object to make spiritual rituals involving manipulation of the universe. Another targeted object of mine is the rose quartz crystal. I have worked with this element throughout the semester, so I want to use it once again to keep up a constant theme. Rose quartz is a product of nature, and it is blessed with magical gifts of the universe. It holds the power of healing and increases the speed of the manifestations you released out to the universe. Inspired by these two powerful items, I decided to combine them into a three-dimensional hand sculpted out of rose quartz. This object will serve as an ashtray where you will collect your manifestation letters and burn them when a full moon occurs. Burning the manifestation letter will send your messages to the universe. The Hamsa and the rose quartz’s magical qualities will add speed to your practice and protect you from possible negative outcomes. Writing your needs down will also be an excellent opportunity to add a contemplative exercise to my new object. I visualize this product coming with vintage packaging with a how-to instruction included. With this item, I aim to create a product that would help me with my own everyday spiritual practices and a product that would provide an easy experience to manifest for others. (I changed my object into an ancient gift from not other than the goddess Hecate. I envisioned it as a valuable artifact that passes on centuries with great respect and care.)
The Hamsa (The Form of the Object)
This object is a modernized and repurposed version of sacred symbols from the past. The symbol of Hamsa heavily influences it. The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern symbolic object with a variety of meanings across cultures. It is an amulet symbolizing the Hand of the Goddess. It is also a talisman that brings happiness, luck, health, and good fortune to its owner. The Hamsa is represented as an open, right, symmetrical hand, which is a sign of blessing, power, and strength. It is also seen as a piece of useful equipment in diverting the evil eye, which is a malicious stare believed to be able to cause illness or even death. When the Hamsa hand faces down, it attracts all the abundance and the goodness of the universe. In this position, also brings fertility and answers to your prayers and manifestations. Each finger of the Hamsa hand symbolizes an element and a chakra. Thumb is for the element of fire and solar plexus chakra. The forefinger is for air element and heart chakra. The middle finger is for ethereal elements and throat chakra. The ring finger is for the earth element and root chakra. The pinky finger is for the water element and sacral chakra. With the passing time, this symbol has become materialized as necklaces, wall hangs, and trays. Across history, this symbol is used in many sacred rituals and practices. As a result of that, it can be clearly represented as a sacred object.
Rose Quartz (The Material of the Object)
Because I intended this object to function like an ashtray, I decided to use a stone that would be fire and heat safe. Since my theme is highly influenced by sacredness and rituals, I chose to use rose quartz instead of an ordinary stone. Because I was using this material as a signifier since the beginning of the semester, I am highly aware of its powers and spiritual importance. According to my research, Rose Quartz, a silicon dioxide crystal, is one of the most common varieties of the Quartz family. Its name is derived from its soft rose color, which ranges from very pale pink to deep reddish-pink. It usually occurs in massive form, though it sometimes grows in clusters of small prismatic crystals. It varies in clarity from opaque to translucent to foggy transparency. Some specimens contain Rutile traces within the stone, which creates six-rayed stars when polished into cabochons or spheres. Rose Quartz is feminine in tone and one of the stones of the Great Mother. It not only activates the human Heart Chakra, but it also links with the heart of the Earth and the heart of the Universe. Its vibrations can penetrate down to the cellular level and reprogram cells for joy and longevity rather than despair and death. It encourages the dissolution of anger and resentment, fear and suspicion, and brings the Light of healing, the rebirth of hope and faith in the benevolence of the Universe. Meditating with Rose Quartz assists one in reaching a resonance with the frequency of compassion, releasing emotional patterns that hold one back, and allows for embracing higher and finer frequencies of Light. Rose Quartz brings the energy rays of determination, commitment, and caring. Its soothing color calms feelings of anger or resentment and can aid efforts to meditate and reflect. Pink is the color of new love, new romance, and new relationships. It increases developing sensuality and can help overcome heartache, aiding in the improvement of our caring and loving abilities. Above all these, it is a mighty crystal to enhance the speed of your manifestations’ responses. It is an exceptionally functional crystal to manifest love with its high level of frequency and sacredness.
The Use of the Object
I designed this object with the intention of creating a piece of equipment that would be helpful in the act of manifesting. You will begin by writing your future needs in pieces of paper, folding them, and collecting them in the palm of my sacred creation. Starting with the new moon, you will repeat this process till the arrival of the full moon. With the rising full moon, you will burn the paper you have collected over time and send your messages to the universe. The sacred sigil of The Hamsa and the material of rose quartz will enhance your manifestations’ speed and power. With this object, I want to offer people a new and safe way to manifest, call your dreams into your life.
- Write your future goals on a piece of paper, using the present tense.
- Fold the paper in half and place it in the palm of the object.
- Collect your manifestations in the palm of the object.
- Burn them under a full moon.
Feedback From Professor Bryan
First of all, I must say that I am incredibly grateful for the wholesome and detailed feedback I got from my studio professor Bryan. Before suggesting various techniques and materials, Bryan appreciated me for using the drawing skills we learned earlier in the semester. After seeing the shape that I aim to make, Bryan suggested exploring different techniques for growing crystals at home. For the shape, he suggested working with resin to maintain a clear shape in the final draft. Additionally, he assigned me to examine reliquaries from different religions in order to come up with a packaging that also has a religious meaning to it. Also, focusing on my theme of rituals, he suggested exploring lucid dreaming by meditating on my hand. Finally, Bryan wanted me to learn about mudras which is a great take on the theme of hands. (22nd of February)
This week I had a chance to ask my professor how can obtain the color pink without using any pigments because they are unfortunately out of my reach at the moment. Bryan suggested me to try out lighting as an aspect of coloring. I also thought that could be an illuminating way to reflect color since the object is transparent. (26 of February /March 1st)
Feedback Form Classmates
After presenting my idea of farming my object with resin, our group warned me about the toxicity of resin. Also, suggested wearing masks, gloves, and safety goggles while working with it. Additionally, by comparing the similarities of working with resin to baking they warned me about the importance of measurements. (22nd of February)
I think that my classmates really liked the outcome of my experimentations with resin. I also asked how can I improve the packaging. My classmates suggested me to try out framing it but it seems opposed to the context of the object. (26 of February /March 1st)
The Form of the Object
Even though the talisman I am focusing on has a shape far from a realistic hand, I wanted mine to look like the exact replica of my own hand. The reason behind this approach is the fact that I want to connect this piece not only with The Hamsa but also with the sacredness of our hands as a limb and other mudras that emit energy and power.
In the process of crafting my piece, I had to research an easy yet affordable way to construct my own hand in a very realistic way. Surfing through the internet, I have found a kit in which you can create a mold of your hand and fill it with a cement mixture. It was 70 Turkish liras, so I decided to order it right after the seminar class, and the company shipped it to me by Saturday. Then I quickly started to do it…
- I prepared the mixture for the mold by mixing the powder with 3 liters of water.
- I placed my hand in it and held the same posture for 10 minutes. In this process, the substance turned into a jello texture.
- I dragged my hand out of the mold and started to create the mixture for the cement.
- I prepared the mixture for cement by rapidly mixing the powder with the proper amount of water.
- I poured the mixture into the mold and waited for it to set for 12 hours.
- Finally, I separated the hand from the mold by gently peeling the mold off.
The mold turned out the way just as I imagined. I had to say that it achieved my goal of creating a highly realistic hand shape. However, cement is not the ideal material I want to fill my hand with. As a result, I have ordered a new mold-making kit and several units of resin to make it clear in the second attempt.
Multiple Material Prototypes
Originally I imagined my object sculpted out of natural and pure crystal of rose quartz. Later on, I found out that it is a great idea in mind, but it is not practical at all. Ignoring the fact that it is not that easy to find and to afford, crystals are the toughest element in nature. As a result, you need very professional equipment and craftsmanship to carve rose quartz, which is impossible under the current restrictions of the pandemic. Developing the suggestions of my professors, I came up with three different materials to work with that can imitate the formation of rose quartz.
⇒ First Prototype (Borax Crystals)
First Trial:
According to my research, borax is defined as a natural detergent. Besides its properties in cleaning, it is an essential piece of equipment for creating crystals at home. Once I gathered the materials and researched all the steps, I directly dove into the process of making crystals. The basic science behind it is the process of borax sticking to the hair follicles and forming crystals covering the structures.
- I shaped the hairy stripes I had purchased in a spiral form.
- I attached these forms I created to wooden picks with rope to dangle them without touching any jar’s surface.
- I filled the jar with boiling water and added two scoops of borax for every cup of water.
- After mixing them homogeneously, I dangled the hairy stripes into the water.
- I have settled this solution overnight to give enough time for crystals to form.
- In the morning, I took them out of the jar, dried them, and cut their cords.
After this process, I ended up with rock hard crystal with a highly realistic texture. I did this experiment without any artificial coloring, so I ended up with clear crystals. In the future, I want to redo this experiment using red food coloring to form light pink crystals just like the rose quartz. I still need to find a way to shape these crystals onto the hand sculpture that I have sculpted since it does not have a hairy texture that borax can stick to.
Second Trial:
After succeeding in making clear crystals on my first trial, in the next step, I aimed to redo this experimentation with red food coloring. By this technique, I plan to end up with pink crystals that can imitate the completion of rose quartz. As a result, I reordered all the same ingredients by adding red food coloring to my list.
⇒ Second Prototype (Concrete)
In the process of crafting my piece, I had to research an easy yet affordable way to construct my own hand in a very realistic way. Surfing through the internet, I have found a kit in which you can create a mold of your hand and fill it with a cement mixture. It was 70 Turkish liras, so I decided to order it right after the seminar class, and the company shipped it to me by Saturday. Then I quickly started to do it…
- I prepared the mixture for the mold by mixing the powder with 3 liters of water.
- I placed my hand in it and held the same posture for 10 minutes. In this process, the substance turned into a jello texture.
- I dragged my hand out of the mold and started to create the mixture for the cement.
- I prepared the mixture for cement by rapidly mixing the powder with the proper amount of water.
- I poured the mixture into the mold and waited for it to set for 12 hours.
- Finally, I separated the hand from the mold by gently peeling the mold off.
The mold turned out the way just as I imagined. I had to say that it achieved my goal of creating a highly realistic hand shape. However, cement is not the ideal material I want to fill my hand with. As a result, I have ordered a new mold-making kit and several units of resin to make it clear in the second attempt.
⇒ Third Prototype (Epoxy Resin)
As the third material, I checked out Epoxy Resin. By using this material I intended to come up with transparent replicas of my hand using the mold I previously created. Before starting my experiment, I had to wear a mask and goggles to prevent the toxic fumes of the substance.
- I quickly mixed resin with its hardener in a separate cup.
- I poured the mixture into my mold.
- Waited for it to dry out for 24.
It turned out the way I envisioned it. It got frosted tips which made it look even cooler. I really liked what I have ended up with. I the future I plan to use light to color it as I wished.
Elevation Drawings
-
- Left
-
- Right
-
- Above
-
- Front
-
- Back
The Packaging
According to my research, packaging is the most vital aspect of properly presenting a product. Packaging holds the power of elevating the object and highlighting its significant properties. In this piece, I want to come up with an iconic yet descriptive logo and an outer shell that will protect it from damages and highlight its holy presence.
⇒ The Logo
⇒ The Box
-
- Photo 3
-
- Photo 1
⇒ Elevation Drawings
The User’s Manual
I thought that having a proper user’s manual will help users to shape a better understanding of how to use the object. I envision a piece of paper having the instructions on one side and the sacred words, which you should say out loud during the ritual, on its other side. I envision the content printed on a semi-transparent paper coming with the box of the object.
⇒ The Instructions (Side 1)
- Write your future goals on a piece of paper, using the present tense.
- Fold the paper in half and place it in the palm of the hand.
- Collect your manifestations from the new moon till the full moon.
- Burn them under the full moon while praying to Hecate.
⇒ The Speech (Side 2)
Glory to you, O Hecate
Goddess who guards our opportunities
Queen of magic and circumstance
Keyholder, beloved mother of witches
Hecate, guide me through blessed doors
Shut those that might lead to my destruction
Hecate, she who holds the keys to the realms of time
Hecate, the goddess of wisdom and fate
Who hears the whisper of prophecy
Goddess of mysteries
Take my hand, O goddess
Put all your knowledge into my palm
And let your magic flow through me
⇒ The Intention
Researching (Mudras)
- Gyan Mudra: The Gesture of Knowledge and Wisdom
To perform this mudra, gently join the tip of the thumb and the index finger, while the other three fingers are simply stretched out or free & slightly bent. You can practice this mudra anytime during the day or while you are performing yoga postures or during meditation. Gyan mudra helps to increase concentration, memory, reduces sleep disorders, helps to release stress and anger, eases depression and headache. This mudra has been used extensively for thousands of years by yogis as it brings peace, calm, and spiritual progress.
- Prithvi Mudra: The Gesture of the Earth
The earth element is a vital component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. The practice of Prithvi mudra builds and invigorates these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence, and strength. To practice this mudra, sit down in a lotus pose or easy pose to perform this mudra. Gently touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb, while the other three are stretched or free. This, if done 30-45 minutes every day (together or in 3 parts during the day), helps reduce stress, weakness, helps in weight gain, increases blood circulation & Kapha, boosts self-esteem & confidence. Also, it increases determination and directs individuals towards spirituality. It improves digestive power, develops vitality, and removes deficiency of vitamins
- Prana Mudra: The Gesture of Life
To perform this mudra place the ring finger and little finger at the tip of the thumb gently and keep the other two fingers stretched. Prana mudra can be used whenever you feel drained or tired, and need an extra boost of energy. This mudra cleanses our aura due to its innate ability to control the subtle energies of our aura. It is considered beneficial for all types of diseases and is also said to impart special power to the eyes. Prana mudra is said to help activate the dormant energy in the body (chi or qui).
- Suraya Mudra: The Fire Hand Gesture
The fire element is associated with body-temperature and metabolism. The practice of Surya mudra helps to maintain the body temperature and keeps the metabolism going. It is a very powerful mudra with significant healing capacity. It increases the fire element in the body and reduces the earth element. It is advised that this mudra should be practiced only in a sitting position and on an empty stomach every day. Fold the ring finger and touch the tip at the base of the thumb while the tip of the thumb presses the second phalax bone of the ring finger. If practiced 20 minutes every day, it helps dissolve excess fat in the body, reduce cholesterol, quickens digestion, boosts metabolism & immune system, controls low BP, and regulates the thyroid gland.
- Varun Mudra: The Gesture for Water
Water is the biggest element of the human body and that is what this mudra works on. It prevents all diseases which come due to the lack of water or any kind of dryness. To perform this mudra sit in an easy pose or simply lie down and slightly touch the tip of the thumb with the little finger. The rest of the fingers can be left freely without any stress. This mudra when performed anytime during the day helps balance the elements related to the tongue and taste. It eliminates skin diseases, increases blood flow, and reduces muscle aches.
- Vayu Mudra: The Gesture of Air
This mudra relates to the air element. It is great for the Vata body types and reduces any constrictions in the body due to excess air in the body. To perform this mudra just fold the index finger, and press the second phalanx bone with the tip of the thumb, and the tip of the index finger should touch the base of the thumb. When practiced regularly this mudra helps eliminate excess gas/air-related problems like gout, flatulence, constipation. It helps in diseases like arthritis, neck pain, trembling in Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, and cervical spondylitis. The above gives us an idea of how we have used our hands to control the 5 key elements of our body namely air, water, earth, fire, and space. Try these during your practice (where it feels comfortable and easeful to do so), and in mediations, and see the benefit.
Reflection Questions
- What has been your biggest challenge on this project and how are you overcoming it?
I think that the biggest challenge I have faced within this project is choosing the proper material to work with building the object. Rose quartz has the most complex texture I have ever seen, so it is very hard to imitate as an artificial texture. To overcome this problem, I am experiencing as many different materials as possible. To this point, I have examined concrete and crystals made out of borax, but none of them looks like the perfect fit. As a result, this weekend I will try out using resin and hope that it will successfully imitate the look of the crystal. And if that won’t work as I planned, I will design the concrete hand by sticking Himalayan salt particles on it.
- What do you feel is the strongest part of your project and why?
From my point of view, the strongest part of my project is the symbolism and historical background behind it. The object is full of different cultural symbols from Anatolia and Greek mythology which gives the piece a unique character. I think that you can come up with the most aesthetically pleasing object, but without a proper background story, it will appear meaningless and shallow. For that very reason, I wanted every detail of the object to have a purpose and proper historical value supporting it.
- Where will your final art be installed/displayed (explain why you think it belongs there and how it will educate people.
I vision my piece to be sold or gifted as a souvenir helping other people that are into spiritualism or witchcraft to create shrines in their households. With this piece, I aim to educate others about the presence of Hecate and the practice of manifestation. It will also prove the beyond reality powers of manifestation to ones that are not believers.
Researching (Types of Reliquaries)
– In Progress –
Integrative Seminar – The Written Narrative
Idea Behind the Story
In the written portion of this bridge project, I aim to write a research-based story that will have an informative yet thrilling tone. The written piece will begin with a story about Hecate, the goddess of witchery and ghosts, gifting the object that I will create for the studio class to humankind. Even though it will be an imaginary story, it will include authentic facts about the figures and symbols I want to mention. So, I will have an opportunity to make comprehensive research about the historical findings of Hecate, the Hamsa, and the power of rose quartz. My research would be inspired by artworks that portray the existence of Hecate and the earlier attempts of manifestation. As a result of that, I aim to do my research from historical websites and some art museums that carry ancient pieces. Another method of research I will use in my written article will be the technique of observation. By observing my current spiritual practices, I hope to gain further information about making my object more compatible with daily life. After the story, the written report will shift into a descriptive essay that vividly depicts the object I created. I intend to include detailed background information about the importance of its figure, color, and material. Beyond its appearance, it will also include instructions for how to use it properly. I also aim to write about how this object made my everyday sacred and contemplative exercises easier and what outcomes should others expect after using it regularly. With the help of this additional information, I hope to offer a better understanding of my object in both studio and seminar classes.
Feedback From Professor Rebecca
First of all, I must say that I am incredibly grateful for the wholesome and detailed feedback I got from my seminar professor Rebecca. My professor informed me about approaching our mortal hands as a sacred limb and motivated me to meditate over them. She assigned me to repeat this process as a contemplative practice and document it. Professor Rebecca also suggested researching “Cuava de Los Manos” and reading “Circe” by Madeline Miller with the intention of challenging me to earn different points of view towards the narrative I have in mind.
Researching (Hecate)
- Hecate is the daughter of Perses, the titan god of destruction, and Asteria, the titan goddess of fallen stars and divination.
- She is commonly depicted as a woman holding two torches. This symbol can found on the entrance of major cities, with the intention of protecting the inhabitants from evil spirits. Over time, her image carried into households, believing that worshiping her will bring protection and prosperity.
- She is often associated with the spiritual underworld, commonly passing through and interacting with the dead, ghosts, and lost spirits.
- She also witnessed the abduction of Persephone. Hecate helped Persephone in her adoption to the underworld by becoming her consultant. Hades becomes so grateful to Hecate for helping his new bride in this transition. As a result, Hades invited Hecate to become a permanent resident in his kingdom, allowing her to come and go as she pleased.
- She also represented as a three-headed goddess representing crossroads. Hecate can see in three directions, past, present, and future.
- People would often leave food at crossroads in order to honor Hekate and her companions traveling with her during the evening.
- Persephone: young maiden, Demeter: mother, Hecate: old crone.
- Hecate believed to have several animal companions or familiars. Each one of his animals has a transformation or metamorphosis story. Her female black dog was once the Trojan queen. She reincarnated by Hecate in a dog formation. Her cat was once a midwife named Galinatheus who attempted to interfere with the birth of Heracles on Hera’s behalf. When the goddess of childbirth found out about her plan she transforms Galinatheus into a cat later adopted by Hecate.
- Hecate still appears to be honored by Pagans and Wiccans worshipping their goddess because of her connection to the underworld, moon, and witchcraft. 30th of November is a devoted date to honor her by adopting a dog or taking care of abandoned people.
- She is accepting and caring almost like a grandmother figure.
- She can also be seen as the goddess of new beginnings with her ability to calm even the most distressed spirits down and assist them into their new lives.
Researching (Anatolia)
- Hecate is an extraordinary goddess who undertakes the duties of being a sorceress, a protector of spirits and the world underground, a warrior, and a hunter.
- Hecate plays a crucial role in Greek and Anatolian cultures.
- Hecate is described with different symbols due to its diversity of duties: horse, torch, dagger, key-lock, whip, snake, cornucopia, star, sickle, frog, female dog.
- In Anatolia, the Caria region is the place where Hecate is worshipped the most.
- Caria region is accepted as the homeland of Hecate. (We can see the extensiveness of The Hecate Cult by examining the names with religious origins. The most famous name known is the family of Hekatomnos who was the mayor of Persia in the Caria region in 4 ccs.)
- The most important cult area in the Caria region is without a doubt Lagina Hecate Sanctuary.
- In this area, many festivals on behalf of the goddess Hecate had been held. (Hecatesia, birthday ceremonies for the goddess, key-carriage rituals, and secret rituals.)
- Hecate was a Goddess according to Pagan beliefs and she was said to have the keys to the underworld. The oldest records of Hekate in Greek literature dating back to an 8th century BC poem. She was a pre-Olympian goddess who stood by Zeus in the battle of gods and Titans, after which she gained certain privileges. She was seen as a powerful helper and guardian of mankind, but also as a patron of magic and witchcraft connected to the underworld. Statues often depict her as three persons holding a torch, a key, a knife, and sometimes a snake in her hands.
- Lagina Ancient Site was the cult center of its political counterpart, Stratonikeia. This is a sanctuary dedicated to Hekate, a mysterious cult devoted to the goddess of magic & witchcraft, the moon & the night, and ghosts.
- Lagina dates back to the Bronze Age, but it wasn’t until the Kings of Caria rebuilt the sanctuary that it became a significant religious center.
- Festivals in honor of Hekate took place every year, and since 81 BC – every four years – the key of the Hekate Temple was carried from Stratonikeia to Lagina during a procession along the sacred road. Worshippers entered the sanctuary through the Propylon from where they could access the Stoa and its steps where they could watch the ceremonies.
- The Temple of Hekate stands in the center of the sanctuary and has 11 Corinth columns on one side, and 8 on the other. It is recognized as one of the most significant pseudo-dipteroi in Anatolia. The current temple dates back to the 2nd century BC, but researchers found evidence of an older cult structure from the 4th century BC. The sculptures found at Lagina ancient site are now part of the permanent exhibition of the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
Researching (Titanomachy)
The Wars Between Titans and Olympians
Researching (The Abduction of Persephone)
Researching (Hamsa)
– In Progress –
Researching (Rose Quartz)
– In Progress –
Researching (Lucid Dreaming/ Meditating on Hands)
– In Progress –
Researching (Circe by Madeline Miller)
– In Progress –
Researching (Cuava de Los Manos)
– In Progress –
Time Management Work Plan
Goals for Friday ( 26th of February)
- Write the first half of the Seminar Bridge 4 paper. (120 min) ✓
- Write about the feedback of Rebecca. (30 min) ✓
- Research the Titanomachy. (30 min) ✓
- Research The Abduction of Persephone. (30 min) ✓
- Research Hecate. (30 min) ✓
- Research Anatolia. (30 min) ✓
- Go and buy wood for the box. (60 min) ✓
- Go and buy semi-transparent paper for the users’ manual. (60 min) ✓
- Order more resin. (5 sec) ✓
- Order more borax. (5 sec) ✓
- Order two more mold-making sets. ( 5 sec) ✓
- Design the structure of the box for the packaging. (60 min) ✓
- Design a logo of the piece for the packaging. (60 min) ✓
- Design the written narrative for the user’s manual. (60 min) ✓
- Research mudras. (30 min) ✓
- Research a back-up plan if the resin won’t work as planned. (30 min) ✓
- Write about the feedback of Bryan. (30 min) ✓
- Write about the reflection questions. ( 30 min) ✓
Goals For Monday ( March 1st)
- Write the second half of the Seminar Bridge 4 paper. (120 min)✓
- Build the box for the packaging. (120 min) ✓
- Build the hand out of resin. (24 hours) ✓
- Update the technical drawings due to the new shape of the object. (60 min) ✓
- Draw the three abstract drawings of the piece. (60 min)
- Print the user’s manual on semi-transparent paper. (60 min)
Reflection and Goals For Monday (8 of March)
- What I need to do to complete this project are printing the users’ manual, drawing three abstract drawings.
- What I’m most concerned about finishing are the abstract drawings. How I plan to finish it is by planning my sketch on my iPad then transferring it to paper in the clearest and neat way.
- What I’m excited by in my final project is the transparent hand that I have created because I think it really looks like a crystal and grew up to my expectations.
- My final art and design will be displayed in the hands of a coven member. The main reason why I did not gravitate towards displaying it in a museum setting because the. existence of this object is a total myth. Displaying that way will project its presence as a sacred occult object in the most mysterious way possible.
- Print the user’s manual. (30 min)
- Draw three abstract drawings. (120 min)
- Prepare the slides. ( 120 min)
- Memorize the presentation. (120 min)
