The Oracle Exterior

The Oracle derives its architectural design from the famous Oracle of Delphi. In ancient times, travelers would venture to Delphi from all over the known world, seeking the advice or answers about their future from the Oracle there. A priestess known as the Pythia, would go into a deep trance, and utter the words of the Gods to the questioner. While her words were sometimes clear, often they were shrouded in mystery.

Three great 'maxims' or sayings were etched on columns in Delphi, which have survived to this day: "Know thyself", "Nothing in Excess", and "Go surely and Ruin is at Hand". Here at the Temple of Hecate, these maxims have been reproduced and incorporated into the domed roof, in their original ancient Greek.

Another feature of the building worthy of note are the symbols in the pediment over the main door. The central symbol is a cross-fourchee, or forked cross with two torches. This cross has been found at Hecate's great shrine in Lagina and is thought to be the actual form used to denote Her as the Goddess of the Crossroads. The crossed torches symbolize wisdom and knowledge.

To either side of this symbol, are medusae or gorgon heads. These fearsome creatures are the Guardians of the temple and of the occult mysteries. Frightening in appearance, they represent the first challenge to the seeker of the unknown, embodying the fear of what might be in any journey. At the same time, they also stand for the protective force of the divine that guards the seeker of wisdom and the knowledge they seek. In some Hecatean rituals, the lead priestess, symbolizing her connection with the Goddess and Her mysteries, sometimes wears a gorgon mask which is known as the Mask of Hecate.