The number three was inextricably linked with the ancient Greek goddess Hecate. She possessed
three incarnations -
mare,
dog and
lion - and three heads to see in all directions. Hecate ruled over the triad of human existence -
birth,
life and
death - and the triple planes of the physical planet - the
underworld, the
earth and the
air. Her dominions also embraced the tripartite sphere of
past,
present and
future. It was also believed that the goddess drew her powers of enchantment from the
moon, with its three phases, new, full and old.
The triple reins of power that she held over humanity, time and space made her an indispensable ally to the sorcerers who sought to work changes on the seemingly immutable physical world. Those brave enough to invoke her name in their spells were rewarded with a share of her uncanny powers.