Circe’s journey: Part 1 (witch archetype series)
Circe was the goddess of magic and witchcraft. Her story embodies many aspects of the Witch Archetype journey. She was the daughter of the sun God Helios and Ocean nymph Perse and was most known for her role in Homer’s The Odyssey.
In The Odyssey, the character Odysseus embarked on a Hero’s Journey with his men to return to his Kingdom in Ithaca. Throughout their travels, they are faced with numerous trials and tribulations, including their meeting with the goddess Circe.
After being shipwrecked, Odysseus and his remaining men arrive on the island of Aeaea, home of the goddess Circe. The god Hermes provides Odysseus with an herb to protect him from Circe’s magical potions as he makes his way towards her palace with his men.
Circe was described as wild, seductive, and beautiful. She was surrounded by wolves and lions, who were her companions and served her in her palace. She lured the men to her and gave them wine laced with potions and turned them into pigs. Since Odysseus had the herb to protect him from her magic, he remained in human form. He seduced Circe and they became lovers. He eventually convinced her to return his men to human form.
Circe and Odysseus became lovers, having children and living together as companions for a year. In the Odyssey, Circe was a hindrance to Odysseus and his quest to return home. His men needed to remind him to leave her, stop being complacent, and continue his journey. Circe was viewed through the lens of Odysseus and his journey. Her complexities and experiences were not acknowledged. This has been a theme in many Witch Archetype stories.
In Madeline Miller’s book Circe, she shared a different perspective of Circe’s journey. She explored her story as it related to themes of empowerment, authenticity, trauma healing, and the journey towards being true to oneself. I highly recommend Madeline Miller’s book if you are feeling called to more deeply explore Circe.
While The Odyssey leans into the idea that the Witch is a dangerous seductress who one needs to resist, the archetypal approach to viewing Circe’s story is one of transformation, sacred and authentic connection to the Earth and oneself, and sexual empowerment.
In my follow up blog post, I will be exploring these three themes through the lens of Circe’s story and the Witch Archetype.
I invite you to take some time to reflect on Circe’s story.
What did you notice in your body as you read Circe’s story?
When has your complex and unique experience been discounted? What would help you to acknowledge your full experience?
What has your relationship been like with sexuality?
We will explore the themes of sexual empowerment, transformation, and Earth and self-connection in part 2 of Circe’s journey. As you continue to reflect on her story, take time to notice how you relate to Circe and different aspects of the Witch Archetype. Honor whatever your unique experience is and your wisdom, which will support and guide you in your own healing journey.