Hecate the Maiden: Estradiol (E2)
Estradiol is secreted by the ovaries, and is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in young females, including the breasts, the widening of the hips, and the onset of menstruation. It is the most powerful of the three estrogens. Estradiol is Hecate the Maiden.
Hecate the Mother: Estriol (E3)
Estriol is mainly present in women during pregnancy, when it increases by a thousand-fold. It is synthesized by the placenta, spiking up around week 12 of pregnancy. Estriol remodels the brain in preparation for motherhood, reducing emotional stress, reducing the gray matter areas associated with past autobiography, and preparing the brain for bonding with infants. Estriol also elevates maternal aggression towards dangers to her children. Estriol is Hecate the Mother.
Hecate the Crone: Estrone (E1)
Estrone is the predominant estrogen in post-menopausal women. Estrone is the basic estrogen that is converted to either estradiol or estriol. After menopause, this conversion takes place at lower levels. Estrone is Hecate the Crone.
Inanna (ER-A) and Cybele (ER-B): The Estrogen Receptors
The three estrogens described earlier act upon two cell receptors, known as estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-A) and estrogen receptor-beta (ER-B).
ER-A is associated with the lively and dark sides of femininity, and is represented in
neuromythography by the archetype Inanna. Inanna is an ancient Mesopotamian goddess associated with love, beauty, sex, war, justice and political power.
ER-B is associated with the calmer, contemplative side of femininity, and is represented by the Anatolian goddess Cybele. Cybele was known as the Mountain Mother, and became known as the Magna Mater (“Great Mother”) when adopted by the ancient Romans.
Together, ER-A and ER-B represent the contradiction to be balanced by all women between these two sides of femininity. The three faces of Hecate (estrone, estradiol, and estriol) bind with both of these receptors, regulating behavior and mood.
Consider now this classic image of Hecate. Three faces–Maiden, Mother, and Crone representing estrone, estradiol, and estrone. Two torches, representing ER-A and ER-B. A blade, representing the violent aspect of estradiol.
