The Crossroads

When it comes to "The Crossroads" there are various meanings on what they represent in ones life. These variations change depending on the pantheon or mythology you follow.

For some metaphorically to come to a cross road means that you have come to the end of your path and that it is time to walk down a new one.

The most associated dieties with the crossroads are Hermes, Hekate and Papa Legba, although there are several others whom are also associated but are more uncommon. Papa Legba is believed to be the one who gives permission of whether you can communicate with the other spirits also known is vodou as the "Guinee."

It is also said that there is a gateway to other planes as it is supposed to be the joining of worlds. Legend has it is if you flip a silver or gold coin into the crossroads that the deities will favor you. However If it is Papa Legba you are trying to gain a connection with he prefers copper so use a penny. Hekate is associated with the crossroads because she is a psychopomp and is queen of the dead. Often the poor and people who commited suicide were left at the crossroads so their spirits would cross the veil instead of lingering in town. It was believed that she could calm the spirits and that she guarded the crossroads.

What I also find interesting is that people offer her coins and in greek mythology it was common for those whom have died to have coins to offer to Charon to ferry those who have recently departed across the River Styx. So what I am wondering is if the coins we flip at the crossroads are given to lost souls who were abandoned so that they may enter the underworld and begin their afterlife. I guess that part will remain a mystery....for now. -Raven White