Moirae

**Origin:** Greece

## As Moirae

*The Fates*

The Moirae live together in a cave by a spring from which white water gushes. They are the original Fates, Goddesses of Destiny. In Greek, moira indicated a portion, lot or share. The Moirae determined one’s allotted portion or fate. They are eternal and were once considered even more powerful than the gods. Their names are:

* Lachesis
* Clotho or Klotho
* Atropos

The Moirae represent the waxing, full and waning moons: creation, existence and destruction, birth, life and death. Clotho the Spinner puts the wool around a spindle. Her sister Lachesis the Sustainer measures the thread and spins the wool. Atropos the Cutter snips the spun thread.

The Moirae are usually described as daughters of Nyx. An alternative genealogy describes them as daughters of Themis and Zeus, perhaps as a way to make them subject to Zeus.

**Manifestation:** They are described as wearing white

   Atropos is the oldest, smallest, and most powerful of the Moirae. The potentially deadly alkaloid atropine is named in her honor.

**Attribute:** Brass pestle as well as a spindle, scroll and scales

**Planet:** Moon

**See Also:** Kali; Nyx; Persephone; Polyboea; Shiva; Themis; Zeus

## As Fates

The Moirae, or Goddesses of Fate, of ancient Greek mythology and religion were banished with the adoption of Christianity, along with the entire Pagan pantheon. They eventually reemerged, although not quite in the same positions of power. The Fates of modern Greek folklore are birth Fairies, members of the Exotika.

The Fates consistently show up on the third night following the birth of a baby. Where will they appear? Wherever the baby is, that’s where. If the baby is at home, then that’s their destination. If the baby is in a hospital, they’ll turn up there, too, although it may be more difficult to arrange the offering table they anticipate.

Lock up the dog. Clear a path. Remove anything that could trip or obstruct these little old lady spirits. It does no good to annoy them. Make them feel welcome. Leave them a mode of entry, an open window, or an unlocked door. Theoretically, they can even get through a pet door, although this may put them in a bad mood.

   These are all formalities, signs of respect. Locking doors and windows won’t keep them out if they’re determined to get in. However, a warm welcome puts them in the mood to deliver a happy, auspicious fate or perhaps to mediate and intercede if the decreed fate is dire. Unlike the ancient Moirae, it’s unclear whether modern Fates decree fate or just deliver the news.

1. Leave a light burning for the Fates. Candles or oil lamps are traditional, but they’re modern spirits: a small electric lamp works, too. Keep lights low, not too harsh.
2. Place an offering table in the center of the room in which the baby sleeps.
3. Set it with three chairs, stools, or cushions, the lower to the ground the better.
4. Burn aromatic herbs in the room to welcome them.
5. Offer them cakes made with salt and honey so that they’ll reveal the fate. (Traditionally only the baby, the mother, and possibly the midwife is able to see them.)
6. Give them lots of honey so that their decrees will be sweet. (Kitchen God.)
7. Give them a dish of honey (preferably Greek honey but any will do) with white almonds sprinkled on top.
8. In the morning, wrap up everything in a clean white cloth and respectfully dispose of it outside the house.

**Manifestation:** The three Fates traditionally manifest as elderly women. At least one is always spinning. One carries a book to record decrees and one ominously carries a pair of shears. They are temperamental and sometimes a little grouchy but can be very kind and generous if treated with deference and respect.

## General

Fates is a general term for goddesses who control destiny. Technically, it refers to the Moirae, the Greek goddesses of fate. However, similar goddesses exist elsewhere, and the name has evolved into a blanket term for them all. Thus, the Norns are also known as Fates. In general, Fates come in groups, usually three, although not always.

Fates mimic the phases of the moon, hence their tendency to appear in triplicate. The New Moon is tiny like a human infant. It waxes; reaches full strength, and wanes; finally disappearing as if in death. Typically the Fates are spinning goddesses: they weave a person’s fate as if it were a tapestry, cutting the thread when the tapestry and life is complete. Fates may also be used to indicate birth Fairies, although whether they actually control the fate they arrive to announce is subject to debate.

**See Also:** Birth Fairy; Exotika; Lady Tung; Norns; Parcae

## Information Source

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses by Judika Illes