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Propylaea is an epithet applied to several goddesses of the krokopeplos, but particualrly to Hekate. It is an epithet deeply related to liminality; It literally means "She who is Before the Gates" The Greek word προπύλαιον, propylaion, means literally “(pro) before (pyli) the gates" and is used by modern archaeologists to refer to the gated entrance to an ancient temple, flanked by large columns. For example, below is what remains of the propylaion at Hekate’s great temple in Lagina.
Throughout the classical world, shrines and statues of Hekate were placed by gateways; the gates of cities and temples, as well as the doors of individual homes. At Lagina, as well as in Miletus, Thasos, and in Rhodes, Hekate had shrines at the city gates. At the Acropolis of Athens, a large statue called Hekate Epipyrgidia (Hekate of the Tower) guards the entrance, a Roman copy of which is pictured at left.
In addition to her role guarding literal gates and doorways, Propylaea is also a goddess of the threshold between our world and the Other Place. In mythology both classical and modern, Propylaea is unquestionably an initiatrix of all who seek to travel between the worlds. Like every Dweller at the Threshold, Propylaea can appear fearsome the first time you meet her. This is largely because you grew up in a culture that demonizes the underworld, and leads us to be a afraid of the spirit world. It’s true, there are dangers here. Everything worth doing is so because it has the power to change you, and that is a dangerous and scary thing. Calm your fears, and approach Propylaea respectfully, but without fear. She may test you; her gateway can appear as a mirror which reflects back all the terrible things we think about ourselves.
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