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Ocean's Keeper ~ Handmade Candle inspired by Sedna for Ocean Conservation
‘Ocean's Keeper’: An Ocean Conservation Candle Inspired by Sedna, Goddess of the Sea
She who weeps beneath the ice and guards the life below.
Ocean’s Keeper is the breath of the deep, the whisper of waves against the shore, and the solemn power of Sedna, the goddess who rules the vast and unfathomable sea. It begins with a top exhale of ozone and linen, the scent of open water kissed by the wind, as if the ocean itself is reaching out in endless motion. At its heart, eucalyptus and sea salt intertwine with the delicate floral drift of freesia, a balance of fierce currents and quiet beauty, evoking both the storm and the stillness beneath the waves. As the base settles, moss and powder linger like the ancient depths of the ocean floor, grounding the scent in the forgotten echoes of tides that have shaped the world since time began.
Ocean’s Keeper is a hymn to Sedna’s sorrow and strength, a call to protect the waters that sustain life, and an offering to the boundless, untamed majesty of the sea.
A portion of the proceeds from each Ocean's Keeper candle supports vital ocean conservation efforts, helping to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems that are the lifeblood of our planet.
Curious about how the layers of scent unfold? Learn more about scent profiles ~ top, heart, and base notes at this blog post: Scent Profiles, Top, Heart, and Base Notes.
Our candles are lovingly handcrafted in our home studio, Nimue’s Lair, nestled in Walnut Creek, CA. Each one begins with a luxurious blend of coconut-apricot wax, carefully infused with premium fragrance oils. Poured by hand into elegant glass vessels and amber jars, they’re finished with hand-cut labels and enchanted final touches. Every candle is a small ritual, infused with magick, intention, and the quiet glow of story.
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Scent Notes:
Top: Ozone, Linen.
Heart: Eucalyptus, Sea Salt, Freesia.
Base: Moss, Powder.
Essential Oils: patchouli, eucalyptus, pine, and citronella.
Seasonal Resonance: Summer’s Breeze 🌊☀️
A scent that drifts in with the rhythm of the tides: crisp, airy, and effortlessly refreshing. This fragrance captures the essence of summer’s coastal serenity, where salty winds dance over sunlit waves and the air hums with a tranquil, ocean-kissed embrace.
🌊 Primary Category: Marine & Ozonic
Ozone, sea salt, and linen weave together a fresh, oceanic character, evoking the open sea and the crispness of a coastal breeze.
🌿 Secondary Category: Aromatic & Herbal
Eucalyptus lends a cooling herbal touch, enhancing the scent with an invigorating freshness that mirrors the whisper of summer winds through coastal dunes.
A fragrance that carries the soul of the sea ~ cool, airy, and endlessly serene. 🌊✨
Please visit this blog post for more information on Scent Profiles, Top, Heart, and Base Notes.
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12 oz Deluxe – Aura Glass · Coco Apricot Wax
Burn Time: 60+ hours
Bold and enduring, this candle fills your space with myth and memory. Crafted for spacious sanctuaries, this candle shines in wide-open living rooms, high-ceilinged studios, and sacred hearths ~ places where scent is free to roam and the flame becomes a luminous companion to stillness and story.8 oz Classic – Amber Jar · Coco Apricot Wax
Burn Time: 50–60 hours
A perfect size for quiet corners and thoughtful pauses. Let it warm your reading nook, home office, or bedside altar, where its flame flickers like a whisper of intention.4 oz Petite – Amber Jar · Coco Apricot Wax
Burn Time: 20–25 hours
Small in size, rich in presence. This candle is ideal for travel, gifting, or sanctifying intimate spaces - guest rooms, personal altars, or quiet corners where scent and flame are invited to linger with intention. -
For detailed information about our waxes, wicks, fragrance blends, and vessels, please see our Ingredients & Materials Guide.
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For guidance on how to tend your flame with care, ensuring the cleanest, safest, and most enchanting burn, please visit our Candle Care Guide.
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Please visit the Shipping and Returns Information page for details.
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All photographs, images, and written content on this website are original works of Hekate's Torch Apothecary, LLC (doing business as Hekate’s Flame Apothecary) and are protected by copyright. They may not be used, altered, shared, or reposted on any platform without explicit written consent. All label designs, photos, images, and content are the exclusive property of Hekate's Torch Apothecary, LLC.
For inquiries regarding the use of our content, please contact: care@hekatesflame.com
© 2025 Hekate's Torch Apothecary, LLC. All rights reserved.
Content Warning:
This post explores ancient myths that include themes of violence, including assault and warfare, which may be sensitive for some readers. Please proceed with care and be mindful of your well-being while engaging with these stories.
Sedna, the Sea Goddess of Inuit Tradition
Sedna, also known as Samna in the Siberian Yupik tradition, holds a heartfelt place in the mythology of Arctic peoples. Her story originates from Inuit traditions, a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to the Arctic environment. As we explore her myth, we recognize the importance of preserving and respecting the Indigenous knowledge and traditions that have kept her story alive for generations. This means sharing Sedna's tale with care and authenticity, amplifying Inuit voices, supporting their cultural initiatives, and learning from their wisdom about living in harmony with the natural world.
Steeped in cosmic symbolism and intense imagery, Sedna's story evokes the vast and icy expanse of the Arctic, where the ocean mirrors the heavens, and survival is an eternal dance with nature's merciless beauty. The churning seas, frozen tundra, and haunting auroras that serve as the backdrop to Sedna's transformation are not only reflections of the fragile and complex relationship between humanity and the natural world but also deeply rooted in Inuit cosmology and their understanding of ecological balance.
Across various versions of her myth, Sedna emerges as a symbol of resilience and transformation, embodying the raw power of survival amidst betrayal and suffering. Her defiance in the face of societal expectations, her descent into the depths of the ocean, and her eventual metamorphosis into the Mother of the Sea illustrate the enduring connection between life, nature, and the spiritual world. By acknowledging the cultural and spiritual depth of Sedna's myth, we can better understand the interplay between loss and creation and the lessons Inuit traditions offer about our shared responsibility to protect the natural world.
The Many Faces of Sedna's Origins
Sedna's myth varies across regions, each offering a unique perspective on her journey to becoming the Mother of the Sea. In all versions of the tale, one harrowing moment remains constant: her father, overwhelmed by fear or anger, throws her overboard and severs her fingers, which transform into the creatures of the sea.
In one version, Sedna is a beautiful, independent young woman who rejects all her suitors. She is clever, a skilled hunter, and needs no man to provide for her. Her refusal to marry angers her father, who believes her defiance disrupts social order. Frustrated and desperate, he forces her to leave their home. As they travel on the icy waters, a storm brews. In an act of panic and rage, her father sacrifices her to the sea, cutting her fingers as she clings desperately to the kayak. Seals, walruses, and whales emerge from her severed fingers, birthing the marine world as we know it.
In another version, Sedna falls victim to deception. A mysterious suitor, claiming to be a wealthy and successful hunter, convinces her to marry him. Seeking comfort and stability, Sedna agrees. However, she soon discovers that her husband is a bird spirit in disguise, living in a barren and desolate environment. Trapped and betrayed, Sedna endures abuse and starvation until her father comes to rescue her.
As they escape by kayak, the bird spirit's fury manifests as a violent storm. Her father, fearing for his own life, throws Sedna into the freezing water and severs her fingers as she clings to the edge of the boat. Her transformation into a goddess begins as her fingers create the sea's creatures.
Another account describes Sedna's father arranging her marriage to a hunter who promises wealth and abundance. This hunter, too, is revealed to be a bird spirit, and Sedna's life descends into misery. When her father attempts to bring her home, the bird spirit unleashes his wrath, creating turbulent seas. Once again, Sedna's father sacrifices her, severing her fingers to save himself from the storm. Each joint that falls into the water becomes a new marine animal, from sleek seals to majestic whales.
Sedna's Descent to the Ocean Floor
As Sedna sinks into the unfathomable depths of the ocean, her transformation begins. The icy waters, dark and unyielding, envelop her, mirroring the despair and betrayal she endured. In this alien realm, she sheds her mortal constraints and becomes a mighty sea goddess, her spirit intertwining with the cold currents and thriving marine life. The vast, silent abyss becomes her sanctuary and isolation, a kingdom where she reigns over marine life, commanding respect and fear in equal measure.
Her realm is both a sanctuary and a prison, reflecting her dual role as a nurturer and a figure of vengeance. This duality shapes her interactions with shamans and hunters alike. While her nurturing side allows her to grant the sea's bounty to sustain the Inuit people, her vengeful nature demands respect and adherence to her rules. Shamans, tasked with appeasing her, must balance reverence with courage as they journey to her domain. Through acts of compassion, such as combing her tangled hair, they soothe her pain and earn her favor, highlighting the delicate interplay between fear and trust in her mythic presence.
Sedna's hair, long and tangled, becomes a central motif in her myth, representing the entanglement of pain, betrayal, and nature's chaos. Through combing and braiding her hair, the shamans perform a sacred ritual of connection and healing, symbolizing humanity's role in restoring balance to the natural world. This intimate gesture soothes Sedna's anger and reaffirms the spiritual bond between the Inuit and the ocean's life-sustaining bounty. This sacred exchange reaffirms the Inuit's understanding that survival depends on coexistence, gratitude, and reverence for the sea's gifts.
Sedna's Cosmic Symbolism
The story of Sedna is not just a tale of personal tragedy but a cosmic narrative that intertwines humanity with the natural world. Her severed fingers, transforming into sea creatures, symbolize the interconnectedness of life and the transformative power of pain and sacrifice. Each finger, lost to betrayal and survival, becomes a seal, a whale, or a walrus, living embodiments of how suffering can birth new life and abundance.
This transformation reflects the cycle of creation, where even the most harrowing losses contribute to the vitality of the natural world, illustrating Sedna's enduring role as a victim, survivor, and creator. The Inuit belief in maintaining harmony with nature is evident in the rituals and taboos associated with Sedna. For example, hunters must follow specific practices, such as offering fresh water to seals, to honor her and ensure successful hunts.
The Role of Shamans in Sedna's Myth
Shamans play a crucial role in Sedna's story, acting as mediators between humanity and the sea goddess. Their journey to Sedna's realm begins with entering a deep trance, a state that allows them to transcend the physical world and navigate the perilous, icy depths of the ocean. In this otherworldly space, the silence is vast, and the weight of water presses like an eternal reminder of Sedna's pain and betrayal. Her underwater domain is a place of haunting beauty and foreboding—a palace of whalebone and seaweed guarded by creatures of the deep.
At the heart of their mission lies the ritual of combing Sedna's tangled hair, which holds deep symbolic weight. Her hair, matted with the chaos of the ocean and human neglect, represents the entanglement of suffering, anger, and the delicate balance of nature. Through this sacred act, the shamans soothe not only Sedna's physical pain but also the turmoil within her spirit. It is a ritual of restoration, where the shamans mend the broken bond between humanity and the natural world, ensuring that the bounty of the sea is once again available to the Inuit people.
The compassion of the shamans is central to this ritual. Their willingness to confront Sedna's rage and suffering reflects the community's deep dependence on her goodwill and their reverence for her power. By tending to her needs, they embody the values of respect, humility, and gratitude, forging a spiritual connection that reaffirms the Inuit's understanding of their place within the natural order.
This myth also highlights the broader role of shamans in Inuit culture as healers and guides who bridge the physical and spiritual realms. Their journey to Sedna's realm underscores their responsibility to maintain harmony within the community and with the forces of nature and the spiritual entities that govern it. Through their actions, they ensure the survival of their people and honor the intricate web of life that sustains them.
Modern Reflections on Sedna's Legacy
Sedna's myth resonates in contemporary discussions of resilience, ecological balance, and the impact of trauma. Her story offers a poignant metaphor for today's challenges, particularly the climate crisis. Just as Sedna's pain and transformation created marine life, her tale underscores the potential for renewal and healing when humanity confronts adversity with courage and respect for nature. Her myth reminds us that the natural world is not merely a resource to exploit but a partner to honor, reflecting the need for sustainable practices and ecological stewardship in modern environmental crises.
Sedna's transformation into a sea goddess is also a powerful symbol of resilience, particularly for marginalized voices, such as women, who rise above betrayal and hardship to enact change. Her enduring strength mirrors the struggles of those who continue to fight for equity and justice, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience and compassion. Sedna's story resonates deeply with the emotional journey of trauma survivors, embodying the ways pain and betrayal can both shatter and reshape one's identity. Her descent into the ocean symbolizes a forced confrontation with loss and betrayal. Yet, within this isolation and despair, she finds her strength. Her severed fingers, transformed into the creatures of the sea, reflect the ability of trauma to catalyze creation and renewal, even when born from suffering.
This act of transformation is not forgetting or erasing her pain but integrating it into a new and empowered existence. Through Sedna, we see that healing is not linear; it is an ongoing process of reclaiming agency and finding balance between vulnerability and strength.
Moreover, Sedna's rage at human neglect can be seen as a reflection of the consequences of environmental degradation. Her withholding of the ocean's bounty is a cautionary tale, urging collective responsibility and respect for the natural laws that govern life. Just as the Inuit depended on rituals to appease Sedna and restore harmony, modern societies can draw inspiration from her myth to create traditions and practices that foster ecological balance and emotional healing. Acts such as reforestation, community clean-ups, or ceremonies to honor the ocean could be modern equivalents of the shaman's journey, reconnecting us to the earth's rhythms and reminding us of our role in protecting it.
The Ocean's Keeper: Sedna's Message for Present-Day Ocean Conservation
Photo by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story onlinAs the Mother of the Sea in Inuit mythology, Sedna's tale is a powerful reminder of the ocean's life-giving force and the delicate balance required to sustain it. Her myth serves as a spiritual guide for the Inuit and a metaphor for humanity's shared responsibility to protect the ocean. Today, the ocean faces immense challenges: pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction threaten its ability to nurture life and regulate our planet's systems. Sedna's story invites us to reflect on these issues and take action to honor the waters that sustain us.
A Lifeline for Humanity
The ocean, vast and mysterious, is not just the home of countless marine species; it is the lifeblood of our planet. Covering over 70% of Earth's surface, it regulates our climate, generates oxygen, and absorbs excess carbon dioxide. Just as Sedna's realm provides sustenance to the Inuit, the ocean supports billions of people globally. It provides 15% of the animal protein consumed worldwide, with some communities relying on it as their primary food source. Yet, destructive fishing practices waste over 10 million tons of fish annually, threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.
A Carbon Sink and Climate Regulator
Sedna's oceanic kingdom is also the Earth's most significant carbon sink, absorbing 25% of all carbon emissions and more than 90% of the excess heat trapped in our atmosphere.
Without this natural buffer, the impacts of climate change would be even more devastating. Much like Sedna's flowing hair, ocean currents weave an intricate dance that regulates weather patterns and distributes heat across the globe. However, the rising levels of carbon absorbed by the ocean lead to acidification, threatening marine life such as shellfish and coral reefs. These "rainforests of the sea" harbor 25% of known marine species but are vanishing at an alarming rate, with half already lost since 1950.
The Economic Ties That Bind Us
The ocean's bounty extends beyond sustenance. It fuels a thriving global economy, providing jobs to 3 billion people and contributing $3 trillion annually, 5% of the global GDP. From marine fisheries to ocean-based tourism, these industries are lifelines for communities worldwide. Coastal tourism alone generates $134 billion annually, but it is at risk as coral bleaching and rising sea levels threaten shoreline ecosystems. Pollution, too, exacts a heavy toll: 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, costing an estimated $13 billion in clean-up efforts and losses to fisheries and tourism.e can make all the difference.
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
The Ocean's Fragility: Challenges Ahead
Human activity since the Industrial Revolution has placed immense pressure on the ocean. Pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction are eroding its ability to sustain life. Marine debris, often nondegradable plastics, clogs waterways and suffocates marine life. Overfishing, described by the Environmental Defense Fund as the "most serious" threat to the ocean, disrupts ecosystems by depleting fish stocks faster than they can regenerate. Climate change exacerbates these issues, driving ocean acidification, warming waters, and toxic algal blooms, harming marine and human life.
A Call to Action: Ocean Conservation Efforts
In Sedna's myth, the shamans restore balance by soothing her pain, untangling her hair, and honoring her domain. Similarly, modern efforts to protect the ocean require compassion, respect, and decisive action. Conservation initiatives focus on reducing pollution, promoting sustainable fishing, and protecting marine habitats. Landmark agreements like the United Nations High Seas Treaty aim to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters. At the same time, domestic policies such as the U.S. Clean Water Act and Ocean Dumping Act hold polluters accountable.
Non-profits like The Ocean Conservancy and Oceana are leading the charge in ocean conservation. The Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup has removed over 350 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways, and its advocacy has strengthened global policies to combat plastic pollution. Oceana has helped establish over 4.5 million square miles of marine protected areas and campaigns tirelessly to reduce illegal fishing and single-use plastics.
Honoring Sedna's Legacy
Sedna's tale, rich with variations and layered meanings, continues to captivate and inspire across cultures and generations. Her story transcends cultural boundaries, offering universal lessons about resilience, ecological stewardship, and the transformative power of adversity. From her tragic descent to the ocean floor to her role as the Mother of the Sea, she embodies the complexities of human emotion and the profound interdependence between humanity and the natural world.
Sedna's story reminds us that the ocean is not merely a resource but a partner in life's delicate balance. Just as the Inuit honor her through rituals and respect for nature, we, too, can act as stewards of the sea. Supporting organizations dedicated to conservation, reducing personal plastic use, and advocating for stronger environmental policies are all ways we can untangle the knots of neglect and restore harmony to Sedna's waters.
Hekate's Torch: Sedna's Candle and the Mission for Ocean Conservation
Photo by guille pozzi on Unsplash
Supporting ocean conservation isn't just about protecting marine life; it's about preserving ecosystems, biodiversity, and the health of our planet's lifeblood. The vast and mysterious ocean sustains all life on Earth, regulating climate, supporting countless species, and inspiring awe with its beauty and power. Just as Sedna's myth reminds us of the delicate balance required to coexist with nature, so too must we rise to the challenge of protecting our oceans.
It's essential to recognize that Sedna's story originates from Inuit culture, a rich tradition deeply connected to the Arctic environment. As we draw inspiration from her myth, we honor the importance of preserving and respecting Indigenous knowledge and traditions, which hold invaluable lessons about living in harmony with nature.
A portion of the proceeds from Sedna's candle, Ocean's Keeper, will go to organizations dedicated to ocean conservation. Specifically, Hekate's Torch proudly supports two leading non-profits fighting to protect our oceans: The Ocean Conservancy and Oceana.
The Ocean Conservancy is a global leader in ocean advocacy, engaging communities to tackle the greatest threats to marine ecosystems through science-based solutions.
Since its inception, the organization's International Coastal Cleanup has removed over 350 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways worldwide. Their advocacy efforts, such as supporting the Save Our Seas Act, have strengthened global policies to combat ocean plastic pollution. By protecting critical habitats like coral reefs and mangroves, The Ocean Conservancy ensures that marine biodiversity flourishes for generations to come.
Oceana, an international organization, is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's oceans on a global scale. Through their targeted campaigns, Oceana has helped create over 4.5 million square miles of protected marine areas and works to reduce illegal fishing practices that threaten aquatic ecosystems. Their commitment to reducing ocean pollution, particularly by addressing single-use plastics, has driven meaningful change in both policy and public awareness. Oceana's efforts ensure healthier oceans that sustain marine life and coastal communities.
By purchasing Ocean's Keeper, you become a part of restoring balance to our oceans. Just as Sedna's story reminds us of the delicate harmony between life and nature, your support helps protect marine ecosystems for generations to come. Picture the shimmering auroras—dancing lights born from Sedna's legacy—reflecting the beauty and interconnectedness of all life. Together, we can honor the spirit of the Mother of the Sea by safeguarding the waters that sustain and inspire us all.
References
Cavendish, R. (1970). Man, myth and magic: an illustrated encyclopedia of the supernatural. Marshall Cavendish Corporation.
Illes, J. (2010). Encyclopedia of spirits: The ultimate guide to the magic of fairies, genies, demons, ghosts, gods & goddesses. Harper Collins.
Littleton, C. S. (2002). Mythology: the illustrated anthology of world myth & storytelling. Duncan Baird.
National Ocean Service. (n.d.). Why should we care about the ocean? NOAA. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/why-care-about-ocean.html
The Humane League. (n.d.). Why ocean conservation matters. The Humane League. Retrieved December 22, 2024, fromhttps://thehumaneleague.org/article/ocean-conservation
United Nations. (n.d.). 5 reasons you should care about our ocean. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://www.un.org/en/desa/5-reasons-you-should-care-about-our-ocean
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."
~ Jacques Yves Cousteau
“Because there’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.”
