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dressed in a red gown with a moonlight colored bodice: a symbol of her virgin-pure heart in a passionate, dancing body [47:43-48:39]. The Greek Hecate, who is Artemis’ cousin and also a “Moon-Goddess” (Kerenyi 36), exhibits “goodwill towards all mortals” and grants “material prosperity, eloquence in political assemblies, and victory in battle and sporting events” (Grimal 171). Hecate was also seen as “the deity presiding over magic” and over crossroads (Grimal 171). These descriptions of Hecate match almost word for word Tamako’s special nature. She is the epitome of grace and style, her emotions completely conscious and “purified,” in contrast to the others in the studio who are--without exception--conflicted in one way or another, including the beautiful Mai. Tamako is the one who is complete within herself and needs no transformation. As teacher and goddess of the crossroads, she will gently or firmly nudge each of the others in the direction and toward the person that will serve to transform them. Tamako is the one who notices that the young girls whom Mr. Aoki seeks out will not fulfill his need to release himself fully into his dancing [44:38-46:20].
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