You may be wondering what epithets are. I considered calling this article, "WTF are epithets and why you need to use them in witchcraft" because I really do feel that epithetical practice is a key for deepening our spiritual practice and ramping up our magick. However, it can be off-putting if you're new to using them. I can't even remember how I got started using Hekatean epithets, and I can't imagine practicing witchcraft without them. They are potent evokers, connected to deep forces, and excellent for expanding my understanding. Epithets can be used to craft wicked spells and expand consciousness.  Words are power to the witch. They evoke certain energies and spirits, carrying with them a trail of magic. Summoning characteristics that are associated with archetypal aspects of animals and other creatures are common practices in a variety of cultures and traditions. Sometimes, this is accomplished through taking on the physical appearance of the creature, like in the image. However, the words themselves - like "fierce" or "strong" - can also summon such powers. Salty, seductive, mysterious and dangerous. This is how I experience Hekate Einalia, Goddess of the Sea, one of my personal power epithets for my favored goddess. Epithets are words used to describe aspects of a person, spirit of deity that can be used for personal, spiritual and magical practice. These descriptive terms are thought forms, containing great power through their connection to the energy associated with them. In Modern Hekatean Witchcraft, epithets are used to evoke and invoke specific aspects of Hekate, spirits and forces. For personal practice, epithets can be used to enhance existing abilities and characteristics through intentionally summoning the energy of the characteristics.  Epithetical spiritual practices include chanting certain ones to connect to their energetic signatures and using them in ritual. In magical practice, these words are woven into spells and other witchery to cast their power into our intentions. Epithets are concise descriptors of attributes and powers associated with Hekate, such as when I determined that, in 21st century vocabulary, she is a Goddess of Relationships.  Read more