Book Review: Hekate Goddess of Witches by Courtney Weber
Hekate Goddess of Witches by Courtney Weber quickly became one of my favorite books on Hekate and witchcraft magick. It’s the perfect book if you want to learn more about Hekate without feeling confused or overwhelmed. If you’re new to witchcraft, you might also enjoy my guide for beginner witches, which breaks down the basics before diving into deity work.
I’d heard some people say online that it’s too Wicca-centered, but I didn’t notice this at all! Courtney includes a lot of research combined with real-life experience, so it’s packed with helpful information. If you enjoyed my review of Utterly Wicked, I think you’ll love this one too.
Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout AND at the bottom of this article.
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Table of Contents
Quick Summary Overview
- Title: Hekate: Goddess of Witches
- Author: Courtney Weber
- Published: 2021
- Genre: Witchcraft / Pagan Spirituality
- Pages: 206
- My Peculiar Verdict: 5 out of 5 Pentagrams
Who is the Author, Courtney Weber?
Courtney Weber is a witch, author, tarot reader, and social activist living in Oregon. In her YouTube bio, she playfully describes herself as “your slightly unhinged Witchy bestie.”
I initially came across Courtney’s work when I was researching and writing my article on the Celtic goddess Brigid. She wrote an excellent book about Brigid, and I love her ability to research so in-depth. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend adding it to your witchcraft book TBR.
In addition to Hekate Goddess of Witches, Courtney Weber has also published the following books:
- Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess
- The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might
- Tarot for One: The Art of Reading for Yourself
- Sacred Tears: A Witch’s Guide to Grief
You can find Courtney Weber on Instagram and Tiktok.
Relationships with deities are journeys, and you don’t really level up, you just kind of move side to side and up and down and around, and there are times when the relationship is tighter than others.
Courtney Weber when interviewed on Polytheism Today podcast (Timestamp 3:40)
What is Hekate Goddess of Witches About?
Hekate, Goddess of Witches was the first book voted by The Peculiar Book Club to read! I was stoked because I’d been feeling called to work with Hekate. It felt like the perfect book to ring in the 2025 New Year!
Hekate, Goddess of Witches, is a complete overview for witches who are interested in working with Hekate or simply learning more about her.
Courtney discusses Hekate’s history and mythology, and dedicates entire chapters to break down each of her connections (ghosts, the underworld, crossroads, keys, fertility, and the torch she carries). She really goes into depth as to why Hekate’s connected to each.
You’ll also learn how to connect with Hekate through correspondences, invocations, and ritual ideas. Courtney also shares her own experiences and spiritual journey. Many of us in the book club appreciated how inclusive and accessible her writing is.
We pin our experiences to the divine is what I believe and they’re an absolute reflection of human experience. So what does that mean for us? I believe that the greatest role that they can help us navigate is the human experience.
Um, I’m like you Angela, I don’t believe that they’re all knowing and I don’t believe that they’re above mistakes. Um, I don’t believe they’re above reproach…
…I’ve come to accept the gods as beings who can help us navigate things.
Courtney Weber when interviewed on Polytheism Today podcast (Timestamp 16:07)
What I Loved About Hekate Goddess of Witches
Courtney brought warmth, honesty, and a lot of heart to topics that are often seen as dark, cold, or scary. She challenged certain perspectives and brought to life the sometimes complicated parts of walking the path of a witch. Her honesty made working with Hekate feel approachable.
I loved the chapter discussing crossroads. Over the years, I’ve read a lot about how you should dispose of spells or even work certain spells at a crossroads, but I never really understood the WHY behind it. I liked that Courtney explained and gave a lot more context for working with crossroads. Some practitioners call on crossroads as a liminal space in banishing spells.
People talk about Hekate being a dark goddess. It’s like, well, I don’t even like the terms dark and light goddesses, there’s just so many problems with it, but I think also it’s just incorrect.
When it comes to Hekate, she’s a goddess that’s comfortable in darkness. She’s comfortable enough she can light the way for others.
Courtney Weber when interviewed on Polytheism Today podcast (Timestamp 35:19)
Reconsidering the Dark Goddess Hekate
I loved when Courtney discussed Hekate’s association as a dark goddess. In online communities, I frequently see practitioners warning beginners to stay away from Hekate because she’s too intense or scary.
Courtney challenges this idea by asking what it even means to be “dark.” Is it only about death, shadows, and pain? Maybe it also represents transformation, protection, or the ability to heal those who suffer.
A great example she gave is people who work in healthcare; they deal with pain, trauma, and maybe death every day. That doesn’t make them evil or dark. Instead, they’re capable of facing hard moments with compassion. That’s the type of darkness I really respect!
Hekate is a goddess of things that others fear, misunderstand, and even cast out of the mainstream world. She shows us comfort in the darkness.
She shines a light on the places we need to heal. She can also show us the depths of our wickedness, highlighting our own powers to hurt or destroy.
Weber, Courtney – Hekate Goddess of Witches page 98
If you’re interested in more protection spells, I’d recommend reading about Protection Candles and Protection Sigils to learn more.
Courtney Weber’s Honesty
Trigger warning: miscarriage and child loss
One of my favorite things about this book is how much of Courtney’s personal experience she shares, including breaking up with ex-boyfriends to chatting about shooting stars and the sweet dreams they bring with her nephew.
I loved the section where she discusses what it’s like to be the witch in the family. Courtney highlights a lot of a witch’s personal journeys and how they may be similar to Hekate. Her comparisons bring a beautiful perspective to the path, and I loved the quote, “Magick lights the world with color, spice, and sensation.“
I loved listening to Courtney speak on the Polytheism Today podcast, and I appreciated her ability to be so vulnerable when she discussed how she suffered a miscarriage around the same time this book was released. What a heartbreaking experience, and I understand her frustration with Hekate. These are the real-life experiences all witches and spiritual practitioners should be able to hear about. Thank you, Courtney!
With Hekate, I was extremely angry with her, at the same time questioning if she was even real; when I [had a miscarriage] because I struck an agreement and made an offering. I said if you help me have this child…then I will write this book for you. It literally was like the same week that my Hekate book came out as we lost the pregnancy…
…So it’s slowly coming back into some kind of familiar relationship. I’m still not at a place where I’m really comfortable asking for things for myself. I’m more like yeah no, I’m good, I’m good, I don’t need you guys touching my stuff. But, um, other people want you to touch their stuff so why don’t you go touch their stuff.
Courtney Weber when interviewed on Polytheism Today (Timestamp 10:38)
The Many Layers of Hekate Goddess of Witches
Hekate is a complex goddess with a VERY long history, but I walked away from this book feeling like I really understood her. Not only who she is, but how I can actually work with her in a way that feels natural.
Courtney didn’t try to simplify Hekate into a one-size-fits-all figure. She gave multiple perspectives and showed the many sides of Hekate. It made her feel more approachable to me and less intimidating.
This book even gave me a new bucket list destination: The Temple of Hecate in Lagina, Turkey. I’m a sucker for sacred geometry and historical research. Courtney truly delivered! Her bibliography is massive, and she had no problem backing up her work, which I respect a lot.
What Courtney Weber Could Improve
There were a few things in the book that felt like missed opportunities to me. However, they weren’t dealbreakers, just a few little things that might confuse readers or leave questions unanswered.
Hekate’s Name
One thing that stood out to me was how the book never really touched on the spelling or pronunciation of Hekate’s name. I’ve seen people use both a C and a K, and honestly, I still have no idea which is more accurate. Why is one preferred over the other?
Courtney briefly mentions pronunciation near the end (in the spell Charge Up Under the Full Moon on page 166), saying it’s “heh-kah-tay,” but it seemed like a side note.
This topic is debated a lot in the online spiritual community, from traditionalists to eclectic witches. It would’ve been nice to see it addressed directly, especially in a book written for witches working with her.
Wait, Who’s That God Again?
The Peculiar Book Club hit a little bit of a wall during chapter 2, The Witch in the Family. You really need to have a good understanding of Greek mythology, or you might get confused.
A bunch of us had to pause and Google a few deities’ names to keep reading along. It slowed everyone down a bit, and a few of us felt a little overwhelmed.
I can’t really complain too much because I was glad for the thorough overview. However, maybe some quick reminders about who’s who would’ve made this section easier to get through. If you’re interested, I’d recommend learning more about Medea since she is connected to Hekate.
[In reference to negative comments on her book]
There was a time where that sort of thing used to be so upsetting and so hurtful and then you get to a place where you’re like, I’m not gonna be perfect. I can’t, you know?…
…There’s always gonna be something that’s not there and then once you finally get that; take that burden off yourself that authors are supposed to be perfect…
…I did the best I could with what I had in the moment, and if that book is not for someone then okay! That’s fine, you know? Wish you the best of luck in finding it.
Courtney Weber when interviewed on The Blackthorn Grove podcast (Timestamp 35:29)
How I Used This Book in My Practice
This book is an excellent reference book, and I’ve already flipped back to it more than once. It’s packed with ritual ideas, correspondences, and practical magic tips. If you’re looking to expand your list of correspondences, check out my articles on candle color meanings, the magic elements, or witchcraft herbs for inspiration.
Courtney never shies away from the messy parts of being a witch or working with deities. That honesty shows how complex witchcraft can be and reminded me how important it is to stay true to who you are. Remember, it’s YOUR spiritual practice!
Who should read Hekate Goddess of Witches?
I think this book is great for beginner and intermediate witches who want to work with Hekate for the first time or build a deeper connection with her.
Courtney includes so much knowledge that it might be a bit overwhelming. However, I loved all the information and appreciated that she didn’t water anything down.
Even if you’ve been working with Hekate for a while, I think you’ll find new perspectives and information that will be useful to your spiritual path and everyday life!
My Peculiar Verdict
I give Hekate Goddess of Witches by Courtney Weber, 5 out of 5 pentagrams!
Courtney discussed Hekate’s history and magic thoughtfully and honestly. If you’re curious about Hekate or already work with her, I seriously recommend adding this one to your shelf.
I hope you found this book review of Hekate Goddess of Witches by Courtney Weber helpful! Lots of love to you and remember, as always…
Sources
- Blackthorn, Amy. Courtney Weber Interview. The Blackthorn Grove. April 2021. https://open.spotify.com/episode/18EN8jRSYGSN9kmRbrevtw?si=6c441720c08a43b5
- Raincatcher, Angela. Episode 3: Interview with Courtney Weber. Polytheism Today. October 2023. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Rt5bc8Sy1zlV2PxglYaVu?si=1be9f1d330f24395
- Weber, Courtney. Hekate: Goddess of Witches. Weiser Books. 2021.
