Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft - Second Edition

by Cyndi Brannen

Over the past few years Hekate has gained increasing popularity around the world. While there are books written about the historical Hekate, there is a lack of information applying this knowledge for personal development and practicing witchcraft. Keeping Her Keys blends the ‘keys' of personal development, magick and the ancient goddess, Hekate, together. Topics include the power of prayer, how to create sacred space, and guidance on spell crafting. In the final chapter readers can perform an optional self-initiation to become a Keeper of Her Keys.

Genres: Witchcraft, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Occult, Magick, Magic, Paganism

272 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Cyndi Brannen teaches and writes from the crossroads of spirituality and traditional wisdom, merging ancient knowledge with modern practices. Her work explores the journey through darkness to wholeness using the archetypes of the witch and Hekate. Her teaching focuses on personal healing through herbalism, rituals, meditations, and exploration of the deeper self.

She founded The Covina Institute, a soul school dedicated to the pursuit of wholeness through structured programs of study and transcendent experiences.

Reviews

[Sam (Hissing Potatoes) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book's ideas are okay if you're interested in an almost monotheistic devotion to Hekate. The view of Hekate as an all-powerful source of energy infusing everything, using her epithets as foci for specific energetic aspects, referring to her as My/Our Lady, and capitalizing her pronouns are all too reminiscent of Christian practices for my taste. But it obviously works fine for the author and others, and normally I enjoy reading about others' practices even if they won't directly impact my own.

I did get a couple tangential ideas from the first half of the book, and I appreciated the author's emphasis on personal development.

However, in this book you have to wade through:
-an absurd number of comma splices;
-sentences you need to re-read because they're missing words or include extraneous words that don't belong (these proofreading issues constantly stalled my reading experience);
-REPETITION of words, phrasings, quotes, and ideas on every other page. Seriously, half this book is just a repeat of itself;
-random unsourced claims with no discussion, leaving you wondering what to do with that information (e.g. Hekate is also associated with the number 7: okay, literally a 1-sentence idea that isn't returned to at all);
-discussion of ideas before she actually introduces them (e.g. she first mentions a salt strophalos, which the reader has supposedly built, several sections before she actually discusses what a strophalos is and how to make it);
-direct contradictions like claiming "Hekate will support our witchcraft, whether it's for nefarious purposes or for the highest good" after 244 pages of structuring her thesis on kindness being one of the three core guiding Hekatean principles;
-the author's personal, unsupported interpretations as solid parts of Hekatean devotion (e.g. she says throughout to modify your practice according to your preferences, but then says she associates Wednesday with Hekate "for no reason except that I am a Gemini and Wednesday (Mercury's day) is my favorite day of the week" and continually references Wednesday as a definite Hekatean day after that);
-the rapid downhill tumble of the second half of the book, bypassing any sort of logic or cohesion whatsoever.

Brannen tries to do too much with this book (introducing both general magickal concepts and Hekate) and ends up only touching at the most surface level of those topics, leaving the reader not only wanting but needing more. Honestly, reading Hekate's entry on Theoi.com and any other introduction to magickal practices and then putting the pieces together yourself will be more beneficial.

[Plateresca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book because of my devotion to Hekate. I started it last summer, but it took me a while to get over my disappointment over the fact that it's not exactly a book about Hekate.

As far as I understand, the author founded what one would call a tradition, but what she demurely calls a framework. She quickly reveals that this book is, in fact, a course (with more books-courses for those who want to master the next levels).

So, I expected the book to talk about Hekate based on the ancient sources. The book does mention these sources, but this info is so interspersed with the author's personal preferences (like, based on her own practice, the author thinks that Hekate responds well to certain herbs or on certain days) that it's sometimes hard to distinguish which is which.

The book is very repetitive and badly in need of editing.
'Although our relationships with Hecate's animals are all very special, to me, the snake is very special to me.' What is that? That's just a typical example of what I'm talking about: an unclear message in a badly edited sentence.

There are a lot of awkwardly phrased spells and incantations.
There is also this peculiar Blake rip-off:
'Fire, fire burning bright, grant me insight on this night.'

I do not recommend this book to serious scholars of magic and/or Hekate.
I guess this might be a book for you if you're vaguely interested in magical self-help. If your version of magic is using it to help you lose negative attitudes or form healthy habits. If you love petitioning deities for help in personal growth and then journalling about your experiences, subtle changes in your mood etc. I acknowledge there's a place for this, but this particular interpretation did not speak to me.

That said, the chapter on spellcasting was surprisingly good (hence the two stars instead of one; one corresponds to 'did not like it', which is the exact description of how I feel about this book).

[Kass · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a devotee, I tried very hard to like this book. But I can't. I really respect the work Cyndi Brannen has done to provide resources and raise awareness about Hekatean witchcraft but this book really tested that respect. I will attempt to summarise some of the main problems with it:
Firstly, the entire book could've been at least 50 pages shorter; a lot of the same concepts are constantly repeated, segment after segment, without adding any further information or details. There are many topics that are mentioned all the time but at a very superficial degree.
In addition, I expected a decades-long devotee and Priestess to have a far better understanding of ancient sources. A lot of the basic associations of Hekate mentioned in this book are new or modern, with an ancient source slapped next to them to validate them even though said source doesn't include them. Although Brannen made a complicated modern system, she falls short at explaining it properly in this book, making it seem superficial.
Furthermore, some of the magical techniques outlined, like the correspondence journey or lucid dreaming are outright flawed; they are based on the psychology of the individual and not proper magical interaction. Many of these techniques are very simple and basic, yet the message is "if you concentrate really hard and ask X Deity/spirit to help, deliver a message, or visit you in your dream, then that specific entity will do the specified thing. No other entities may interfere because you say they won't. The desired entities will definitely appear and do what you ask because you asked with positive intention". This is more wishful thinking and self-delusion than true magical working.
The entire divination chapter is essentially useless. A very basic introduction to divination in Hekatean context is presented but practically no info on methods or detailed techniques is given.
Lastly, this book presented Hekate in a very New-agey monotheistic framework. Many of the ideas in it are directly influenced by Judeo-Christian religions which makes the whole system feel diluted, superficial and somewhat insincere

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had such high expectations of this book, but unfortunately, I really ended up disliking it. There were so many issues with this book. I have been a Hekatean witch for over 10 years and I have been a witch for over 20 years. I read this book as part of a book club we formed just to read this book a few friends and I and I have to say, they are what got me through this book.

Please note that these are my opinions and my opinions only, everyone can and will have a different experience with a book, this was mine.

What I did like:
- Most of the facts she provides in this book are good facts, she has a few I had eyebrow's raised over, but for the most part, they are solid facts
- she makes it clear at the beginning that this is how she sees Hekate and that you do you, I just don't see Hekate the way she does

What I didn't like:
- Ms. Brannen feels a little all over the place with this book, she will say one thing and then a few pages later go in the opposite direction
- I still don't understand how she counted Hekate's days of worship and the whole chapter felt clunking and runny. Plus while I understand that these are days she says are for Modern Hekatean Witches to follow, she gives almost no real direction on how to worship on those dates if fact she expects you the reader to create your own, which is great if you are an experienced witch, but this book seems to be written for newer and less experienced witches.
- The overall book felt like it lacked editing
- The monotheistic tone of the book, while she does mention other deities it almost feels like they are all subservient to Hekate (which is fine if that is how you wish to worship her, it's just not my thing)

If you are still reading this review at this point I'm going to say, perhaps part of my issue with this book is that it's meant to be a 101 and I'm coming at it from a different angle. I also have several other voices pointing out their issues with the book so it might have contributed to my overall feeling. I also had high hopes and expectations, which does mean the book had a harder job living up to what I expected from it.

[Alexia ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. | This review will also be available on 23-05-2019 on my blog in Portuguese.]

I was given the opportunity to read this book through the awesome Cyndi Brannen and I'm really glad I got this chance, because this book is, no doubt, a first of it's kind. I'm a Priestess of Hekate (and Persephone) through the Fellowship of Isis and I'm also a member of the Covenant of Hekate. I've been working and worshiping Hekate since my teen years and this book would have been SO USEFUL when I was younger.

This book is intended a course, through the period of one year and a day, on Modern Hekatean Witchcraft which is a Modern Witchcraft traditional dedicated and created around the Goddess Hekate. I was a bit fearful whether there would be more UPG or historical references, since I'm a big fan of having historical background and I was so happy when I saw that Cyndi took the time to mention both and distinguish them! This is amazing and rarely seen in books, having the carefulness of saying "this is the historical way but you can also do it this way, it's not historically correct, but it's not wrong either!". This is so good!

I also love that the author gives tons of resources, sources and notes on where the information is from and allows the reader to explore more, if they wish (and I recommend they do!). A quote I loved, and saved, was "(...) we aren't attempting to reconstruct the past, but we adapt historical documents and practices for use in the 21st century". Which is great! Giving value to historical resources and origins but, at the same time, allowing them to be adapted. It's the perfect balance.

I really liked the way the book was organised as well, divided into several lessons which are to be performed and studied throughout the time of training, giving sources for the information, explaining how they're being adapted into modern practices and how they can be adapted. Giving also tons of space for the practitioners to do the path their own way but following the tradition nonetheless. And, finally, ending with a self-initiation ritual into the Modern Hekatean Witchcraft. It's interesting to see a new tradition, so to speak, come up and be open to anyone who feels connected to it. I find it really interesting.

Overall, I really enjoy this book and can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy of it :)

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad this book found me! I’ve been looking for a year and a day course that fits my path and this could not be more perfect. I’ve not completed the course (clearly) but have read through it and am waiting for the next new moon to start. The information provided is invaluable and I’m so excited to start the various practices and exercises. *ARC provided by NetGalley for review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone new to Hekatean witchery, Cyndi is an absolute treasure. Through her Patheos blog and the Keeping Her Keys community on Facebook, I feel like I have found my path. Cyndi's book is a self-paced course in integrating personal development with witchcraft, with the goal in mind of living the best magickal life that you can, with Hekate's torches to light the way. It's intensive, but if you're willing to do the work, it's extremely rewarding and there is a great pay-off.

I would highly recommend this book, both to newbies and to the seasoned witch.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping Her Keys -- An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft is a sincere, experienced and easy to understand introduction to Hekate. The author, Cyndi Brannen, acquaints the reader with the multitude of Hekate’s aspects.
I picked up this book because I have enjoyed reading Brannen’s blog on Modern Hekatean Witchcraft and wanted to know more. Although I was not disappointed, my knowledge of Hekate has barely begun and my desire to know her more has been whetted. Brannen accomplished her task!
She includes 13 lessons. Her instructions not only include how she would go about the exercises, but how they can be personalized to make them your own. The book culminates with a three-fold initiation rite to devote one’s self to the goddess. In other words, it’s just the beginning and, if I read it right, she has plans for two more books down the line.
Her modern adaptation to becoming a follower of Hekate is reasonable and relevant. There are no ancient sacrifices of black dogs recommended, but rather sacrificing one’s time through actions like volunteering at the local animal shelter. She offers the down-to-earth advice of a teacher that has been down the road already and knows how to guide the reader through.
I found Brannen’s daily hour of power recommendation invigorating to my own personal practice --renewing journaling, which I am notoriously bad at (the one action I probably need most as I have no earth signs in my astrological birth chart). I particularly enjoyed making the salt Strophalos, which was challenging and fun.
While reading the book I found Cyndi Brannen’s YouTube videos, which I found to be quite helpful as well. I recommend reading this book to those interested in developing a practice of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft and I eagerly await Brannen’s next blog and book!
My thanks to NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing, from whom I received a digital copy of this book for a free and honest review.

[Spiral Breeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. I felt like the author spoke about Hekate like one would Jesus and that was very off putting.

[Ashlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I like the book as in I’ll take the usefulness like evocations and some symbols, and influences but that’s all I like. I do believe Cyndi Brannen js a very knowledgeable person and clearly works with Hekate closely but this book is not about Modern Witchcraft of Hekate it’s Cyndi’s version of Hekatean witchcraft. She does include Hekate’s traditions in Ancient Greece like Noumenia, her offerings like cakes and incense, her epithets like caring for children, goddess of night. Even including the Greek Magical Papyri which is great love that but what made me not so loving of this book is the new age vibes and the Christian elements.

The Christian elements, which are Hekate being according to Cyndi Brannen is “all-powerful” which is very not true. In Ancient Greece they never saw her as an all powerful goddess, Hekate is extremely powerful Titan but she is not all powerful, she is not as powerful as Zeus but even he isn’t “all powerful” than of what the Christian God is depicted. But Cyndi Brannen gives titles of “Our Lady” , “Mother of Angels” , “Our Mother” to Hekate for which if you don’t know those are titles belonging to The Holy Mother Mary. From my knowledge Hekate and Mary has no correlation whatsoever between them especially “mother of Angels” I don’t know where that comes from. Hekate’s epithet Angelos which means “Messenger” like how Hermes is and associated with messenger spirits like Daimons. But what is that and why is that? Now I understand that at times when people are deconstructing from Christianity like Catholicism they may use titles like that of Virgin Mary to describe other Goddesses at times use her imagery for them. But that is usually folk magic or closeted pagans/polytheists and not every person who works or worships Hekate is going to agree with the those titles.

New Age elements, this is subtle and maybe nitpicky but I feel like I should mention it because it can important to bring up. One ritual she describes while doing the ritual involving Hekate’s Key aspect, so she says use a hand gesture that is based from a yoga technique and gesture that is called Buddhi Mudra. She doesn’t explain why this gesture is part of the ritual the thing is she is taking one part of an another tradition that has nothing do with Hekate in the first place and then combining it with another tradition. That gesture without proper understanding of what it is should not be used because that gesture traditionally could mean something totally different and with different context. That is very irresponsible to me. Also including chakras and “body centers” which is very much linked with chakras but different name which okay but what does that have to do with Hekate seriously.

Other things that I didn’t personally like where neopagan ideas, I use the Strophalos (Hekate’s wheel) in my practice through it is modern adaption the wheel itself is a ancient symbol and I do believe the wheel is connected to Hekate because of how many Hekaten followers associate it with her. However Cyndi used the wheel as a map of the pagan wheel of the year 😬 I’m sorry what???

Conclusion: I wouldn’t mind if this book was about Cyndi’s own personal practice with Hekate and marketed as such but she implies that this what Hekaten Witchcraft is but the problem is yes modern witchcraft but it’s adapting ancient practices not making things up as you go. You’re not self-initiation into Hekeaten witchcraft, your self-initiation into Cyndi’s form of Hekatean Witchcraft that needs to be emphasised more clearly. In the book which I do appreciate is that she explains that you don’t have to take her word as law and take what you can beginner or not with Hekate. Best word to sum up this book is that this is based on her UPG with few ancient traditions which is fine but I prefer if she were to marketed it so that I knew what I would be buying into. She does make good book recommendations which I will recommend Circle for Hekate by Sortia d’Este and Hekate Liminal Rites by Sortia d’Este very based on historical traditions. Should you read this book? Yes but take it with a grain of salt and do cross reference like I said there are some rituals that I can take inspiration from but that is all.

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolutely wonderful beginner's book. The reason why I'm putting it as four stars instead of five is because of the editing errors throughout the book. There were more than just a few. However as I'm seeing with her second book she has definitely made leaps and bounds in the area of editing and making the book look more professional. I really appreciate this very much.
I have to say, that although the author did a very good job incorporating Hekate into the exercises and thoughts behind them, the exercises themselves were very normal for any beginner to read in just about any beginner's book. But as I said before she did a very good job incorporating Hekate into everything. So all in all a very good beginner's book.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this cover to cover, rather than following it's exercises week to week as the author intended. It was certainly interesting and covered a breadth of knowledge for Hekate worship. However, the typos were frustrating and plentiful, the writing could have definitely done with some editing prior to publication and some additional diagrams wouldn't have gone amiss.

[Fiona Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book difficult to read as I am unsure which audience Cyndi is aiming at with this book. Sometimes it reads as a beginners guide to Wicca and then switch to an advance Wicca guide to initiation guide to a deity. To inviting new reads to her blog and then assume all the reads are following her blog and some times written as Cyndi personal autobiography. This book could have been split into 3 different titles with more detail and would have gain Cyndi more audience for her works.

The other annoying thing and this my do with my scientific and librarian back ground is the lack or the badly referencing used as I am assuming like most Wiccans' myself include read and research what we want to know widely. This can be easily fix by hiring someone or learning to do this properly so her work and research she has done is well recognized.

After all this I did take some positives from this, the hymns and chants were beautiful and powerful. It also gave me some more information I need to make imitation even if I don't think I am ready for the next step. I really liked the person story/journey part and would like a book more on that part.

The lesson part which was really the main focus of the book I found to be good but the instructions a bit weak. Example guide meditation with words is hard to do when reading at the same time. Either rough guide to visualization and allow the person meditating on their own way of doing it or sell on your blog the audio for guide meditation. The lessons would be easier to follow if in dot points instead of paragraphs as this can get people lost quiet easily which is a shame as the lesson themselves are quiet detailed.

These are my opinions this format my make sense to someone else give it a try and see what you think. Thanks for Netgallery for giving me access to this title.

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyndi Brannen's "Keeping Her Keys" is more of a step by step guide to modern Hekatean Witchcraft than a book. There are 13 lessons to go along with the 13 lunar cycles of the calendar year. It is suggested that one take a full year to complete the lessons, however, there's no harm in reading through it at your own pace. There a many exercises and activities in each lesson to help you grow your understanding and connection with Hekate . I highly recommend this to anyone who has a curiosity about Hekate and by the end you may find yourself a keeper of Her keys.

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Hekate and how to use exercises and prayers to become the best me.

I also discovered the author's YouTube channel and can highly recommend checking this one out simultaneously.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy.

[Heather K Veitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft provides the reader with a thirteen-month course in working with the Goddess Hekate. This is not the same as some Hellenic Reconstructionism, wherein modern practitioners seek to reconstruct ancient rituals, but rather an adaptation of historical documents and practices for use in the current day and age. There is a focus on personal development and social justice as well as the practice of witchcraft in this book, and I feel that this blending works well.

The lessons throughout the book are a combination of information, exercises, chants, meditations, rituals, recipes, and journaling prompts. There is a richness to the information given as it draws from historical texts such as The Orphic Hymns, the Greek Magical Papyri, and the Chaldean Oracles, and brings forward that ancient knowledge for adaptation into rites and practices that are relevant to the modern practitioner. The exercises are varied and range in ease and ability. The lessons culminate in an initiation ceremony, with additional prayers and reflective questions at the back of the book.

It’s worth noting that this is an introduction to working with Hekate and specifically Her symbols and energies, and therefore isn’t another beginner’s guide to Wicca or witchcraft in themselves — it’s rooted firmly in the devotional practices and magical workings related to this Goddess. That said, it is an introduction — so a lot of the exercises will be familiar to more experienced witches and other magical practitioners, as well as the more general information about crystals, herbs, tarot and suchlike, but the laser focus on which correspondences are relevant to Hekate is refreshing.

Speaking personally, I really wanted to like this book — and I do, mostly. It’s perfect if you are just starting out on your path or want to deepen your practice by working specifically with Hekate. There is much rich fodder here and Brannen’s passion and knowledge are obvious throughout. But, as someone who has been walking the path for a good while now, I wanted more. I wanted deeper experiences and practices — which I realise may be coming in a later book — and to go beyond just the foundations of working with Hekate. Saying that, many of the exercises and practices given can be taken deeper on one’s own initiative, whilst consistent repetition of many of the chants and rituals will no doubt add flavour and richness to one’s daily spiritual practice. I particularly appreciated the Three Keys Incense and the discussion of the Holy Darkness, as well as intentional prayerwork and spellcraft. I liked how Brannen encourages daily connection, deep reflection, and service to the world as part of the reader’s devotions to Hekate, and her no nonsense style of writing is appreciated, as are the glimpses into her own magical practice and experiences.

In all, if you are interested in working with Hekate, or intrigued by what one interpretation of modern witchcraft looks like, this is a great place to start. It’s comprehensive and empowering, and offers much to the solitary practitioner as well as groups. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Moon Books, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Furthermore, in the interests of transparency, I know the author via her blog and Facebook, and am a member of the community she moderates there.

[EstherAlexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a preview of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


I was a little dubious about reading this book. I find the history of witchcraft and paganism fascinating, and although the book is framed as being ‘a guide to modern witchcraft’, I was still intrigued as to whether it would be informative to someone who doesn’t necessarily subscribe to that belief system.

To an extent, it is quite interesting. Weaved in between in-depth guided meditations and prayers to Hekate, Brannen gives an insightful explanation of the various aspects and characteristics of Hekate. Since I didn’t know much about Hekate beyond her ‘Goddess of Witchcraft’ reputation, I really enjoyed having centuries worth of concepts quite nicely condensed and simplified. In its modern incarnation, witchcraft is as much about the light as it is the darkness.

Much like any other religious analysis book might begin with a psalm, the book is peppered with lyrical prayers. I enjoyed these, especially the Orphic Hymn to Hekate. The history of worship and the imagery of Hekate is honestly pretty badass from start to finish, so it was entertaining to have a broad introduction.

Another thing I found intriguing about the idea of witchcraft within this modern framework was its social agenda: ‘Many practitioners of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft are committed to making the world better for themselves, their loved ones, and the vulnerable.’ With this in mind, I find it unsurprising that witchcraft seems to have resonated very recently amongst young women in particular, a demographic that is also pioneering in inclusivity and fighting for rights for minority groups. Brannen describes an ‘energy current of kindness’; this was certainly illuminating, contradicting many contemporary fairytale-fed ideas of witchcraft as inherently evil.

I enjoyed the intellectual perspectives and that the book found it's grounding in modern life. For example, many of the meditation exercises seemed like the practice of mindfulness framed in a different way. Mindfulness and self-care is something the book market has been flooded with recently, so it was interesting to look at this as a slightly more niche perspective on the idea of taking control of one’s own life.

Full review on my blog

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've seen this book recommended by many devotees to beginners looking for information on Hekate so I finally decided to read it. As a relatively new witch and someone who also aspires to be a Hellenist, my approach to connecting with Hekate is vastly different than the exercises the author has prepared for us in this book, which I suppose influenced me as I was reading through it. While I respect Dr Brannen's knowledge and effort into sharing her praxis with the public, I just didn't resonate with any of her teachings. She references the Chaldean Oracles many times but hardly explains what it is and why she connects her understanding of Hekate to those concepts. I've only ever read snippets of the Chaldean Oracles and they're quite difficult concepts to grasp for beginners, so I was expecting more than a basic interpretation of it. It almost assumes that you already have intermediate/advanced knowledge of Hekate, but it's marketed for beginners? That was just honestly confusing for me, I'm lucky I read other sources before this. There's some good information in this book, I do like how she incorporates the strophalos symbol into her workings, but some other info I just didn't click with such as  incorporating Hekate into the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, which might just be a me thing, but I don't celebrate the Wheel of the Year. Hekate has her own sacred days which are observed in the household, she has the Deipnon/Hekate's Suppers and Noumenia. Her understanding of Hekate seems to be very different than mine, however, which I can respect - but for me, this book has that New Age-y feel that I just couldn't get past. Some of you may like this if you're into sort of a monotheistic approach to Hekate. But this is gonna be a pass for me.

[Samantha Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is arranged into lessons, which should be completed in one moon cycle. I, of course being too curious to wait an entire year to see what it said about Hekate, read the whole thing through once in a couple days. There was a lot of interesting information that I assimilated immediately, and exercises to be done a little bit at a time. Taking the full year to do the course allows for fitting in bite-sized chunks within your busy schedule.

Each chapter has a new and different subject, from Hekate's garden to a customized Wheel of the Year. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about and engage with Hekate. If you're more interested in general witchcraft, perhaps Cyndi's first book would fit better, because this is definitely specialized.

[Autumn (Triquetra Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazingly handy - perfect for those who have already begun to practice with Hekate, and for those who are new to Her.

The course, as the author refers to it, is well researched, laid out nicely and in a way that makes sense and gives a lot of background as well as hands-on work to do, which I think is the best way to start a new spiritual journey, to get right into it and make some mistakes, create lots of questions for yourself and also get some field work in. Messy hands-on experience is always best over reading a million books, and yet, this guide/course helps to do just that - create a relationship instead of having you just read about one.

[Gigi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Modern Witchcraft and New-Age Spirituality is a capitalist cash grab. It lacks substance. This is literally marketed as a "course on Hekate," as if one could comprehend her essence from a couple of rhymes. Maybe it's useful for someone who has zero knowledge in the field and would like to gently dip their toes in the vastness of non-Christianity but if you want something serious, don't waste your time with this.

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a manual than a book. Hekate isn't for me unfortunately but I still appreciated how easy to read and understand these steps were, so that even a novice can practise and decide on her own terms.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book, engaging and informative.
I'm not of follower of Hekate and knew very little about her cult but this book supplied tons of information in a clear and entertaining way.
I liked the style of writing, the clear explanations and the examples.
I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to John Hunt and Netgalley for this ARC

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEEPING HER KEYS is a comprehensive and fascinating exploration and course in the practice of "Modern Hekatean Witchcraft," by its founder. This practice lends itself to both solitary practitioners and covens, and is framed to take a year and a day. Practitioners were learn of Hekate and her worship while simultaneously fomenting their own individual Spiritual Evolution.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note on the narration: The narrator pronounces Hekate as “EHH-Kuh-tay.”

[BethK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher.

As a further disclaimer, I am a former Wiccan, trained in conventional Wicca, and no longer practicing. I found this book because of my wrong impression of what this book was about because of its title, but found the matter intriguing. It is not the type of book I would normally read. Indeed, when I read the book, I was in somewhat of an emotional crisis, and I found some comfort in revisiting divinity as I had previously believed in. If I understand the book correctly, Hekate "put" this book in my path, with Her finding me at "just the right time".

This book outlines and gives 13 “monthly” lessons in “modern Hekatean Witchcraft “ that eliminates much of the problems I found extant in the Wiccan community as well as members of other religions, being a “one right true and only way” to understand or practice the religion. In this new “modern Hekatean Witchcraft” the emphasis is on the individual, their own understanding of the world, how the world and relationships and associations work for that person. Keeping a journal of such things is of utmost importance. These may change throughout one’s life, and that’s okay!

As a person who no longer believes in the objective existence anything supernatural, I was able to help myself emotionally through the crisis that I was in, and the suggestions in the book were extremely helpful. I still do not believe in Hekate any more than I believe in any deity, but the matter of Hekate "calling" me has its lure.

The confusing issue over the title is the reason I gave it 4 stars – it would have been 5 otherwise.

[Naava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Now, I didn't read it as it was instructed – I didn't spend nearly enough time on each lesson. I also do not consider myself Hekatean, I'm Norse pagan and do not wish to change that. My reasons for requesting this book were purely these: curiosity, and the wish to understand the worldview of others better.

This book was utterly boring at parts, let's start with that. I found myself falling asleep when reading. I can't even explain how boringly Brannen explained some parts, it just... made me literally fall asleep. Several times.

Also, what bugged me was how easy Brannen made things like connecting with deities seem. "Just count to twelve and you'll see a door, go through it and walk along a path and you'll see Hekate and get a new name from her!" I mean, wow. If it was that easy, I would have had so many experiences with my deities. Maybe I'm just reading this too critically, maybe it would be that easy if I spent the instructed 13 lunar cycles before trying the connect-to-Hekate meditation.

But it is full of useful information if you're Hekatean or looking into getting started with Hekate. She surely is one of the most interesting deities in the Greek pantheon. Go forth, everyone, and read this book. It is good, even though I only gave it three stars. Maybe I should give it four for the excellent naps I got out of it? (Only joking. The naps weren't that excellent.)

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love this book. I found myself taking copious notes knowing full well that I will be dipping back into this book again and again.

More than just a course book in the modern witchcraft tradition, Cyndi explores the history of the Goddess Hekate and provides readers with a clear and concise understanding. Also included is a full Hekate Wheel of the Year and a solid explanation of listings of all Hekate symbols and correspondences. The author also guides the reader through establishing your own Hekate garden with a full list of plants and uses in spell crafting. Three main plants are focused on which is perfect if you are feeling overwhelmed at that point. The information provided here is perfect for all green witches and those practicing herbal magic even in the shamanic tradition.

'Keeping Her Keys' has everything one needs including practice, self initiation, prayers, guided meditation and activities. This is self paced however does uniquely set a course timeline such as when is the right time to start.

This is most definately one of the best texts on the subject I have encountered and is perfect for the novice and the more experienced that find themselves drawn to Hekate or have already heard her call.

*arc from netgalley

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Her Keys by Cyndi Brannen is the perfect book to help you hone your spiritual practice and connect more deeply with Hekate energy. Anyone who chooses a pagan. nature based or magic based spiritual path is choosing to follow an non-traditional religious practice, but you can still find yourself craving some form of structure and guidance. This book allows you to find that and use Hekate as the focus of you devotion. It's especially helpful if you are a solitary practitioner and do not have the support of others/ a coven. This is a female centered, inclusive approach that is easy to understand and incorporate. The book is set up as a course/initiation in working with Hekate formally, but even if you do not follow the course directly you will learn so much that will deepen your personal practice and you will learn everything you need to know about connecting with Hekate. If you are a beginner to the magical path there may be a slight learning curve, but Cyndi Brannen strikes a nice balance, as to appeal to the more experienced witch. Personally, I learned a lot and I found reading keeping her keys a pleasurable experience.

[Sarah Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good information in here, but is mostly focused on establishing the author's new tradition (despite claiming this is not the case several times - it is pretty clear that this is a 'course' that enables you to 'mentor' in 'modern hekatean witchcraft'). Treats the reader as a newcomer to witchcraft, rather than just to Hecate, e.g. telling us to start a BoS and do an initiation ritual, as though this is a beginner book to a NEW TRADITION.

So much 'this is what you interpret it as' that you could probably find and replace the word 'Hecate' with any other goddess and the book would make largely the same amount of sense.

Every time we came close to talking about Hecate's myths or historical presence, it was a short paragraph which ended with 'go and do your own research' without recommending many sources. So basically the book is more concerned with 'personal development' and 'the course' and building the ranks of this new tradition, than teaching you about Hecate.