Whether you’re a seasoned witch or just dipping your toe into the cauldron, this guide will help you pronounce some of the most spellbinding (and commonly butchered) words in the realm of magic, myth, and mystery.
Samhain (SOW-in)
- A Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
- Common mistake: “Sam-hane” (thanks, horror movies 🙃)
Imbolc ( IM-bolk or IM-olk)
- A festival celebrating the return of light, associated with Brigid.
Edinburgh (ED-in-bruh)
- Capital of Scotland, full of ghostly lore and occult history.
- Common mistake: “Ed-in-berg” (nope!)
Lughnasadh (pronounced LOO-nah-sah)
- A harvest festival named after the god Lugh.
Cailleach (KAI-lukh)
- A Celtic hag goddess associated with winter and wild nature.
- That throat-clearing “kh” at the end? Iconic.
Ostara (oh-STAR-ah)
- Spring equinox festival — yes, she’s the root of “Easter.”
Grimoire (grim-WAHR)
- A book of magic spells, rituals, and secrets.
- French origin — it deserves a dramatic flair.
Chthonic (THON-ik)
- Relating to deities of the underworld (like Hades and Persephone).
- Silent “ch” — just to keep things spooky.
Tarot (TA-roh)
- Not “tay-rot”! (bless anyone who’s said it like that out loud 💀)
Loa (LOH-ah)
- Spirits of Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo who act as intermediaries between humans and the divine.
- Singular and plural are the same. Don’t say “Lo-as.” 😉
Baron Samedi ( BAH-rohn SAH-muh-dee)
- Loa of the dead, crossroads, and resurrection — sharp dresser, powerful presence.
- French-influenced pronunciation; the “n” in Baron is soft, and the “Samedi” isn’t “suh-MED-ee.”
Erzulie ( AIR-zoo-lee)
- A family of female Loa associated with love, beauty, and femininity.
- Think graceful, powerful, emotionally rich spirits.
Djúpavík ( DYU-pa-veek)
- Remote village in Iceland known for eerie beauty and isolation — perfect ghost story setting.
Yggdrasill ( IG-drah-sil or IGG-drah-sil)
- The World Tree in Norse mythology that connects all realms.
- Often mispronounced as “Yig-drah-zil” — but the “Y” is soft, nearly silent.
Tír na nÓg ( TEER na NOHG)
- Irish “Land of the Young” — a mystical Otherworld of beauty and eternal youth.
- Gaelic rules again: the “Óg” means “young,” pronounced “ohg.”
Montségur (Mon-say-GOOR)
- Sacred mountain and fortress in southern France, last stronghold of the Cathars.
- A name whispered in Templar and Grail lore
This is just a bit to get you started, happy learning!
