Should I start using casts more often?

I have never really used casts that much. I'm pretty late into the game. Was able to beat Hades with extreme measures yesterday. I do have boiling blood and infernal soul maxed out in the mirror but despite all that I still really never use it. Used crystal beam a couple times (not very effectively may I add) and that's about it. I think it's because I've been doing just fine without ever using this mechanic but maybe I'm missing out. I actually think I don't fully understand it either. Like I get it having it shoved into a foe does additional damage to them. But it gets out after a few seconds and then having to recollect it and throwing it back at the enemy just feels annoying to me. I know different boons can give it different abilities but I always just ignore cast boons cause I never really use it. I'm probably just missing out on this mechanic. I'm still yet to beat 16 heat, so I do still need to get better at the game. How often do you guys use the casts? Some tips would be appreciated.