All About Hades

Personally, I've seemingly had a strong male energy surrounding me from last night and even today. I've been looking into Deity recently and some Gods or Godesses that would seemingly appeal to me. Though I am not Greek Orthodox of any sort, and haven't studied much of Greek mythology, I am interested in the God Hades and believe he could be calling to me.

General Associations and Symbols of Hades: Cerberous, drinking horn, scepter, key, helmet of invisibility, and a bident.

Animal Associations: Owls (screech and barn owls), dogs, serpents, and black rams.

Plant Associations: Asphodel, mint, white poplar, narcissus, and the cypress tree.

Color Associations: Black, gold, and silver.

Stones/Metals: Garnet, onyx, tourmaline, other black stones, iron, and gold.

Scent/ Perfume Associations: Pomegranate, cypress, and amber.


Now, I would like to talk about how to make an altar with offerings to Hades, and what you could offer him. Hades is usually not openly welcomed in the home as he is a known trickster and God of the Underworld, dealing with communication and divination to the deceased. Most altars are set outside temporarily with a candle and incense.

The Altar SetUp: 

1. Dig a small grave or door shaped hole/pit within the ground.
2. Pour libations and offerings inside.
3. Say a prayer or incantation to Hades and state your reason for contacting him.
4. Once you feel his presence, make sure to avert your eyes, as eye contact is not appreciated.
5. Leave the pit open until you are finished, and make sure to bury your offerings inside.

Some prayers and incantations include the following I found from "Ways of Worship: Hades", an article by Lilli Behom will be followed by this paragraph. Keep in mind, I'm not looking to worship Hades and neither should you be pressured to, but if you are interested in him as I am, I want to share as much research as I could find with you, my readers. Also, feel free to change some of the words, or create your own incantations and prayers, these are just some examples if you're having trouble coming up with some.

"Invocation of Hades:Dark Lord of the Underworld, [I/we] stand trembling at your approach. King of the uncounted legions of the dead, ruler of the hidden wealth that bejewels the caverns beneath The Earth our Mother’s skin, darkened by the ashes of a thousand cremations. Invisible One, passing through the chaos of humanity unseen in your helm of obscurity, You see us from a more distant place, a world of ephemeral life. We come and go, but you, Lord, are eternal in your watching. Help us to see the darkness of endings as part of the cycle, and to mourn our losses in a way that does them honor. And should we journey to your dark realm, In life or after it. Do not keep us past our endurance, but give us gracious passage out into our new lives."

"Prayer to Hades:Great Hades, master of the dark afterworld, honored host of our beloved dead, husband of fair-haired Persephone, holder of the riches of the deep earth, eldest son of full-hearted Rhea and Cronus of the shining sickle, I praise you. Hades, kind one, unyielding one, gracious granter of respite to the suffering, of welcome to those who have passed from our world, I thank you for your gift of shelter and hospitality."

 Additionally, as a ritual, before you speak these words, you shall fall to the ground and bang on it, but make sure to use an open palm, as it shows you are open and willing instead of angry such as a fist.