When most people hear the name Hades, their first reaction is often shaped by Hollywood myths and fearful misunderstanding. But in truth, Hades—Greek god of the Underworld—is not a villain or a demon. He is a god of dignity, balance, and deep mysteries. He is the Keeper of Souls, the Lord of Riches, and a powerful yet calm force of order amid chaos. Working with Hades can be deeply grounding, protective, and clarifying—especially if you are walking through your own shadow work or cycles of death and rebirth.

🏛️ Who is Hades?

Hades is one of the Olympian gods, brother to Zeus and Poseidon. While Zeus ruled the skies and Poseidon the seas, Hades was given the Underworld—a realm often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery. He governs not only death, which is frequently feared and misinterpreted, but also the treasures hidden in the earth, such as precious gems and minerals. Additionally, he oversees ancestral ties and the profound cycle of endings and beginnings, emphasizing that death is not merely an end but a transition to another state of existence. Unlike many other gods who roam freely across the heavens or the oceans, Hades remains firmly rooted in his realm, embodying stability, permanence, and quiet strength.

Often depicted as a stern figure, Hades is not the malevolent overlord many perceive him to be; instead, he serves as a guardian of the dead and a protector of souls. His domain is not merely a place of despair; it is also rich with life in the form of spirits and echoes of those who have passed. The Underworld is structured, and Hades ensures that every soul is judged and given a place according to their life choices, reflecting a strong sense of justice.

Hades is frequently accompanied by his wife, Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld. Their relationship is a central theme in Greek mythology, with a myth that speaks to the rhythms of seasons, descent, and return. Persephone’s annual journey to and from the Underworld not only symbolizes the changing seasons but also underscores the cyclical nature of life and death. Their bond is layered and complex—often interpreted as dark and somber, but when delved into deeper, it reveals one of the most compelling love stories in mythology. The dynamic of their relationship embodies themes of loss, love, and reunion, inviting reflections on the nature of companionship, sacrifice, and the duality of existence itself. Together, Hades and Persephone represent the balance between life and death, showcasing that love can flourish even in the most unexpected places.

Read more about Persephone here:

🌑🌸 Intro into Persephone: Queen of the Underworld, Maiden of Spring

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✨ How to Know if Hades is Calling You

Not every deity reaches out in dramatic visions or booming signs. Hades may come quietly—with subtle symbols or feelings:

• You begin to see references to him, the Underworld, or Persephone repeatedly.
• You’re drawn to pomegranates, keys, obsidian, or cemeteries.
• You feel a deep, calm presence during meditative shadow work or grief processing.
• You dream of dark, cavernous places, or of being watched over by a calm guardian.
• You feel called to ancestral work, death work, or feel a deepening respect for death as transformation.

If these signs align with your experiences, it might be time to introduce yourself to him with openness and respect.

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🕯️ How to Call Upon or Honor Hades

You can honor or reach out to Hades in ways both simple and sacred. Here’s how:

• Set up a small space or altar with dark cloth, candles, pomegranate imagery or seeds, black crystals (obsidian, onyx, jet), or coins.
• Light a candle and offer a moment of quiet reflection. Speak to him honestly. A simple greeting or prayer is enough.
• Offerings he may appreciate:
  • Pomegranate juice or seeds
  • Black wine or dark bread
  • Coins (especially in multiples of 3)
  • Dark flowers (black roses, lilies, marigolds)
  • Obsidian or other earth-related stones
  • Acts of remembrance or tending graves of ancestors

You do not have to create grand rituals—Hades appreciates sincerity, respect, and stability. He is not a god of chaos but one of sacred order.

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🙏 Do You Have to Work with Persephone or Hecate to Work with Hades?

This is a common question, and the answer is: no, you don’t. While Hades is often linked to Persephone and occasionally Hecate (as both are goddesses of the liminal, the dark, and transformation), he can and does work independently with many practitioners who seek his guidance and support. His realm is rich with symbolism and depth, offering insight into the nature of life and death, as well as the mysteries that lie beyond the veil. That said, if you feel called to work with all three, that’s perfectly valid too. Combining their energies can lead to profound experiences and a deeper understanding of the cycles of existence, as each of these deities brings unique perspectives and powers that can enrich your spiritual journey.

Each deity is distinct, and their energies are unique, embodying complex facets of existence that resonate deeply throughout mythology. Hecate is the torchbearer at the crossroads, illuminating the paths of choice and transformation, guiding souls through times of uncertainty with her profound wisdom. Persephone, often seen as the bridge between light and dark, navigates the delicate balance of life and death, embodying the cycle of seasons as she transitions between the realms above and below. Hades, often misunderstood, represents the stillness, the guardian of the underworld, and the sovereign of the unseen, presiding over the mysteries of the afterlife and the rich tapestry of ancestral memories that connect past and present. Together, these deities weave a narrative rich in lessons about duality, rebirth, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

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🌍 Can You Work with Both Greek and Norse Gods?

Let’s be clear: yes, you absolutely can. Your spiritual path is yours. You are not required to follow a closed system or swear allegiance to a single pantheon unless that is your calling.

Many of us are eclectic, walking between multiple traditions, each bringing its own unique insights and practices. I personally work with Hecate and Hestia regularly, drawing from their rich mythologies and wisdom. Each encounter with these deities adds layers to my spiritual practice, grounding me while also opening doors to deeper understandings. However, I have long felt a spiritual pull toward Hades and Persephone as well. Their story resonates deeply with the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that many of us experience, much like the cyclical nature of the seasons. It draws a parallel to my experiences with Loki and Sigyn from the Norse pantheon, where themes of loyalty, transformation, and challenge come into play.

This draw may not always become a working relationship, but it’s something I acknowledge and honor quietly—just in case we are meant to walk together later. There is a beauty in recognizing the moments when certain energies align, and understanding that just because a connection is not active now, it doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future.

Deities come when you’re ready, not when you’re eager. This requires patience, a quality that can often feel scarce in our fast-paced world. Let the connection unfold naturally, when the time is right. Don’t chase the deities or force a connection; rather, let it develop organically. Listen instead to the subtle signs and hints the universe may present to you. The whispers of your intuition can guide you to recognize when a deity is reaching out, offering their guidance and support exactly when you need it. Trust the process and remain open to the many forms that spiritual relationships can take, for they can manifest in a multitude of ways as you continue your journey.

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🪄 Final Thoughts from Mrs. B

If you feel called to honor Hades, do so with sincerity and respect. He’s not a god to approach lightly; however, he is also not one to fear. Hades embodies the principles of order, depth, and wisdom within the realms he governs. He is often misunderstood due to his association with death and the underworld, but it’s essential to recognize that he brings a different type of enlightenment. Rather than demanding worship, he invites presence and encourages truth, urging us to acknowledge the hidden aspects of existence that often go overlooked.

As you consider embarking on this journey, it’s vital to understand that there is no one way to begin this path—only your way. There’s no gatekeeping here; the relationship you cultivate is deeply personal and unique to your experiences and beliefs. Hades will meet you where you are, waiting patiently for you to uncover the layers of your own truth. Take the time to explore what it means to connect with him, whether through rituals, meditation, or simply quiet reflection.

Invite his essence into your life with an open heart and a curious mind. This interaction can deepen not only your understanding of the world around you but also your sense of self. Allow the relationship to evolve naturally, and remember that each step you take is valid, paving your own path in this intricate tapestry of spirituality. Embrace the wisdom that comes from delving into the depths, as this journey is as rewarding as it is enlightening. Your practice is yours, and your deities will meet you when you’re truly ready to engage with them.

If you’re just starting, try this simple statement:

“Hades, Keeper of the Underworld, I honor you with respect. I invite your presence if you wish to walk with me. May this space be open to connection and closed to harm.”

And then… just listen.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B