Hades (Greek: Haides, “The Unseen One”) is the God of the Underworld, Lord of the Dead, and Guardian of the Earth’s hidden riches. A solemn, just, and unwavering deity, he rules the realm beneath the earth with fairness and sacred duty — ensuring that the souls of the departed find their rightful place and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth continue without corruption.

Misrepresented in modern depictions as “evil,” Hades is in truth the great stabilizer of the cosmos, a god of boundaries, oaths, wealth, and ancestral memory. He is not death itself (that is Thanatos) — Hades is the King of the Realm to which all souls return.

Mythology & Lore

✦ The Divine Division of the World

When the Olympians defeated the Titans, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades cast lots for dominion:

• Zeus received the sky

• Poseidon the sea

• Hades the Underworld

Hades’ realm was not a punishment — it was a sacred stewardship, a universe of souls, memories, and deep magic.

The Abduction and Marriage of Persephone

(with mythologically rich detail)

One of the most significant stories involving Hades is his union with Persephone, daughter of Demeter.

✦ The Abduction

While Persephone gathered flowers in a meadow, the earth split open and Hades emerged in his chariot. The gods had long feared asking Demeter for her daughter’s hand; Hades chose instead to take her to the Underworld — not as a prisoner, but as a queen.

The act was shocking, but in Greek myth, abductions often symbolize initiations — the descent into maturity, sovereignty, and the mysteries of life and death.

✦ Persephone’s Transformation

In the Underworld, Persephone:

• was crowned Queen

• was treated as Hades’ equal

• was given thrones, attendants, and dominion

• learned judgment, compassion, and spiritual law

In some versions, Hades allowed her full control over the Elysian fields and the souls she guided.

✦ The Pomegranate Seeds

When Hermes eventually arrived to bring her back, Hades offered Persephone pomegranate seeds. Whether she ate them by:

• fate

• choice

• or symbolic acceptance of her role

…she became eternally tied to both realms.

✦ The Compromise & Seasons

Zeus decreed that Persephone would spend:

• part of the year with Demeter above

• part with Hades below

Demeter’s grief during Persephone’s absence causes winter; her joy at Persephone’s return brings spring.

✦ Their Relationship

In myth, Hades and Persephone are one of the most stable marriages among the gods. Hades is faithful, loyal, and treats her with dignity.

Persephone is not a victim — she becomes:

• Queen of the Underworld

• Judge of the Dead

• Goddess of Mysteries and Initiation

And Hades rules beside her with profound respect.

The Underworld: Realms & Geography

Hades’ realm is vast, structured, and complex — a full spiritual ecosystem.

✦ The Gates of Hades

Guarded by Cerberus, the three-headed hound who allows souls to enter but not escape.

✦ The Five Rivers

Each river symbolizes a different aspect of death:

• Styx – oaths, unbreakable promises

• Acheron – sorrow

• Cocytus – wailing

• Phlegethon – fire and purification

• Lethe – forgetfulness / reincarnation

✦ Asphodel Meadows

The Asphodel Fields are:

•  A neutral realm for ordinary souls

• A quiet, dreamlike landscape that is covered in asphodel flowers - a white and yellow flower that was often planted on graves and is associated with Persephone, who is depicted crowned with a garland of asphodels (or narcissus in some tales)
  

It is a place of reflection and rest for the souls who were neither heroic nor wicked, not a punishment. 

✦ Elysium (The Elysian Fields)

A paradise reserved for the:

• heroic

• noble

• exceptionally virtuous

• or those who mastered sacred Mysteries

A place of joy, light, and eternal spring.

✦ The Isles of the Blessed

For those who achieved Elysium three times through reincarnation — the ultimate spiritual attainment.

✦ Tartarus

The deepest, most fearsome realm, reserved for:

• oath-breakers

• abusers of divine law

• gods or titans who rebelled against cosmic order

It is not ruled by Hades — it is its own primordial force. Hades oversees souls; Tartarus deals with cosmic criminals. 

Aspects & Domains

✦ Hades the King Below

Fair, solemn, and incorruptible ruler of the dead.

✦ Hades the Guardian of Wealth (Plouton)

Patron of:

• gems

• metals

• fertile soil

• hidden riches

His realm brings forth both ancestors and abundance.

✦ Hades the Boundary-Keeper

Governs thresholds:

• life ↔ death

• oaths ↔ consequences

• memory ↔ forgetting

✦ Hades the Partner and Consort

Loving husband and co-ruler with Persephone; guardian of marriage oaths and sacred contracts.

Symbols & Colors

• Colors: Black, deep red, gold, obsidian, green (hidden life)

• Symbols: Key, bident, Helm of Invisibility, pomegranate, throne

• Animals: Cerberus, owl, snake, ram, black horse

• Plants/Herbs: Cypress, asphodel, mint, pomegranate, myrrh

Crystals & Stones

• Obsidian – shadow work

• Black tourmaline – grounding

• Garnet – blood and rebirth, pomegranate seeds, passion

• Onyx – protection

• Jet – ancestral connection

• Smoky quartz – emotional resilience

Metaphysical Work with Hades May Include

• Shadow work

• Ancestral connection

• Boundary reinforcement

• Death & rebirth cycles

• Wealth manifestation rooted in integrity

• Grief healing

• Quiet introspection

Invocation Example

"Hades, King beneath the earth,
Keeper of memory, death, and birth,
Guide me through shadow with steady hand,
And guard my soul in your silent land."

Modern Worship & Practice

Hades is honored today as a:

• guardian of transitions

• protector of the dead

• guide through emotional darkness

• stabilizing presence for those who work in healing, death, or ancestral rites

His devotees often feel a pull toward:

• introspection

• justice

• quiet wisdom

• honoring the dead

Altars include black candles, pomegranates, keys, bones (ethically sourced, or dried twigs in place of), obsidian, and images of Cerberus (any good boy will do).