Can you summon Hades in real life?
You probably can’t summon Hades to appear before you. In Greek mythology, Hades is rarely depicted as leaving the Underworld—most sources say that the only time he left was to kidnap his wife, Persephone, when she was a girl. Between that and his overall surly demeanor, it’s probably not easy for a mortal to summon him. In fact, most ancient people avoided saying his name at all. However, you can use prayers, altars, and offerings to connect with Hades without necessarily summoning him.
Hades may send you signs if you invoke him. Some people find that if they attempt to contact a god, that god’s symbols will start appearing in their life. If you’re trying to reach out to Hades, pay attention to whether any of these symbols start showing up more often. You might also dream about him or he might appear to you in a vision. Symbols frequently associated with Hades include dogs, snakes, screech owls, gems, metals, and coins.
Offerings to Hades
Decorate an altar with items associated with Hades. To create your altar, place a small table in a quiet place where you can meditate without being disturbed. Place a few offerings to Hades on the altar, but otherwise, keep the table clear of any clutter. Items associated with Hades include: Brass or gold coins Soil (from a burial ground if you can get it) Bones Dark or black stones like onyx, black obsidian, or black tourmaline Dark red wine, honey, olive oil, vinegar, or milk Plants like pomegranate, asphodel, cypress, tobacco, mint, bay, yew, cinnamon, lavender, and willow Fresh or dried flowers like dandelion, rose, daisy, poppy, and calendula Breads, cakes, or rich meats (especially lamb) Incense like myrrh, amber, frankincense, wormwood, and sandalwood Black, silver, or gold candles
Bury or pour out offerings to Hades. Because Hades is the god of the Underworld, offerings should be sent downward to him as a symbolic gesture. Bury small cakes, dried flowers, or coins, or pour out dark wine or olive oil. Giving an offering to Hades while you pray to him may create a stronger connection. Traditionally, followers of Hades would sacrifice a dark-colored animal like a sheep, but animal sacrifice is an outdated practice that is no longer encouraged.
Praying to Hades
Hit the ground with your hands while you pray to Hades. It’s an ancient tradition to strike the ground with your hands to invoke Hades. Some people say to hit the ground two times, while accounts of the ancient Mycenaeans say that priests of Hades would hit the ground rhythmically while they prayed.
Address him properly and refer to his place in his family. When you’re praying to Hades, use a title that shows him right away that you are coming from a place of respect and humility. For instance, you might open by saying, “Hades, Lord of the Underworld.” Many people follow that by acknowledging his place in the family of gods: Son of Chronus and Rhea Brother of Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, & Hestia Husband of Persephone Father of Macaria, Melinoe, Mesperyian, & Zagreus
Offer him praise. Greek gods are notoriously fond of flattery. After greeting Hades, praise him by acknowledging his power. Similarly, paint yourself as humble—don’t address him as if you’re an equal.” Say something like, “We are not worthy to stand in your presence,” or “I humbly stand before you with a request.”—although you don’t necessarily have to use formal language
Make your request. Because Hades is fairly reclusive, if you’re calling on him, you should usually have a reason. After you’ve finished appealing to his pride, quickly get to the point. You might say, “I need help coping with the loss of my friend. Please help me to accept that their ending is just a new beginning and a natural part of the cycle of life.”
Finish your prayer by thanking Hades. You can thank him for listening, or thank him in advance for his help with your problem. This doesn’t have to be elaborate—a simple “thank you” will do. If you’re giving him an offering, the end of the prayer is a good time to do it, although some people prefer to make the offering at the beginning of a prayer to get the god’s attention.
Honoring Hades
Tend to cemeteries. Show Hades that you honor the afterlife by helping care for burial grounds. Always be respectful of gravesites, and help tidy the area if you can. Pick up litter, straighten flowers that have tipped over, or lift fallen headstones back into place. It’s a good idea to get permission from the cemetery’s caretaker before you do anything—and only go during the cemetery’s visiting hours so you don’t get in trouble for trespassing. Some people believe that tending to dead or dying plants in the fall and winter can help connect you with Hades. You can also donate to causes that care for those who have passed away, like nonprofits that help preserve cemeteries, bury people who pass away without family, or investigate unidentified bodies.
Be supportive of people who have experienced loss. If someone is newly grieving the loss of a loved one, they have a strong connection to someone in the underworld. By showing tenderness to that person, you’re showing Hades that you respect and value the person who has recently passed away and want to help care for their remaining loved ones.
Connect with your ancestors. Because your ancestors have passed on, reaching out to them can help you connect with Hades. Learning about your ancestral history can be a good way to feel closer to your ancestors. You can also attempt to communicate with them through prayer, meditation, or artwork.
Make artwork dedicated to Hades. If you’re creative, try painting a picture, writing a poem, or composing a song dedicated to Hades. This will show your devotion to him, and you may be more likely to attract his attention.
Care for dogs. Hades is often associated with dogs—probably because he is the Master of the three-headed dog Cerberus that guards the underworld. Working as a pet-sitter for dogs or volunteering at an animal shelter might help endear you to Hades.
Appeal to Persephone. Persephone is Hades’ wife and the Queen of the Underworld. They’re often depicted as a pair—and because Persephone is free to travel to the land of the living for several months a year, she may be easier to contact than Hades. By invoking Persephone, you may be more likely to forge a connection with both the King and Queen.
What does Hades help with?
Hades can help you have peace about the afterlife. As the Lord of the Underworld, Hades is all too familiar with the anxiety and pain surrounding death. Calling on Hades can help you see these things as part of the natural order, which may give you the strength to release your pain. Invoking Hades may also help you with unresolved trauma or grief. Because Hades is frequently associated with precious metals and coins, some people believe that he can also assist people with issues related to money or business.
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