There are a ton of posts out there for signs and symbols, offerings and all that. Regardless, I’m making this post because Hades is the God I receive the most asks about, and this post was highly requested.
Coins & other money (traditionally gold or brass, but all money works)
Stones, especially dark, jagged stones
Herbs: cypress, mint, myrrh, patchouli, bay, pumpkin, yew, wormwood, cinnamon, lavender, willow, oak
Flowers: marigold, dandelion, rose, lily, daisies, rowan, poppy, daffodils, calendulas
Oils, especially olive oils and vinegars
Shells or bones of the earth
Teas, especially blacks and oolongs
Fruits, such as apples and pomegranates
Incenses: frankincense, myrrh, wormwood, sandalwood, cinnamon, rose, pomegranate
Candles: black, grey or silver
Dogs (Cerberus, specifically), black lambs, serpents and screech owls
Precious jewels, money, metals
Cypress, white asphodel, mint, narcissus
Black, grey, silver, gold
Cemeteries, crossroads, forests, caves and mines
Dark stones, such as hematite, onyx, obsidian, jet and the like
Dirt from outside, or graveyard dirt
Black, grey or silver candles
Flowers (dried works well too)
Bones (ethically sourced)
Representations of any of His symbols, listed above
Money, especially rare coins
Silver, or other precious metals
As with all chthonic deities, offerings are usually poured down. Offerings that float up (such as incense) are less common, but can be used.
Food offerings are usually buried instead of eaten. However, if need be, you may eat them.
Offerings are often buried, poured down the drain, or into the trash. This is done to ‘complete’ the offering.
This is very traditional, but I want to include it for extra information. In a temple with a roof, offerings would often be left by His feet all day and then during at night. Also, since the Mycenaean period, priests of Άδης would rhythmically pound their hands on the ground whilst praying to Him. I will sometimes tap (not pound) my head to the floor while praying in honor of this tradition.
As always, be polite. Hades will forgive any mistakes with a forgiveness offerings and continued respect.
Ideas for Active Worship:
Saving money, and spending it wisely
Cleaning litter from cemeteries, and tending to old graves
Offerings to the dead, as well as money to the spirits of the dead to let them pass on, and donating the physical change
Collecting crystals and stones
Making an altar to tend dead spirits
Studying other cultures’ burial methods and cemetery rites
Donating to burial, mortuary or funeral services
If you communicate to spirits, treat them kindly and help them move on
Devotional poems and artwork
Dedicating items to Him, such as jewelry, a wand, or a specific bone
Working with death energy and dying plants during autumn and winter
Reflecting on your thoughts and emotions on death
Helping others who have experienced loss
Frequently Asked or Requested Information
Fears about death or dying
Releasing regrets, guilt, and past relationships
Seasonal worship and practice
Earth magic and herb work
Spirit work, namely spirits of the dead
Be a spirit worker or death worker in order to work with Him
Swear an oath with Him, unless you’re 110% sure to commit
Be a devotee in order to worship Him
Speak super formally to Him
Be someone you’re not in order to worship Him
More Questions I’ve Answered
What are more DO’s and DON’T’s?
How do I know it’s Hades and not someone else?
I want to devote! How can I?
What if I can’t give extravagant offerings?
I can’t bury His food offerings
I feel like He’s not listening
I think I’ve fallen in love with Hades
Easy ways to start worshipping
I’m closeted, and want to devote
More tips for closeted worship
What are some modern things Hades would like?
How does Hades feel about cursing?
I was taught to fear Hades …
What do I even say to Him?
Do you have any tips or advice for someone wanting to become more involved with death magic and Hades?
Are there any Gods Hades wouldn’t want to be worshipped alongside?
How do you pray to Him through journal?
For more information on worshipping Hades–espeically devoteeism and oaths–you can check out this zine I published about Him, Pleading to Hades.
