Also called Plouton, Zeus Katachthonios, Eubouleus, Aidoneus.
Their story
When Zeus, Poseidon and Hades drew lots for the world, Hades received the realm beneath the earth. He was stern but fair, keeping the dead and their laws. The Greeks often called him Plouton, the wealthy one, because grain and precious metals rise from the ground he rules.
Their day
Saturday. In modern practice, Saturday is often given to Hades, as the day of Saturn is associated with endings and the dead.
Best times to give to them
- evening or after dark
- the Genesia, the Athenian day for the dead, in early September
- when remembering someone who has died
- Saturdays
What they like being given
- water or oil poured into the earth
- honey
- pomegranates
- dark bread
- cypress or mint
- unscented incense or myrrh
How to honour them
- Pour a libation into the soil for Hades rather than onto a shared altar.
- Give his offerings wholly and do not eat from them afterwards.
- Keep a photograph of your beloved dead and speak their names.
- Pay what you owe and deal fairly, since he is a god of just order.
How they can help you
- grief and coming to terms with death
- accepting endings
- hidden wealth and patient saving
- justice
- facing fear calmly
Symbols
- helm of invisibility
- two-pronged staff
- cornucopia
- cypress
- narcissus
The Greeks gave Hades few temples and often approached him through euphemism and quiet respect, and many modern devotees keep that restraint.
Herbs linked with them
- Peppermint Mentha x piperita
More Greek gods
- Zeus King of the gods and keeper of oaths
- Apollo Lord of light, music and prophecy
- Hermes Swift messenger and guide of travellers
- Dionysus Twice-born god of wine, theatre and ecstasy
- Poseidon Earth-shaker and lord of the sea
- Helios The all-seeing sun who crosses the sky
- Pan Goat-footed god of shepherds and wild places
- Ares The storm of battle