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[hades-haven]

Practical tips for Hellenic Khthonic Ritual

Khthonic deities are of the earth or ‘under’ it so offerings were made outside on low altars (escharai) or into specially dug pits.

For libations wine was replaced with water, milk, honey or blood.

Animals sacrificed were black in contrast to white, which were reserved for Ouranic (sky) deities.

Rituals were traditionally performed at night.

Seeing as animal sacrifice is frowned upon nowadays and not feasible for most practitioners, votive offerings can be offered instead, i.e. black animal figurines, predominantly sheep and rams.

Other offerings may include coins as traditionally an obol or oboloi (plural) was used as currency in Hades.

Epithets were used more than plain names.  Persephone  - Kore (Maiden,) Carpophorus (Bringer of Fruit), Despoina (Mistress), Praxidice (Exacter of Justice). Hades  -  Aidoneos (The Hidden), Necron Soter (Saviour of the Dead), Eubouleus (Good Counselor), Necrodegmon (Receiver of the Dead), Plouton (Wealth), Polydektes (Receiver of Many Guests), Theon Khthonios (God of the Underworld).

Any food offerings were wholly burned or buried (holocaust), none of it was shared with the ritual attendees as with Ouranic offerings.

Gods associated with or make the Underworld their home includes Hades, Kore, Hekate, Hermes Khthonios, Kerberus, Erinyes (Furies), Kronos, Thanatos, Charon, Hypnos, The Moirae and Nyx, among a myriad of others.

Heroes and ancestors were also worshipped in this manner, thought to exert great power from their tombs and the Underworld. F’ex, Asklepios and Herakles.

Caves or deep chasms were also thought to be gateways to the Underworld though mortals were discouraged from venturing there before their time.

Disclaimer - This is solely from personal research and in no way indicative of how everyone should approach Khthonic ritual. Feel free to omit or adjust anything you see fit.

[hades-haven]

I keep seeing people get confused about the myth of hades and persephone. So as a greek myself I wanted to clarify somethings. 1. in a marriage ritual kidnapping of the bride is a thing and still is in some parts of the world. 2. offering of gifts is a ritual to ie. the pomegranates. 3. only dad’s permission in a marriage mattered hence why no one asking demeter. so hades’ kidnapping is just part of the wedding ritual not some evil deed. he had permission of zeus and consent of his bride.

Exactly! Which again proves the importance of researching Ancient Greek history and culture so we can understand the purpose and role of mythology.

Also the original myths don’t mention Hades raping Persephone. That got added in later on.

The Hades and Persephone myth is probably the most misunderstood myth BECAUSE people dont bother to look more into it. They just take it at face value with their modern ideologies despite these stories being from an ancient culture or they allow other people to influence their viewpoints without checking into it themselves.

So I’ll keep saying it over and over again:

RESEARCH MORE THAN MYTHOLOGY! RESEARCH ANCIENT GREEK CULTURE, HISTORY, AND OF COURSE THE ACTUAL RELIGION!

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[hades-haven]

On Worshipping Hades

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.

The Basics

Offerings:

Coins & other money (traditionally gold or brass, but all money works)

Stones, especially dark, jagged stones

Alcohol, especially wine

Honey

Milk or Water

Tobacco

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

Salts and spices

Shells or bones of the earth

Teas, especially blacks and oolongs

Breads or cakes

Fruits, such as apples and pomegranates

Meat (especially lamb)

Incenses: frankincense, myrrh, wormwood, sandalwood, cinnamon, rose, pomegranate

Candles: black, grey or silver

Symbols:

Dogs (Cerberus, specifically), black lambs, serpents and screech owls

Precious jewels, money, metals

Cypress, white asphodel, mint, narcissus

Drinking horn

Sceptre

Key

Helm of darkness

Black, grey, silver, gold

Nighttime

Autumn and Winter

Cemeteries, crossroads, forests, caves and mines

Ideas for the Altar:

Black mirror

Black cloth

Dark stones, such as hematite, onyx, obsidian, jet and the like

Shells

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

Family heirlooms

Active Practice

Worship Etiquette:

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

Ancestral worship

Praying

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

Caring for dogs kindly

Reflecting on your thoughts and emotions on death 

Helping others who have experienced loss

Frequently Asked or Requested Information

Hades can help with:

Fears about death or dying

Suicidal tendencies

Chronic illness

Money and business

Creativity

Moving on 

Releasing regrets, guilt, and past relationships

Seasonal worship and practice

Earth magic and herb work

Recovery from trauma

Spirit work, namely spirits of the dead

You DO NOT need to:

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

Only worship Him

Speak super formally to Him

Be someone you’re not in order to worship Him

You DO need to:

Honor Him

Be respectful

????

PROFIT

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?

Advice on devoteeing

For more information on worshipping Hades–espeically devoteeism and oaths–you can check out this zine I published about Him, Pleading to Hades.

[hades-haven]

@modernmythsnet | Event Thirty-One | Natural ↳ Make me choose: Hades or Poseidon ( @annabetths )

I’m begging you to keep on haunting me

[hades-haven]

Hiiii i was wondering what you offer to hades?

Hi! I was cruising through my Hades tag convinced that I had already made a post about this, but as it turns out, I totally haven’t! Oops! I’m glad you asked. Here’s a cohesive list of ideas:

Objects & Food:

Coins & other money 

Stones, especially dark, jagged stones

Alcohol, especially wine

Tobacco

Herbs: cypress, mint, myrrh, patchouli, pomegranate, bay, apple, pumpkin, yew

Oils, especially olive oils and vinegars

Shells or bones of the earth

Teas, especially blacks and oolongs

Bread

Meat (especially lamb)

Incense and candles aren’t as common, but they can be used.

Actions: 

saving money

spending money wisely

honoring/caring for the dead

collecting crystals and stones

cleaning up cemeteries/tending to old graves

offering money to the spirits of the dead to let them pass on, and donating the physical change

making an altar to tend dead spirits

study up on 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

ancestral worship

any prayers 

I’m sure people have more to add, so if you do, feel free to add on! In case you’re interested, I’ll tack on my guide to worshipping chthonic deities. Have a lovely day!! ^ v ^

[hades-haven]

Look at it! I bought a beautiful statue of Lord Hades! It's by the same company that made my Odin statue!

[hades-haven]

somber ,

[hades-haven]

21 Day Newbie Devotee Challenge

Day 4: What symbols/animals/plants/etc. are associated with your deity? Start out by listing the ones that you know. Then, do a little research to see if you can find more. In a separate list on the same post, list those ones, too. Make note of which ones you think fit and don’t fit your deity.

Hades : “Die many times before you die.” - Pluto Astrology

Symbols

Keys (Guardian of the key of the Underworld)

Dident (Zeus has the lightingbolt [Monodent], Hades the Dident, Posiden the Trident)

Helmet of Invisibility

Black Jagged Stones - Onyx, Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, Black Volcanic Glass

Drinking Horn (his correlation with wealth, plenty, and taking care of his subjects)

Flora

Mint (Bee attracting ground cover [Bee stamped Obols were given to Charon to get you into Hades], Minthe the nymph was born in Hades and covers the shores of one of the rivers there. Mint shows hospitality, health benefits etc.)

Cypress Tree (can’t find a reason why)

Asphodel (‘Lily of the Grave’, covers the Asphodel Meadows in Hades.)

Yew (Gate tree of the Underworld)

Narcissus (Persephone loves these flowers, Hades loves Persephone)

Animals

Cerberus, the three headed dog (associated with loyalty and defence of ones stuff)

Owls, specifically screech and barn owls (the “demon” Duo is a giant Owl and a bringer of knowledge. Owls are associated with knowledge.)

Serpents (also associated with knowledge and being territorial)

Black Rams (these were historically sacrificed to Hades but he never listened to prayer or sacrifice and I see no connection to the Ram to Hades….i dont know why its on the list)

Planet

Pluto

- Selene Blackwell

[hades-haven]

Historically accurate offerings to the Theoi, but this time it’s the Chthonic edition! These three were the only deities that had information substantial enough to make a slide on. All information is taken from the stories and tales of them on theoi.com. 

Make sure to click each image to get a fullview! Ευχαριστώ!

[hades-haven]

A portion of my visual altar for Hades! I'm gonna post about visual altars in a minute. I use Pinterest for mine! To see this entire board, check on my account chthonicwitchcraft!

[hades-haven]

#3 Hades, Lord of the Underworld and God of the Dead.

[hades-haven]

💀 Lord Haides: King of the dead, God of riches & precious metals

[hades-haven]

They say the King of the Underworld is unkind.

They say he is cold and distant.

But I know better.

For he sits with the young children with parents gone too soon and points at the painting on the wall and tells the eldest not to cry. That their mother’s soul is at peace.

The two go through life searching. For answers, for catharsis, for peace.

They look for answers in the cross and in letters at the bottom of a box of their mother’s things. They look to friends, teachers, and family for answers.

They don’t find any.

Eight years have passed since then and as the eldest stares at the painting of the woman in a field of poppies, the pieces come together. And he knows that a promise was kept.

And that’s how I know that the King of the Dead is kind.

For a painting on the wall tells the story of a young woman, gone too soon, but at peace.

And I remember.

[hades-haven]

Worship for Chthonic Deities

💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀

Chthonic (or chthonian) deities are are Gods that dwell beneath the earth. This includes any Underworld deities, as well as deities that are associated with the Underworld (Gods like Hecate would be included, since They often visit the Underworld). Some of you may have noticed that there’s hardly any information on how to worship certain chthonic deities. Here, I give you some starting tips:

💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀

With most chthonic deities, offerings are usually poured down instead of sent up. This means incense is a less common offering, as you want to offer things that are poured down into the earth, where They symbolically reside. I usually offer oils (often olive oils) and teas. Other offerings may include wine, juice, blood and essential oils. I pour the physical remains into the earth after ritual–just make sure you’re not harming any nature when you’re doing this!

I know that in some pantheons, it’s common  to take a sip of a drink before offering it to a heavenly deity. With chthonic deities, don’t take a sip before you offer it. It’s traditional to offer the entire drink to Them. (I got such a death glare from Hades when I didn’t do this correctly pun intended).

If you God is associated with the dead, cleaning up cemeteries and tending to old graves are GREAT versions of philanthropic worship! 

Stones are often used with chthonic deities, in spells aided by Them and on Their altar. Check your deity’s symbols for appropriate stones, but in general, any dark, jagged stone works best (such as obsidian and smoky quartz).

You may make an altar to chthonic deities easily. Black, grey, metallic, and purple candles are common (depending on your God). Stones, money, any bones (or representations of bones) you have, and items passed down in your family (a form of ancestral worship) also work well on the altar!

You may create an altar to spirits of the dead or your ancestors too if you wish!

Remember that the element of earth is sacred to most chthonic deities as well. Using dirt, herbs and any other earth elemental magic works in devotion to Them.

Although spirit work is common with chthonic deities, it is not required. Again, spirit work is not required. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, don’t.

If you do pursue spirit work, treat them kindly but remember that some spirits do lie. Pendulums, tarot, astral projection, and offerings work well as beginning spirit work.

If you don’t feel comfortable using your blood in magic, don’t. It is not required.

You do not have to be a certain type to witch, or even a witch, to worship a chthonic deity.

Do not forget to study up on your God! Learn their stories, associations, powers, and traditions. All chthonic deities are different!

And finally, but most importantly, talk to Them. Talk to Them silently, out loud in front of an altar, or write to Them in a journal (which I do all the time). They are Gods, so They will listen to you, and respond when They think best.

💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀･:*:･ﾟ★💀

OP NOTE: Your worship is YOUR worship. This post is a guide for people who have had trouble finding information on worship for their deities. It is not law. You worship how you feel best, and it’ll be worth more than anyone else’s advice will.

Also, thank you for the encouragement, @daisy-witch​! You’re super cool and I hope this helps!  (/・v・)ノ.:*・°💀

[hades-haven]

Chthonic Devotionals

Styx 🌑🌲⚖️🛡

Participating in a cause or protest

Cleaning up a body of water (river, stream, creek, etc.)

Smoking and enjoying darkness at night, especially in the wee hours

Reading about current political and legal changes

Spending time with pine trees

Working on craft/jewelry/witchy projects that involve iron

Crafting my Underworld powders

Warding and protecting the house and property

Helping spirits cross and giving the dead respect and peace

Swimming

Reading Tarot

Taking a super cold shower

Caring for/being kind to spiders, moths, beetles

Hades 💀💰⚰️🐾

Working on finances and shop/business plans

Reading articles and watching videos regarding burial rights and care of the dead

Watching horror movies

Visiting and cleaning graveyards

Maintaining relationships and communication with local spirits and ghosts

Spending time with dogs

Working on ability to respectfully debate important issue

Eating pickles or preserved foods or red meat

Helping someone with a death plan/will/Power of attorney

Collecting/displaying coins and stones

Persephone 🥀🕊🛀🌺🍯

Enjoying local flowers and plants

Listening to birdsong

Growing flowers

Displaying cut flowers in their full cycle, even after they’ve wilted/died

Enjoying a well made meal or snack

Eating pomegranates

Taking a long and pampered bath

Practicing a daily beauty or self-care routine

Using pomegranate-based products (oil, body wash, deodorant, etc.)

Visiting graveyards with offerings for the dead (flowers, honey, seeds, nuts, small cakes, paper cards, music played, books read, etc.)

Setting up a bird feeder

Combining floral and death aesthetics in craft, artwork, and photo creations

All 👻🌑🍂⚱️🖤

Visiting a graveyard and walking around and reading headstones, remembering

Vulture culture

Reading and researching stories involving death and the dead

Erecting a death or ancestor shrine/altar to remember and light candles for those who’ve passed

Collecting and using graveyard dirt

Lying on the ground with bare hands and feet and feeling the earth

Volunteering at a hospice or nursing home

Watching crime and forensic based shows and movies

Acknowledging your own darker side and working with it, accepting it

Working on mental health plans and care

Shadow work

[hades-haven]

Death Witch Tip

my favorite offering for the dead is lemon poppy seed baked goods.

poppy seeds = sleep and peace, to give them rest

lemon = healing and purification, to bring them peace and allow me to leave gently without being followed.

[hades-haven]

Offerings for the Dead

Most people are reblogging an ask I answered long ago about offerings to give to the dead. It’s long overdue, but I’ve finally typed it up into an actual cohesive post.

~ Herbs ~ 

Lavender, for peace in passing on

Thyme, to give peace to those who have died from violence

Apple, a common Irish symbol for the dead, which I often give to my ancestors 

Pomegranates, myth of Persephone and all that

Rosemary, for remembrance

Myrrh, commonly used in necromancy, also used to give off good vibes

Chervil, often used in rituals for the dead

Mugwort, usually used to aid divination and communication with the dead. I also give it as an offering

Bay, same as mugwort (my mentality is that these herbs will help “send” the offerings to the dead)

Lemonbalm, for peace and healing

Wormwood, to strengthen the communication with the dead, as well as healing and revenge

Frankincense, a traditional herb (usually incense) to honor the dead

~ Flowers ~ 

Calendula, for blessings and eternal love

Rose petals (or the flower) for love and healing

Marigolds, perfect for ancestor worship (as well as spirit work salves and tea)

Lilies, for a sense of security and togetherness; ideal for children

Orchids, for balanced emotions and adoration; ideal for former lovers

Daisies, also ideal for former lovers and lost family members

Tulips, to spread happiness

Dandelions, ideal for connecting with certain spirits (especially when drunk as a tea)

~ Liquids ~

Water, a traditional offering for the dead, often left out for passing spirits

Wine or other alcohol

Juice, namely pomegranate or beet

Oils, such as olive oil, pomegranate oil, coconut, almond, vinegar

~ Other ~

Stones or crystals

Coins

Tobacco (I also know some people who use cigarette smoke or ashes)

Grains, traditionally brown bread

Meat

Candles, namely dark colored or earth-toned

Cleaning up graveyards, placing offerings on graves and speaking to them also makes a great offering

Song and music

Anything personal to the person you’re sending the offering to

~ What to do with the Offerings ~

Burn herbs or flowers (safely) with a written message to “send” the offering to the soul

Leave coins, flowers or herbs on the grave

Pour liquid into the earth, or leave them out in a bowl

Leave offerings out as a “standing offering” for the dead who pass through (idea from @arachnospooky)

This is SO overdue I’m so sorry but I hope it helps!!