Hades: King of the Underworld

Hades, the ancient Greek god of the underworld, is one of the most complex and influential figures in Greek mythology. He is the eldest son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, with whom he shares dominion over the world—each ruling a different realm: sky, sea, and the underworld. After the gods defeated their Titan parents, Hades drew the lot to rule the underworld, a domain that governs both the dead and the hidden riches beneath the earth. While often depicted as stern and unyielding, Hades is not a malevolent god. Instead, he governs the dead with a sense of solemn responsibility, ensuring the souls of the deceased find peace, while maintaining the balance between life and death in the mortal world.

Hades' connections to the earth and its hidden treasures are reflected in his association with specific crystals. The onyx stone, believed to offer protection and grounding, aligns with Hades' connection to the deep and often unseen forces of the underworld. Obsidian, a volcanic glass used for spiritual protection and inner work, also resonates with Hades' role as a ruler of the shadows, helping individuals confront their fears and hidden truths. These stones, with their dark and reflective qualities, mirror the god’s somber domain, where transformation and purification take place.

In addition to these powerful crystals, Hades is often connected to certain animals that symbolize death, mystery, and the unseen world. Cerberus, his three-headed dog, guards the gates of the underworld and ensures that the dead do not escape. This loyal beast embodies Hades' role in protecting the boundaries between the living and the dead. The serpent, also linked to Hades, symbolizes renewal and rebirth, reflecting the god’s power over the cycles of life and death. These animals, both revered and feared, reflect Hades' dominion over what lies beyond mortal perception, where life gives way to death and transformation.

Hades’ realm is also tied to particular plants and herbs that symbolize death, mourning, and the afterlife. The cypress tree, with its dark evergreen needles, is associated with Hades, representing eternal life and sorrow. The myrtle, used in ancient funeral rites, was thought to honor the deceased and is another plant tied to his power. The hellebore, known for its poisonous qualities, is connected to Hades as well, representing both danger and purification, making it a fitting herb for rituals involving death and the underworld.

Hades is also known for his relationship with Persephone, the goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld. Though their union is often portrayed as dark and mysterious, it is a powerful partnership that governs both the life-giving aspects of the earth and its descent into death during the winter months. Persephone’s presence in the underworld symbolizes both death and renewal, as her cyclical return to the earth each spring marks the rebirth of nature. Together, Hades and Persephone represent the balance between life and death, the inevitable passage from one state to the other. In witchcraft, Hades is often invoked during rituals related to transformation, ancestor work, and communication with the dead, with both him and Persephone serving as guides through the mysteries of the afterlife. Through them, practitioners honor the natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth.