Hello, I have been lurking on this site for quite a while now. I’ve been thinking about which deity(s)to worship and have finally come to the conclusion of Hades. I’ve been trying to look on how this is done but I’m not quite sure. No one really worshipped him as they did the others so I can’t really find much on how they did it. Does anyone know what I would do to make sure this is the right deity ? Or what I should put on an altar ? Should I even make an altar ? I heard followers of Hermes ( maybe ? ) carried around coins in their pockets or helped people with advice for on the go worship.
Any advice would help. Please, and thank you.
You have contradicted yourself, you say you have come to the conclusion of worshipping Hades yet you ask if its the wrong deity. Before thinking about setting up an altar, I would try researching a little more on the worship of Hades as well as asking yourself is this the deity you wish to worship. Do you feel a connection to him? Again, be completely sure that you wish to worship him. In my personal opinion, one should not begin worshipping a deity to later stop abruptly because you have found a new one. If you have come to the conclusion that Hades is who you wish to worship and are sure of this, then try finding reliable resources on the devotion of Hades as well as looking more into the deity itself; stories, history, etc. Hades actually was worshipped in many parts of Greece. I recommend you looking for the website: Theoi. It is very informative of the Greek Gods as well as their history, birth, stories, etc. Basically much of what you should look into before settling yourself to worship a deity.
As a follower of Hermes, the coins aren't necessary. In fact, I happen to find a penny every single day just laying around. It's just some sort of thing Hermes has with me, knowing that He's always watching, and always looking out for me.
Why Hades, specifically? Even if you're asking "Is this the right deity?" is most likely not a good way to start out. That itself expresses doubt. You can experiment working with other deities to see which suits best your path.
If you wanted to start an altar to Hades, start out with a simple candle. Dark grey to black candles are the colors that associate with Hades, sometimes red. Hades was honored in Greek funeral services and necromantic rites, so little animal skulls, stone skulls, or a simple drawing would do. If you don't have money to supply yourself with a fancy altar (even though being all decked out isn't necessary), you can frame a printed out picture of Hades, and add a candle to it. And that's not just for an altar to Hades, it can be an altar to any deity you choose to work with.
Make sure you open up to many other possibilities of relationships with other deities. There are other pantheons besides the Greeks.
An addition: before following any deity, get to know them. Are there any myths or lore that associate with this particular deity (not talking about Hades, just talking generally)? Make sure you know the deity, what they are connected/related to, and see how that relates to you.
Ah, sorry if I contradicted myself.
I'm not sure exactly why I chose Hades as I would much rather assume I'd follow Eros or Hekate. But I just feel that he is the right deity. The reason I asked if I could be following the wrong one is because I read that sometimes the deities could say no to your worship or point you to another deity that would actually be better suited for you ?
But thank you both for your advice. I'll keep it in mind as I plan out my altar.
If you still need help with things associated with Hades for a altar here are some things:
(three-headed) dog, black horse(s), black cattle, screech owl; cypress, mint, white poplar, asphodel; seeds, acorns; (rough) jewels or crystals; metals; coins (as in, those left on the eyes of the dead); pomegranates; cornucopia; bird-tipped sceptre; golden chariot; helmet; (golden) throne; (golden) keys; anything representing wealth; anything representing death or the other chthonic deities; bones; hotel keys; grave dirt or other cemetery souvenirs; black, somber colors, silver, gold
i would personally suggest following your gut intuition. also i would suggest meditation to try to feel a connection with Lord Hades and how his realm and powers relate to you personally. and perhaps maybe even pray to Him.
that's an interesting one to worship. at times in history the words 'Hades' and 'Hell' have been interchangeable. And indeed, if you look at what's under the planet, what does it seem to be? Tectonic plates (like alternative continents) and lava... it all sounds a bit fire and brimstone!
