For about two years now, I've been feeling called by Hades. I've asked for signs from him and they've always been delivered within a day or two. I've put things on my altar without really knowing why I was putting them there, only to later learn that they were something associated with Hades. I always got the impression of him being a sort of fatherly/uncle figure--strict, but caring (which is something I've seen many people who works with Hades say of him).
The only problem is that working with Hades doesn't seem like it would fit with my practice at all. My practice is mainly low magickand heavily influenced by European folklore (mostly Celtic, such as a belief in the Fair Folk), and some information from witch trials, as well as a bit of Appalachian lore. My view of the Otherworld doesn't fit with Greek beliefs at all, nor does my view of divinity. I don't like the idea of worship; I believe in powerful energies that deserve respect, and I honor those energies, but worship doesn't make sense to me. I'm honestly a bit of a soft polytheist, and I've always felt like spirits blend together into one energy.
Despite all of this, I keep being called to Hades. All my experiences with him have been wonderful, so I'm a bit conflicted. I'm really not sure if I should honor him and work with him, nor am I sure if there would even be a way to do that respectfully while still keeping with my beliefs. I have made it clear to the best of of my ability that the traditional Greek methods of worship (at least from what I've read) don't make sense to me, and he still sent signs, so I don't know whether he minds. I also haven't been able to find much on worshipping him specifically, though.
I suppose I'm just looking for some insight/similar experiences in this sort of thing. Basically, how do I work with a deity who doesn't fit with my belief system? Is it possible to do that? I don't want to disrespect him by trying to fit him into a system, but I also don't want to do things that don't make sense with me.
Thanks for any insight and/or advice anyone can give!
I had the same sort of thing happen with Persephone and Artemis. I was strictly Norse pagan, and followed the Norse and Celtic beliefs of the afterlife and Otherworld, but I felt like Persephone really wanted to work with me, and that Artemis wanted to take me under her wing. I now work with them, though I don’t follow the religious beliefs beyond those two (and when nodding at Hades), and I certainly don’t worship the gods I work with—I’ve never liked the idea of worshiping, as it tends to heavily imply putting yourself below another.
Anyways, in my opinion, you might want to give Hades a chance, and I highly doubt he’ll give you any grief for maintaining your beliefs as they are, as he—while strict—is rather laid back in my experience and from what I’ve heard.
Thank you for your reply! That's really helpful, and definitely makes me feel better about the whole thing. I appreciate it. :)
I'll see how it goes to try working with him. He doesn't seem to mind my viewpoints on spirituality, as I've made it pretty clear, so I think you're right about that.
