Attributes
Hades is the Greek god of the underworld and the dead, ruling over the underworld and watching over the balance between the living and the dead. In addition to his role as sovereign of the afterlife, Hades is also associated with the wealth of the underground, such as minerals and precious metals, giving him a dimension as a god of earthly riches.
Correspondence table
| Stones | Onyx, Obsidian |
| Planets | Pluto (for its association with power, transformation, and underground wealth) |
| Day | Tuesday (day associated with Pluto) |
| Related deities | Persephone (his wife, queen of the Underworld) |
| Creatures | Cerberus, Bat |
| Plants | Thistle (plant associated with the protection of the dead), Aconite (plant associated with death and transformation) |
| Signs | Scorpio (for its association with mystery and transformation) |
| Direction | Bass (associated with the depths of the earth and the Underworld) |
| Sabbats | Not applicable |
| Offerings | Snake amulets, three-headed dog figurines (Cerberus), offerings of meat and wine, obsidian jewelry, and cypress plants |
Symbols and appearances
Hades is often depicted holding a scepter or a bident, symbols of his authority over the realm of the dead. Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the underworld, is another notable emblem, representing his ability to control the forces of the afterlife. The pomegranate is also an attribute linked to Hades, referring to his myth with Persephone, symbolizing both captivity and the cyclical return of life.
Myths
The most famous myth of Hades is his abduction of Persephone, daughter of Demeter, whom he takes to the underworld to make her his queen. This story is fundamental in explaining the changing seasons in Greek mythology: winter comes when Persephone is with Hades, while her return to Earth in spring symbolizes rebirth and fertility.
Spiritual message
Hades embodies the acceptance of the natural cycles of life and death, emphasizing the need to respect the laws of nature and the universe. As a figure of the inevitability of death, he reminds us that the end is an integral part of life and that understanding and accepting this reality can bring a form of inner wealth. His role also highlights that in the dark depths and apparent endings, there are often seeds of renewal and transformation. In this way, Hades teaches that recognizing and accepting life's transitions are essential to achieving a deeper understanding of existence and living in harmony with the world around us.
