Hades: Myth, Magic & Modern Devotion

by Jamie Waggoner, Morpheus Ravenna (Foreword)

One of the most recognizable but misunderstood Greek gods, Hades plays a valuable role that has not garnered much adoration. Using myth, storytelling, and practical exercises, author Jamie Waggoner shows how Hades is more than the keeper of souls and the land of the dead. She reveals his true nature and provides everything you need to build your own rich devotional practice. Discover Hades's real story with passages written in his own words, excerpts from historical texts, and Jamie's personal experiences. She helps you cultivate an unexpectedly life-affirming relationship with him through meditations, altar building, and other magical work. With Hades's wisdom, you will develop a deep appreciation for the glorious spectrum of experience we can have in this mortal lifetime.

Genres: Mythology, Witchcraft, Religion, Occult, Magic

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2024

About the author

Jamie Waggoner is a Pagan priestess, philosopher, writer, and teacher. Jamie has studied esoteric and occult subjects since 1995, and uses her skills and experience gained over twenty years of magical praxis to lead workshops, rituals, sacred circles, and study programs. Her work as a priestess is highlighted in the Red Tent documentary film (2012) and the Goddess on Earth Oracle (2021). In addition to her independent projects, Jamie is a cofounder and teacher for Way of the Weaver, an inclusive program of spiritual inquiry, social justice, and community building. She has been a devotee of Hades since 2016.

Reviews

[Elyse Welles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep and reflective, well-researched book on a very neglected deity. While Hades is far from an unknown name in Greek mythology, he is definitely the most misunderstood.

I read this as somebody with a deep love of the Greek pantheon, but no knowledge of specific modern connections with Hades. Honestly, I don’t think I ever had much of an interest in working with him, until reading this book.

I really was moved by the honest, approachable, and unapologetic personal gnosis shared in this book. It is not an unfounded story of experience; it’s not woo-woo, or sensational. It is, like I said, very well researched, and the bibliography reads like a term paper’s. But Waggoner understands that you need to actually work with a God to get to know them, and the fact that she’s not afraid to share that endeared me to this book from chapter 1.

I really cannot stress enough how well organized this book was, how well written and succinct each chapter was, and how approachable her writing is. I learned a lot as a writer from the way Waggoner writes.

My favorite section in each chapter, perhaps, not a surprise to people who know my business is called Seeking Numina, but I loved the sections on sacred places to connect to Hades at. Sacred places, or Numina, are not celebrated enough by the community, they have so much to teach us. As someone who was literally called by the land to return to Greece, I speak from experience!

If you have even the smallest interest in understanding Hades this is a must read. It will open your mind to The way the gods can be approached in general ways and will definitely introduce you to the real Hades that the myth don’t seem to touch.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book on Hades. There's not much information out there about him and especially not in regard to working with him. I really enjoyed the author's writing style and the way that the book was set up. Jamie Waggoner presents Hades in a way that allows the reader to understand his character a bit better, and also dispels some common misconceptions. I enjoyed reading this book and I hope others will as well.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid overview of work with Hades that does a solid job of mixing more rigorous academic sourcing with UPG.

[Fernanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most complete, informative, and useful resource on Hades I've ever seen!!! Delves into the myths, devotion and magickal practices, symbols associated with Hades, and all other underworld beings!!! I can't stress how much I love this book!!!

[Bill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

From past experiences I am very hesitant of any books on a specific deity devotion. However I was pleasantly surprised. I will be recommending this to other’s after I finish writing this review. Thank you Jamie for such a great read.

[Alyssa Greatbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The layout was really interesting, with each chapter starting with a message from Hades so you can get a better idea of his character than is usually portrayed. This book is packed full of information, and even though I'm not into magic, it was interesting reading about all of that.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers a profound exploration of the god’s dual nature—both the ruler of the dead and the giver of wealth. Through themes of duality, acceptance, and veneration, the book emphasizes that death is not separate from life but deeply intertwined with it. Waggoner highlights Hades’ role as a guardian of both spirits and earthly riches, reminding us that the underworld’s treasures; both literal and spiritual, are essential to existence. This book beautifully reframes Hades as a god of balance, urging readers to honor the beloved dead and embrace the cycles of life and death with reverence.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Hades through this book. The author does a good job of explaining his different epithets, and bringing the mythology to life. There are plenty of exercises to work on, as well as questions for journaling/reflecting on.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading, and will come back to it as a resource.

[Desirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still in the baby-stage of deity work, but I found this very insightful. I picked this up mostly for additional information on Hades through the classical Greek mythology lens. I'm also a Scorpio, so I've always had a sentimental streak for the man, the myth, the legend that is Hades.

[Mary Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant and fascinating trip through the afterworld with a modern devotee. For practitioners interested in working with Hades, or for folks curious about other ways of approaching spirituality.
I really loved the recipes!

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about Hades. It dives deep into his mythos and gives parts of his story in his own words. Khaire Hades!

[Risha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will definitely be revisiting this book; often.

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like a lot of books focus on Persephone, which I don't have a problem with, she is THE queen after all, totally LOVE her, but I wish there were more books available on Hades. If you try to find anything its usually on Pluto, the roman counterpart, but never anything too specific. Or the book makes him look like a emo sad boy, and that's Thanatos not Hades, he's a goth rich man. I know that's terribly informal, but it is a simplification.
I was so ready for this book when the publication date was announced, because I was itching to know more about Hades. I feel I lack a lot of understanding and love for the masculine deities, but if I were to devote myself to any, it would be Hades himself.
This book has a great plethora of knowledge on Hades and the act of working with him in a modern devotional sense while demonstrating a deep understanding and researched collection of correspondences and mythology. This is such a great read and I find it imperative if you are working with Hades, Persephone, or other underworld deities or spirits to understand the God for which the land takes it's namesake. There are so few non-flowery text on Hades, that this is such a refreshing change to the standard.