#hades devotion

as a hades devotee.🖤

Yes, the elemental framework I use follows the Avatar cycle! I imagine this probably raises more eyebrows than me quoting NCIS as the reason for my being drawn to monasticism.

While I do not have any degrees, formal training, certifications, or credentials, I do have lived experience and those experiences have taught me that inspiration and spiritual meaning can come from anywhere, even an animated tv series.

Full disclosure, I am a nerd. The Avatar cycle is not the only pop culture reference I use in my spiritual practice. I am a Star Trek fan as well. The first time I watched Star Trek Discovery, I was immediately drawn to the Kwejian greeting. There was something there that felt natural to my practice and it is something that I still use often. It is my way of saying that I see the divine that is in front of me without having to say anything at all.

I also use the word Itaren to close my prayers. I like the way it sounds and it is an expression of gratitude in Vulcan (I mean as close as they can get to expressing gratitude). I have always seen myself in characters such as Spock and Tuvok, and having an acknowledgement of that in my spiritual life is comforting.

We are often told that spiritual practice needs to be serious all the time in order to be real. There certainly is a time and place for serious practice but there is also space for a little bit of whimsy and fun. A practice that is too serious will inevitably start feeling like a chore and an obligation instead of something to look forward to, something you want to engage with as much as possible.

I have always been fascinated with names and titles. There is a curiosity that stirs in me when I see or hear something intriguing. I even tried to come up with my own title for my role of service to Hades. What I learned very quickly was that the title did not belong to my practice nor did it enhance it in any meaningful way.

Titles definitely have their place, but right now I need to step back and listen to what my practice is actually asking of me.

My steps keep faltering because there is a wall I cannot get past. I see the beauty of what I was practicing, the stillness of my inner grove, what I was trying to strive for, but something stands between me and the immersion I once had. It is the wound that hasn’t healed or even scarred yet, reopening every time I brush up against the brambles in my way.

So what do I do?

I am slowly realizing that I can’t engage with the full litany every day now, I am not ready yet. I need a gentler way forward so I have come up with the solution to observe one Hour every day instead of all five Hours in one day. This was why I structured the litany the way I did, I needed a practice that could adapt to whatever my needs were no matter where I was.

Hades Pasianax ~ Lord of All

I did my first tarot reading for Lord Hades in probably over a year. It was intended to be a status check, to apologize for my lack of worship and to see how our relationship stands in his eyes, as well as what my next steps should be moving forward in His worship. I don’t think I could’ve been guided to more beautiful cards.

My interpretation, relating to me specifically:

Fortitude: Also known as Strength in most decks, this card symbolizes inner strength and ability to overcome challenges and hardships. The power to maintain and strengthen my relationship with Lord Hades is present, I simply need to tap into it despite all the difficulties I am currently facing. I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me and stand in my way.

Two of Cups: The Two of Cups is the flow of love between two beings. Our relationship as god and worshiper is built on love and understanding. It’s possible our relationship may take on a new form compared to what it has been, perhaps with me truly devoting myself to my practice to honor Him. Whatever the future may hold, the love and honor and respect remains.