Hel

Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld, presides over the realm of the dead known as Helheim, where she rules over those who have died of illness, old age, or natural causes. As the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, Hel is depicted as a powerful and somber figure, often with a half-living, half-dead appearance—one side of her body is vibrant and alive, while the other is dark and decayed. This duality reflects her dominion over the threshold between life and death. Hel's role in Norse mythology emphasizes the inevitability of death and the acceptance of mortality, making her a guardian of the dead and a symbol of the cyclical nature of existence.

Hel embodies the properties of death, transition, acceptance, and the balance between life and death. Her energy is invoked in rituals that honor the dead, facilitate acceptance of mortality, and explore the mysteries of the afterlife. Invoking Hel can bring comfort and understanding during times of grief, assist in the process of letting go, and provide guidance in navigating the unknown aspects of death and the underworld. Her presence is particularly potent in rituals focused on death, mourning, and the transition between worlds.

Herbs and plants associated with Hel include yew, cypress, nightshade, and wormwood. These plants are often linked to death, the underworld, and the afterlife, used in rituals to connect with the spirits of the dead, to protect against negative energies, and to facilitate journeys into the shadow realms. The dark and mysterious qualities of these herbs align with Hel’s energy, making them ideal for rituals that focus on the acceptance of death, honoring ancestors, and exploring the deeper, hidden aspects of existence.

Crystals connected to Hel include black tourmaline, onyx, obsidian, and smoky quartz. These stones resonate with her energies of protection, grounding, and transformation, supporting the soul’s journey through death and helping the living to cope with loss and change. They are often used in rituals to connect with Hel’s protective and guiding presence, to shield against negative influences, and to explore the mysteries of the afterlife.

Hel’s elemental correspondences are Earth and Water, reflecting her deep connection to the physical world of death and the emotional depths of mourning and transition. The Earth element emphasizes grounding, finality, and the return of the body to the earth, while the Water element symbolizes the emotional and spiritual journey through grief and the passage from life to death. Together, these elements capture Hel’s role as a guardian of the dead and a guide through the shadowy realms of the afterlife.

Hel is linked to the celestial body Pluto, representing the underworld, transformation, and the powerful, often hidden forces of death and rebirth. Pluto’s influence mirrors Hel’s dominion over the realm of the dead and the cycles of life and death. Hel’s energy is especially strong during Samhain (Halloween), the winter solstice, and during the dark moon, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest.

Her zodiac associations include Scorpio and Capricorn. Scorpio, with its focus on death, transformation, and the occult, aligns closely with Hel’s domain over the underworld and the mysteries of death. Capricorn, representing structure, responsibility, and the passage of time, reflects her influence over the inevitable nature of death and the endurance of the soul. Working with Hel’s energy during these astrological seasons can enhance rituals focused on death, mourning, and the exploration of the afterlife.

The times most auspicious for invoking Hel include during the dark moon, the winter solstice, and at midnight, when the world is quiet and the mysteries of death are most accessible. Rituals honoring Hel often involve the use of dark stones, symbols of death such as skulls or bones, and offerings of bread, wine, and incense to seek her guidance and protection for the dead and the living.

In rituals dedicated to Hel, tools such as skulls, black candles, and symbols of the underworld are used to invoke her presence and ensure a respectful connection with the dead and the forces of the afterlife. Offerings of bread, wine, and incense are traditional ways to honor her, reflecting her connection to the underworld and the passage of the soul. Rituals may include the lighting of black candles to symbolize the journey into the afterlife, the use of protective herbs to guard against negative energies, and meditations on the nature of death and the afterlife. These practices help to align the practitioner with Hel’s calm and resolute energy, ensuring that the mysteries of death are approached with respect and understanding.