Hades is the Lord of the Underworld. He is the oldest of the three brothers (the other two being Zeus and Poseidon). His realm – the Underworld is hidden deep beneath the earth, said to be surrounded by five rivers; Acheron – the River of Woe, that stood as a physical barrier between the world of the living and world of the dead, and the living could not pass it. Cocytus – the River of Lamentation, where the punishment of murders is undertaken, and it is also said that the souls who couldn’t pay the fee of Charon wander along its banks. And thus stems the ritual of placing a coin in the mouth of the dead. Phlegethon was the River of Fire. River Styx – the River of the Unbreakable Oath where the souls who broke oaths during their lifetime were tortured. And finally Lethe - the River of Forgetfulness from whose bans souls would drink to forget their previous lives. Deep beyond the diamond gate guarded by Cerberus lies Hade’s palace. It is said that his palace has rooms made entirely of silver and gold, decorated with all sorts of gemstones and jewels since they are part of his domain J These chambers were described by Persephone as a dazzling wealth of brilliance to even rival that of Mount Olympus. One can only reach the palace if Hades wishes them to. Those who aren’t welcome can walk for eternity without ever reaching it. Hades ever ventures out of his domain (to the Mt Olympus) when he needs to discuss mattes of great importance with the rest of the gods. Hades is also considered to be the god of wealth due to his power over precious metals and jewels residing in the earth – his domain. This also includes the wealth of fertile soil that sprouts food for the people. Hades is often depicted as a dark, stern, unyielding and stoic ruler, said to sit on an ebony throne wearing a helmet given to him by Cyclops during the War of the Titans, granting the wearer invisibility. Hades has a bident that is capable of shattering anything in his path. Cerberus is his frequent companion and is known as the Hound of Hades. When Hercules came to ask Hades if he could “borrow” Cerberus in order to complete one of his twelve impossible labors (of Heracles), Hades was impressed with his respect and bravery and he said that he could take Cerberus “out for a walk” on one condition – for Cerberus not to be harmed, and Hercules wrestled him with his bare hands, and in the end returned him to the Underworld, unharmed. When Orpheus came to him because of his wife Eurydice, his musical skills impressed Hades so much that he allowed him to lead his wife from the Underworld, on the condition that he was not to look at her until they reach the surface. Alas, Orpheus was so eager to glance at his wife again that he couldn’t stop himself from looking (at her) before reaching the surface, he broke his promise to Hades and thus lost her for a second time. When individuals came to him in their time of need, he chose not to turn them away, instead giving them the chance to earn what they desire. Hades is not against helping those in needs, he just wants them to prove themselves worthy. If you seek something and you want it bad enough and you’re ready to make sacrifices and respect given promises then Hades is your patron! Hades helps you dig deep into your own psyche, he helps you face the darkness within you, and conquer it. He gives you the tools and courage to emerge shining from the pitch black, and he shares his kindness and nurturing warmth of the earth where all life starts and where all life goes back to begin anew. His energy is that of jewels, crystals, gold and silver; his energy is that of warm reward, if you are but only brave enough to venture into the depths of dark, and face what stands in your path with your head held high and your belief strong in your heart.