Wait for Me...

To the Greeks however, this marks the time where the Goddess Persephone walks down into the underworld to see her husband Hades. In the myth, Hades kidnapped Persephone as she was out picking flowers in the Mortal Realm. Hades has always seen Persephone and he fell in love. While Persephone was in the underworld, Demeter, The Goddess of the Harvest and Mother of Persephone, was upset. She was very motherly and protective over Persephone. So the crops would stop growing and a number of people would die and starve because of this. Zeus and the Gods noticed this and went to convince Hades to let Persephone go. Hades did but Hades had a condition. Since Persephone ate some Pomegranate seeds from the underworld, she must return for half the year. This was agreed upon after all, Persephone and Hades are married.  When it was revealed that Persephone would have to stay in the Underworld for a period of time, Demeter was noticeably upset. But she would have her daughter back for half of the Year. Which is how the seasons are formed and the Cycle

7 Months ago I stumbled upon this seemingly random clip that was suggested for me on Youtube. It showed Hades and Persephone talking. Persephone was asking and shocked that he let a few souls out of the Underworld while Hades simply stated he let them try. When asked if they will try again, he simply stated “It’s time for spring” and left and then she asked Hades one question

“Wait for me”

The Myth of Hades and Persephone has always captured my love and fascination. Not only as an unique way to tell why the seasons changed but their love which has me curious. In Greek Myth there are two classic depictions of both Persephone and Hades.

One was the Myth of the Kidnapping. Hades in the original myth did kidnap Persephone as she was picking flowers.

Second is both Persephone and Hades together in a civil manner. Usually depicting equal positions. Which given the time and how many Gods treat their wives is down right horrible.

The Myth captures alot of our fantasies that to this day their relationship is something that has been mimicked and retold in the modern light. This time giving Persephone more agency and more power than in the time of the Greeks. The video I saw was from a Broadway Musical called Hadestown which messages about love, Communication, Optimism and so forth fills our ears in a style I like to call “Broadway meets Bourbon Street”. There is a popular webcomic called “Lore Olympus” that shows the relationship between Hades and Persephone and how they first meet.

It may not be the takeaway from the original myth, but it is a modern mythos that we adopted and wanted. Because it is what we need

Hades knows that Persephone needs to go to the mortal world to produce the Spring and help bring in the Summer. So she goes to show the world spring and show the world love. But also she says goodbye and returns home with her husband. Accepting the Duality of herself. She is both Goddess of Spring and Goddess of the Underworld.

So as our days get darker and our nights colder. We brace ourselves for the winter and the darker months. We reflect on what and who we lost during this time as well as what we gained. During this time, we have more celebrations and holidays so we gather with our loved ones to have fun before the Winter starts. Before we still in stillness. We raise our cups for the ones we loss. But also for the ones we have found.

Just as Persephone raises her cup when she gets to the underworld. To celebrate most of the year she allowed things to grow Wild and Beautiful. But also knows to accept that things need to end. As she is within the arms of her beloved.

Both Hades and Persephone do this dance every year. Persephone and Hades will ask that question above. “Wait for me?”

Wait for me to return. I need to bring the Spring to the world. Let everyone see the light of the Sun after the winters time.

And Hades with sorrow in his heart but understanding the situation says

“I will”.

Blessed Be to these Gods and to you. During this time say goodbye to those you have lost and light a white candle. You will reconnect with them in time. And Blessed Be to whomever Gods you follow.

Blessed Be on your journeys.

Rev. Lane J Renovato