My Experience:

I was introduced to Hel by Freya, and I was nervous but now I have a stronger understanding of death and life.

Before me stood a hauntingly beautiful woman, with pale hair and a slight build. When I work with and see her, she looks like a half corpse/ half living being. Her movements are slow, undetectable, but somehow I know she was moving. Her speech is not inflected, but rather flat.

She told me that I cannot live and appreciate life unless I know death. I am able to better appreciate what is around me and live more in the moment as a result of my work with her. She rules over many, providing for many ancestors and as the keeper of the dead, may be a strong connection to them.

The landscape of Helheim, in my experience is cold, damp, and dark. It is a land of snow, caves, and winter looking fields. I have crossed the great River of Swords, seen Garm, and stood in a snowy white filed with what looked like the Northern lights dancing in the distance. While in Helheim, I felt calm. Upon return, I always feel drained and tired. I am not of the dead and being in that realm for too long is never a good idea.

I have learned that she loves her dead and cares for them. Yes, in Helheim there is a place for those who were not honorable or kind (we might say predatory or evil) during their time with us on Midgard. But there is also a place where people who die an unremarkable death go. There they continue to eat, drink, and commune.

Hel can dissolve and disintegrate all that does not serve. My work with her might be to support me in my growth by "killing" or cutting ties to all that does not support me- like a bad habit for example. I may also reach to her to be closer to my ancestors and speak with them.

As a death goddess, she prefers offerings that are not robust and full of life. If I offer food, I always let it rot- or sometimes I offer rotten food. Typically, I offer dried flowers, bones, dark and bitter chocolate, and deep red wine or mead.

An Invocation of Hel

by Ember Moon

Hel, daughter of Loki, Mistress of the dead, Queen of the underworld, I hail you and ask for you to be present and help me this day.

From other sources:

Here small chant to do, whenever working with Hel that has been shared by The Bone Kindred.

"Lady of the Darkness- ruler of the night, We sleep within thy shadows to wake into thy light".

Citation: The Bone Kindred. “Helheim and Hel.” The Bone Kindred, bonekindred.weebly.com/hel.html.

Words from other witches:

Please review all information critically. Trust your intuition, experience and guides when working with any deities.

Hel In Art

All pictures are linked and will take you to the source.