The Goddess Hel Tarot Spread

In today’s post, we are diving deep into who Hel, the Norse Goddess of the Underworld, is and who she was to our Norse ancestors. I’m also sharing the Goddess Hel Tarot Spread to help you connect more deeply with her energy and receive guidance and insight from her and your ancestors. I’m dedicating this post to my friend, archeologist Ilona Griffiths who introduced me to the Norse gods in a way that helped me see their true nature. May Hel keep you until we meet again!

Jump to the Goddess Hel Tarot Spread

Hel is not the only goddess associated with the afterlife in Norse Mythology. It’s safe to say that there is no precise and cohesive teaching (certainly no dogma!) that we can glean from the Myths about exactly what happens to the soul after we die. You can read an excellent breakdown of the various afterlife deities and their realms HERE.

The Norse figure Hel has a complex history that has evolved significantly from ancient times to the modern day. Let’s see if we can make sense of it all…

Lineage and Etymology

Hel is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, making Fenrir and Jormungandr her siblings. Her parentage technically makes her a jötunn rather than a goddess. However, her father is a deity who was ‘adopted’ by the Aesir gods. Loki and Odin were so tight that they were described as blood brothers and when Odin has a drink, he never fails to invite Loki to have one with him.

Also, Odin granted Hel a huge and everlasting realm to rule. Because of this and because she now has a substantial following of devotees, she is a deity in her own right. In many ways, her journey of deification is not dissimilar to that of Santa Muerte. Santa Muerte, aka Holy Death, a Mexican Catholic folk saint who also has been deified by the people rather than the elites.

The name Hel comes from the Proto-Germanic *haljō, meaning ‘one who covers up or hides something’. This etymology relates to her role as ruler of the underworld, where the dead are hidden from the world of the living.

Ancient Perception

As mentioned above, Hel was appointed by Odin to rule over Hel. Yes, the realm has the same name as the goddess but is sometimes referred to as Helheim in later/secondary sources. Hel is one of the nine worlds in Norse cosmology. However, because Hel is where we find the roots of Yggdrasil, the Norse Tree of Life, she influences all nine realms. In this sense, she is the ultimate Dark Mother.

Snorri Sturluson describes Hel as having a grim and fierce appearance, with her body half flesh-coloured and half blue or black. She was not originally seen as evil, but rather as a neutral figure who received those who received the souls of the ancestors for safekeeping. Unlike Nastrond, her realm was not necessarily a place of punishment for its inhabitants. It was also not exclusively a place for people who died of natural causes or old age rather than in battle. If that were the case, Baldr wouldn’t have been sent there.

Christian Influence and Vilification

As Christianity spread through Norse lands, Hel’s image began to change. Christians began to refer to Sheol/Gehenna as ‘Hell’ after meeting Germanic peoples and learning of Hel. This association contributed to a more negative perception of Hel, transforming her from a neutral keeper of the dead to a more sinister figure.

The Christian concept of Hell as a place of eternal punishment began to influence the perception of Hel’s realm, despite this not being its original character in Norse belief.

Modern Reinterpretation

In recent times, particularly among modern pagan and Heathen groups, there has been a shift in how we perceive the goddess Hel:

1. Compassionate Mother: Some modern practitioners view Hel as a compassionate figure who lovingly cares for the souls of the dead and who also takes an interest in her children here on Earth. This is how I have seen her since I first encountered her in 2010.
2. Keeper of Ancestors: There’s a growing emphasis on Hel’s role as a guardian of ancestral wisdom and keeper of family lines. Anyone with an interest in honouring their ancestors would do well to establish a relationship with her.
3. Goddess of Transformation: Some see Hel as a goddess of transformation, helping souls transition from one phase of life to the next as well as from life to death.
4. Reclaiming Neutrality: Many modern Heathens are working to reclaim Hel’s original, more neutral character, separating her from the Christian concept of Hell.

This evolving perception reflects a broader trend in modern paganism towards reexamining and reinterpreting ancient deities in light of contemporary values and understandings.

In conclusion, Hel’s journey from a neutral underworld figure in ancient Norse belief to a vilified entity under Christian influence, and now to an often positively viewed being in modern practice, illustrates the dynamic nature of religious and mythological figures across time and cultures.

The Goddess Hel Tarot Spread

1. Hel’s Message: What insight is Hel offering you at this time?
2. Your Connection to Hel: How can you strengthen your bond with Hel?
3. Ancestral Wisdom: What message are your ancestors sending through Hel?
4. Shadow Work: What aspect of yourself needs examination and integration?
5. Transformation: What area of your life is ready for profound change?
6. Release: What do you need to let go of or “lay to rest”?
7. Rebirth: What new beginning is emerging from the depths?
8. Hel’s Gift: What blessing or power is Hel offering you?
9. The Helvegr Path of Integration: How can you embody Hel’s wisdom in your daily life?

To use this spread:

1. Create a sacred space and set your intention to connect with Hel and your ancestors.
2. Shuffle your tarot deck while focusing on Hel’s energy.
3. Draw 9 cards and place them in the positions shown above.
4. Interpret each card in relation to its position in the spread.
5. Reflect on how the cards interconnect to form a cohesive message from Hel and your ancestors.
6. Consider journaling about your insights or creating an altarpiece inspired by the reading.

This spread aims to facilitate a deep connection with Hel’s transformative energy, ancestral wisdom, and guidance for personal growth and spiritual development.

The Goddess Hel Sample Tarot Reading

1. Hel’s Message – 7 of Wands

Hel’s message is one of courage and perseverance. She urges you to stand your ground and defend your beliefs, even in the face of opposition. The 7 of Wands suggests that you may be facing challenges or criticism, but Hel encourages you to remain steadfast in your convictions. Your path may not be easy, but it is worthy of your effort and dedication.

2. Your Connection to Hel – The Fool

Your connection to Hel is characterised by a sense of new beginnings and untapped potential. The Fool suggests that your relationship with Hel is fresh, filled with possibilities, and unconventional in the sense that nobody else will follow this path in exactly the same way as you. Embrace this energy of innocence and openness. Hel is inviting you to take a leap of faith in your spiritual journey, trusting in the unknown and being open to unexpected wisdom.

3. Ancestral Wisdom – 7 of Pentacles

Your ancestors, through Hel, are reminding you of the importance of patience and long-term investment. They’ve sown seeds in their lifetimes that are still growing and bearing fruit in yours. The 7 of Pentacles encourages you to appreciate the slow, steady progress of your spiritual and personal growth. Your ancestors advise you to tend to your goals with care and persistence, knowing that the most valuable rewards often take time to manifest.

4. Shadow Work – 2 of Swords

In your shadow work, you’re being called to confront a difficult decision or internal conflict you’ve been avoiding. The 2 of Swords suggests that you may be in a state of denial or indecision about some aspect of yourself. Hel is urging you to remove the blindfold, face your inner truths, and make a choice. This may involve reconciling opposing parts of yourself or acknowledging a truth you’ve been reluctant to see.

5. Transformation – The High Priestess

The area of your life ready for profound change is your intuition and inner knowing. The High Priestess indicates that you’re on the cusp of a deep spiritual awakening or enhanced psychic abilities. Hel is guiding you to trust your intuition more, to listen to the whispers of your subconscious, and to explore the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of everyday reality.

6. Release – 4 of Wands

Hel is asking you to release your fear of celebration and joy. The 4 of Wands suggests that you may be holding back from fully embracing moments of happiness or achievement. It’s time to let go of any guilt or reservations about experiencing joy. Allow yourself to celebrate your progress and the milestones in your life, both big and small. Oh, and remember: no growth happens inside your comfort zone!

7. Rebirth – The Tower

A powerful rebirth is emerging from the depths, symbolised by The Tower. This indicates a sudden, perhaps shocking change that will dismantle old structures in your life. While this may feel chaotic or even painful, it’s a necessary destruction that will clear the way for new growth. Hel is facilitating a profound transformation that will ultimately lead to a truer alignment with your authentic self.

8. Hel’s Gift – Page of Wands

Hel’s gift to you is a renewed sense of enthusiasm and creative spark. The Page of Wands represents new ideas, inspiration, and the courage to pursue your passions. Hel is offering you the energy and motivation to embark on new projects or explore new aspects of your spiritual path with excitement and optimism.

9. The Helvegr Path of Integration – 2 of Wands

The path to integrating Hel’s wisdom into your daily life is through planning and expanding your horizons. The 2 of Wands suggests that you should take time to contemplate your long-term goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Hel encourages you to look beyond your current circumstances and consider how you can broaden your perspective. This may involve exploring new spiritual practices, learning about different cultures, or planning a significant journey – either physical or metaphorical.

This spread reveals a journey of profound transformation, urging you to trust your intuition, face your shadows, and embrace new beginnings as you deepen your connection with Hel and your ancestors.

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