Terracotta funerary plaque: prothesis (laying out of the dead); below, chariot race. Greek, Attic ca. 520–510 BCE.
On view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
You're invited to participate in a guided Hades book study with Jamie Waggoner, author of Hades: Myth, Magic and Modern Devotion. During a series of live Zoom sessions, Jamie will break her book down chapter-by-chapter, guiding you through the material and exercises, while also sharing behind-the-scenes insights from her personal praxis and experiences while writing the book.
During these sessions, breakout groups give you a chance to chat in small groups with other participants, and are offered alongside engaging participatory activities and plenty of Q&A time with Jamie. Participants will also be invited to join an optional Signal text thread to facilitate ongoing discussion and group comradery between meetings.
The River Styx Book Club is divided into two parts. Part 1 (January 8 to March 19) covers the first five chapters of Hades, and Part 2 (April 2 to June 11) covers the last five chapters. You can purchase a ticket for Part 1 or Part 2 separately, or save 20% by purchasing a combination ticket for both parts.
In Part 2, we'll cover Hades chapters 6-10. Live Zoom sessions are every other Wednesday, from 6pm to 8pm, central time. Sessions are recorded and participants will have access to download the recordings. Part 2 begins April 2, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of our curriculum:
April 2 - Introductions and Chapter Six: The Harrowing Journey
Katabasis: best practices for journeying to and from the Underworld
Symbols: The Meandros
Flora and fauna: Mistletoe, Rue, and Cakes for Kerberos
April 16 - Chapter Seven: Shadow and Desire
How Hades can help with shadow work and living our desires
Symbols: The Soul Fire
Flora and fauna: Datura, Fig, and Scorpion
April 30 - Chapter Eight: The Good Death
What is a good death? How do we ensure it for ourselves and others?
Symbols: The Lekythos
Flora and fauna: Rosemary, Quince, Snakes, and the Ouroboros
May 14 - Chapter Nine: When Gods Come Calling
How do you know a god wants to work with you? How do you seek one out?
Navigating relationships with deities and other Unseen Ones
Symbols: The Cornucopia
Flora and fauna: Violet, Thyme, and Cockerel
May 28 - Chapter Ten: Oaths and Vengeance
Considerations, pros, and cons of dedicating yourself to a god
Best practices for oath-taking and dedication rituals
Symbols: The Phiale
Flora and fauna: Myrtle Tree, Poppy, and Cicada
June 11 - Closing Circle
Celebration, reflections, and next directions
Ways to stay connected