Working with the God Hermes

Could your magic use a powerful boost? The God Hermes, divine messenger of Olympus, offers support for witches seeking swift results in their spellwork, clear communication with spirits and a steady flow of abundance. His ancient wisdom perfectly suits our modern magical needs, bringing speed and success to every aspect of our craft.

Perhaps your words don’t quite land as you’d like them to, your business isn’t flourishing as you’d hoped, or you’re simply feeling rather lost at a crossroads in life. These are precisely the situations where Hermes shines brightest. His clever nature and quick wit have a brilliant way of spotting hidden paths forward, even when everything seems rather gloomy.

I’ve found that working with Hermes brings the most wonderful changes. He’s particularly skilled at pointing out opportunities I might have missed, helping me find just the right words when they matter most, and bringing a dash of good fortune to new ventures. Whether you’re hoping to boost your shop’s success, stay safe on your travels, or receive clear messages during divination, Hermes can help. He’s especially brilliant during those wobbly times of change, when you need a steady hand to guide you.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to welcome Hermes’s influence into your craft. I’ll share tried-and-tested spells, suggestions for meaningful offerings and straightforward ways to build a genuine connection with this fascinating god. Whether you’re just starting to work with deities or you’re an experienced practitioner, I hope you’ll find plenty of useful wisdom to enhance your practice.

What matters most to Hermes is your genuine intent and willingness to build a relationship. He values authenticity over ceremony and appreciates both structured rituals and spontaneous interactions. Whether you choose to leave him simple offerings or create elaborate ceremonies, Hermes responds to sincere effort and honest communication. I’ve included a ritual at the end of the post as a guide for anyone wishing to begin working with him.

Remember that building a relationship with any deity takes time and patience. Start small, be consistent and let your connection develop naturally.

Signs the God Hermes is Calling You

While anyone can work with Hermes, many witches do feel a particular call to work with him. Have you been noticing signs that Hermes might be reaching out? This messenger often makes his presence known in distinctive ways. You might be drawn to work with the God Hermes if:

You keep encountering his symbols unexpectedly – seeing caduceus imagery, finding coins in unusual places or spotting hawks at significant moments
Communication and commerce are central to your life, whether through your career, creative projects or personal interests
You feel most alive when travelling, exploring or learning new things
Crossroads and doorways hold special meaning for you, and you often find yourself helping others through major life transitions
You’re naturally skilled at mediating disputes or bridging different viewpoints
Messages or synchronicities appear in fours (a sacred number to Hermes)
You feel drawn to work with the spirit realm or wish to enhance your psychic abilities
You have vivid dreams about travelling, receiving messages or meeting a figure who embodies Hermes’s qualities

Unlike some deities who announce their presence dramatically, Hermes often communicates through clever coincidences and unexpected opportunities. Trust your intuition – if you feel consistently drawn to Hermes’s energy and find yourself nodding along to these signs, he may well be inviting you to work with him.

Here are some situations where invoking Hermes could be beneficial.

Communication

Hermes is the messenger of the gods and patron of communication. If you’re seeking clarity, effective expression, or support in difficult conversations, he could be a helpful ally.

Travel and Safe Journeys

As the god of travellers, Hermes can be called upon for protection and smooth travels, whether you’re embarking on a physical journey or navigating new phases in life.

Luck and Opportunity

Hermes is known for being a trickster, but also for bringing good fortune and opening doors to new opportunities. If you’re looking for a stroke of luck or need a creative solution, his influence can be helpful.

Commerce and Trade

If you’re in business, selling something, or negotiating, Hermes can provide guidance and success in those endeavours, as he is associated with merchants and commerce.

Swift Action

Hermes is fast-moving and agile. If you’re facing a situation that requires quick thinking, adaptability, or swift action, calling on Hermes could be effective.

Crossroads and Transitions

He is also a guide for those at crossroads, both literally and metaphorically. If you’re facing a major decision or life transition, Hermes can assist in navigating the unknown.

Messages from the Spirit World

As a psychopomp, Hermes guides souls to the afterlife. You might call on him if you seek guidance from the spirit world or wish to connect with ancestors or other spiritual entities.

Work with the God Hermes

Let me share some practical ways you can welcome Hermes into your magical practice. I’ve found his energy particularly effective for swift results – perfect for those moments when you need a bit of magical oomph!

For Divination and Spirit Work

Place his symbols (caduceus, winged sandals, or a simple feather) on your altar when doing tarot readings or spirit communication
Burn swift-burning herbs like bay leaves or cinnamon before divination work
Whisper your questions to the wind – his favourite messenger
Use his sacred number (4) in your practice – perhaps 4 candles or 4 repetitions of a chant

For Success and Good Fortune

Draw his symbol on business cards or shop doors (a simple stick figure of a caduceus works brilliantly)
Leave offerings at crossroads (remember to make them safe for wildlife)
Offer coins on your altar
Create a money-drawing sachet with his sacred herbs: cinnamon, bay and mint
Work your spells on a Wednesday (his day) during the hour of Mercury

For Communication Magic

Write your intention on a bay leaf and burn it while speaking to him
Place a piece of celestite or clear quartz on any important documents
Charm your phone or computer with a simple sigil for clear communication
Wear orange or carry citrine when you need help expressing yourself

Quick Tips:

Use the phrase “Swift Hermes, lend me your wings” to quickly boost any spell

He loves simple offerings: coins, honey, strawberries

Work with him at dawn or sunset – times of transition

Place your magical tools at a crossroads (even just where paths cross in your garden) to charge them

Call on him when you’re travelling for protection

Symbols of Hermes

Hermes is associated with several symbols that represent different aspects of his character and roles.

Caduceus (or Kerykeion)

The most well-known symbol of Hermes is the caduceus, a winged staff with two snakes entwined around it. The caduceus is often associated with hermes roles in commerce, negotiation and protection.

Talaria (Winged Sandals)

Hermes is typically depicted wearing winged sandals, known as talaria. These winged sandals symbolise his swiftness and ability to travel quickly between different worlds as messenger of the gods.

Petasos (Winged Hat)

Hermes is sometimes portrayed wearing a petasos, a broad-brimmed hat with wings. Similar to the winged sandals, the winged hat emphasises his speed and role as messenger of the Gods.

Animals associated with the God Hermes

In Greek mythology, Hermes is associated with several animals which represent different aspects of his character. The most commonly associated animals with Hermes are:

The Ram (Aries)

Hermes is often depicted carrying a ram, symbolising fertility and the ram’s association with the constellation Aries.

The Tortoise

Hermes is also associated with the tortoise or turtle, particularly in the myth of the invention of the lyre. He is said to have created the first lyre using a tortoise shell.

The Rooster

In some depictions, Hermes is accompanied by a rooster, which symbolises vigilance.

The Hawk

Hermes is sometimes associated with the hawk, emphasising his swiftness and vigilance.

It’s important to note that symbolism and associations in mythology can vary. The above animals are commonly linked to Hermes based on various myths and depictions in ancient Greek art and literature.

Suggested offerings to Hermes

Offerings suitable for Hermes can vary depending on the specific intention or relationship you wish to cultivate with the god. Here are some traditional offerings associated with Hermes.

Coins or small monetary donations

As the god of trade and commerce, Hermes appreciates offerings related to wealth and prosperity. You may like to place coins on a shrine or make small monetary donations to charities or causes aligned with Hermes’ attributes.

Fresh fruits

As a god of abundance, vitality and earthly pleasure, Hermes appreciates fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, and figs.

Honey and honey-based products

Hermes is known to have a sweet tooth and honey is considered a sacred offering. You can offer pure honey or honey-based products like honey cakes or candies. If you are vegan you can substitute maple syrup, agave or sugar.

Incense

Incenses associated with communication and travel such as frankincense, myrrh, or lavender, can be offered to invoke Hermes’ presence and enhance the connection between the mortal and divine worlds.

Libations

You may like to make an offering of wine, water, or milk as this is a common practice in honouring deities and showing gratitude and respect.

Bread and baked goods

As Hermes is also associated with bakers and craftsmen, offerings of fresh bread or baked goods may also be appreciated.

Writing or artistic offerings

Hermes is associated with communication, writing and the arts. Offerings can include poems, songs, drawings, or any creative expression that honours Hermes’ influence.

Whenever you make an offering to Hermes, choose items that resonate with you and reflect your gratitude and reverence for Hermes.

Hermes counterparts from other pantheons

The Roman counterpart to Hermes is Mercury. Just like the God Hermes, Mercury served as the messenger of the gods. He was also associated with commerce and financial gain, and was the guide of souls to the underworld, reflecting similar roles Hermes had in Greek mythology.

The Celtic pantheon doesn’t have a direct equivalent to the God Hermes, as Celtic mythology is distinct from Greek and Roman mythology. However, the god Lugh is sometimes associated with Hermes due to his status as a god of skills, craftsmanship and possibly travel. Another potential Celtic counterpart is the god Ogma, whose association with language is similar to Hermes’s role as a messenger and communicator.

Myths associated with the God Hermes

One of the most well-known myths associated with the God Hermes is his birth and early adventures. According to the myth, Hermes was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Maia, a nymph. He demonstrated his trickster nature right from the start by stealing Apollo’s sacred cattle shortly after his birth. To conceal his tracks, Hermes crafted sandals with branches and walked backwards, confusing anyone who might track him.

Another significant myth involving Hermes is his role as a messenger of the gods. When Persephone was abducted by Hades, Hermes was dispatched by Zeus to negotiate her release.

Additionally, Hermes is known for his role as a protector of travellers and a guide to the Underworld. He is said to have led souls to the realm of the dead and ensured their safe passage. In some myths, Hermes assisted heroes on their quests, providing them with advice and magical tools to aid their journeys.

Overall, the myths associated with the God Hermes highlight his complex nature as a trickster, messenger, guide and protector. He embodies the qualities of intelligence, eloquence, agility and adaptability, making him one of the most versatile figures in Greek mythology.

Ritual to Honour the God Hermes

The following is an example ritual to honour Hermes. You can adapt this ritual to your own beliefs and practices as you wish. If you do not have all the necessary items simply use what you have. Bear in mind that this is a modern interpretation and not an authentic ancient Greek ritual.

What you need

A flat surface to work on such as a table or chest of drawers
Candle, LED candle or small lamp
Honey or maple syrup
Wine or grape juice
Olive oil
A bowl for the offerings
Four coins
A symbol to represent Hermes. This could be a statue or image of Hermes or an animal associated with him such as the turtle, ram or hawk. Alternatively, you can use an image of a pair of winged sandals or a caduceus (a staff with two snakes coiled around it). You can draw your own image if you like.
Candle or incense (optional)

What to do

Preparation

Find a quiet place where you can perform the ritual without being disturbed. You can do this at home or out in nature somewhere secluded but safe. Set up your space with the symbol or symbols you have chosen to represent the God Hermes. Before beginning the ritual, cleanse your space and yourself to remove any negative energies. To do this, you may want to burn some incense, ring a bell or simply focus your intention on purity and protection.

Once you are ready, light the candle or lamp and call upon Hermes. You might say, “Hermes, messenger of the gods and god of trade, travel and boundaries, I call upon you. Please hear me and accept my offerings.“

Offerings

Lay the coins one by one, saying for each, “I offer this to you, Hermes, as a symbol of my respect and recognition.” Next pour a small amount of olive oil, honey or maple syrup, wine or grape juice onto the ground or into a bowl as an offering. As you do this, you might say, “In the name of the traveller, the guide and the cunning one, I make this offering to you, Hermes.”

Meditation

Spend some time in quiet meditation. Think about the many roles of Hermes and how they might be relevant in your life. Ask for his guidance and protection if it feels right.

After you have spent some time in meditation, thank Hermes for his presence. You might say, “Thank you, Hermes, for hearing me. Please guide me on my journey and protect me as I travel through life’s boundaries.”

Closing the ritual

Extinguish the candle or turn off the lamp to symbolise the end of the ritual. You might say, “As this light extinguishes, let the blessings of Hermes continue to protect and guide me.”

This ritual can be adapted to work with your practice and relationship with the God Hermes. Make the ritual your own by adapting the words and ingredients to those that feel right for you. Hermes will appreciate your efforts and begin to influence your life for the better.

Do you work with Hermes? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below.

If you have found this post useful please share it with those that might appreciate it.

Blessed be

Eva x