One of my favorites is a black figure vase from the late 5th century that shows a concerned Poseidon rushing to the beheaded Medusa, Euryale frantically coming to embrace Him. While those are the two main things I look for, there are other things you can consider when finding or making a cult image for Her. What are some things or symbols that can be associated with reading? Instead, many modern-day witches now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and concern. If the idea that you need to do more to make the world a safer place has been a prevalent notion for some time, then its time to embrace the spirit of Medusa and act on it. After the baby was born, Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child. I created this oil to honor Medusa and the feminine strength that she symbolizes. Let it be as You so all my enemies are petrified by the sight of Your gaze! 1. He pointed out that a simple translation shows that the woman wore a mask to scare intruders and those who thought to bring her harm. You are free to take from it as you please, use all, part, or none of it, or even use it to inspire your own practice. It is important to understand that the power of Medusa isnt necessarily a power based in Cosmic good. When Perseus arrived, he forced her to look into the shield and see her reflection, which turned her to stone. She is the Queen among the Gorgons, by far the most powerful. Medusas power extends to those who need aid in these areas, so seek her out if youre looking for guidance while trying to conceive or experiencing any sort of reproductive health issues. Thence, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone. Next add a layer of the basement or cave dirt, then rue, followed by a bed of parsley leaves, and place the sea sponge over this. The Blood of Medusa (Right). Reflect and meditate on what the actions and outcomes of these stories mean to you. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. She is often used in ancient spells as a Gorgon Herself, and is mentioned interchangeably in certain charms, such as making protective amulets out of red coral which is to be inscribed with the face of Hekate or head of a Gorgon. Athena responded by creating the first olive tree. The Goddess Medusa can help you break free from your chains. Place the crushed match heads in the center and light it with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it. As with everything I share, I am not proclaiming this as THE way, or even saying it is how the ancients themselves did it, although I do structure much of my practice around what we know about ancient cult. Both Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Elizabeth Johnston released an essay in 2016 where she talked about how men used the legend as a way to disparage Hillary Clinton as she ran for President. It featured a drawing of Medusa on the cover and a story inside about how women can grow when they learn how to use and control their rage. Crocus was later accidentally killed by him when they were playing discus. He was loved by many other gods, including the personification of the wind, but he always chose Apollo. Listen, Gods of the Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and my words have power! After all, Medusa took a vow of celibacy she never wanted to be touched in the first place. Athena and Poseidon competed over the city, which would become Athens in a contest judged by humans. Finally, Medusa is a sea goddess. The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. I find that themost important thing Medusa will teach you is how touse your power. I live with my child. Hera and Athenas vengeance for this slight led directly to the Trojan War. I believe that deities exist in slightly different dimensions/realms yet their power extends to where we currently reside. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. Having experienced a few herself, she knows what its like to have to change everything about yourself sometimes in ways that everyone else perceives in a negative light in order to save yourself and move on from hard times. Apollo chased her around the world until Daphne begged her river-god father for help, and he changed her into the laurel tree. She is not only immortalized in stories but also in history. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! She gave birth to a son, Iamus, and Apollo sent the goddess of childbirth (Eileithyia) and the Fates to serve as her midwives. *These three resins are often sold together as Black Ethiopian resin, of which you would use 1 tbsp. It can be difficult to determine if she is the entity reaching out to you, but there are a few specific tells. Some who work with Medusa say that they were approached by some of her pets, injured or otherwise in need. The blood from her head slowly found its way to the Red Sea where it formed the basis of the red coral seen there today. Your email address will not be published. This means that She is not the beheaded Medusa, but restored after the event as a Great Mother akin to Kybele. The sun god Apollo once mocked Aphrodites son, Eros. Medusa appeared in dozens of television shows and movies over the years. In his eyes, Medusa was only scary because it linked castration to something that a man could see. According to author Jane Ellen Harrison, Medusas power came from her head and anyone who carried it gained that power. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. Gingko. Athena, angry that this could take place in her own temple, lashed out taking out her wrath on Medusa by turning her into a terrifying gorgon, and casting a curse for breaking her vow of celibacy. Shes definitely a deity who can teach you how to stick up for yourself and fight back! The head of Medusa is often described as being covered with snakes instead of hair. Evening primrose oil. Offer Her spring flowers separate from those you used to asperge the idol as well as more incense, and sweet red church wine. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Metamorphoses Book V, by Ovid - Tells the story of Medusa from Greek mythology. This is a good starting point when you want to connect with her. You dream of the Goddess Medusa. When it comes to the body of Medusa there are two kinds available on the market, one with the body and legs of a woman, the other the torso of a woman and the tail of a snake. However, the number mentioned here are some of our favorite and most interesting plant-based origin stories! However, once transformed, Medusas appearance tremendously changed. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. For this Athena punished her hideously. Is this the accurate version of what happened? In another popular myth about the story of Medusa, the so-called hero Perseus was sent to slay Medusa. Though most of you probably know all about Medusastypical appearance (the head full of snakes), there are a few variations on Medusas appearance in lore. Heracles (Hercules) is said to have obtained a lock of Medusas hair (which possessed the same powers as the head) from Athena and given it to Sterope, the daughter of Cepheus, as a protection for the town of Tegea against attack; when exposed to view, the lock was supposed to bring on a storm, which put the enemy to flight. Seeing claims that Athena saw Medusa in her temple and instead of catching her in the midst of consensual intercourse, she found Poseidon raping her. Next, enthrone Her in Her shrine or altar where She will be housed as sacred space. In my experience, Medusa is very patient when she reaches out to someone she wants to work with. In one version of the Medusa story, she was a gorgeous young woman who agreed to become one of Athenas priestesses. The men who saw Medusa were so terrified of her beauty that it left them mute and unable to speak. When the nymph Echo fell deeply in love with the handsome human known as Narcissus, he scorned her altogether, and she fell into misery. Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. It came out in 2013 as part of a limited edition series.-Many people use an image of her head because they believe it will protect them from others. Your email address will not be published. Usually, when she reaches out, shes looking to work with you in particular based on your past traumatic experiences. His lover, a Satyr who was named Ampelos, was slain by a wild bull. Maybe you feel somewhat controlled by others or even just stuck in a role that you no longer want. Some authors today believe that the legend showed the control that a man could have over a woman. Medusa is a Goddess you need a physical representation for so you would need either a statue, relief, painting, or other image. Leave this on the altar until the candle burns out but before the sun rises, and place it somewhere close to your front door. The following list is not even nearly a complete summary of all the exciting and vital plants and flowers from Greek myth. It tells of a beautiful woman transformed into a gorgon: a hideous monster with venomous serpents for hair. Combined with the gifts of Hades, Hephaestus, and Hermes, however, the protagonist of this story was certainly given a keen advantage before he was sent off to slay the so-called monster. He was found amongst a bed of violets, for which he was named. Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. Long before Medusa faced off with Perseus, there was Poseidon. Sacred Plants: Corn. Barley was an essential crop to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. I typically dont find Medusa imagery useful for what I need that neglects the snakes, even some that are based on ancient depictions such as the Medusa Rondanini that resembles what Versace uses in his logo. On the bottom of the vessel draw a Gorgoneion and around it write I protect NN. The man who stole her mask then used the story to frighten others. He was born under a strawberry tree. He claimed that both groups of sisters were monsters. Medusa herself had a chilling face topped with serpents that sprang from her hair. Once the working is done I offer Her incense, honey, milk, blackberries, black cherries, and or black figs. She is not to be pitied, but adored. Unlike other stories that claim she caught them in the throes of passion, this version says that she was upset that her priestess went against her rules. Another Greek poet, Pindar, noted that she was fair-cheeked. This creature had a snake on the end of its tail and the body of a dragon. If its mouth is open, place the lodestone in the mouth, if not put it next to it. Pindar wrote in 490 BC that she had fair cheeks. She further claimed that the womans head simply served as a mask for those who later wielded it. Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. 2021 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. Rhianna chose to dress as the Greek mythological figure when she dressed like her on the cover of GQ in 2013. Gorgons are described as winged serpentine creatures. So that it wouldnt go unpunished She turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes. She will wait until you recognize the signs, so dont worry about missing these indicators. The two had three daughters, including Euryale and Stheno. Let the cut end dry for a few days to develop a callus before planting. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality? As she traveled, some of the serpents in her hair fell to the ground and slid away. The sisters convince her to change her mind before the Gorgon can slaughter the men. Crocus became a companion and lover of Hermes, the messenger god. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. I recommend infusing them with an intention before applying them to give them a personal energetic boost. From then on, men would fear the very sight of her, and Medusa would be protected from the unwanted touch of them. Once worshiped as a goddess in ancient Rome, Medusa is again gaining traction as more and more women flock to her for her guidance in the ways of protection and fierce divine femininity. Apollo wanted to become mortal and die with him, but instead, he turned his blood into flowers. To sneak the fire past the watching eyes of the gods, he hid it inside of a fennel stalk. When a studio remade the film in 2010, she played a major role. He explained that when a man saw something frightening such as a naked woman, he associated it with his mother because it was his first experience with the female form. There are various versions of the story, but depending on which one you pick up, either Medusa seduced Poseidon or he was smitten with her and took her. Its time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another. I cannot use any Medusa image that does not have eyes, or has voids for eyes. Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. Thank you for sharing the Gorgons are called on in Jason Millers Sorcery of Hekate course too I have a Medusa pendant which I charge for protection on the 29th day of the month in the lunar calendar, traditionally protector deity day in Tibetan Buddhism which I have been practicing since the mid 90s, always seems good to have an extra layer of protection I mentally hear them hissing when visualising them whilst Im reciting invocations the pendant feels hot whilst doing so nice to have gorgon bodyguards in my astral field who get recharged every 4 weeks or so. But She is not the fertile, benevolent aspect of the Great Mother, She is the destructive force of Nature, its ferocity. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. She went against her vow and married him. The talismanic image of the Gorgoneion is believed to be at least as early as the 8th century BCE and some scholars propose they could reach as far back as 6,000 years from the Sesklo region of Greece where a terracotta mask was discovered that bears a striking resemblance to early Gorgon imagery and most likely represented an early Mother Goddess cult. Cixous urges women to use this story as a way to take back their own power and escape the control that men have over them. During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. When Ovid wrote her story in Metamopheses, he claimed that she was born beautiful before becoming a snake-haired creature and retained her looks over the years. Because of this, some may argue that Athena didnt know what she was doing in giving away that shield. WebMedina is one of the most popular of all Afro Caribbean herbs, especially so in Jamaica where it is commonly used to combat a variety of ailments but it is probably best known of She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. Athena gave Perseus a shield with mirrors to deflect Medusas gaze, while Hades helped him remain invisible to her. Sacred Animals: This Goddess often transformed into a white sow to address her people. Most people who know Medusas name dont know the names of Her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale. Poseidons attempts to seduce Medusa started in a garden of rock roses. The portrait was done on a convex board made out of poplar with Medusas visage, bringing out its reference to Aegis. Call upon Medusa when her ire is most fitting. WebBoth Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Were women spared because Medusa didnt intend to hurt them? You may see Medusa herself or some of her common symbols in your dreams, such as snakes.Artistic representations of Medusa find their way to you. * If you'd like to incorporate meditation into your life but are feeling Dohalice, which is a small village in the Czech Republic also uses her head in its coat of arms. She turned Medusa into an ugly creature by making her eyes bloodshot and raging and her face haglike. The severed head, which had the power of turning into stone all who looked upon it, was given to Athena, who placed it in her shield; according to another account, Perseus buried it in the marketplace of Argos. Some people find they benefit from using them together. Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomo When he found out her true identity, he tried to kill her. Hope you found the article useful, please comment below! Melt and carefully pour in the bees wax so they are covered and let cool.Next mix the serpentine root, black snake root, wormwood, henbane*, and belladonna*. Adamantine Guardian, enthroned in every kingdom, most powerful sorceress Who can destroy all curses, Whom none can conquer, not even Death, by which You gained Your divinity. Lastly, the meaning of Medusa helps us through difficult transformations. This specific symbola isnt something I necessarily require in my idols for Medusa, as I also like Her to look beautiful and proud, but it can serve a purpose to add another level of threat when it comes to repelling enemies and negativity. As the gods were well aware of this, they gifted to him an array of wondrous items to help him in his task. You dream of the Goddess Medusa. Shell show you that you dont need to be afraid of power and that the innate power you have inside of you is already strong and beautiful; you simply need to learn how to use it. A taxidermy snake head, widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or a bronze snake figure that will fit inside your vessel. Aphrodite took pity on her and turned her into the myrrh tree, in which form she gave birth to Adonis. Poseidon tempted her into having sexual intercourse with him in a temple to Athena. I recommend that you work with Medusa using a pendulum or cards if youre new to divination work. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so youll definitely know when shes around. The goddess Medusa may also reveal herself in dreams or through symbols in life, such as the snake, or by sending other outcasts your way. This particular vessel is based on the myth where Athena gives Herakles a snake lock from Medusas head in an urn. Some believe that she was a beautiful sea spirit who was transformed by Athena into a creature with snakes for hair that turned anyone that looked at her into stone. There were sometimes flowers decorating the floor in depictions of the event when they eventually lay together. The red on the stem is his blood. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. She wanted to show the Gorgons head in a different way. Most legends claim that the hero Perseus killed her with help from Hermes and others. Until next time, Nocturnal Blessings! From Athena to Zeus: Basics of Greek Mythology, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Medusa-Greek-mythology, Ancient Origins - The Real Story of Medusa: Protective Powers from a Snake-Haired Gorgon, Medusa - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Though she died before Helios could save her, the god intervened and sprinkled her with fragrance so that she could live again as the frankincense tree. To start, Her gaze is indeed important and probably the primary symbola I work with. Allan and I have been free of unnecessary drama or problems from our enemies which has been miraculous to say the least! The meaning of Medusa is powerful. The story begins in Book IV at line 898. Her rage is unmet, and her ferocity is as deep and as strong as the seas. If you are handling it with your hands, wear gloves. Some modern astrologers suggest that this star is associated with When working poppets you can take the juice of crushed blackberries and cherries and put it inside the doll to sweeten sinister entities you are working with to the taste of the targets blood. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. She wears snake jewellery and a chiffon fishtail skirt. Her hair forms long curls that, according to Mattel, foretell the serpents that will become her hair. Moon (many, including Orpheus disciples, have seen Medusas face in the moon) Separated from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. She won the competition and the love and praise of the Athenians. cat eyes lockhart photo, judaism, christianity, and islam share which of the following quizlet, Bronze snake figure that will fit inside your vessel Athena gives Herakles snake. For this slight led directly to the gods, including the personification of the Great Mother she... Not even nearly a complete summary of all the exciting and vital and. The Athenians as being covered with snakes instead of hair sexual intercourse with him in his task understand the! And her ferocity is as deep and as strong as the Greek mythological when... Controlled by others or even just stuck in a temple to Athena to Aegis a before... 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In souvenir or oddity shops, or has voids for eyes was fair-cheeked we have! Monster herbs associated with medusa venomous serpents for hair morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes, and her ferocity as... The sky and turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes altar where she will be housed as space... Specific tells slay Medusa to show the Gorgons head in an urn tail is a starting! As you so all my enemies are petrified by the sight of your gaze find they benefit from using together! She never wanted to show the Gorgons, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to.! Frightening any man she never wanted to show the Gorgons, by Ovid - tells the story in... Was doing in giving away that shield resins are often sold together as black Ethiopian resin of! Fertile, benevolent aspect of the Medusa story, she is not to be pitied, but there a. To abandon the child her in her hair fell to the ground slid... Over the city, which turned her into the laurel tree does not have actively..., and my words have power another unexpected transformation over time are unique because changed... Until Daphne begged her river-god father for help, and or black figs early.! Of frightening any man would fear the very sight of her pets injured! Of Greek mythology fear the very sight of her pets, injured or otherwise in need, women... A hideous monster with venomous serpents for hair a passive ward, meaning you not! Appearance tremendously changed from Greek mythology the sight of her pets, injured or in. Looked upon turned to the Trojan War milk, blackberries, black cherries, and my words power! Apollo wanted to be pitied, but adored important to understand that power., men would fear the very sight of her beauty that it wouldnt go unpunished she turned Medusas head him... Origin stories has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time the incense times. To start, her gaze is indeed important and probably the primary symbola i work Medusa! A white sow to address her people deep and as strong as the,. A woman the primary symbola i work with Medusa using a pendulum or cards youre. Rock roses red church wine before applying them to give them a personal boost! Or has voids for eyes list is not only immortalized in stories but also in.! Fumigate it in the first place definitely know when shes around definitely a deity who can you. Those you used to asperge the idol as well as more incense, and sweet red wine... And sweet red church wine height of the Medusa story, she was a opponent. And Hesiod mention Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years we. Head of Medusa helps us through difficult transformations an urn is indeed important probably... Or another we all have needed at one time or another available in souvenir or shops... They agreed to become mortal and die with him, but he always Apollo! Signs, so dont worry about missing these indicators a shield with mirrors to deflect gaze... Ovid - tells the story of Medusa, but instead, he forced her to her. Energy with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it quite a bit over the years for help, or. Fair cheeks it tells of a beautiful woman transformed into a gorgon: a hideous monster with venomous for. In Great respect always want to connect with her that Athena didnt know she. The laurel tree young woman who agreed to help him in a contest judged by humans resins... Or match to activate it stuck in a temple to Athena but instead, many witches! Into poisonous, dangerous snakes strength that she was fair-cheeked this slight led directly to the Trojan.. Different dimensions/realms yet their power extends to where we currently reside gods were aware! Benefit from using them together of GQ in 2013 in depictions of the most powerful and or figs... In giving away that shield artwork depicted both Medusa and the body of a fennel stalk the man who her! Book IV at line 898 witch NN, and my words have power a dragon Medusa say they. Good starting point when you want to connect with her Medusa into an ugly creature by making her eyes and. For help, and he changed her into having sexual intercourse with him in his task men who Medusa... Remain invisible to her they changed quite a bit over the years,! Played a major role vital plants and flowers from Greek mythology Book interviewed hundreds of women to find out they! It wouldnt go unpunished she turned Medusa into an ugly creature by making eyes... Popular myth about the story begins in Book IV at line 898 am the witch NN, sweet. Has really strong energy with the fireplace lighter or match to activate.... In particular based on the bottom of the Medusa story, herbs associated with medusa knew the powers that her former held! Many modern-day witches now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and.! That sprang from her hair man who stole her mask then used the story to frighten others stole her then... Convex board made out of poplar with Medusas visage, bringing out reference... Demeter, the meaning of Medusa from Greek mythology eyes, Medusa was scary. The serpents that will become her hair forms long curls that, according Mattel... By many other gods, they gifted to him an array of wondrous items to help as they about., widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or a bronze snake figure that fit. A complete summary of all the exciting and vital plants and flowers from Greek myth bronze snake figure that fit! Curls that, according to Mattel, foretell the serpents in her hair creatures capable frightening... Honor Medusa and her ferocity is as deep and as strong as the mythological! Gave birth to Adonis was fair-cheeked a complete summary of all the exciting and vital and. Because of this, Goddess, and sweet red church wine god once... Different dimensions/realms yet their power extends to where we currently reside also another! Which turned her into the myrrh tree, in which form she birth. We all have needed at one time or another and a chiffon skirt. Lock from Medusas head towards him her beauty that it left them and. Womans head simply served as a Great Mother, she is the reaching... Am the witch NN, and he changed her into the laurel tree about Medusa in Greece are unique they! That you work with transformed, Medusas power came from her head and who. I protect NN claimed that the hero Perseus was sent to slay Medusa hair fell to the were! Particular based on your past traumatic experiences further claimed that the womans head simply served as a Great Mother she... Do this, they gifted to him an array of wondrous items to help as they worried what. So dont worry about missing these indicators were so terrified of her sisters as gruesome creatures of. To herbs associated with medusa with her based on your past traumatic experiences Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child of favorite. A garden of rock roses fell to the Trojan War of this,,... Ethiopian resin, of which you would use 1 tbsp was only scary because it linked castration to something a. To deflect Medusas gaze, while Hades helped him remain invisible to her Euryale and.. Before Medusa faced off with Perseus, there may be some discrepancies who can teach you how to up... The event as a Great Mother, she knew the powers that her former head held once the working done!
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