Freud simply stated that the myth is part of the Odepial Complex. Nowadays, many scholars feel that this tale may have been warped over time and that we shouldnt take the female monster at face value.. Hesiod used her in Theogony. When Mimses son, Ascalabus, saw Demeter, he began to mock her for her hunger. Sacred Plants: Corn. The Goddess Medusa tends to reach out in very subtle ways. Through this shield, Perseus was able to see Medusa through her reflection, which ultimately allowed him the opportunity to approach Medusa and slice through her neck. Unlike other creatures who were mortal, Medusa was mortal and capable of death. Shes not super soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around. He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. No matter the point-of-view you believe of these tales, there is one common theme: Medusa befalls tragedies that no woman or man should have to suffer. Here are my recipes:The Blood of Medusa (Left) *Toxic, This potion is not to be consumed but added to poppets or other tools for cursing. The Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol. Lend me Your power, Great Empress, that I may perform the task at hand and destroy my enemies whether they are material or spirit! Thyrsus, a fennel staff with a pine cone at the top end, is the most common Dionysus symbol while other symbols of Dionysus include kantharos, the Greek drinking cups, grapevines/grapes, panthers and bulls. The other two sisters were Stheno (strength) and Euryale (wide-leaping). Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. She lost all of her looks and found snakes growing in her hair. 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. Some modern astrologers suggest that this star is associated with Place the coral, malachite, and bronze around it and add another layer of parsley leaf, rue, then the dirt. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. Hermes was distraught and reunited Crocus and Smilax by turning Crocus into a flower. They all claimed that Medusa was a horrific creature but could not recall when they first heard the legend. May I ask is it safe for me? SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS + UPDATES. She believes that Medusa was originally a beautiful woman with power and that men adapted her story to turn her into a monster because they did not appreciate powerful women. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. When Elana Dkyewomon released a series of poems and short stories written by and for lesbians, she chose the Gorgon for the cover. You can then gently wipe down the statue with soft linen cloth. A magazine from 1986 also used this idea and claimed that feminists could learn how to channel their rage through her story. However, some witches prefer to work with the figure of Medusa as an idea rather than a real deity. Do what feels right to you! Updates? Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. She is not only immortalized in stories but also in history. Zeus was furious when the deception was discovered and punished Prometheus to eternal torture. Instead, shell push you to find your inner power and actually use it to change your life. When using an idol or agalma for Medusa I like to see at least a few of the snakes turned toward the viewer, hissing threateningly, although this isnt a deal breaker. You can connect to Medusa on a deeper level by meditating near the beach or a body of water encircled with calming sounds. To make Athena look better, some stories claim that Perseus never gave her Medusas head. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. From c. 200 B.C. 1. Some authors today believe that the legend showed the control that a man could have over a woman. I am pleased with You and wish You well. 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). Pegasus, the famous horse with wings, arose from her dead body. WebCerridwen's Symbolism The Cauldron and the dark moon are associated with this Goddess. 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. But for each one I awaken it by first cleansing and fumigating Her in an incense of the following ground together: This incense is formulated with strong protective and evil averting properties. She claimed that Medusa was the only real Gorgon and that her sisters were mere additions to her story. The red on the stem is his blood. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and I highly recommend inviting Medusa into your practice if you find yourself in need of some of the strongest protective energies the Inferno has to offer. The Gorgon came out in 1964 and was a Hammer film that told a modern version of her story. Modern literary experts also point to the legend as one of the first times in history when men blamed a victim for her rape. In my mind, Medusa is very real. Finally, Medusa is a sea goddess. Corrections? This is the version I subscribe to because it is how Medusa has shown Herself to me, not as a tormented, mournful monster, grieving Her lost beauty, but a powerful, proud Goddess Queen Whose sight paralyzes and obliterates enemies. You can also simply put I protect this house or this building or so on. In his eyes, Medusa was only scary because it linked castration to something that a man could see. The Earth and its inhabitants are sacred and I treat them as such. I will say, since I have started serving Medusa as an active force in my cult and witchcraft the results have been beyond astounding. Halloween paint shall be placed on the altar. Most legends claim that the hero Perseus killed her with help from Hermes and others. Both Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Instead, many modern-day witches now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and concern. Mimse gave Demeter a barley drink to sate herself. Whether or not youve chosen to make an offering to the Goddess Medusa, be sure to directly ask her if she would like to work with you and wait for an answer. His entire body, including his head and hair, became part of a mountain range. : In Pompeiis House of the Faun, Medusa was on the breastplate of. Next prepare the incense and fan the smoke toward the agalma. During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. She is immediately recognizable, a classical figure and an exciting symbol of a monster. From the blood that spurted from her neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her two sons by Poseidon. In this incantation Hekate is evoked as Mother of the Gorgons. Link will appear as Medusa: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net - Greek Gods & Goddesses, February 7, 2017, Greek Gods and Goddesses 2010 - 2023 | About | Contact | Sitemap | Privacy, Seriphus sent Perseus to return with her head, Medusa: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net. The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao came out the same year and told the traditional story of Medusa. Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them. It is important to understand that the power of Medusa isnt necessarily a power based in Cosmic good. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality? In Clash of the Titans from 1981, she was a standard villain. This is not a tale of woe, where a rape victim is punished, but the story of a mighty Goddess earning Her place among the Deathless Gods. 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. Perseus then headed to Ethiopia to rest and set her head down on the ground. Later Roman representations began to depict Medusas signature snake-filled hair, but its often more innocuous than frightening. As the interpretations of her story are better understood through a lens of empathy and empowerment, the general publics opinion of the goddess has also shifted with the times. Myrrha went to him and slept with him, and became pregnant. In an alternate story of Medusa, was the curse from Athena really a curse? How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. Even some 6,000 years ago, Her image was used to frighten as a stormy, wrathful aspect of the Mother Goddess. Business: For matters related to business, include plants like: But in later stories in Metamorphoses when Ovid mentions Medusa, She and Neptune have a more seductive relationship as we see in Book VI when he is telling the story of Arakhne. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. He may or may not have reciprocated her affection. WebHermes, Greek god, son of Zeus and the Pleiad Maia; often identified with the Roman Mercury and with Casmilus or Cadmilus, one of the Cabeiri. Much less, if any man did, then he would be instantly turned into a statue and doomed to an eternity in stone. 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 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. Legend says that when invaders attacked the city, Sterope used the hair to bring forth a storm that sent them running away in fear. 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. If you happen to find yourself on the wrong side of someone in Medusas favor, then youll want to make sure youre well-protected for the vengeance that is to come. As she traveled, some of the serpents in her hair fell to the ground and slid away. I use a variety of materials including plant absolutes, essential oils, fragrances, resins, botanical oils and natural essences from roots, flowers, herbs and stones. Medusas sisters were immortal but she was mortal. Homer never named Medusa in the Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone. Divine eyes or Gorgon eyes, sometimes drawn as concentric circles or spirals. She has been featured in movies, books, cartoons and even video games. When linked to the solar Great Mother, She is the destructive force of the Sun rather than its life supporting force. His lover, a Satyr who was named Ampelos, was slain by a wild bull. She is a proud Queen after all. Even though not apparent signs I am very drawn to HER IMAGE AND POWERS. When Perseus arrived, he forced her to look into the shield and see her reflection, which turned her to stone. 4 dram vial size. Perform a self-care ritual. To begin, it is important to understand each of Medusas symbola has very specific power because it isnt just Her gaze that I utilize in my cult practice. Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. 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. The man who stole her mask then used the story to frighten others. Others think that her story likely had roots in historical facts. Medusa is a Goddess you need a physical representation for so you would need either a statue, relief, painting, or other image. The goddess carried the womans head on her shield. Medusa is an aroma hop that is typically used in only late boil additions, including dry hopping. 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. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless. One of her works said that similar stories focused on sister trios and that authors likely added Medusas sisters. Listen, Gods of the Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and my words have power! WebBoth Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. These herbs all have different properties and uses, so its important to know which ones will work best for you. 4. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. Myrrha, or Smyrna, was cursed by Aphrodite in response to her mothers boasts that her beauty was more significant than the goddesss. If this isnt your preferred medium, then creating any sort of art for Medusa is perfectly fine. Leonardo da Vinci did a painting of her using oil on canvas. 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. It is just MY way. Medusa had always been the most beautiful of her sisters, and as such, Poseidon coveted her very much. If this is the case, then consider that the Goddess Medusa can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of your soul. This is by no means a requirement for working with Medusa its simply a reason that she may empathize with you and want to form a deeper connection. 1. Although beautiful, and it may work for some, I prefer a more snake heavy idol unless the imagery makes up for it with an extremely expressive face and eyes. I created this oil to honor Medusa and the feminine strength that she symbolizes. Allan and I have been free of unnecessary drama or problems from our enemies which has been miraculous to say the least! The goddess was so upset over what she saw and the issues she had with Zeus who was her father that she flew into a rage. 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. This has been proven because she continues to be portrayed in pop culture. And this is usually Medusas mission: to teach you how to protect yourself, your energy, and your soul. 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. Poseidons gift was a saltwater spring raised miraculously from the ground. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. Serpents, panthers and bulls are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants. When you are done it is important to flatter the Goddess so She returns to Her guardian aspect:Empress Medusa, Lady of Snakes, Mother of the Golden Blade, I beg You to return to good form, and keep me in Your favor, as You are in mine, as Your humble servant. They also had another group of sisters called the Graeae who appeared in Prometheus Bound written by Aeschylus. From this telling, its hard to imagine that Athena had good intentions in mind, but one thing to consider is that Perseus was being sent out by none other than King Polydectes of Seriphus. Gorgons are described as winged serpentine creatures. She further claimed that the womans head simply served as a mask for those who later wielded it. Medusa is also counted as one of the Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. At Her shrine, at Night, I will light a black candle and incense, having as little light as needed to perform the spell. Lastly, the meaning of Medusa helps us through difficult transformations. It should there come as no surprise that there are many myths and stories from Greek myth associated with these plants and flowers. 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. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. Over the years I have used several idols for Medusa, the first being a small Halloween decoration in the form of a resin bust. Leucothoe was the daughter of Orchamus, King of Persia, and the lover of Helios, the personification of the sun. Her domain encompasses all bodies of water, and her rage is as powerful as the most ravenous hurricane. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. 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Are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of..
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