While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Medusa was the only Gorgon who was mortal; hence her slayer, Perseus, was able to kill her by cutting off her head. Aphrodite caused Myrrha to fall in love with her own father. After all, she only really cared about her own fate in almost every version of her myth. The Earth and its inhabitants are sacred and I treat them as such. WebFrom Business: We offer the finest quality of Natural Organically Grown and Wild crafted Herbs. 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. Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess. In this version, Medusa has always been a Gorgon, one of three sisters, daughters of the Gods Phorkys and Keto (Who is sometimes considered the Sea aspect of Hekate), but the only one born mortal. After her death, Perseus immediately left to fight Atlas. WebMedusa is a mystical blend of ancient forests, blood red apples, a magical brew of herbs and resins, spicy peppers and a drizzling of sweet caramel and vanilla infused with snake They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon As the gods were well aware of this, they gifted to him an array of wondrous items to help him in his task. Athena and Poseidon competed over the city, which would become Athens in a contest judged by humans. Place the crushed match heads in the center and light it with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it. If you use any of the content on this page in your own work, please use the code below to cite this page as the source of the content. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. Shes definitely a deity who can teach you how to stick up for yourself and fight back! For this Athena punished her hideously. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. Aconite was also the deadly plant used in the attempted poisoning of Theseus by the devious queen Medea. Greek mythology found its way into many aspects of ancient Greek life, especially anything involving the natural world. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. 1. Your email address will not be published. There was also a theory established by Helene Cixous in which she claims that the original story of Medusa was quite different. After the nymph Smilax was turned into a vine or bindweed, his lover Crocus appealed to the gods. I will say, since I have started serving Medusa as an active force in my cult and witchcraft the results have been beyond astounding. Some poets even went so far as to describe their boar-like tusks and massive lolling tongue. I believe that deities exist in slightly different dimensions/realms yet their power extends to where we currently reside. Legend says this is why so many of the desert areas in that region have so many snakes today. In her anger and in retaliation, Persephone (or sometimes her mother, Demeter), transformed Minthe into a mint tree. They also had another group of sisters called the Graeae who appeared in Prometheus Bound written by Aeschylus. When I am working with Her and I want to harness the power of Her ferocity, and Her petrifying gaze I will set up my work area so that it faces away from Medusa, and only look upon Her image in a mirror that is on the work altar. In later artwork, she appears as a more beautiful woman. The blood from the left side was poisonous and used to destroy people, but the blood from the right was restorative. Herodotus found some evidence that she appeared in Berber mythology where she was a major part of their religion. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. Sicily uses both Medusa and the trinacria on its flag. Were women spared because Medusa didnt intend to hurt them? He was born under a strawberry tree. During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. The goddess carried the womans head on her shield. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. Among the earliest depictions of the Perseus and Medusa myth is a bas-relief from the seventh century BCE depicting Perseus averting his gaze as he beheads Medusa, although curiously She is depicted as a centaur with the lower half of a horse putting it from around the time of Hesiod. According to legend Athena gave Asklepios Medusas blood. Many later versions of the myth claimed that she was once a beautiful Her apotropaic and protective abilities are rooted in Her frightfulness, and Her power to kill with venom or petrification. Athena immediately added the head to her shield called Aegis. You will add your name and the names of anyone you want protected that resides in the home or place. Hermes was distraught and reunited Crocus and Smilax by turning Crocus into a flower. She gave birth to a son, Iamus, and Apollo sent the goddess of childbirth (Eileithyia) and the Fates to serve as her midwives. One of the most well-known stories is that of Eriss apple, the apple of discord. Whether you're looking to boost your financial wherewithal, land a new job, or just pad your bank account a little, try some of these magical herbs in your money-related workings. She won the competition and the love and praise of the Athenians. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and Just having a small amount of space to dedicate to an altar is a great way to start working with the gorgon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. Mix a bowl of spring water with some sea salt, wormwood, cedar, and rue. She turned Medusa into an ugly creature by making her eyes bloodshot and raging and her face haglike. Medusa is so popular that LEGO created a mini-figure of her. 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. Hephaestus also helped the young man with the gift of a sword. It was said that anyone who looked directly at her was immediately turned to stone. Michelangelo and Picasso are just two of the famous artists who created work based on her. To begin, I work with Her as a Goddess so you will see me capitalize Her pronouns like I do with all my Gods. Zeus intervened before it could turn into too much of a fight, and they were sent the human, Paris. Medusa is one of the most famous characters of Greek mythology. 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. 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). During the 20th century, many looked at the tale of Medusa and how it relates to feminism. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. When Elana Dkyewomon released a series of poems and short stories written by and for lesbians, she chose the Gorgon for the cover. You dream of the Goddess Medusa. Once the working is done I offer Her incense, honey, milk, blackberries, black cherries, and or black figs. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. Is this the accurate version of what happened? I personally feel that the energy of Athena allies with Medusa. Many of the women only knew her as a monster and not what she looked like before. 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. Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. This account comes specifically from the Roman poet Ovid in his work Metamorphoses, told at the end of the story of Perseus. I live with my child. 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. They manage to escape when Percy beheads her. The agalma is now consecrated for use so She should be treated as a sacred object, the physical form of Medusa Herself. It is penetrating, and has the power to turn to stone anyone who meets it. 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. The two other prominent circles of the Underworld were the Elysian Fields (fields of joy) or Elysium, where heroes spent eternity, and Tartarus, an abyss for the most wicked. What are some things or symbols that can be associated with reading? Most people who know Medusas name dont know the names of Her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale. The red on the stem is his blood. The 20 Best Norse Mythology Books You Should Read. I created this oil to honor Medusa and the feminine strength that she symbolizes. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality? According to author Jane Ellen Harrison, Medusas power came from her head and anyone who carried it gained that power. Her snakes are usually just considered snakes to make Her hideous and their purpose is neglected, but the snakes themselves have power. 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. Others think that her story likely had roots in historical facts. Cherry quartz (a redder version of rose quartz) and clear Sea sponge that has been cut flat so it may rest at the bottom of the vessel, A fireplace match, lighter, or other implement that can hold fire and reach the bottom of the vessel, Snake shed (add based on your availability), 1 tsp elderberry that has been boiled in spring water. Thence, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone. From then on, men would fear the very sight of her, and Medusa would be protected from the unwanted touch of them. She isnt a Goddess to serve in a capacity of benevolence because She is and has always been a monster. 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. Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds in the Underworld. From then on she roamed, shamed, shunned and loathed by everyone. They point out that she was a beautiful woman who turned into a monster but that all anyone remembers is that she is a monster. There is an old folk tale that says if a menstruating woman's hair is buried in the ground that it will become a snake. The Gorgons lived at the ocean, and Medusa caught Poseidons attention. The sisters convince her to change her mind before the Gorgon can slaughter the men. It wouldnt be too far fetched for a Sea Goddess like Medusa to have a horses body, especially as mother of Pegesus. Of course I have a lot more but I could write an entire book on it! Some who work with Medusa say that they were approached by some of her pets, injured or otherwise in need. Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. Medusa is an aroma hop that is typically used in only late boil additions, including dry hopping. During the French Revolution, those who wanted to defeat the royals used the head of Medusa as a symbol of their freedom. Try sleeping with a symbol that represents the Goddess Medusa under your pillow if you want to connect during sleep. I recommend that you work with Medusa using a pendulum or cards if youre new to divination work. I just started my journey with Medusa slowly. Over the centuries She appears as a guardian depicted on city walls, armor, shields, jewelry, coins, pottery, and sculpture. As a result, she was bound to spend six months of the year there rather than ever returning to Olympus full time. Among her early depictions were those in horror films from the 1960s. In House of the Faun from 200 BC, she appears on the plate worn by Alexander the Great. Some modern astrologers suggest that this star is associated with Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomo In my experience, Medusa is very patient when she reaches out to someone she wants to work with. Pingback: Rivers, Stars & Snakes | Hollow Hills. 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. Some historians believe that the story of Medusa has some basis in fact. I also think that Medusawanted the power of the snakes; though the transition may have been difficult, she probablychose to live this life of protection. Medusa by Caravaggio has its base in the form of a shield. There are many herbs associated with Hecate, including mugwort, rue, hyssop, marjoram, fennel, thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender, wormwood, and dill. A powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the gorgon is not an entity to be trifled with. 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. If youre just getting going working with the Goddess Medusa, start small. 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. Of the choices choanocytes, medusa, spicules, or gemmules, Medusa is the option that is not associated with sponges. Joseph Campbell was one historian who believed this theory. Pindar wrote in 490 BC that she had fair cheeks. Medusa wandered Africa for some time. Fennel features prominently in the myth of Prometheus. To make Athena look better, some stories claim that Perseus never gave her Medusas head. Both Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. The coat of arms of the Dohalice village from the Czech Republic depicts Medusas head. Her blood also led to the creation of the venomous vipers that roam the Sahara. She wouldnt have to deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again! In The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a Gorgon travels to Sabrinas town. Metamorphoses Book V, by Ovid - Tells the story of Medusa from Greek mythology. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). Many still wrote of the maiden as a seductress despite her chastity bonds. Another Greek poet, Pindar, noted that she was fair-cheeked. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Around the 6th century we start to see Her iconography become a mix of the grotesque, large eyed, hideous monster that makes up most of Greek Gorgon imagery. Mighty Protectress, by Your will and mine, the deed is done!. So that it wouldnt go unpunished She turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. Though he used it to save his mother, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head there. 20 Important Plants and Flowers in Greek Mythology, Important Plants and Flowers in Greek Myth, 11 Important Types of Nymph in Greek Mythology, 25 Facts About Isis from Egyptian Mythology. Lets not forget her most famous power: the ability to turn men to stone. Many considered the princess as the worlds most beautiful woman. The most significant of these was the myth of Persephone, who was captured by or eloped with Hades to the Underworld against the wishes of her mother, Demeter. Forests, Blood Red Apples,Herbs, Resins, Spicy Peppers,Caramel, Vanilla. Serpents, panthers and bulls are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants. I recently spoke with a group of friends who are all on board with this idea, so who knows: maybe its true! She claimed that Medusa was the ultimate guardian and protectress of women. You can also source wonderful Medusa art and statues on Etsy and put those in a dedicated spot. (That said, if you are experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor. Business: For matters related to business, include plants like: She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. By Your will and mine, the deed is done!. Euryale could leap with ease, while Stheno was stronger than her sisters. This flowering herb was said to grow in the Asphodel Meadows in the Underworld. Poseidons gift was a saltwater spring raised miraculously from the ground. Strike vengeance together with her strength. In her form of Nemesis, Aphrodite punished him by cursing him so that he would fall in love with his own reflection. Her face should also look fierce, and terrifying, not mournful. 4 dram vial size. The urn itself can be painted bronze, and decorated with a Gorgoneion or large glaring eyes on its front (mini mirrors on the iris is a great idea), and or Evil Eye charms. He also transformed his childhood nurse, Ambrosia, into a vine when she was killed. The Gorgon came out in 1964 and was a Hammer film that told a modern version of her story. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. She gained Her immortality being placed on the aegis of Athena, and is now the most recognizable symbol of the ancient world. His lover, a Satyr who was named Ampelos, was slain by a wild bull. Splash a small amount of church wine onto it as well as a small amount of honey. Ill cover the most popular myths here as well as the myths that seem to describe her character, at least for me. She lost all of her looks and found snakes growing in her hair. 3. Legend says that Medusa was one of three children born to Phorcys. She isa guide to many women and a source of power, wisdom and creativity to those who seek her assistance. All shall share meditation of the demons of self and all they chose to leave behind with the turning of the Wheel. Though many know the story of Medusa and her powers, not as many know about her sisters. It also respects the deep reverence I have for Them. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. Minthe was a nymph who loved the god of the dead, Hades. Medusa spent the rest of her days wandering the earth alone. It is important to understand that the power of Medusa isnt necessarily a power based in Cosmic good. WebBoth Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. Modern literary experts also point to the legend as one of the first times in history when men blamed a victim for her rape. You dream of the Goddess Medusa. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. Accept these sweet offerings as I sing praises in Your name! Usually, when she reaches out, shes looking to work with you in particular based on your past traumatic experiences. Nowadays, many scholars feel that this tale may have been warped over time and that we shouldnt take the female monster at face value.. Place half the herbal mix into the urn and add the charm, then cover with the remaining herbs. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Place the coral, malachite, and bronze around it and add another layer of parsley leaf, rue, then the dirt. The three-headed dog of Hades, Cerberus (or Kerberos), was the fearsome guardian of the Underworld. Homer never named Medusa in the Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone. Long before Medusa faced off with Perseus, there was Poseidon. Medusa represents philosophy, beauty and art. It is the tale of the deep cut of societys knife: creating, blaming, and demonizing the victim for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. 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. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. 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. He was once captured by Herakles, who faced him down. To me it expresses Their actual relationship, that of lovers. Orchamus discovered Leucothoes relationship and burned her to death in retaliation for her lost honor. Take a deeper dive into the epic poems that tell the stories of Medusa. Medusa comes to those who are in need, so she doesnt expect a totally decked-out altar from her followers. When Cerberus drooled while facing the demigod, his spittle landed on the earth and became the aconite plant. Medusa was often depicted as a terrifying winged female with snakes instead of hair. You can also dedicate any divination tools to Medusa that you plan on using while working with her. Instead, shell push you to find your inner power and actually use it to change your life. When I look for idols or agalmas for Medusa they need to have very wide, expressive eyes. The two quickly fell in love and married. A Roman cameo from the second or third century contains her head. Botanics have always held the interest of those interested in nature and the creation of life. Your email address will not be published. She has been featured in movies, books, cartoons and even video games. It can be used as a go to incense when serving Medusa, especially if you are working with Her to remove curses or the evil eye, or to consecrate wards to protect a space or person.To perform the ritual Night light a black chime candle. Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. 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. Updates? However, some witches prefer to work with the figure of Medusa as an idea rather than a real deity. 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*. The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. Hope you found the article useful, please comment below! Demeter responded by turning the boy into a lizard by sprinkling the drink upon him. Finally, Medusa is a sea goddess. Clytia was a spurned lover of Helios who revealed the relationship between Leucothoe and the sun god to Orchamus. Before we can explore how I serve Her we need to take a look at Her mythology and discover who She is.The most common version of Her myth you will see all over the internet is that of a once beautiful Medusa, Whose shining jewel was Her hair. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon sisters and also died there. The two had three daughters, including Euryale and Stheno. She is also an intense force for justice and female empowerment. After all, Medusa took a vow of celibacy she never wanted to be touched in the first place. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless.
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