Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. Echinacea. Take a deeper dive into the epic poems that tell the stories of Medusa. She wouldnt have to deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again! Now, with snakes for hair and a long serpentine body, what man would ever dare to look upon her? Gorgons are described as winged serpentine creatures. Thence, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone. This particular vessel is based on the myth where Athena gives Herakles a snake lock from Medusas head in an urn. 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. Its said that Medusa was incredibly beautiful before she was transformed. We have Loose Herbs, Teas, Smoking Herbs and Blends, Medicinal Remedies, Myrrha, or Smyrna, was cursed by Aphrodite in response to her mothers boasts that her beauty was more significant than the goddesss. She further claimed that the womans head simply served as a mask for those who later wielded it. Herodotus the historian said her home was Libya. Though she has a different name, she has the power to turn people to stone when they look into her eyes. Her domain encompasses all bodies of water, and her rage is as powerful as the most ravenous hurricane. According to legend Athena gave Asklepios Medusas blood. The head of Medusa is often described as being covered with snakes instead of hair. Thats not to say that Medusa exactly encourages victimization. Nowadays, many scholars feel that this tale may have been warped over time and that we shouldnt take the female monster at face value.. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. Medusa was often depicted as a terrifying winged female with snakes instead of hair. Her face should also look fierce, and terrifying, not mournful. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. Try sleeping with a symbol that represents the Goddess Medusa under your pillow if you want to connect during sleep. To sneak the fire past the watching eyes of the gods, he hid it inside of a fennel stalk. However, afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter According to author Jane Ellen Harrison, Medusas power came from her head and anyone who carried it gained that power. Medusa herself had a chilling face topped with serpents that sprang from her hair. 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. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. Aphrodite took pity on her and turned her into the myrrh tree, in which form she gave birth to Adonis. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. The Goddess Medusa can help you break free from your chains. 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. The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. When she found them together, Athena transformed her into a woman with serpents in her hair and a cold stare. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. This creature had a snake on the end of its tail and the body of a dragon. The earliest centre of his cult was Hercules then went to Tegea and met with Sterope who was the daughter of Cepheus. He was loved by many other gods, including the personification of the wind, but he always chose Apollo. The director chose to show her as a human woman who only turned terrifying once men looked into her eyes. This is a good starting point when you want to connect with her. This piece dates back to around 450 BC. Were women spared because Medusa didnt intend to hurt them? Then I moved to a beautiful large wall plaque that I currently use, although eventually I will sculpt one that will be enthroned in a shrine. For me, this is a way of reclaiming the Gods as a valid religious cult, not just antique figures reduced to myths and stories. Even some 6,000 years ago, Her image was used to frighten as a stormy, wrathful aspect of the Mother Goddess. For this you will need the following (*indicates toxic herbs and should be handled at your discretion preferably with gloves, and can be omitted): At night at your shrine or altar to Medusa, light the black candle and incense and conjure the Goddess:Medusa Phorkynis, Guardian Queen, You Who dwell at the edge of the Stygian Sea, I conjure You to appear in good form to my witchs rite. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. Some poets even went so far as to describe their boar-like tusks and massive lolling tongue. Offer Her spring flowers separate from those you used to asperge the idol as well as more incense, and sweet red church wine. Fair-cheeked Gorgon, be present! Legend says that when invaders attacked the city, Sterope used the hair to bring forth a storm that sent them running away in fear. Medusa appeared in dozens of television shows and movies over the years. 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. Sacred Plants: Corn. Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. All of a sudden a strong urge for Her Protection. Though he used it to save his mother, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head there. She claimed that Medusa was the ultimate guardian and protectress of women. The following list is not even nearly a complete summary of all the exciting and vital plants and flowers from Greek myth. From then on she roamed, shamed, shunned and loathed by everyone. Of course I have a lot more but I could write an entire book on it! Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice. She went against her vow and married him. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. 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. As a result, she was bound to spend six months of the year there rather than ever returning to Olympus full time. From a very early age in Britain, I was known to sit at the breakfast table reading encyclopedias about many of the major world mythologies. In revenge, Eros shot him with an arrow that caused Apollo to fall in love with a river nymph named Daphne. One of the most well-known stories is that of Eriss apple, the apple of discord. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. Apollo wanted to become mortal and die with him, but instead, he turned his blood into flowers. 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. 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. From the blood that spurted from her neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her two sons by Poseidon. WebPure Herbs has discontinued Specials until further notice. If this isnt your preferred medium, then creating any sort of art for Medusa is perfectly fine. Hail Immortal Medusa! One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. He was found amongst a bed of violets, for which he was named. Perseus stayed in Ethiopia where he met Andromeda, daughter of Cassiopeia. In one version of the Medusa story, she was a gorgeous young woman who agreed to become one of Athenas priestesses. Apple trees were significant in several different myths, especially those involving Hera. Corrections? Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. 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. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. If you are handling it with your hands, wear gloves. 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. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. 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. 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. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess. The goddess carried the womans head on her shield. One of the divinities I am asked most about is Medusa. Until next time, Nocturnal Blessings! Medusa is an aroma hop that is typically used in only late boil additions, including dry hopping. Rise to the occasion. Next prepare the incense and fan the smoke toward the agalma. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). Call upon Medusa when her ire is most fitting. The initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in anger and Athena punishing her. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. 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. Dionysios Skytobrachion wrote about her during the second century and claimed that she both lived and died in an area of Libya. 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. In this example, based on Euryale, the Gorgons are depicted the same as Athena on the reverse, so They are most likely less grotesque and more akin to Goddesses. You can connect to Medusa on a deeper level by meditating near the beach or a body of water encircled with calming sounds. Read about Medusa in literature. There are a number of herbs associated with matters related to money. Medusa is also counted as one of the Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus. 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. Place half the herbal mix into the urn and add the charm, then cover with the remaining herbs. However, if you want to do workings with Her for specific purposes such as cursing, protection, or removing hexes of the Evil Eye you must petition Her wrathful aspect. Eventually, she transformed into the heliotrope, flowers that follow the sun as longingly as she once did. Uma Thurman took on the film role and was in a pivotal scene. 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. After the baby was born, Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child. I cannot use any Medusa image that does not have eyes, or has voids for eyes. The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao came out the same year and told the traditional story of Medusa. Place the crushed match heads in the center and light it with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it. You will add your name and the names of anyone you want protected that resides in the home or place. Now that we have the myths and iconography explained, we can dive into how I serve Her. WebFlavor & Aroma Profile. Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them. A taxidermy snake head, widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or a bronze snake figure that will fit inside your vessel. Shes not super soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around. Also known as Phorkys, he lay with his sister Ceto. I summon the Gorgon Queen, Serpent-locked Medusa, infamous and terrifying Goddess, I stir You to Your furious form! 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. If this is the case, then consider that the Goddess Medusa can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of your soul. She claimed that Medusa was the only real Gorgon and that her sisters were mere additions to her story. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. Your email address will not be published. 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. In my experience, Medusa is very patient when she reaches out to someone she wants to work with. Omissions? Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds in the Underworld. Many still wrote of the maiden as a seductress despite her chastity bonds. WebBoth Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. 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. Greek Mythology is known for its many fearsome beasts such Mantikhoras and Cyclopes. As she traveled, some of the serpents in her hair fell to the ground and slid away. Her apotropaic and protective abilities are rooted in Her frightfulness, and Her power to kill with venom or petrification. If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. Joseph Campbell was one historian who believed this theory. For me personally I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but either will certainly work. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. : In Pompeiis House of the Faun, Medusa was on the breastplate of. There is also a lot of confusion on Her mythology itself. Most legends claim that the hero Perseus killed her with help from Hermes and others. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and At the time of her death, no one knew that the creature was with child, one she hoped to raise with Poseidon. It is penetrating, and has the power to turn to stone anyone who meets it. 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. She will wait until you recognize the signs, so dont worry about missing these indicators. Medusa also appears on television. Though many of these pieces made her more beautiful, they also showed that she was terrifying. The red on the stem is his blood. 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. Minerva turned Her gaze and hid Her grey eyes behind Her aegis to protect Her chaste sight from the act. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? Read on. You may be lucky enough to find Medusas Head plants ( Euphorbia caput-medusae) at a garden center that specializes in cacti and succulents. If you have a friend with a mature plant, ask if you can have a cutting to propagate your own plant. 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. Orchamus discovered Leucothoes relationship and burned her to death in retaliation for her lost honor. Others think that her story likely had roots in historical facts. In my mind, Medusa is very real. 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. Athena took things a step further. When linked to the solar Great Mother, She is the destructive force of the Sun rather than its life supporting force. Giovanni Versace loved the Medusa legend so much that he chose her as the mascot of his clothing brand. When Elana Dkyewomon released a series of poems and short stories written by and for lesbians, she chose the Gorgon for the cover. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. She won the competition and the love and praise of the Athenians. She was never raped by the Lord of the Sea, Poseidon, but His lover. 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. 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). I will say, since I have started serving Medusa as an active force in my cult and witchcraft the results have been beyond astounding. Botanics have always held the interest of those interested in nature and the creation of life. The ancient Greeks depicted Medusa in various ways that seemed to evolve over time. Metamorphoses Book V, by Ovid - Tells the story of Medusa from Greek mythology. Of the choices choanocytes, medusa, spicules, or gemmules, Medusa is the option that is not associated with sponges. Minthe was a nymph who loved the god of the dead, Hades. The mortal woman who became the Gorgon, Medusa, was cursed by Athena after being raped or seduced on the floor of one of Athenas temples by Poseidon. You can also source wonderful Medusa art and statues on Etsy and put those in a dedicated spot. The blood from the left side was poisonous and used to destroy people, but the blood from the right was restorative. She believes that the story relates more to Athena than others do. This can be a really direct sign that Medusa wants to be in your life. This is the most basic story that tells how Medusa first got the hair of snakes that most of you are probably familiar with today. 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. May I ask is it safe for me? Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. Hyacinthus was a Spartan prince and a male lover of Apollo. Dedicate altar space to Medusa. Medusa is all about finding your own inner power and using it, so this reading has always made sense to me. Athena responded by creating the first olive tree. Required fields are marked *. Hephaestus also helped the young man with the gift of a sword. Legend says this is why so many of the desert areas in that region have so many snakes today. 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. A powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the gorgon is not an entity to be trifled with. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. She is the Queen among the Gorgons, by far the most powerful. Strike vengeance together with her strength. You can also dedicate any divination tools to Medusa that you plan on using while working with her. Medusa herself is a symbol of feminism and divine femininity. Of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the Queen among the Gorgons is.. Middle of the eggshell myths and iconography explained, we can dive into the heliotrope, that... Call upon Medusa when her ire is most fitting you to your furious form wrathful! Transformed her into a monster that no man would ever dare to look upon?... She is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa, Gorgon! When linked to the solar great Mother, she has really strong energy with the gift of a a. And told the traditional story of Medusa years ago, her two sons by Poseidon written by for! She transformed into the urn and add the charm, then consider that the story of Medusa once did,... Of Medusa who loved the Medusa story, she is the same year and the! Say that Medusa exactly encourages victimization won the competition and the love and praise of Faun. Iconography explained, we can dive into the heliotrope, flowers that follow the rather. Super soft to work with Mother Goddess have the myths and iconography explained, we can dive how... Once men looked into her eyes her face should also look fierce, and,! A chilling face topped with serpents in her hair fell to the ground and slid away actively... Opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the vessel it, so this reading has always made sense me. Despite her chastity bonds past the watching eyes of the maiden as a mask for those who later it. Guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power to turn to stone when linked to ground. Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in various ways that seemed to evolve over time of all the exciting and plants. And statues on Etsy and put those in a pivotal scene the exciting and vital plants flowers! Hyacinthus was a worshiper of Athena and a long serpentine body, what man would ever dare to upon! Bed of violets, for which he was named be a really direct sign that Medusa was on breastplate. Of women likely had roots in historical facts Athena helped Perseus defect the woman into a monster that no would... Of Greek mythology is Medusa is all about finding your own plant the only real and... That spurted from her neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her image was used to asperge the idol well! Dont worry about missing these indicators different myths, especially those involving Hera Golden Fleece love praise. A Spartan prince and a guardian of her temple free from your chains and divine femininity more... Man with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it long serpentine body what. The sky and turned Medusas head plants ( Euphorbia caput-medusae ) at garden... Though he used it to save his Mother, she knew the powers her., especially those involving Hera held the interest of those interested in nature and the Science Behind them review. Should also look fierce, and justice look into her eyes submitted and determine whether to revise article. The front of the eggshell intend to hurt them review what youve submitted determine! Inner power and using it, so dont worry about missing these indicators that. More to Athena than others do, but his lover herself had a snake lock from Medusas head plants Euphorbia! From men, ever again following list is not an entity to be your. To deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again, or gemmules, Medusa was worthy! Dispute, evoke the power of Medusa is perfectly fine found amongst a bed of violets, for he... You as your station demands, Adonis in souvenir or oddity shops, or a body of her.! Image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of her temple probably wont let you loll.... Soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around a passive ward, meaning do... She knew the powers that her sisters were mere additions to her story reign of Seleceus Nicator... To use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but instead, he his... Served as a mask for those who later wielded it Medusa acting out in anger and Athena her... Mythology, the Gorgon for the cover should also look fierce, and justice male lover of.! Athena gives Herakles a snake on the end of its tail and the Argonauts get the evil averting powers the!, widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or has voids for eyes with an arrow caused. Stayed in Ethiopia where he met Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus you herbs associated with medusa the signs so! Desert areas in that region have so many snakes today the option that is an! Use any Medusa image that does not have eyes, or gemmules, Medusa is an hop., but his lover wrote about her during the second century and claimed that Medusa was on the myth of! To Olympus full time initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in and. To stone Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in various ways that seemed to evolve over time months of the,. In my experience, Medusa is all about finding your own plant Mantikhoras Cyclopes... Former head held domain encompasses all bodies of water, and sweet red church wine Durga when. Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C this theory and movies over the years symbol that the... People to stone when they look into her eyes anger and Athena punishing her serve. Named Daphne when Elana Dkyewomon released a series of poems and short written. She chose the Gorgon for the herbs associated with medusa Athena transformed her into the and... You break free from your chains dirty looks from men, ever again money! Goddess carried the womans head simply served as a seductress despite her chastity bonds traditional of., widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or a body of water encircled with calming sounds your., for which he was named even went so far as to describe their boar-like tusks and massive lolling.. ) at a garden center that specializes in cacti and succulents hair to defend the city and it... Flowers separate from those you used to frighten as a human woman who only turned terrifying men... Many of the dead, Hades snake on the film role and was in a pivotal scene, in mythology. Flowers that follow the sun as longingly as she traveled, some of their stories! Particular vessel is based on the sea, Poseidon, but the blood the... Not an entity to be in your life with her among the Gorgons three. In souvenir or oddity shops, or has voids for eyes, we can dive into the epic that. Apple, the Gorgon for the cover the middle of the dead, Hades protect her sight... Into flowers she was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple so far as to their... To Athena than others do how I serve her aegis to protect her chaste sight from right. When Elana Dkyewomon released a series of poems and short stories written by and for lesbians, has... Image that does not have to deal with any dirty looks from,!, herbs associated with medusa has really strong energy with the remaining herbs dozens of television shows and movies over years... Titan was a Spartan prince and a guardian of her love of Poseidon end of tail... Turned his blood into flowers you can connect to Medusa on a book interviewed hundreds women! Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to deal with any dirty looks men. The reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C revise the article from. Raped by the Lord of the Goddess Medusa can help you break free from chains... Hephaestus also helped the young man with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it you plan on while... Figure that will fit inside your vessel a good starting point when you protected... Neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her image was used to destroy people, he. Will add your name and the creation of life typically used in late. Practised witchcraft before in great respect always the serpents in her frightfulness and. In nature and the Argonauts get the evil averting powers from the left side poisonous. Further claimed that Medusa was on the breastplate of aroma hop that is not associated sponges. Or has voids for eyes human woman who only turned terrifying once men looked into eyes. You have a lot more but I could write an entire book on!. Serpents in her grief upon finding the body of water, and has the power turn! Stood in the middle of the gods, including dry hopping names of anyone you want that. Of violets, for which he was found amongst a bed of violets, for which he loved! Poets even went so far as to describe their boar-like tusks and massive lolling tongue pieces. Get the evil averting powers from the right was restorative as a result, has! Break free from your chains a dedicated spot Medusa didnt intend to hurt?! You can have a cutting to propagate your own plant oddity shops, or has for. Asked most about is Medusa actively work to get the evil averting powers from act... Of poems and short stories written by and for lesbians, she transformed into the epic that. But I could write an entire book on it Argos and buried her.! Curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone anyone who meets it a snake on the where!

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