She is a proud Queen after all. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). After the nymph Smilax was turned into a vine or bindweed, his lover Crocus appealed to the gods. Medusa is also counted as one of the Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus. It is penetrating, and has the power to turn to stone anyone who meets it. Though both were marine deities, their children were chthonic monsters. She is not only immortalized in stories but also in history. Hercules then went to Tegea and met with Sterope who was the daughter of Cepheus. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. The metal cap of a 1st- or 2nd-century chariot pole, for instance, offers a popular visual interpretation of the Gorgon with two snakes tied neatly under her chin. Medusas sisters were immortal but she was mortal. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. 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. Athena and Poseidon competed over the city, which would become Athens in a contest judged by humans. Many considered the princess as the worlds most beautiful woman. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. Athena then gifts Medusa with a special weapon that frees her from the possibility of ever suffering such an assault ever again. Much less, if any man did, then he would be instantly turned into a statue and doomed to an eternity in stone. 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. 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and Herbs, Backed by Science Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them Gingko Turmeric Evening Corrections? She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. Most legends claim that the hero Perseus killed her with help from Hermes and others. Athena responded by creating the first olive tree. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. The director chose to show her as a human woman who only turned terrifying once men looked into her eyes. Barley was an essential crop to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Many neglect to realize this is a much later telling of the Medusa myth. Clytia was a spurned lover of Helios who revealed the relationship between Leucothoe and the sun god to Orchamus. Shes not super soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around. 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. Her apotropaic and protective abilities are rooted in Her frightfulness, and Her power to kill with venom or petrification. A tepidarium from the Roman era has a mosaic floor with her head at the center. If you have been seeing the symbols of Goddess Medusa and hearing the whispers, then this is your call to action. In House of the Faun from 200 BC, she appears on the plate worn by Alexander the Great. Demeter responded by turning the boy into a lizard by sprinkling the drink upon him. WebFlavor & Aroma Profile. It is believed that Medusa was originally just a head and the body came later. 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) To start, Her gaze is indeed important and probably the primary symbola I work with. She isa guide to many women and a source of power, wisdom and creativity to those who seek her assistance. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. After her death, Perseus immediately left to fight Atlas. All she asks is that you become the best and most powerful version of yourself. Call upon Medusa when you need the strength to challenge your enemies, to face your fears, or to hex your abusers. Others think that her story likely had roots in historical facts. Though she has a different name, she has the power to turn people to stone when they look into her eyes. Some who work with Medusa say that they were approached by some of her pets, injured or otherwise in need. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl Dionysus created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking. They have the power to overwhelm enemies with fear. 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. 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. I recently spoke with a group of friends who are all on board with this idea, so who knows: maybe its true! Maybe Medusas true powers lie in the shadow feminine, taking vengeance upon those who have taken advantage of women and binding those who intend to do them harm. WebCerridwen's Symbolism The Cauldron and the dark moon are associated with this Goddess. Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. As the gods were well aware of this, they gifted to him an array of wondrous items to help him in his task. She gave birth to a son, Iamus, and Apollo sent the goddess of childbirth (Eileithyia) and the Fates to serve as her midwives. The milk and honey are pretty typical offerings to appease malevolent deities, and blackberries, cherries, and figs have a lot of lore connecting them with diabolical forces, but also as evil averting fruits. This idea first appeared in a journal in 1978. The earliest centre of his cult was The Goddess Medusa tends to reach out in very subtle ways. Some poets even went so far as to describe their boar-like tusks and massive lolling tongue. Instead, shell push you to find your inner power and actually use it to change your life. 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*. Aconite was also the deadly plant used in the attempted poisoning of Theseus by the devious queen Medea. I find that themost important thing Medusa will teach you is how touse your power. Gingko. Many of the women only knew her as a monster and not what she looked like before. Business: For matters related to business, include plants like: In her form of Nemesis, Aphrodite punished him by cursing him so that he would fall in love with his own reflection. The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. Euryale could leap with ease, while Stheno was stronger than her sisters. Some modern astrologers suggest that this star is associated with The Blood of Medusa (Right). SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS + UPDATES. 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. TEA & ROSEMARY LLC, source wonderful Medusa art and statues on Etsy, 6 Effective Studying Spells For Exams, Class, & Enhanced Focus, Winter Solstice & Yule: Rituals, Traditions, And Ways To Celebrate, Two of Pentacles Meanings: Love, Career, Health, Reversed, & More, How To Celebrate Ostara: Spring Equinox Rituals, Traditions & Ideas, Depictions of serpents or snake figurines, The Aegis: an image of Medusas head adorning Athenas shield. 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. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. 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. Your email address will not be published. This particular vessel is based on the myth where Athena gives Herakles a snake lock from Medusas head in an urn. Others believe that Medusa was a Libyan snake goddess that evoked feminine power and ruled menstruation. I cannot use any Medusa image that does not have eyes, or has voids for eyes. Typically when I share my practices I get private messages asking me for specifics on how I serve certain divinities, especially when They are not often honored in cult. Among her early depictions were those in horror films from the 1960s. Feeling as though his work was done, Perseus tracked down Athena and presented her with the head. Hesiod used her in Theogony. 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. Legend says while she was there baby snakes dropped from her head and this is why there are plenty of snakes in Africa. *These three resins are often sold together as Black Ethiopian resin, of which you would use 1 tbsp. 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. 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. : In Pompeiis House of the Faun, Medusa was on the breastplate of. 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. Hear me, Gorgon Queen, come to me as I come to you, kindly and in good form. However, be really for some kind of intense imagery: Medusa isnt for the faint of heart! She further claimed that the womans head simply served as a mask for those who later wielded it. Apollo wanted to become mortal and die with him, but instead, he turned his blood into flowers. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. Light a second black chime candle from the main candle and salute the four directions and say In the name of Medusa! and extinguish the flame in the water. This shows that the island has protection from Athena. Those familiar with my work know I do a lot with spiritual vessels and Medusa is no different. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. Its time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another. The Greek hero came to see her on the orders of King Polydectes who ruled over Seriphus. Medusa wandered Africa for some time. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. Herodotus the historian said her home was Libya. She becomes Gorgo, one of the three Gorgon sisters. Perhaps the most well-known Medusa myth involves Perseus and Medusas death. The Greek hero Perseus is sent to take Medusas head in order to save his mother from marrying a selfish, evil king. Perseus was granted help by the gods including a reflecting tool. In later artwork, she appears as a more beautiful woman. 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. Medusa is a Goddess you need a physical representation for so you would need either a statue, relief, painting, or other image. 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. The blood from the left side was poisonous and used to destroy people, but the blood from the right was restorative. 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. Mix a bowl of spring water with some sea salt, wormwood, cedar, and rue. 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 So that it wouldnt go unpunished She turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes. The herald of the gods, Hermes, was born of the eldest Pleiad nymph Maia and Zeus, king of the gods. Greek mythology found its way into many aspects of ancient Greek life, especially anything involving the natural world. Come, rise from the Hellish Pit on swift wing and turn to me Your petrifying gaze so You may witness this rite! Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. Updates? 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. The story begins in Book IV at line 898. She is not to be pitied, but adored. Her sisters are the immortal Gorgons: Euryale and Stheno. Like Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he could live forever. This means that She is not the beheaded Medusa, but restored after the event as a Great Mother akin to Kybele. Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. She won the competition and the love and praise of the Athenians. 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