Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. The meaning of Medusa is powerful. If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. He then returned to the goddess Athena with Medusas head, which she mounted to her shield so that any foes she encountered on the battlefield would then be turned to stone. A loving priestess to his sister Athena, Poseidon sought the goddess Medusa while she was praying in Athenas temple and violated her. Many dont realize She is a living Goddess, despite Her mythology. Legend claims the was a giant who carried a golden sword. A Roman cameo from the second or third century contains her head. She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. They all claimed that Medusa was a horrific creature but could not recall when they first heard the legend. Her creation was so powerful She adorned Her breastplate with these snakes to frighten enemies. Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. 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 blood from her head slowly found its way to the Red Sea where it formed the basis of the red coral seen there today. For these types of rituals I will offer Her red church wine, whole uncooked eggs, and spring water in addition to any ingredients or materials for my spellwork. Medusa is an aroma hop that is typically used in only late boil additions, including dry hopping. 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 Another Greek poet, Pindar, noted that she was fair-cheeked. 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. 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. Dionysus created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking. 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. 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. In my experience, Medusa is very patient when she reaches out to someone she wants to work with. When Mimses son, Ascalabus, saw Demeter, he began to mock her for her hunger. Crocus became a companion and lover of Hermes, the messenger god. After Leucothoes death, Helios still didnt want Clytia, and she pined away on the ground, neither eating nor drinking, continually staring at the sun. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless. 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. Updates? Medusa represents philosophy, beauty and art. 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. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. A taxidermy snake head, widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or a bronze snake figure that will fit inside your vessel. Strike vengeance together with her strength. Thats not to say that Medusa exactly encourages victimization. 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. Most legends claim that the hero Perseus killed her with help from Hermes and others. Oftentimes when we see this version of the myth recounted Minerva is replaced with Athena, and Neptune with Poseidon. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. Cherry quartz (a redder version of rose quartz) and clear 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. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). He claimed that the story of her decapitation shared much in common with castration. Spiritual practice is never an acceptable alternative for taking proper care of your health.). Though both were marine deities, their children were chthonic monsters. Flax seed. 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. This piece dates back to around 450 BC. Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. Apollo chased her around the world until Daphne begged her river-god father for help, and he changed her into the laurel tree. When Elana Dkyewomon released a series of poems and short stories written by and for lesbians, she chose the Gorgon for the cover. The next thing I want to cover is Medusas vessel. When it is time, hold fast her rage and take no mercy. Even some 6,000 years ago, Her image was used to frighten as a stormy, wrathful aspect of the Mother Goddess. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. 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. Atlas attempted to fight but saw her head and turned to stone. She is also an intense force for justice and female empowerment. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. Many later versions of the myth claimed that she was once a beautiful He also transformed his childhood nurse, Ambrosia, into a vine when she was killed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. During the French Revolution, those who wanted to defeat the royals used the head of Medusa as a symbol of their freedom. 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. Hope you found the article useful, please comment below! 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. Medusas Head is a study released in 1940 after Freuds death. He treated other potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them. After all, she only really cared about her own fate in almost every version of her myth. Take a small bouquet of fresh spring flowers and dip it into the holy water and sprinkle it onto the agalma (sacred idol) to cleanse it. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. The Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol. She is incredibly powerful, and since I have started working with Her, She has removed a lot of things and people that have been holding me back. Tea tree oil. Ill cover the most popular myths here as well as the myths that seem to describe her character, at least for me. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. Perseus then headed to Ethiopia to rest and set her head down on the ground. When linked to the solar Great Mother, She is the destructive force of the Sun rather than its life supporting force. Euryale could leap with ease, while Stheno was stronger than her sisters. In the modern world, feminists use Medusa as an icon that represents female anger and rage. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). In revenge, Eros shot him with an arrow that caused Apollo to fall in love with a river nymph named Daphne. You can simply offer her a devotional candle or a seashell. In the marble statue from the temple of Artemis in Corfu Medusa embraces Her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, as well as Her lions. Rose quartz is probably the most well-known and easily accessible crystal associated with Aphrodite. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. Though he used it to save his mother, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head there. If this is the case, then consider that the Goddess Medusa can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of your soul. Walk around your home and in each room raise the jar three times then say Medusa protects NN! repeating until you end at your front door.The last thing I do with Medusa is make a potion called The Blood of Medusa, which is actually two separate potions. Like Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he could live forever. As far as Medusa, while She is indeed a monster, She is above all a powerful Goddess. Now that we have the myths and iconography explained, we can dive into how I serve Her. Medusa comes to those who are in need, so she doesnt expect a totally decked-out altar from her followers. Corrections? 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. A "colophon" 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. With her attested ability to turn men to stone, Medusa assists in bindings, particularly binding those who pose a threat to women. Leucothoe was the daughter of Orchamus, King of Persia, and the lover of Helios, the personification of the sun. 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. The goddess carried the womans head on her shield. Some were previously gods and goddesses, some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources! 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. Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice. Apollo wanted to become mortal and die with him, but instead, he turned his blood into flowers. Most of this is personal experience so keep in mind that youll need to tailor your own worship to fit your beliefs, lifestyle, and needs! One of her works said that similar stories focused on sister trios and that authors likely added Medusas sisters. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and tolerates temperatures in the low 90s (33-35 C.). They have the power to overwhelm enemies with fear. In my mind, Medusa is very real. Place the crushed match heads in the center and light it with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it. Open now the Iron Gates of Night so I may do my work! All she asks is that you become the best and most powerful version of yourself. As you fumigate Her image say an invocation, facing West:I call to You, Guardians of the Gates of the West, Realm of the Setting Sun, open the way to the Land of Night! Lets face it: Medusa is an intimidating presence, to say the least. Uma Thurman took on the film role and was in a pivotal scene. Your email address will not be published. : In Pompeiis House of the Faun, Medusa was on the breastplate of. It almost sounds like a win-win, to me. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality? He was found amongst a bed of violets, for which he was named. Now, with snakes for hair and a long serpentine body, what man would ever dare to look upon her? 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. From the blood that spurted from her neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her two sons by Poseidon. The story begins in Book IV at line 898. 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. According to author Jane Ellen Harrison, Medusas power came from her head and anyone who carried it gained that power. Apollo then took her wood to make his lyre. Sacred Animals: This Goddess often transformed into a white sow to address her people. You can connect to Medusa on a deeper level by meditating near the beach or a body of water encircled with calming sounds. Many neglect to realize this is a much later telling of the Medusa myth. Hail the Guardian Queen!. All shall gather outside of Circle and share the tales of Samhain. You may also feel controlled in a more mental or emotional way (rather than physical) and seek your independence. The head of Medusa is often described as being covered with snakes instead of hair. During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. Medusa by Caravaggio has its base in the form of a shield. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. 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 Perseus stayed in Ethiopia where he met Andromeda, daughter of Cassiopeia. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the flowers. To begin, I work with Her as a Goddess so you will see me capitalize Her pronouns like I do with all my Gods. The idea of encountering her was terrifying to the likes of men, for a single glance from her wide, yellow eyes would turn one to stone in an instant. *These three resins are often sold together as Black Ethiopian resin, of which you would use 1 tbsp. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. She wouldnt have to deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again! To me it expresses Their actual relationship, that of lovers. It was said that anyone who looked directly at her was immediately turned to stone. My typical conjuration of Medusa is this:Gorgon-eyed Hekate, Unconquerable Queen of Witches, I conjure You to be present and send to me Your ghosts of forgotten soldiers so they may stand before me, beside me, and behind me and let no harm come to me in my witchs operations. 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. 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. There are a few different myths that include Medusa in Ancient Greek culture. Until next time, Nocturnal Blessings! WebPure Herbs has discontinued Specials until further notice. Maybe you feel somewhat controlled by others or even just stuck in a role that you no longer want. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl When the nymph Echo fell deeply in love with the handsome human known as Narcissus, he scorned her altogether, and she fell into misery. Many artists made Medusa into a work of art. It is often cited as a story where Medusa is unjustly punished as the victim of rape. Later, he brought Hera strawberries after tricking her into breastfeeding him in place of her own baby to prevent her wrath. He was chained to a rock and his liver was repeatedly eaten by an eagle and then healed in an endless cycle. Minthe was a nymph who loved the god of the dead, Hades. Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. Splash a small amount of church wine onto it as well as a small amount of honey. 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. I personally feel that the energy of Athena allies with Medusa. According to legend, Athena gave Herakles one of Medusas serpent locks in an urn that He used to protect the town of Tegea as it would make enemies flee in fright. 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. Sicily uses both Medusa and the trinacria on its flag. I am pleased with You and wish You well. Poseidons attempts to seduce Medusa started in a garden of rock roses. Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. Forests, Blood Red Apples,Herbs, Resins, Spicy Peppers,Caramel, Vanilla. After the baby was born, Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. Shes definitely a deity who can teach you how to stick up for yourself and fight back! She has been described by the Poet Ovid as having a beautiful face and long, flowing hair. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. 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. This has been proven because she continues to be portrayed in pop culture. A powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the gorgon is not an entity to be trifled with. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Is this the accurate version of what happened? Some people find they benefit from using them together. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! 3. Mimse gave Demeter a barley drink to sate herself. 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. Some authors today believe that the legend showed the control that a man could have over a woman. Several regions also depict her on their flags and emblems. 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.
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