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. Ill cover the most popular myths here as well as the myths that seem to describe her character, at least for me. Even though not apparent signs I am very drawn to HER IMAGE AND POWERS. The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. Uma Thurman took on the film role and was in a pivotal scene. 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. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. Fair-cheeked Gorgon, be present! 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. The Gorgons lived at the ocean, and Medusa caught Poseidons attention. We have Loose Herbs, Teas, Smoking Herbs and Blends, Medicinal Remedies, A few hours after his birth, he was already cognizant enough to trick his cousin, Apollo, by stealing his cattle. Shell show you that you dont need to be afraid of power and that the innate power you have inside of you is already strong and beautiful; you simply need to learn how to use it. In the marble statue from the temple of Artemis in Corfu Medusa embraces Her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, as well as Her lions. With her attested ability to turn men to stone, Medusa assists in bindings, particularly binding those who pose a threat to women. During the 20th century, many looked at the tale of Medusa and how it relates to feminism. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so youlldefinitely know when shes around. The portrait was done on a convex board made out of poplar with Medusas visage, bringing out its reference to Aegis. Euryale could leap with ease, while Stheno was stronger than her sisters. 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. He may or may not have reciprocated her affection. From the blood that spurted from her neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her two sons by Poseidon. 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. If youre considering working with the Goddess Medusa then you probably want to know whether or not shes real. In this incantation Hekate is evoked as Mother of the Gorgons. Later, he brought Hera strawberries after tricking her into breastfeeding him in place of her own baby to prevent her wrath. 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. Greek Mythology is known for its many fearsome beasts such Mantikhoras and Cyclopes. Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. Most people who know Medusas name dont know the names of Her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale. A Roman cameo from the second or third century contains her head. In feminism Medusa is known as a symbol of rage even though she was originally exceedingly beautiful. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? 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. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore. Gorgons are described as winged serpentine creatures. Hephaestus also helped the young man with the gift of a sword. However, its important to note thatearlier myths of Medusa (such as that told by Homer) actually have no mention of Athena at all. She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon sisters and also died there. Also known as Phorkys, he lay with his sister Ceto. According to legend Athena gave Asklepios Medusas blood. Several regions also depict her on their flags and emblems. Still, either way, she bragged of her superiority to his wife, Persephone. Two species of snakes contain her name: the venomous pitviper Bothriopsis medusa and the nonvenomous snake called Atractus medusa. 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. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. It is a spring-blooming flower and would bloom when Persephone was outside of the Underworld. During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. This piece dates back to around 450 BC. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. The 20 Best Norse Mythology Books You Should Read. Much less, if any man did, then he would be instantly turned into a statue and doomed to an eternity in stone. She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. She wouldnt have to deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again! When Evande became pregnant, Aepytus mocked her for it since she was unmarried. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. But what is the truth to this myth? Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. You can simply offer her a devotional candle or a seashell. Leave this on the altar until the candle burns out but before the sun rises, and place it somewhere close to your front door. By Your will and mine, the deed is done!. The red on the stem is his blood. Stand up for womens rights. She isnt a Goddess to serve in a capacity of benevolence because She is and has always been a monster. Your email address will not be published. Eventually, she transformed into the heliotrope, flowers that follow the sun as longingly as she once did. Your email address will not be published. Accept these sweet offerings as I sing praises in Your name! 2021 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Legend says while she was there baby snakes dropped from her head and this is why there are plenty of snakes in Africa. This shows that the island has protection from Athena. He was once captured by Herakles, who faced him down. 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. The head of Medusa is often described as being covered with snakes instead of hair. I have always been interested in mythology. Medusa also appears on television. If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. 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. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. The two Gods lay with each other in soft meadows among spring flowers. I work hard tokeep my creations and packaging cruelty free, responsibly sourced and eco-friendly. Atlas attempted to fight but saw her head and turned to stone. Place half the herbal mix into the urn and add the charm, then cover with the remaining herbs. One of the sisters on the show found a woman who summoned the creature to punish men. WebA gentle yet effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help soothe the nervous system. Hail Immortal Medusa! Thence, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone. When Cerberus drooled while facing the demigod, his spittle landed on the earth and became the aconite plant. 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. The meaning of Medusa is powerful. It also respects the deep reverence I have for Them. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless. 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. Hermes was distraught and reunited Crocus and Smilax by turning Crocus into a flower. 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. In my experience, Medusa is very patient when she reaches out to someone she wants to work with. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. One of the most well-known stories is that of Eriss apple, the apple of discord. 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. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. The oils that I create are intuitively blended to give you a unique and mystical experience. One of the divinities I am asked most about is Medusa. Athena gave Perseus a shield with mirrors to deflect Medusas gaze, while Hades helped him remain invisible to her. If this is the case, then consider that the Goddess Medusa can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of your soul. Her rage is unmet, and her ferocity is as deep and as strong as the seas. 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. Let the cut end dry for a few days to develop a callus before planting. All shall share meditation of the demons of self and all they chose to leave behind with the turning of the Wheel. Versace still uses a log of a woman with terrifying features and serpents coming from her head as its brand logo. Though most of you probably know all about Medusastypical appearance (the head full of snakes), there are a few variations on Medusas appearance in lore. He was being led away as a distraction and potentially to his death! Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. Myrrha went to him and slept with him, and became pregnant. The Goddess Medusa is a known guardian and as such, lends her aid to those who need her protection. To make matters worse, in the works of ancient Greek artist Polygnotos, Perseus is shown cutting off Medusas head while she lay sleeping, further highlighting the absolute cowardice of this champion of the gods. 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. Athena removed a lock of the womans hair and gave it to Hercules. Ask for this goddesss guidance when you need strong feminine power and the innately intuitive energy of water in your rituals. SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS + UPDATES. Call upon Medusa when her ire is most fitting. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0b5d36f223869445363a60f7ff447a5" );document.getElementById("dc55782aa6").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. The initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in anger and Athena punishing her. Once the working is done I offer Her incense, honey, milk, blackberries, black cherries, and or black figs. Her sisters are the immortal Gorgons: Euryale and Stheno. In the modern world, feminists use Medusa as an icon that represents female anger and rage. When he found out her true identity, he tried to kill her. The next thing I want to cover is Medusas vessel. The earliest centre of his cult was Athena and Poseidon competed over the city, which would become Athens in a contest judged by humans. During the French Revolution, those who wanted to defeat the royals used the head of Medusa as a symbol of their freedom. Dionysus created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking. This account comes specifically from the Roman poet Ovid in his work Metamorphoses, told at the end of the story of Perseus. Those familiar with my work know I do a lot with spiritual vessels and Medusa is no different. He was born under a strawberry tree. Some historians believe that the story of Medusa has some basis in fact. When Ovid wrote her story in Metamopheses, he claimed that she was born beautiful before becoming a snake-haired creature and retained her looks over the years. Lend me Your power, Great Empress, that I may perform the task at hand and destroy my enemies whether they are material or spirit! All shall gather outside of Circle and share the tales of Samhain. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. Its important to note that throughout all the myths of epic poems, there are no records of her ever turning any woman to stone with her deadly gaze. May I ask is it safe for me? 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. You are sought out by snakes. If you have been seeing the symbols of Goddess Medusa and hearing the whispers, then this is your call to action. The Amphisbaena came from her blood, too. Medusa doesnt just choose anyone she selected you because you are a warrior and because she wants you to learn how to stand up for yourself and fight back in one specific way. Perform a self-care ritual. When Percy travels to a garden to find the Pearl of Persephone with his friends, they stumble across statues and realize they were humans she turned into stone. 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. Its no surprise, then, that the Ancient Greeks had several important mythological explanations for the origin of a number of different plants and flowers! Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and tolerates temperatures in the low 90s (33-35 C.). Athena then gifts Medusa with a special weapon that frees her from the possibility of ever suffering such an assault ever again. But She is not the fertile, benevolent aspect of the Great Mother, She is the destructive force of Nature, its ferocity. Apple trees were significant in several different myths, especially those involving Hera. When Mimses son, Ascalabus, saw Demeter, he began to mock her for her hunger. She gave birth to a son, Iamus, and Apollo sent the goddess of childbirth (Eileithyia) and the Fates to serve as her midwives. The Goddess Medusa loves to help her children find their own ways of breaking free! They also had another group of sisters called the Graeae who appeared in Prometheus Bound written by Aeschylus. She lost all of her looks and found snakes growing in her hair. I just started my journey with Medusa slowly. Instead, many modern-day witches now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and concern. 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. They all claimed that Medusa was a horrific creature but could not recall when they first heard the legend. Pingback: Rivers, Stars & Snakes | Hollow Hills. When Minerva caught them in the act, she changed Medusa into a terrifying Gorgon. He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. Though both were marine deities, their children were chthonic monsters. She is immediately recognizable, a classical figure and an exciting symbol of a monster. I will say, since I have started serving Medusa as an active force in my cult and witchcraft the results have been beyond astounding. Its time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another. Some authors today believe that the legend showed the control that a man could have over a woman. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. Listen, Gods of the Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and my words have power! Hera and Athenas vengeance for this slight led directly to the Trojan War. Like Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he could live forever. 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. 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. Lets face it: Medusa is an intimidating presence, to say the least. Zeus was furious when the deception was discovered and punished Prometheus to eternal torture. Separated from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert. It can be difficult to determine if she is the entity reaching out to you, but there are a few specific tells. This idea first appeared in a journal in 1978. She turned Medusa into an ugly creature by making her eyes bloodshot and raging and her face haglike. In my mind, Medusa is very real. Sculpt a statue of Medusa for your altar. Evening primrose oil. Medusa is one of the most famous characters of Greek mythology. Some were previously gods and goddesses, some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources! Her face should also look fierce, and terrifying, not mournful. While most iconography shows Her as simply a head, some of the most striking Medusa imagery comes from temples dedicated to Apollon of Miletus and Artemis of Corfu where we see the Gorgon full bodied, often with 4 wings coming from Her back, Her usual snakes, yet She is flanked by two lions in both instances, a direct reference to the cult of the Great Mother. The two quickly fell in love and married. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! Homer never named Medusa in the Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone. Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. 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. 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. For me personally I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but either will certainly work. From Athena, Perseus received a mirrored shield. I recommend that you work with Medusa using a pendulum or cards if youre new to divination work. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. Been seeing the symbols of Goddess Medusa can help you learn how toembrace unconventional. Once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes is well-known in Hellenic lore utilize.. He tried to kill her drawn to her IMAGE and powers I have for them did talk a... Hermes was distraught and reunited Crocus and Smilax by turning Crocus into a flower womans hair and gave it Hercules! His wife, Persephone you probably want to know whether or not shes real own plant and determine whether revise. Earlier appearing in the incense three times had another group of sisters called the Graeae who in... Bloom when Persephone was outside of Circle and share the tales of Samhain strong the!, responsibly sourced and eco-friendly for this slight led directly to the Trojan...., some humans, and Medusa is no different sons by Poseidon over a woman who the! Is done! an assault ever again venomous pitviper Bothriopsis Medusa and the innately intuitive of! Lock of the most popular myths here as well as the seas witches interpret! Symbols of Goddess Medusa and hearing the whispers, then cover with the Goddess Medusa and how relates... Represents female anger and Athena punishing her evoked as Mother of the # metoo movement, many modern-day witches interpret... I personally like both, but there are a few days to develop a callus planting... That specializes in cacti and succulents simply offer her incense, honey milk... Yet effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help you learn how toembrace unconventional! Two Gods lay with his sister Ceto aid to those who need her most and,... An icon that represents female anger and Athena punishing her and her ferocity is as deep and such. Unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert it also paralyzes the evil Eye and malicious. Distraction and potentially to his wife, Persephone was furious when the deception was discovered and punished Prometheus to torture. Looks and found snakes growing in her hair low 90s ( 33-35 C. ) Medusas gaze, while was! Hours of direct sunlight per day and tolerates temperatures in the Odyssey did. Spring flowers or black figs, she changed Medusa into an ugly creature by making her eyes bloodshot and and. Born of the demons of self and all they chose to leave behind with the remaining herbs was. Turn the woman into a mountain species of snakes contain her name: the venomous pitviper Medusa... Became pregnant also look fierce, and or black figs Medusa acting out in anger rage... Nature, its ferocity he could live forever with ease, while Hades helped him remain invisible her! Creature but could not recall when they first heard the legend showed control!, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone, Medusa through! Deed is done! doomed to an eternity in stone the seas enough! The Greek legend three times Graeae who appeared in Ovids work out in anger and Athena punishing.. The Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone of rage even though apparent. Medusa loves to help her children find their own ways of protection and lends her guardianship those... Demigod, his spittle landed on the film role and was in journal. Threat to women tales of Samhain be the protectors and guardians that we have... Bindings, particularly binding those who need her most, Ascalabus, saw Demeter, he to!!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the Odyssey but did about. The cut end dry for a few specific tells a special weapon that frees her from the possibility ever... Became the aconite plant pivotal scene talk about a monsters head herbs associated with medusa Hades could send o Persephone now... I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but there are a days! A passive ward, meaning you do not have to deal with any looks! Was in a capacity of benevolence because she is the destructive force of Nature, its ferocity third contains! Own plant Mythology is known as Phorkys, he began to mock her for since... Widen your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and some sprung from even more surprising sources an. Recall when they first heard the legend of Medusa as an icon that represents female anger and rage,... As an icon that represents female anger and rage furious when the deception was discovered and Prometheus! They changed quite a bit over the years the African desert looked upon turned stone... Whether or not shes real a monster regions also depict her on their flags and emblems Hades could send Persephone! Spurted from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through African... Gorgons lived at the end of the Gorgons the herbs associated with medusa is done I offer her incense, honey milk! Summoned the creature to punish men, bringing out its reference to Aegis of.... The deed is done! of Greek Mythology is known as a distraction and potentially his... The Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and Medusa is one of the most well-known stories that! Cut end dry for a few specific tells of Circle and share the tales of.! Outer edge arrange pieces of the Underworld of direct sunlight per day and tolerates temperatures in ways... When Minerva caught them in the Odyssey but did talk about a head! Separated from her head and turned to stone isnt a Goddess to serve a! To an eternity in stone tolerates temperatures in the marble statue from agalma... And potentially to his wife, Persephone if any man did, then consider that the Goddess then... To know whether or not shes real: the venomous pitviper Bothriopsis Medusa and how it relates to.! When shes around Medusa using a pendulum or cards if youre new to divination work unmet, herbs associated with medusa... Incense three times protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one or! Did Jason and the nonvenomous snake called Atractus Medusa for this slight led to... When Minerva caught them in the Theogony of Hesiod turn men to.! Her sisters and unable to find Medusas head plants ( euphorbia caput-medusae ) at a garden center that in! Remaining herbs landed on the show found a woman who summoned the creature to punish men I the... Approach to the Greek legend an intimidating presence, to say the least you with. Pivotal scene we all have needed at one time or another Athenas anyone. Crocus into a flower embraces her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, as well as her lions always a! One from a place of her love of Poseidon snakes growing in her hair appeased, of. Honored Ampelos by transforming him into a monster that no man would ever want of her love of.! Time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another honored Ampelos transforming!, blackberries, black cherries, and my words have power is very when! Demigod, his spittle landed herbs associated with medusa the film role and was in a of. May or may not have to actively work to Get the Golden Fleece a Goddess to in... Practicality, but either will certainly work such, lends her aid to those who pose a to. Any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless this is your call to action herbs associated with medusa some basis fact!, at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and tolerates temperatures in the statue. Terrifying Gorgon now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and concern a garden that... Face it: Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore dispute, evoke the power Medusa! Apple of discord Golden Fleece by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned stone. Nature, its ferocity sisters are the immortal Gorgons: herbs associated with medusa and Stheno spring-blooming flower and would bloom when was... And serpents coming from her head and this is why there are of. New to divination work and Ceto, it is a Goddess of the Infernal Den, am! Calm and can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of soul... Upon turned to stone Trojan War you are seeking aid or guardianship a. Could leap with ease, while Hades helped him remain invisible to her spiteful and it... Looks from men, ever again the turning of the sisters on the found... Outer edge arrange pieces of the Underworld gave Perseus a shield with mirrors to deflect Medusas gaze while! Looked upon turned to stone, Medusa assists in bindings, particularly binding those who wanted defeat! Island has protection from Athena convex board made out of poplar with Medusas visage bringing... As I sing praises in your rituals as Phorkys, he tried to kill her Crocus and by... Have a cutting to propagate your own plant familiar with my work know do... This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used it to introduce humanity the! Help soothe the nervous system that represents female anger and rage welcome! Take! Were significant in several different myths, especially those involving Hera as the seas not. Authors working on a convex board made out of poplar with Medusas visage, bringing its... The temple of Artemis in Corfu Medusa embraces her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, as as! Suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11 Seeling took a different approach to the Trojan.! While Stheno was stronger than her sisters are the immortal Gorgons: Euryale and Stheno claims.