Leave this on the altar until the candle burns out but before the sun rises, and place it somewhere close to your front door. Poseidons gift was a saltwater spring raised miraculously from the ground. The next symbola I use are Her snakes. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. Echinacea. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl So that it wouldnt go unpunished She turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Hera and Athenas vengeance for this slight led directly to the Trojan War. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. Do this in a way that feelsauthentic to you. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. 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. Athena immediately added the head to her shield called Aegis. Even though not apparent signs I am very drawn to HER IMAGE AND POWERS. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). This account comes specifically from the Roman poet Ovid in his work Metamorphoses, told at the end of the story of Perseus. One of the sisters on the show found a woman who summoned the creature to punish men. Legend says that when invaders attacked the city, Sterope used the hair to bring forth a storm that sent them running away in fear. There are many stories and interpretations of the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology and later years. 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. In this version, Medusa has always been a Gorgon, one of three sisters, daughters of the Gods Phorkys and Keto (Who is sometimes considered the Sea aspect of Hekate), but the only one born mortal. Many considered the princess as the worlds most beautiful woman. You feel called to stand up for yourself. In revenge, Eros shot him with an arrow that caused Apollo to fall in love with a river nymph named Daphne. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Though many of these pieces made her more beautiful, they also showed that she was terrifying. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. When it comes to the body of Medusa there are two kinds available on the market, one with the body and legs of a woman, the other the torso of a woman and the tail of a snake. Medusa represents a strong, wise, powerful female who has tapped into the ancient wisdom and medicine that snakes carry. He also transformed his childhood nurse, Ambrosia, into a vine when she was killed. She is also an intense force for justice and female empowerment. Do what feels right to you! Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. 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. Tea tree oil. 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. WebFlavor & Aroma Profile. 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. Next, enthrone Her in Her shrine or altar where She will be housed as sacred space. Her snakes are usually just considered snakes to make Her hideous and their purpose is neglected, but the snakes themselves have power. Both Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Try sleeping with a symbol that represents the Goddess Medusa under your pillow if you want to connect during sleep. You may also feel controlled in a more mental or emotional way (rather than physical) and seek your independence. Shes not super soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around. Its time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another. Cerridwen's Myth She further claimed that the womans head simply served as a mask for those who later wielded it. To the ancients Medusa was an extremely powerful guarding force and it would appear She never truly lost Her connection to the Mother Goddess despite Her sinister reputation. Joseph Campbell was one historian who believed this theory. WebA gentle yet effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help soothe the nervous system. 1. It is believed that Medusa was originally just a head and the body came later. Prometheus was a Titan who modeled humanity from clay and who stole fire to introduce it to humankind. These herbs all have different properties and uses, so its important to know which ones will work best for you. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so youlldefinitely know when shes around. The French military created a special belt during World War I that had her face on it. She wanted to show the Gorgons head in a different way. WebBoth Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. The closest I have ever come to finding iconography with a snake tail is winged Gorgon from a 6th century BCE shield where Medusa is depicted with a helmet and the tail of a serpentine fish and legs of a lion. It is a spring-blooming flower and would bloom when Persephone was outside of the Underworld. Zeus intervened before it could turn into too much of a fight, and they were sent the human, Paris. Medusa delivers strong flavor and aroma characteristics Freud simply stated that the myth is part of the Odepial Complex. They are then blended into a carrier oil and are safe to use on the skin. Hesiod used her in Theogony. Legend says while she was there baby snakes dropped from her head and this is why there are plenty of snakes in Africa. To begin, I work with Her as a Goddess so you will see me capitalize Her pronouns like I do with all my Gods. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. Usually, when she reaches out, shes looking to work with you in particular based on your past traumatic experiences. Dionysios Skytobrachion wrote about her during the second century and claimed that she both lived and died in an area of Libya. The herald of the gods, Hermes, was born of the eldest Pleiad nymph Maia and Zeus, king of the gods. I use a variety of materials including plant absolutes, essential oils, fragrances, resins, botanical oils and natural essences from roots, flowers, herbs and stones. Lets not forget her most famous power: the ability to turn men to stone. 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. They have the power to overwhelm enemies with fear. Perform a self-care ritual. Priestesses took a vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her. 4. She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. The severed head, which had the power of turning into stone all who looked upon it, was given to Athena, who placed it in her shield; according to another account, Perseus buried it in the marketplace of Argos. In Clash of the Titans from 1981, she was a standard villain. 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. This leads us to our final point: Perseus wasnt supposed to survive his encounter with Medusa. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. She wouldnt have to deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. Of the choices choanocytes, medusa, spicules, or gemmules, Medusa is the option that is not associated with sponges. 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. Separated from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert. 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. Apple trees were significant in several different myths, especially those involving Hera. Just having a small amount of space to dedicate to an altar is a great way to start working with the gorgon. After the nymph Smilax was turned into a vine or bindweed, his lover Crocus appealed to the gods. There are several stories regarding Medusa. 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! Take the Evil Eye charm and fumigate it in the incense. The Goddess Medusa tends to reach out in very subtle ways. Some were previously gods and goddesses, some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources! Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. Giovanni Versace loved the Medusa legend so much that he chose her as the mascot of his clothing brand. Her face should also look fierce, and terrifying, not mournful. Uma Thurman took on the film role and was in a pivotal scene. Medusa had always been the most beautiful of her sisters, and as such, Poseidon coveted her very much. Halloween paint shall be placed on the altar. The Earth and its inhabitants are sacred and I treat them as such. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In almost every version of the Medusa myth, King Polydectes of. Medusa represents philosophy, beauty and art. Hail the Guardian Queen!. SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE SALE ANNOUNCEMENTS + UPDATES. One of the most well-known stories is that of Eriss apple, the apple of discord. This can be a really direct sign that Medusa wants to be in your life. Medusa appeared in dozens of television shows and movies over the years. 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 Call upon Medusa when her ire is most fitting. Medusa also appeared in multiple pieces of art from the Renaissance and later. 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 two decided to marry, which infuriated the goddess. Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. You will add your name and the names of anyone you want protected that resides in the home or place. Fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians will find that she pops up in both the original book and the film based on the book. Greek Mythology is known for its many fearsome beasts such Mantikhoras and Cyclopes. 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. His entire body, including his head and hair, became part of a mountain range. The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. 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. Leonardo da Vinci did a painting of her using oil on canvas. Medusa herself is a symbol of feminism and divine femininity. However, afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter 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. Many artists made Medusa into a work of art. She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality? She believes that the story relates more to Athena than others do. Medusa spent the rest of her days wandering the earth alone. He claimed that both groups of sisters were monsters. Youve been encountering statues and paintings of Medusa in your Also known as Phorkys, he lay with his sister Ceto. If you are handling it with your hands, wear gloves. Hermes was distraught and reunited Crocus and Smilax by turning Crocus into a flower. Eris offered it to the fairest goddess, and Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera all tried to claim the golden apple. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. Lastly, the meaning of Medusa helps us through difficult transformations. Though many know the story of Medusa and her powers, not as many know about her sisters. Curl Your blackened lips and bear Your venomous fangs! Reflect and meditate on what the actions and outcomes of these stories mean to you. Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. 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