The sisters convince her to change her mind before the Gorgon can slaughter the men. 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). 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. 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. 3. Some historians believe that the story of Medusa has some basis in fact. Hear me, Gorgon Queen, come to me as I come to you, kindly and in good form. She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. 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. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. For me personally I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but either will certainly work. His lover, a Satyr who was named Ampelos, was slain by a wild bull. 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 is a good starting point when you want to connect with her. The Gorgons lived at the ocean, and Medusa caught Poseidons attention. His entire body, including his head and hair, became part of a mountain range. 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. The Goddess Medusa can help you break free from your chains. Fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians will find that she pops up in both the original book and the film based on the book. Halloween paint shall be placed on the altar. She isa guide to many women and a source of power, wisdom and creativity to those who seek her assistance. Listen, Gods of the Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and my words have power! 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. 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. 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. When Perseus arrived, he forced her to look into the shield and see her reflection, which turned her to stone. 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. He claimed that the story of her decapitation shared much in common with castration. Aphrodite took pity on her and turned her into the myrrh tree, in which form she gave birth to Adonis. She believes that Medusa was originally a beautiful woman with power and that men adapted her story to turn her into a monster because they did not appreciate powerful women. Place the coral, malachite, and bronze around it and add another layer of parsley leaf, rue, then the dirt. There is also a lot of confusion on Her mythology itself. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a terracotta jar created by Polygnotos that shows Perseus murdering her in her sleep. Its time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another. Open now the Iron Gates of Night so I may do my work! She gave birth to a son, Iamus, and Apollo sent the goddess of childbirth (Eileithyia) and the Fates to serve as her midwives. In an alternate story of Medusa, was the curse from Athena really a curse? The ancient Greeks depicted Medusa in various ways that seemed to evolve over time. Many dont realize She is a living Goddess, despite Her mythology. There are many stories and interpretations of the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology and later years. Aphrodite caused Myrrha to fall in love with her own father. You feel called to stand up for yourself. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. Medusa comes to those who are in need, so she doesnt expect a totally decked-out altar from her followers. Poseidons attempts to seduce Medusa started in a garden of rock roses. 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. The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. It is penetrating, and has the power to turn to stone anyone who meets it. It should there come as no surprise that there are many myths and stories from Greek myth associated with these plants and flowers. 2. 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 herald of the gods, Hermes, was born of the eldest Pleiad nymph Maia and Zeus, king of the gods. Fair-cheeked Gorgon, be present! There was also a theory established by Helene Cixous in which she claims that the original story of Medusa was quite different. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! Apollo fell in love with Evande, a daughter of Poseidon, who was raised by Aepytus. In my mind, Medusa is very real. Zeus intervened before it could turn into too much of a fight, and they were sent the human, Paris. Maybe you feel somewhat controlled by others or even just stuck in a role that you no longer want. Another thing you should consider is if you want an idol that is just a head, or one with a body. I just started my journey with Medusa slowly. The following list is not even nearly a complete summary of all the exciting and vital plants and flowers from Greek myth. In another popular myth about the story of Medusa, the so-called hero Perseus was sent to slay Medusa. The Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol. She further claimed that the womans head simply served as a mask for those who later wielded it. Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. 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. Dionysios Skytobrachion wrote about her during the second century and claimed that she both lived and died in an area of Libya. One of the sisters on the show found a woman who summoned the creature to punish men. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. It wouldnt be too far fetched for a Sea Goddess like Medusa to have a horses body, especially as mother of Pegesus. 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. The next thing I want to cover is Medusas vessel. She has been described by the Poet Ovid as having a beautiful face and long, flowing hair. Cixous urges women to use this story as a way to take back their own power and escape the control that men have over them. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? Lavender. The meaning of Medusa is powerful. AMAZING! During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. He was being led away as a distraction and potentially to his death! Some people find they benefit from using them together. Medusa is a Goddess you need a physical representation for so you would need either a statue, relief, painting, or other image. Lend me Your power, Great Empress, that I may perform the task at hand and destroy my enemies whether they are material or spirit! In her myths she also shape shifted into a greyhound and an otter Sacred Birds: Hawks and hens. 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. Gingko. She was usually represented as a winged female creature having a head of hair consisting of snakes; unlike the Gorgons, she was sometimes represented as very beautiful. Like Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he could live forever. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. Omissions? I work hard tokeep my creations and packaging cruelty free, responsibly sourced and eco-friendly. Strike vengeance together with her strength. Apollo wanted to become mortal and die with him, but instead, he turned his blood into flowers. All she asks is that you become the best and most powerful version of yourself. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. When she found them together, Athena transformed her into a woman with serpents in her hair and a cold stare. Legend claims the was a giant who carried a golden sword. 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 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 almost every version of the Medusa myth, King Polydectes of. In her anger and in retaliation, Persephone (or sometimes her mother, Demeter), transformed Minthe into a mint tree. Others believe that Medusa was a Libyan snake goddess that evoked feminine power and ruled menstruation. Turmeric. Serpents, panthers and bulls are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. The Greek hero came to see her on the orders of King Polydectes who ruled over Seriphus. Its said that Medusa was incredibly beautiful before she was transformed. 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. Medusa delivers strong flavor and aroma characteristics Instead, many modern-day witches now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and concern. Many artists made Medusa into a work of art. The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. 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