Minerva turned Her gaze and hid Her grey eyes behind Her aegis to protect Her chaste sight from the act. The other two sisters were Stheno (strength) and Euryale (wide-leaping). The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. The coat of arms of the Dohalice village from the Czech Republic depicts Medusas head. 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. However, be really for some kind of intense imagery: Medusa isnt for the faint of heart! Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. 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. There are several versions of the Medusa myth. What are some things or symbols that can be associated with reading? She is also an intense force for justice and female empowerment. Among her early depictions were those in horror films from the 1960s. Hera and Athenas vengeance for this slight led directly to the Trojan War. Greek mythology found its way into many aspects of ancient Greek life, especially anything involving the natural world. However, its important to note thatearlier myths of Medusa (such as that told by Homer) actually have no mention of Athena at all. Greek poet Hesiod wrote that Medusa lived close to the Hesperides in the Western Ocean near Sarpedon. WebAlgol, usually considered a star of ill-fortune, is traditionally perceived as representing Medusas eye. Daphne had sworn herself to perpetual virginity and refused him. Orchamus discovered Leucothoes relationship and burned her to death in retaliation for her lost honor. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. You can dedicate seashells, jewelry, candles, art, and other trinkets to Medusa in order to create a special place for her on your altar. 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. 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. She claimed that they shamed her for sleeping with one of their members. If its mouth is open, place the lodestone in the mouth, if not put it next to it. Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice. Medusa by Caravaggio has its base in the form of a shield. In almost every version of the Medusa myth, King Polydectes of. When a studio remade the film in 2010, she played a major role. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. Versace still uses a log of a woman with terrifying features and serpents coming from her head as its brand logo. We have Loose Herbs, Teas, Smoking Herbs and Blends, Medicinal Remedies, I recently spoke with a group of friends who are all on board with this idea, so who knows: maybe its true! Some were previously gods and goddesses, some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources! Gingko. 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. 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. According to legend Athena gave Asklepios Medusas blood. Even some 6,000 years ago, Her image was used to frighten as a stormy, wrathful aspect of the Mother Goddess. Freud disregards any myths that claim she turned men to stone. WebFrom Business: We offer the finest quality of Natural Organically Grown and Wild crafted Herbs. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). Some historians believe that the story of Medusa has some basis in fact. The story begins in Book IV at line 898. 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. Medusa comes to those who are in need, so she doesnt expect a totally decked-out altar from her followers. Perform a self-care ritual. 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. Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. He was chained to a rock and his liver was repeatedly eaten by an eagle and then healed in an endless cycle. You will add your name and the names of anyone you want protected that resides in the home or place. Of the choices choanocytes, medusa, spicules, or gemmules, Medusa is the option that is not associated with sponges. Freud simply stated that the myth is part of the Odepial Complex. He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. 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. Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomo Apollo fell in love with Evande, a daughter of Poseidon, who was raised by Aepytus. It is just MY way. Her blood also led to the creation of the venomous vipers that roam the Sahara. The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. Reflect and meditate on what the actions and outcomes of these stories mean to you. Born centuries after the first appearance of Medusa, Freud later used her in his psychoanalysis. He treated other potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. It was said that anyone who looked directly at her was immediately turned to stone. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality? You can simply offer her a devotional candle or a seashell. 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. As the gods were well aware of this, they gifted to him an array of wondrous items to help him in his task. Once the working is done I offer Her incense, honey, milk, blackberries, black cherries, and or black figs. Medusa is a Goddess you need a physical representation for so you would need either a statue, relief, painting, or other image. Until next time, Nocturnal Blessings! 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. Rose quartz is probably the most well-known and easily accessible crystal associated with Aphrodite. The three-headed dog of Hades, Cerberus (or Kerberos), was the fearsome guardian of the Underworld. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. She has been featured in movies, books, cartoons and even video games. Splash a small amount of wine and honey as before, restore the lid and seal with bees wax or other sealant so it cannot be opened. When Evande became pregnant, Aepytus mocked her for it since she was unmarried. Echinacea. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! Just in case any man took an interest in Medusa, Athena made it so that the man would turn to stone if he looked in her eyes. A few hours after his birth, he was already cognizant enough to trick his cousin, Apollo, by stealing his cattle. Athena gave Perseus a shield with mirrors to deflect Medusas gaze, while Hades helped him remain invisible to her. 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. When Perseus arrived, he forced her to look into the shield and see her reflection, which turned her to stone. She was fated to be beheaded by Perseus as the only mortal Gorgon, the only one he could actually behead since mortals cannot injure Gods. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. Dohalice, which is a small village in the Czech Republic also uses her head in its coat of arms. I am pleased with You and wish You well. 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. 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. Spiritual practice is never an acceptable alternative for taking proper care of your health.). All stories of Medusa sprang from this event. In her myths she also shape shifted into a greyhound and an otter Sacred Birds: Hawks and hens. As a result, she was bound to spend six months of the year there rather than ever returning to Olympus full time. 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. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. 2. There are a few different myths that include Medusa in Ancient Greek culture. Pingback: Rivers, Stars & Snakes | Hollow Hills. She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. Atlas attempted to fight but saw her head and turned to stone. All shall share meditation of the demons of self and all they chose to leave behind with the turning of the Wheel. In another popular myth about the story of Medusa, the so-called hero Perseus was sent to slay Medusa. 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. Her pure white milky skin turned a scary green hue. After the baby was born, Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child. Though he used it to save his mother, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head there. I personally feel that the energy of Athena allies with Medusa. As with everything I share, I am not proclaiming this as THE way, or even saying it is how the ancients themselves did it, although I do structure much of my practice around what we know about ancient cult. The Gorgon came out in 1964 and was a Hammer film that told a modern version of her story. Separated from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert. 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. She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. One of the sisters on the show found a woman who summoned the creature to punish men. She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. But She is not the fertile, benevolent aspect of the Great Mother, She is the destructive force of Nature, its ferocity. Ask for this goddesss guidance when you need strong feminine power and the innately intuitive energy of water in your rituals. 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