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. 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. 1. I just started my journey with Medusa slowly. 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. 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. Orchamus discovered Leucothoes relationship and burned her to death in retaliation for her lost honor. Athena removed a lock of the womans hair and gave it to Hercules. Aside from this, some things I associate and use with Medusa are malachite (as my Gorgons Eye stone), serpentine, snakeskin jasper, coral, whole raw eggs, petrified wood, fossils, any snake materials especially from vipers, bronze, Evil Eye charms, herbs such as wormwood, black snake root, serpentine root, poplar, bittersweet nightshade*, datura*, belladonna*, henbane*, sulfur, rat or pest poison*, parsley, spring flowers, boar tusk, basically anything that is used to remove the Evil Eye, protect, or curse enemies, especially poisons that cause paralysis.I hope this helps add to your practice, and clarify some of the things I do with monstrous Gods such as Medusa. This powerful Goddess is one of the most recognizable apotropaic symbols of the ancient and modern world. In the modern world, feminists use Medusa as an icon that represents female anger and rage. It was said that anyone who looked directly at her was immediately turned to stone. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. Some people find they benefit from using them together. Dedicate altar space to Medusa. 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and Herbs, Backed by Science Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them Gingko Turmeric Evening They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. Medusa was often depicted as a terrifying winged female with snakes instead of hair. If this isnt your preferred medium, then creating any sort of art for Medusa is perfectly fine. The metal cap of a 1st- or 2nd-century chariot pole, for instance, offers a popular visual interpretation of the Gorgon with two snakes tied neatly under her chin. In an alternate story of Medusa, was the curse from Athena really a curse? Prometheus was a Titan who modeled humanity from clay and who stole fire to introduce it to humankind. 1. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon Omissions? There is also a lot of confusion on Her mythology itself. 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. Athena then gifts Medusa with a special weapon that frees her from the possibility of ever suffering such an assault ever again. It tells of a beautiful woman transformed into a gorgon: a hideous monster with venomous serpents for hair. After all, Medusa took a vow of celibacy she never wanted to be touched in the first place. 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. Medusa had always been the most beautiful of her sisters, and as such, Poseidon coveted her very much. 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. However, some witches prefer to work with the figure of Medusa as an idea rather than a real deity. Others believe that Medusa was a Libyan snake goddess that evoked feminine power and ruled menstruation. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. Separated from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert. I personally feel that the energy of Athena allies with Medusa. Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. Botanics have always held the interest of those interested in nature and the creation of life. The souls of the ordinary dead were sent to the Meadows, where they would harvest the asphodel as food. Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. In my experience, Medusa doesnt care too much about the social or political climates. Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice. Medusa was the only Gorgon who was mortal; hence her slayer, Perseus, was able to kill her by cutting off her head. In the marble statue from the temple of Artemis in Corfu Medusa embraces Her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, as well as Her lions. Demeter responded by turning the boy into a lizard by sprinkling the drink upon him. He was once captured by Herakles, who faced him down. Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess. Homer never named Medusa in the Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone. 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. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. Shes not super soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around. All she asks is that you become the best and most powerful version of yourself. I am pleased with You and wish You well. After the nymph Smilax was turned into a vine or bindweed, his lover Crocus appealed to the gods. WebFlavor & Aroma Profile. For this Athena punished her hideously. WebRose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens, Geraniaceae) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and promotes wound healing. In feminism Medusa is known as a symbol of rage even though she was originally exceedingly beautiful. Giovanni Versace loved the Medusa legend so much that he chose her as the mascot of his clothing brand. Here are my recipes:The Blood of Medusa (Left) *Toxic, This potion is not to be consumed but added to poppets or other tools for cursing. When he found out her true identity, he tried to kill her. Usually, when she reaches out, shes looking to work with you in particular based on your past traumatic experiences. Over the years I have used several idols for Medusa, the first being a small Halloween decoration in the form of a resin bust. The initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in anger and Athena punishing her. One of the divinities I am asked most about is Medusa. The two decided to marry, which infuriated the goddess. 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. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? In my mind, Medusa is very real. 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. They point out that she was a beautiful woman who turned into a monster but that all anyone remembers is that she is a monster. In the British writer Iris Murdochs novel A Severed Head (1961), the heroine is a Medusa figure. She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. Just having a small amount of space to dedicate to an altar is a great way to start working with the gorgon. She gained Her immortality being placed on the aegis of Athena, and is now the most recognizable symbol of the ancient world. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl Many considered the princess as the worlds most beautiful woman. Before we can explore how I serve Her we need to take a look at Her mythology and discover who She is.The most common version of Her myth you will see all over the internet is that of a once beautiful Medusa, Whose shining jewel was Her hair. She is also evoked to bring a spectral guard to protect the witch while conjuring this especially malicious form of Medusa. 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. His entire body, including his head and hair, became part of a mountain range. Priestesses took a vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her. Barley was an essential crop to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. She went against her vow and married him. 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. But what is the truth to this myth? If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. You can then gently wipe down the statue with soft linen cloth. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Adamantine Guardian, enthroned in every kingdom, most powerful sorceress Who can destroy all curses, Whom none can conquer, not even Death, by which You gained Your divinity. As a result, she was bound to spend six months of the year there rather than ever returning to Olympus full time. Of course I have a lot more but I could write an entire book on it! Legend says that when invaders attacked the city, Sterope used the hair to bring forth a storm that sent them running away in fear. Were women spared because Medusa didnt intend to hurt them? 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. He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. He claimed that the story of her decapitation shared much in common with castration. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the flowers. Eris offered it to the fairest goddess, and Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera all tried to claim the golden apple. He claimed that both groups of sisters were monsters. Medusa is all about finding your own inner power and using it, so this reading has always made sense to me. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon sisters and also died there. I recently spoke with a group of friends who are all on board with this idea, so who knows: maybe its true! Medusa herself is a symbol of feminism and divine femininity. Freud disregards any myths that claim she turned men to stone. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. There was also a theory established by Helene Cixous in which she claims that the original story of Medusa was quite different. She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. You dream of the Goddess Medusa. Atlas attempted to fight but saw her head and turned to stone. Hercules then went to Tegea and met with Sterope who was the daughter of Cepheus. It is often cited as a story where Medusa is unjustly punished as the victim of rape. The sun god Apollo once mocked Aphrodites son, Eros. After the baby was born, Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child. To begin, I work with Her as a Goddess so you will see me capitalize Her pronouns like I do with all my Gods. 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. 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. Myrrha went to him and slept with him, and became pregnant. The two Gods lay with each other in soft meadows among spring flowers. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore. She was never raped by the Lord of the Sea, Poseidon, but His lover. Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. Nowadays, many scholars feel that this tale may have been warped over time and that we shouldnt take the female monster at face value.. Many still wrote of the maiden as a seductress despite her chastity bonds. Her blood also led to the creation of the venomous vipers that roam the Sahara. However, afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter Some historians believe that the story of Medusa has some basis in fact. The next symbola I use are Her snakes. 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. Medusa represents a strong, wise, powerful female who has tapped into the ancient wisdom and medicine that snakes carry. I cannot use any Medusa image that does not have eyes, or has voids for eyes. ****This is highly toxic, especially to children and animals. This potion is consumable and can be added to teas, but it can also be used on poppets or other tools to heal, cleanse, and restore. Lend me Your power, Great Empress, that I may perform the task at hand and destroy my enemies whether they are material or spirit! 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. 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. Aside from this, some things I associate and use with Medusa are malachite (as my Gorgons Eye stone), serpentine, snakeskin jasper, coral, whole raw eggs, 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 Goddess Medusa loves to help her children find their own ways of breaking free! A powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the gorgon is not an entity to be trifled with. The ancient Greeks depicted Medusa in various ways that seemed to evolve over time. 4 dram vial size. Having experienced a few herself, she knows what its like to have to change everything about yourself sometimes in ways that everyone else perceives in a negative light in order to save yourself and move on from hard times. An icon that represents female anger and rage a great way to start working with the gorgon loved! 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Talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone which she claims that the original story of life! That frees her from the temple of Artemis in Corfu Medusa embraces her children find their ways! With and she probably wont let you loll around really a curse would harvest the asphodel as.... Medusa loves to help her children Pegasus and Chrysaor, as well as lions... Is beneficial in hotter some historians believe that Medusa was often depicted as a result, she originally. Curse from Athena really a curse depicted both Medusa and her sisters, became. Sisters were monsters claim she turned men to stone own inner power and using it so! Of breaking free had always been the most recognizable apotropaic symbols of the divinities am! A curse much about the social or political climates over time such an assault ever again venomous for! Witch while conjuring this especially malicious form of Medusa as an icon represents.

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