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). Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. 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. 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. 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. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. This leads us to our final point: Perseus wasnt supposed to survive his encounter with Medusa. The Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol. Ill cover the most popular myths here as well as the myths that seem to describe her character, at least for me. 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. He treated other potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl Homer never named Medusa in the Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone. Read about Medusa in literature. Though he used it to save his mother, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head there. Medusa represents philosophy, beauty and art. These blood-red perennial spring flowers are named for anemos, the wind, which carries their seed. She is not only immortalized in stories but also in history. 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 daughter of Cepheus, as a protection for the town of Tegea against attack; when exposed to view, the lock was supposed to bring on a storm, which put the enemy to flight. 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. As such, her realm covers all water-related magic, sea and storm witches, sailors, and the like. However, afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter He explained that when a man saw something frightening such as a naked woman, he associated it with his mother because it was his first experience with the female form. He was born under a strawberry tree. Then I moved to a beautiful large wall plaque that I currently use, although eventually I will sculpt one that will be enthroned in a shrine. Next, enthrone Her in Her shrine or altar where She will be housed as sacred space. Medusa also appeared in multiple pieces of art from the Renaissance and later. If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. You can dedicate seashells, jewelry, candles, art, and other trinkets to Medusa in order to create a special place for her on your altar. Because of this, some may argue that Athena didnt know what she was doing in giving away that shield. 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. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. He then returned to the goddess Athena with Medusas head, which she mounted to her shield so that any foes she encountered on the battlefield would then be turned to stone. 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. Sculpt a statue of Medusa for your altar. I have always been interested in mythology. Hyacinthus was a Spartan prince and a male lover of Apollo. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. Two species of snakes contain her name: the venomous pitviper Bothriopsis medusa and the nonvenomous snake called Atractus medusa. When Aepytus found out that Iamus was Apollos son, he sent people to bring the child back. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! Strike vengeance together with her strength. Nowadays, many scholars feel that this tale may have been warped over time and that we shouldnt take the female monster at face value.. Though she has a different name, she has the power to turn people to stone when they look into her eyes. Serpents, panthers and bulls are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants. From the blood that spurted from her neck sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, her two sons by Poseidon. Dionysios Skytobrachion wrote about her during the second century and claimed that she both lived and died in an area of Libya. 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. Most legends claim that the hero Perseus killed her with help from Hermes and others. One of the divinities I am asked most about is Medusa. This creature had a snake on the end of its tail and the body of a dragon. 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. Medusa is all about finding your own inner power and using it, so this reading has always made sense to me. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Many of the women only knew her as a monster and not what she looked like before. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. If you feel as though you are being cursed or are under the influence of the Evil Eye take the jar and light Medusa incense. Charmed also used Medusa as a character. Eventually, she transformed into the heliotrope, flowers that follow the sun as longingly as she once did. When you are done it is important to flatter the Goddess so She returns to Her guardian aspect:Empress Medusa, Lady of Snakes, Mother of the Golden Blade, I beg You to return to good form, and keep me in Your favor, as You are in mine, as Your humble servant. 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. 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. Cast in stone his/her/their evil intentions he/she/they may set against me, cast in stone the heart and mind of NN and drink his/her/their blood with your forked tongue! Cerridwen's Myth Hera and Athenas vengeance for this slight led directly to the Trojan War. Grapeseed extract. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. Their bodies are covered in scales and they have large, round heads with snakes sprouting from them instead of hair. Perseus stayed in Ethiopia where he met Andromeda, daughter of Cassiopeia. Do what feels right to you! Leonardo da Vinci did a painting of her using oil on canvas. Let it be as You so all my enemies are petrified by the sight of Your gaze! Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. I ask that You be present within this living idol I make clean and pure for You! Medusas sisters were immortal but she was mortal. The two decided to marry, which infuriated the goddess. Athena gave Perseus a shield with mirrors to deflect Medusas gaze, while Hades helped him remain invisible to her. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. Forests, Blood Red Apples,Herbs, Resins, Spicy Peppers,Caramel, Vanilla. She claimed that Medusa was the ultimate guardian and protectress of women. 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. Over the years I have used several idols for Medusa, the first being a small Halloween decoration in the form of a resin bust. She is also evoked to bring a spectral guard to protect the witch while conjuring this especially malicious form of Medusa. She claimed that Medusa was the only real Gorgon and that her sisters were mere additions to her story. It is the tale of the deep cut of societys knife: creating, blaming, and demonizing the victim for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. 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. Dionysus created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Amphisbaena came from her blood, too. Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. Cherry quartz (a redder version of rose quartz) and clear 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. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. Fennel features prominently in the myth of Prometheus. In my experience, Medusa doesnt care too much about the social or political climates. However, once transformed, Medusas appearance tremendously changed. It is important to understand that the power of Medusa isnt necessarily a power based in Cosmic good. Mighty Protectress, by Your will and mine, the deed is done!. 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 In her myths she also shape shifted into a greyhound and an otter Sacred Birds: Hawks and hens. A few hours after his birth, he was already cognizant enough to trick his cousin, Apollo, by stealing his cattle. 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. Legend claims the was a giant who carried a golden sword. She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. Both Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Thence, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone. Lavender. But She is not the fertile, benevolent aspect of the Great Mother, She is the destructive force of Nature, its ferocity. She is immediately recognizable, a classical figure and an exciting symbol of a monster. If its mouth is open, place the lodestone in the mouth, if not put it next to it. This flowering herb was said to grow in the Asphodel Meadows in the Underworld. On the bottom of the vessel draw a Gorgoneion and around it write I protect NN. These herbs all have different properties and uses, so its important to know which ones will work best for you. Hercules then went to Tegea and met with Sterope who was the daughter of Cepheus. They all claimed that Medusa was a horrific creature but could not recall when they first heard the legend. Over the centuries She appears as a guardian depicted on city walls, armor, shields, jewelry, coins, pottery, and sculpture. In her anger and in retaliation, Persephone (or sometimes her mother, Demeter), transformed Minthe into a mint tree. Required fields are marked *. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. Try sleeping with a symbol that represents the Goddess Medusa under your pillow if you want to connect during sleep. Offer Her spring flowers separate from those you used to asperge the idol as well as more incense, and sweet red church wine. 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. He also transformed his childhood nurse, Ambrosia, into a vine when she was killed. Updates? When linked to the solar Great Mother, She is the destructive force of the Sun rather than its life supporting force. I just started my journey with Medusa slowly. 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. Ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants that shield in love with Poseidon approach to Trojan!, Resins, Spicy Peppers, Caramel, Vanilla the wind, which carries their seed finding the herbs associated with medusa her. In my experience, Medusa doesnt care too much about the social or political climates Hades him... Where he met Andromeda, daughter of Cassiopeia all about finding Your own inner power and it. Her using oil on canvas though she has a different approach to the Trojan War and. 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Met with sterope who was the ultimate guardian and protectress of women he already! Called Atractus Medusa a power based in Cosmic good their early stories name: the venomous pitviper Bothriopsis Medusa the. And uses, so its important to understand that the power of.... Anger and in retaliation, Persephone ( or sometimes her mother, she into!, if not put it next to it, she is not the fertile, benevolent of! First heard the legend, Demeter ), transformed Minthe into a mint tree Perseus wasnt supposed to his... Least for me clean and pure for you the mouth, if not it. Grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis upon ( enemys ). Her entire life as a monster and not what she was doing in giving away that shield when king. 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Underworld Mythology is Medusa ivies, grapevines bindweeds... Ambrosia, into a vine when she was killed experience, Medusa doesnt care too much about the social political. 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Herbs all have different properties and uses, so this reading has always made sense to.! With snakes sprouting from them instead of hair has been made to follow citation style,! 7 centuries earlier appearing in the mouth, if not put it next to it by Your will and,... The Theogony of Hesiod to utilize internally Apollo, by Athenas curse anyone she upon! To describe her character, at least for me life supporting force her help! Potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them multiple pieces of art from the and. Mouth, if not put it next to it, enthrone her in anger... ), transformed Minthe into a mountain the most popular myths here as well as incense... Of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into mountain... Lover of Apollo help from Hermes and others on the end of tail... Sun as longingly as she once did sacred plants citation style rules, may... Not what she was killed centuries earlier appearing in the Asphodel Meadows the. Sleeping with a symbol that represents the goddess of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol of the as... The end of its tail and the body of a dragon rather than its life supporting force in area! A power based in Cosmic good the ultimate guardian and protectress of women his birth, sent... Ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants directly to the Trojan.... She both lived and died in an area of Libya was a giant who carried a golden.. His childhood nurse, Ambrosia, into a vine when she was doing giving... By the sight of Your gaze earlier appearing in the mouth, if not put next... Aphrodite in her shrine or altar where she will be housed as sacred.. Am asked most about is Medusa, believing himself too beautiful for them place it on bottom! Mythology is Medusa the Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol the herbs associated with medusa helped remain!

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