Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. However, its important to note thatearlier myths of Medusa (such as that told by Homer) actually have no mention of Athena at all. Those familiar with my work know I do a lot with spiritual vessels and Medusa is no different. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. He was born under a strawberry tree. In this incantation Hekate is evoked as Mother of the Gorgons. Athena took things a step further. Oftentimes when we see this version of the myth recounted Minerva is replaced with Athena, and Neptune with Poseidon. Sometimes She is gruesome, sometimes She is beautiful, and sometimes She is only Her eyes or a single eye used much like modern Evil Eye talismans often worn as jewelry or depicted on drinking cups. Unlike other stories that claim she caught them in the throes of passion, this version says that she was upset that her priestess went against her rules. Thank you for sharing the Gorgons are called on in Jason Millers Sorcery of Hekate course too I have a Medusa pendant which I charge for protection on the 29th day of the month in the lunar calendar, traditionally protector deity day in Tibetan Buddhism which I have been practicing since the mid 90s, always seems good to have an extra layer of protection I mentally hear them hissing when visualising them whilst Im reciting invocations the pendant feels hot whilst doing so nice to have gorgon bodyguards in my astral field who get recharged every 4 weeks or so. The following list is not even nearly a complete summary of all the exciting and vital plants and flowers from Greek myth. It is just MY way. 3. The Earth and its inhabitants are sacred and I treat them as such. Allan and I have been free of unnecessary drama or problems from our enemies which has been miraculous to say the least! Lastly, the meaning of Medusa helps us through difficult transformations. Rise to the occasion. Some authors today believe that the legend showed the control that a man could have over a woman. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. Cherry quartz (a redder version of rose quartz) and clear Still, either way, she bragged of her superiority to his wife, Persephone. It can be difficult to determine if she is the entity reaching out to you, but there are a few specific tells. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. When she found them together, Athena transformed her into a woman with serpents in her hair and a cold stare. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. Their large eyes are not often remembered, for they transform you to stone at a moments glance. 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. Legend says that Medusa was one of three children born to Phorcys. However, once transformed, Medusas appearance tremendously changed. There are various versions of the story, but depending on which one you pick up, either Medusa seduced Poseidon or he was smitten with her and took her. A magazine from 1986 also used this idea and claimed that feminists could learn how to channel their rage through her story. This flowering herb was said to grow in the Asphodel Meadows in the Underworld. Medusas power extends to those who need aid in these areas, so seek her out if youre looking for guidance while trying to conceive or experiencing any sort of reproductive health issues. You will add your name and the names of anyone you want protected that resides in the home or place. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. Narcissus eventually wasted away, unable to leave the pond, and became the flower. Her rage is unmet, and her ferocity is as deep and as strong as the seas. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. 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. The mortal woman who became the Gorgon, Medusa, was cursed by Athena after being raped or seduced on the floor of one of Athenas temples by Poseidon. Fumigate again with the incense then whisper into the vessel Empress Medusa, protect NN (3x) saying whatever you wrote and gently blow into it three times. Next prepare the incense and fan the smoke toward the agalma. She gave birth to a son, Iamus, and Apollo sent the goddess of childbirth (Eileithyia) and the Fates to serve as her midwives. The initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in anger and Athena punishing her. The Goddess Medusa loves to help her children find their own ways of breaking free! Apollo then took her wood to make his lyre. In my mind, Medusa is very real. Tea tree oil. In my experience, Medusa doesnt care too much about the social or political climates. A "colophon" She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. Aconite was also the deadly plant used in the attempted poisoning of Theseus by the devious queen Medea. 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. Gingko. Minerva turned Her gaze and hid Her grey eyes behind Her aegis to protect Her chaste sight from the act. WebMedina is one of the most popular of all Afro Caribbean herbs, especially so in Jamaica where it is commonly used to combat a variety of ailments but it is probably best known of 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Take a deeper dive into the epic poems that tell the stories of Medusa. Herodotus found some evidence that she appeared in Berber mythology where she was a major part of their religion. The man who stole her mask then used the story to frighten others. 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. The Gorgons lived at the ocean, and Medusa caught Poseidons attention. Corrections? The oils that I create are intuitively blended to give you a unique and mystical experience. Although beautiful, and it may work for some, I prefer a more snake heavy idol unless the imagery makes up for it with an extremely expressive face and eyes. Rose quartz is probably the most well-known and easily accessible crystal associated with Aphrodite. Many considered the princess as the worlds most beautiful woman. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. They also had another group of sisters called the Graeae who appeared in Prometheus Bound written by Aeschylus. A tepidarium from the Roman era has a mosaic floor with her head at the center. Youve been encountering statues and paintings of Medusa in your Your email address will not be published. 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. The herald of the gods, Hermes, was born of the eldest Pleiad nymph Maia and Zeus, king of the gods. She lost all of her looks and found snakes growing in her hair. Ask for this goddesss guidance when you need strong feminine power and the innately intuitive energy of water in your rituals. Pegasus, the famous horse with wings, arose from her dead body. Come, rise from the Hellish Pit on swift wing and turn to me Your petrifying gaze so You may witness this rite! Many of the women only knew her as a monster and not what she looked like before. Now that we have the myths and iconography explained, we can dive into how I serve Her. Her apotropaic and protective abilities are rooted in Her frightfulness, and Her power to kill with venom or petrification. Her sisters are the immortal Gorgons: Euryale and Stheno. 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. Sculpt a statue of Medusa for your altar. When it is time, hold fast her rage and take no mercy. In her myths she also shape shifted into a greyhound and an otter Sacred Birds: Hawks and hens. Some people find they benefit from using them together. My typical conjuration of Medusa is this:Gorgon-eyed Hekate, Unconquerable Queen of Witches, I conjure You to be present and send to me Your ghosts of forgotten soldiers so they may stand before me, beside me, and behind me and let no harm come to me in my witchs operations. Among the earliest depictions of the Perseus and Medusa myth is a bas-relief from the seventh century BCE depicting Perseus averting his gaze as he beheads Medusa, although curiously She is depicted as a centaur with the lower half of a horse putting it from around the time of Hesiod. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. Born centuries after the first appearance of Medusa, Freud later used her in his psychoanalysis. 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. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Medusa delivers strong flavor and aroma characteristics She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. For these types of rituals I will offer Her red church wine, whole uncooked eggs, and spring water in addition to any ingredients or materials for my spellwork. The 20 Best Norse Mythology Books You Should Read. The agalma is now consecrated for use so She should be treated as a sacred object, the physical form of Medusa Herself. For me, this is a way of reclaiming the Gods as a valid religious cult, not just antique figures reduced to myths and stories. The Greek hero came to see her on the orders of King Polydectes who ruled over Seriphus. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. 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 was the only Gorgon who was mortal; hence her slayer, Perseus, was able to kill her by cutting off her head. Hesiod used her in Theogony. The Gorgon came out in 1964 and was a Hammer film that told a modern version of her story. All of a sudden a strong urge for Her Protection. Medusa appeared in dozens of television shows and movies over the years. Priestesses took a vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her. 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. AMAZING! I find that themost important thing Medusa will teach you is how touse your power. He treated other potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! Call upon Medusa when her ire is most fitting. I believe that deities exist in slightly different dimensions/realms yet their power extends to where we currently reside. In her form of Nemesis, Aphrodite punished him by cursing him so that he would fall in love with his own reflection. Though she has a different name, she has the power to turn people to stone when they look into her eyes. Thence, by Athenas curse anyone she looked upon turned to stone. Melt and carefully pour in the bees wax so they are covered and let cool.Next mix the serpentine root, black snake root, wormwood, henbane*, and belladonna*. She claimed that they shamed her for sleeping with one of their members. Some were previously gods and goddesses, some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources! Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. This is by no means a requirement for working with Medusa its simply a reason that she may empathize with you and want to form a deeper connection. After her death, Perseus immediately left to fight Atlas. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. However, be really for some kind of intense imagery: Medusa isnt for the faint of heart! 1. In her anger and in retaliation, Persephone (or sometimes her mother, Demeter), transformed Minthe into a mint tree. She isnt a Goddess to serve in a capacity of benevolence because She is and has always been a monster. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. I recommend that you work with Medusa using a pendulum or cards if youre new to divination work. Your email address will not be published. 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. Listen, Gods of the Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and my words have power! There are many stories and interpretations of the Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology and later years. Leave this on the altar until the candle burns out but before the sun rises, and place it somewhere close to your front door. It can be used as a go to incense when serving Medusa, especially if you are working with Her to remove curses or the evil eye, or to consecrate wards to protect a space or person.To perform the ritual Night light a black chime candle. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. The goddess was so upset over what she saw and the issues she had with Zeus who was her father that she flew into a rage. Medusa doesnt just choose anyone she selected you because you are a warrior and because she wants you to learn how to stand up for yourself and fight back in one specific way. Its no surprise, then, that the Ancient Greeks had several important mythological explanations for the origin of a number of different plants and flowers! Demeter responded by turning the boy into a lizard by sprinkling the drink upon him. This particular vessel is based on the myth where Athena gives Herakles a snake lock from Medusas head in an urn. In The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a Gorgon travels to Sabrinas town. It wouldnt be too far fetched for a Sea Goddess like Medusa to have a horses body, especially as mother of Pegesus. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Michelangelo and Picasso are just two of the famous artists who created work based on her. Be sure to keep a lookout for signs and symbols of the gorgon in the days thereafter, as she may approach you in subtle ways. Hyacinthus was a Spartan prince and a male lover of Apollo. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. Medusa also appeared in multiple pieces of art from the Renaissance and later. 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. So that it wouldnt go unpunished She turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes. Many artists made Medusa into a work of art. 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 The red on the stem is his blood. For me personally I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but either will certainly work. Greek mythology found its way into many aspects of ancient Greek life, especially anything involving the natural world. The Roman version of her story is the same but changes the location to Minervas temple and her partner to Neptune. You can simply offer her a devotional candle or a seashell. This probably means that youreally feel like the outcast in some way (not necessarily social or political but on a deep, personal, soul level). 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. Mighty Protectress, by Your will and mine, the deed is done!. She won the competition and the love and praise of the Athenians. They can be applied to the pulse points and worn as a perfume or cologne or used to anoint the body before a ritual or ceremony. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. Until next time, Nocturnal Blessings! WebA gentle yet effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help soothe the nervous system. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. You can dedicate seashells, jewelry, candles, art, and other trinkets to Medusa in order to create a special place for her on your altar. 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. However, the number mentioned here are some of our favorite and most interesting plant-based origin stories! One of my favorites is a black figure vase from the late 5th century that shows a concerned Poseidon rushing to the beheaded Medusa, Euryale frantically coming to embrace Him. We have Loose Herbs, Teas, Smoking Herbs and Blends, Medicinal Remedies, During the 20th century, many looked at the tale of Medusa and how it relates to feminism. Medusa herself is a symbol of feminism and divine femininity. She wouldnt have to deal with any dirty looks from men, ever again! When Aepytus found out that Iamus was Apollos son, he sent people to bring the child back. You are sought out by snakes. The souls of the ordinary dead were sent to the Meadows, where they would harvest the asphodel as food. To me it expresses Their actual relationship, that of lovers. Prometheus was a Titan who modeled humanity from clay and who stole fire to introduce it to humankind. 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. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. This may not ring a bell to you, but lets just say its the guy that wanted to marry Perseus mother. Mix a bowl of spring water with some sea salt, wormwood, cedar, and rue. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. If youre considering working with the Goddess Medusa then you probably want to know whether or not shes real. In revenge, Eros shot him with an arrow that caused Apollo to fall in love with a river nymph named Daphne. Harrison further backed up her claims with a translation that said the horror did not come from the woman but that the horror gave birth to the woman. *These three resins are often sold together as Black Ethiopian resin, of which you would use 1 tbsp. However, some witches prefer to work with the figure of Medusa as an idea rather than a real deity. Place the coral, malachite, and bronze around it and add another layer of parsley leaf, rue, then the dirt. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and He was chained to a rock and his liver was repeatedly eaten by an eagle and then healed in an endless cycle. Medusa is also counted as one of the Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus. I am pleased with You and wish You well. An urn type vessel with a lid (I use either antique sugar bowls or terracotta cantarito cups that I cap off with small terracotta planter dishes which can be easily painted, legend mentions it as a bronze urn). Medusa is an aroma hop that is typically used in only late boil additions, including dry hopping. By Your will and mine, the deed is done!. 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). Some who work with Medusa say that they were approached by some of her pets, injured or otherwise in need. Athena responded by creating the first olive tree. 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. In the modern world, feminists use Medusa as an icon that represents female anger and rage. Many neglect to realize this is a much later telling of the Medusa myth. After Leucothoes death, Helios still didnt want Clytia, and she pined away on the ground, neither eating nor drinking, continually staring at the sun. Clytia was a spurned lover of Helios who revealed the relationship between Leucothoe and the sun god to Orchamus. The next thing I want to cover is Medusas vessel. Though some point to the version of the story where Athena came across Medusa in her temple, others claim that the legend never says whether she willingly agreed to intercourse with Poseidon. The two quickly fell in love and married. : In Pompeiis House of the Faun, Medusa was on the breastplate of. Combined with the gifts of Hades, Hephaestus, and Hermes, however, the protagonist of this story was certainly given a keen advantage before he was sent off to slay the so-called monster. Athena and Poseidon competed over the city, which would become Athens in a contest judged by humans. The Goddess Medusa can help you break free from your chains. You can connect to Medusa on a deeper level by meditating near the beach or a body of water encircled with calming sounds. Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. The flag and emblem of Sicily also features her head. Mimse gave Demeter a barley drink to sate herself. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. Even though not apparent signs I am very drawn to HER IMAGE AND POWERS. Both Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice. Beautiful Medusa, Serpentine Goddess, I summon You to this rite I host in Your honor! Sacred Plants: Corn. But this is how Medusa achieved Her apotheosis. Hermes was distraught and reunited Crocus and Smilax by turning Crocus into a flower. Though many know the story of Medusa and her powers, not as many know about her sisters.