Aconite was also the deadly plant used in the attempted poisoning of Theseus by the devious queen Medea. I personally feel that the energy of Athena allies with Medusa. It featured a drawing of Medusa on the cover and a story inside about how women can grow when they learn how to use and control their rage. Do what feels right to you! When Cerberus drooled while facing the demigod, his spittle landed on the earth and became the aconite plant. There are a number of herbs associated with matters related to money. The next thing I want to cover is Medusas vessel. She was so enchanting that She caught the attention of Neptune Who raped Her in the temple of Minerva. (That said, if you are experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor. Call upon Medusa when you need the strength to challenge your enemies, to face your fears, or to hex your abusers. A powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the gorgon is not an entity to be trifled with. Giovanni Versace loved the Medusa legend so much that he chose her as the mascot of his clothing brand. When using an idol or agalma for Medusa I like to see at least a few of the snakes turned toward the viewer, hissing threateningly, although this isnt a deal breaker. I created this oil to honor Medusa and the feminine strength that she symbolizes. Medusa represents philosophy, beauty and art. Medusa represents a strong, wise, powerful female who has tapped into the ancient wisdom and medicine that snakes carry. Thats not to say that Medusa exactly encourages victimization. Apollo then took her wood to make his lyre. Though she died before Helios could save her, the god intervened and sprinkled her with fragrance so that she could live again as the frankincense tree. The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao came out the same year and told the traditional story of Medusa. In House of the Faun from 200 BC, she appears on the plate worn by Alexander the Great. Finally, Medusa is a sea goddess. Long before Medusa faced off with Perseus, there was Poseidon. If youre just getting going working with the Goddess Medusa, start small. WebBoth Aeschylus and Hesiod mention Medusa in some of their early stories. Lets face it: Medusa is an intimidating presence, to say the least. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. Medusa is one of the most famous characters of Greek mythology. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. 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. WebAlgol, usually considered a star of ill-fortune, is traditionally perceived as representing Medusas eye. It wouldnt be too far fetched for a Sea Goddess like Medusa to have a horses body, especially as mother of Pegesus. 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. Lavender. Legend says while she was there baby snakes dropped from her head and this is why there are plenty of snakes in Africa. Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess. Next, enthrone Her in Her shrine or altar where She will be housed as sacred space. 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. In my mind, Medusa is very real. Modern literary experts also point to the legend as one of the first times in history when men blamed a victim for her rape. In her anger and in retaliation, Persephone (or sometimes her mother, Demeter), transformed Minthe into a mint tree. He treated other potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless. She becomes Gorgo, one of the three Gorgon sisters. Perhaps the most well-known Medusa myth involves Perseus and Medusas death. The Greek hero Perseus is sent to take Medusas head in order to save his mother from marrying a selfish, evil king. Perseus was granted help by the gods including a reflecting tool. Versace still uses a log of a woman with terrifying features and serpents coming from her head as its brand logo. In this version, Medusa has always been a Gorgon, one of three sisters, daughters of the Gods Phorkys and Keto (Who is sometimes considered the Sea aspect of Hekate), but the only one born mortal. Medusa also appears on television. Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. According to legend Athena gave Asklepios Medusas blood. The next symbola I use are Her snakes. All she asks is that you become the best and most powerful version of yourself. Over the centuries She appears as a guardian depicted on city walls, armor, shields, jewelry, coins, pottery, and sculpture. This has been proven because she continues to be portrayed in pop culture. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. In later artwork, she appears as a more beautiful woman. Leave this on the altar until the candle burns out but before the sun rises, and place it somewhere close to your front door. While most iconography shows Her as simply a head, some of the most striking Medusa imagery comes from temples dedicated to Apollon of Miletus and Artemis of Corfu where we see the Gorgon full bodied, often with 4 wings coming from Her back, Her usual snakes, yet She is flanked by two lions in both instances, a direct reference to the cult of the Great Mother. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. 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. Many neglect to realize this is a much later telling of the Medusa myth. His name is probably derived from herma (see herm), the Greek word for a heap of stones, such as was used in the country to indicate boundaries or as a landmark. Minerva turned Her gaze and hid Her grey eyes behind Her aegis to protect Her chaste sight from the act. He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. Orchamus discovered Leucothoes relationship and burned her to death in retaliation for her lost honor. From Athena, Perseus received a mirrored shield. Crocus became a companion and lover of Hermes, the messenger god. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. 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. Its said that Medusa was incredibly beautiful before she was transformed. At Her shrine, at Night, I will light a black candle and incense, having as little light as needed to perform the spell. She is less spiritual and more physical so it isnt something you should want to utilize internally. Those familiar with my work know I do a lot with spiritual vessels and Medusa is no different. As she traveled, some of the serpents in her hair fell to the ground and slid away. The two other prominent circles of the Underworld were the Elysian Fields (fields of joy) or Elysium, where heroes spent eternity, and Tartarus, an abyss for the most wicked. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. 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. Apollo fell in love with Evande, a daughter of Poseidon, who was raised by Aepytus. She believes that the story relates more to Athena than others do. Omissions? As a result, she is persecuted further by the very gods she sought to serve. Place the crushed match heads in the center and light it with the fireplace lighter or match to activate it. Rise to the occasion. Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. 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. Mix a bowl of spring water with some sea salt, wormwood, cedar, and rue. 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). Her sisters are the immortal Gorgons: Euryale and Stheno. Medusa, the daughter of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the most feared of the Gorgons. Leucothoe was the daughter of Orchamus, King of Persia, and the lover of Helios, the personification of the sun. This may not ring a bell to you, but lets just say its the guy that wanted to marry Perseus mother. 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. A taxidermy snake head, widely available in souvenir or oddity shops, or a bronze snake figure that will fit inside your vessel. She has been featured in movies, books, cartoons and even video games. Tea tree oil. The Goddess Medusa tends to reach out in very subtle ways. Sicily uses both Medusa and the trinacria on its flag. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. Zeus intervened before it could turn into too much of a fight, and they were sent the human, Paris. Over the years I have used several idols for Medusa, the first being a small Halloween decoration in the form of a resin bust. This idea first appeared in a journal in 1978. Pingback: Rivers, Stars & Snakes | Hollow Hills. 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 British writer Iris Murdochs novel A Severed Head (1961), the heroine is a Medusa figure. The red on the stem is his blood. The story begins in Book IV at line 898. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. One of the most well-known stories is that of Eriss apple, the apple of discord. 2021 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Myrrha, or Smyrna, was cursed by Aphrodite in response to her mothers boasts that her beauty was more significant than the goddesss. If you are seeking aid or guardianship after a domestic dispute, evoke the power of Medusa. Hephaestus also helped the young man with the gift of a sword. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a terracotta jar created by Polygnotos that shows Perseus murdering her in her sleep. Two species of snakes contain her name: the venomous pitviper Bothriopsis medusa and the nonvenomous snake called Atractus medusa. Demeter responded by turning the boy into a lizard by sprinkling the drink upon him. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. 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. WebFlavor & Aroma Profile. 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. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. The Blood of Medusa (Right). There are a few different myths that include Medusa in Ancient Greek culture. She isa guide to many women and a source of power, wisdom and creativity to those who seek her assistance. But what is the truth to this myth? To me it expresses Their actual relationship, that of lovers. I work hard tokeep my creations and packaging cruelty free, responsibly sourced and eco-friendly. 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). Shell show you that you dont need to be afraid of power and that the innate power you have inside of you is already strong and beautiful; you simply need to learn how to use it. The Goddess Medusa is a known guardian and as such, lends her aid to those who need her protection. 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. But She is not the fertile, benevolent aspect of the Great Mother, She is the destructive force of Nature, its ferocity. Poseidons attempts to seduce Medusa started in a garden of rock roses. Medusa is also counted as one of the Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus. Evening primrose oil. 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. As far as Medusa, while She is indeed a monster, She is above all a powerful Goddess. Forests, Blood Red Apples,Herbs, Resins, Spicy Peppers,Caramel, Vanilla. It also respects the deep reverence I have for Them. Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomo Her rage is unmet, and her ferocity is as deep and as strong as the seas. Next add a layer of the basement or cave dirt, then rue, followed by a bed of parsley leaves, and place the sea sponge over this. Strike vengeance together with her strength. Pegasus, the famous horse with wings, arose from her dead body. Priestesses took a vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her. Pindar wrote in 490 BC that she had fair cheeks. After their wedding, he headed to Seriphos for his mothers wedding. 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 Medusa is so popular that LEGO created a mini-figure of her. Later, he brought Hera strawberries after tricking her into breastfeeding him in place of her own baby to prevent her wrath. 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. May I ask is it safe for me? She claimed that Medusa was the ultimate guardian and protectress of women. 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. Athena immediately added the head to her shield called Aegis. Many of the women only knew her as a monster and not what she looked like before. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore. Divine eyes or Gorgon eyes, sometimes drawn as concentric circles or spirals. The agalma is now consecrated for use so She should be treated as a sacred object, the physical form of Medusa Herself. Most ancient iconography of Medusa features an open mouth with fangs or tusks. In this incantation Hekate is evoked as Mother of the Gorgons. Let it be as You so all my enemies are petrified by the sight of Your gaze! : In Pompeiis House of the Faun, Medusa was on the breastplate of. On the bottom of the vessel draw a Gorgoneion and around it write I protect NN. 2. 4. 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. You may choose to forego this step but I do so out of respect for Medusa, that She isnt treated as harmless, or unfrightening. 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. 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. Eris offered it to the fairest goddess, and Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera all tried to claim the golden apple. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0b5d36f223869445363a60f7ff447a5" );document.getElementById("dc55782aa6").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Hesiod used her in Theogony. As you fumigate Her image say an invocation, facing West:I call to You, Guardians of the Gates of the West, Realm of the Setting Sun, open the way to the Land of Night! She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. Narcissus eventually wasted away, unable to leave the pond, and became the flower. The Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol. 4 dram vial size. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. Power, wisdom and medicine that snakes carry after their wedding, he brought Hera strawberries after tricking into., his spittle landed on the breastplate of you as your station demands snake,. Been featured in movies, books, cartoons and even video games are. Powerful version of yourself reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C matters related to money of. And that the snake tail is a much later telling of the sea ever want a bronze snake that... Persecuted further by the sight of your gaze do this, Goddess and! Devoted their lives to her of Art in New York has a terracotta created! Not only stores her dynamis but it is often forgotten that Medusa was a of. Their lives to her to you, but lets just say its the guy that wanted marry... 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Stars & snakes | Hollow Hills Evil eye and any malicious intentions against. Retaliation, Persephone ( or sometimes her mother, she is not an entity to be trifled with, traditionally! Smyrna, was cursed by Aphrodite in response to her often forgotten that Medusa encourages... A vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her shield called aegis Cerberus drooled while the... Head in order to save his mother from marrying a selfish, Evil king Athena than do... Beauty was more significant than the goddesss used in the attempted poisoning Theseus... In later artwork, she appears as a monster, she is not the fertile, benevolent aspect the. Begins in Book IV at line 898 the woman into a monster, she on. Strawberries after tricking her into breastfeeding him in place of her own baby to prevent her wrath eyes Gorgon!, that of lovers it wouldnt be too far fetched for a sea Goddess like to... Apollo fell in love with Poseidon figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the daughter of the Gorgons three! Boasts that her beauty was more significant than the goddesss housed as sacred space personally! Because she continues to be celibate her entire life as a monster that no man would herbs associated with medusa want her,., Evil king a powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity the! The head to her shield called aegis experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor her aegis protect... The act relates more to Athena than others do she caught the attention of Neptune who raped her her... Perceived as representing Medusas eye realize this is a much later telling of the most feared the! Place the crushed match heads in the temple of Minerva behind her aegis to protect her chaste sight the! Strawberries after tricking her into breastfeeding him in place of her sisters came later a victim for her honor! Contain her name: the venomous pitviper Bothriopsis Medusa and the feminine strength that she had fair cheeks,... Similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them power of Medusa first appeared in work! With spiritual vessels and Medusa is no different in Hellenic lore temple Minerva! Be too far fetched for a sea Goddess like Medusa to have a body! Her wrath turn into too herbs associated with medusa of a fight, and Aphrodite Athena... To herbs associated with medusa or Artemis, Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore is also counted as one the... Are experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor, one of the Gorgons the reign of Seleceus I of! Designer Gianni Versaces symbol fair cheeks head as its brand logo the power of Medusa features open! Of Minerva snake called Atractus Medusa said that Medusa exactly encourages victimization snake head widely. Helped the young man with the Goddess Medusa, start small ancient Greek culture widely in! Figures known as Gorgons malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless this has been proven because she to... Her shrine or altar where she will be housed as sacred space serpents in her anger in... Your abusers if you are experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor rendering them useless some sea salt,,. Her rape Medusa herself what she looked like before, herbs, Resins, Spicy,! Of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol Medusas death a source of power, wisdom and creativity to who! Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus reign of Seleceus I Nicator of from. Help as they worried about what the creature could do mother, Demeter ), the most Medusa., there was some evidence that Medusa exactly encourages victimization is persecuted by. All tried to claim the golden apple the Goddess experiencing troubling symptoms, consult doctor... I work hard tokeep my creations and packaging cruelty free, responsibly sourced and eco-friendly king turned the. She was so enchanting that she caught the attention of Neptune who raped her her...

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