The coat of arms of the Dohalice village from the Czech Republic depicts Medusas head. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. At Her shrine, at Night, I will light a black candle and incense, having as little light as needed to perform the spell. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Most people who know Medusas name dont know the names of Her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale. 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. This flowering herb was said to grow in the Asphodel Meadows in the Underworld. In The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a Gorgon travels to Sabrinas town. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. His lover, a Satyr who was named Ampelos, was slain by a wild bull. After all, she only really cared about her own fate in almost every version of her myth. These herbs all have different properties and uses, so its important to know which ones will work best for you. Pingback: Rivers, Stars & Snakes | Hollow Hills. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). This particular vessel is based on the myth where Athena gives Herakles a snake lock from Medusas head in an urn. Omissions? Around the 6th century we start to see Her iconography become a mix of the grotesque, large eyed, hideous monster that makes up most of Greek Gorgon imagery. Echinacea. Versace still uses a log of a woman with terrifying features and serpents coming from her head as its brand logo. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. Take the snake head and place it on the sea sponge so it faces toward the front of the vessel. When he found out her true identity, he tried to kill her. During the French Revolution, those who wanted to defeat the royals used the head of Medusa as a symbol of their freedom. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. Dionysus created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking. 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. 2. Link will appear as Medusa: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net - Greek Gods & Goddesses, February 7, 2017, Greek Gods and Goddesses 2010 - 2023 | About | Contact | Sitemap | Privacy, Seriphus sent Perseus to return with her head, Medusa: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net. 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. According to legend, Athena gave Herakles one of Medusas serpent locks in an urn that He used to protect the town of Tegea as it would make enemies flee in fright. I use a variety of materials including plant absolutes, essential oils, fragrances, resins, botanical oils and natural essences from roots, flowers, herbs and stones. The earliest centre of his cult was Her pure white milky skin turned a scary green hue. Allan and I have been free of unnecessary drama or problems from our enemies which has been miraculous to say the least! Sculpt a statue of Medusa for your altar. In my experience, Medusa is very patient when she reaches out to someone she wants to work with. Pindar wrote in 490 BC that she had fair cheeks. Around the outer edge arrange pieces of the eggshell. 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. She is immediately recognizable, a classical figure and an exciting symbol of a monster. Ill cover the most popular myths here as well as the myths that seem to describe her character, at least for me. We have Loose Herbs, Teas, Smoking Herbs and Blends, Medicinal Remedies, The Gorgons lived at the ocean, and Medusa caught Poseidons attention. 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. If you are handling it with your hands, wear gloves. Poseidons gift was a saltwater spring raised miraculously from the ground. Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds in the Underworld. The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. It is important to understand that the power of Medusa isnt necessarily a power based in Cosmic good. Its time to be the protectors and guardians that we all have needed at one time or another. He pointed out that a simple translation shows that the woman wore a mask to scare intruders and those who thought to bring her harm. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. There were sometimes flowers decorating the floor in depictions of the event when they eventually lay together. In House of the Faun from 200 BC, she appears on the plate worn by Alexander the Great. Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. Its said that Medusa was incredibly beautiful before she was transformed. Perseus then headed to Ethiopia to rest and set her head down on the ground. 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! To start, Her gaze is indeed important and probably the primary symbola I work with. Some who work with Medusa say that they were approached by some of her pets, injured or otherwise in need. Her snakes are usually just considered snakes to make Her hideous and their purpose is neglected, but the snakes themselves have power. I created this oil to honor Medusa and the feminine strength that she symbolizes. 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. Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice. The men who saw Medusa were so terrified of her beauty that it left them mute and unable to speak. Some modern astrologers suggest that this star is associated with She is also evoked to bring a spectral guard to protect the witch while conjuring this especially malicious form of Medusa. She was made into marble and bronze sculptures. He was chained to a rock and his liver was repeatedly eaten by an eagle and then healed in an endless cycle. After the nymph Smilax was turned into a vine or bindweed, his lover Crocus appealed to the gods. Cerridwen's Myth Hyacinthus was a Spartan prince and a male lover of Apollo. Required fields are marked *. Athena responded by creating the first olive tree. But what is the truth to this myth? Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. Dionysios Skytobrachion wrote about her during the second century and claimed that she both lived and died in an area of Libya. Instead, many modern-day witches now interpret Athenas response as one from a place of understanding and concern. He treated other potential courtships similarly, believing himself too beautiful for them. Like Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he could live forever. By Your will and mine, the deed is done!. Divine eyes or Gorgon eyes, sometimes drawn as concentric circles or spirals. 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*. Flax seed. It is often cited as a story where Medusa is unjustly punished as the victim of rape. 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. Do this in a way that feelsauthentic to you. Let the cut end dry for a few days to develop a callus before planting. When Perseus cut off her head, Medusa died and gave birth to the winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor through the wound in her neck. She gained Her immortality being placed on the aegis of Athena, and is now the most recognizable symbol of the ancient world. You are recovering from domestic violence. 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. Most of this is personal experience so keep in mind that youll need to tailor your own worship to fit your beliefs, lifestyle, and needs! From c. 200 B.C. Medusa by Caravaggio has its base in the form of a shield. 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. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and tolerates temperatures in the low 90s (33-35 C.). Place half the herbal mix into the urn and add the charm, then cover with the remaining herbs. There are a few different myths that include Medusa in Ancient Greek culture. The Goddess Medusa is a known guardian and as such, lends her aid to those who need her protection. 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. Legend says that when invaders attacked the city, Sterope used the hair to bring forth a storm that sent them running away in fear. I typically dont find Medusa imagery useful for what I need that neglects the snakes, even some that are based on ancient depictions such as the Medusa Rondanini that resembles what Versace uses in his logo. Though she has a different name, she has the power to turn people to stone when they look into her eyes. 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. After the baby was born, Aepytus forced Evande to abandon the child. Euphorbia requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and Strike vengeance together with her strength. The two quickly fell in love and married. Medusa was the only Gorgon who was mortal; hence her slayer, Perseus, was able to kill her by cutting off her head. She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. Knowing that Polydectes forced her into marriage, Perseus forced him to look at the head and turned him into stone to free his mother. 1. Fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians will find that she pops up in both the original book and the film based on the book. However, be really for some kind of intense imagery: Medusa isnt for the faint of heart! Legend says this is why so many of the desert areas in that region have so many snakes today. It is just MY way. The Blood of Medusa (Right). Zeus was furious when the deception was discovered and punished Prometheus to eternal torture. It tells of a beautiful woman transformed into a gorgon: a hideous monster with venomous serpents for hair. Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. After all, Medusa took a vow of celibacy she never wanted to be touched in the first place. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. You may also feel controlled in a more mental or emotional way (rather than physical) and seek your independence. For me personally I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but either will certainly work. When Mimses son, Ascalabus, saw Demeter, he began to mock her for her hunger. After Leucothoes death, Helios still didnt want Clytia, and she pined away on the ground, neither eating nor drinking, continually staring at the sun. Medusa wandered Africa for some time. I recommend infusing them with an intention before applying them to give them a personal energetic boost. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore. He claimed that both groups of sisters were monsters. In my experience, Medusa doesnt care too much about the social or political climates. The Greek hero came to see her on the orders of King Polydectes who ruled over Seriphus. 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. She is not only immortalized in stories but also in history. Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. You dream of the Goddess Medusa. Legend claims the was a giant who carried a golden sword. So that it wouldnt go unpunished She turned Medusas hair to twisting foul snakes. All shall share meditation of the demons of self and all they chose to leave behind with the turning of the Wheel. She lost all of her looks and found snakes growing in her hair. When linked to the solar Great Mother, She is the destructive force of the Sun rather than its life supporting force. The Amphisbaena came from her blood, too. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Earth and its inhabitants are sacred and I treat them as such. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. What are some things or symbols that can be associated with reading? The Medusa head is part of fashion designer Gianni Versaces symbol. Even though not apparent signs I am very drawn to HER IMAGE AND POWERS. In almost every version of the Medusa myth, King Polydectes of. 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. Hercules then went to Tegea and met with Sterope who was the daughter of Cepheus. If its mouth is open, place the lodestone in the mouth, if not put it next to it. Some historians believe that the story of Medusa has some basis in fact. 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. Evening primrose oil. In later artwork, she appears as a more beautiful woman. Sicily uses both Medusa and the trinacria on its flag. The pomegranate fruit was important as a symbol of fertility and marriage and played a role in several myths. Chrysaor also came from Medusa. Born centuries after the first appearance of Medusa, Freud later used her in his psychoanalysis. Legend says that Medusa was one of three children born to Phorcys. After her death, Perseus immediately left to fight Atlas. 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. Hear me, Gorgon Queen, come to me as I come to you, kindly and in good form. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so youlldefinitely know when shes around. It almost sounds like a win-win, to me. A tepidarium from the Roman era has a mosaic floor with her head at the center. Sacred Plants: Corn. Mix a bowl of spring water with some sea salt, wormwood, cedar, and rue. The story begins in Book IV at line 898. This doesnt need to be in huge ways. He claimed that the story of her decapitation shared much in common with castration. I personally like both, but know that the snake tail is a modern invention. If this isnt your preferred medium, then creating any sort of art for Medusa is perfectly fine. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless. The goddess Medusa may also reveal herself in dreams or through symbols in life, such as the snake, or by sending other outcasts your way. Some poets even went so far as to describe their boar-like tusks and massive lolling tongue. (That said, if you are experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor. 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. Faces toward the front of the Wheel head in order to save his mother from marrying selfish. With fire, and website in this browser for the next time comment! 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