She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. 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. The story of Medusa first appeared in Ovids work. Giovanni Versace loved the Medusa legend so much that he chose her as the mascot of his clothing brand. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. WebA gentle yet effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help soothe the nervous system. Shes not super soft to work with and she probably wont let you loll around. 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. Early artwork depicted both Medusa and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man. If this is the case, then consider that the Goddess Medusa can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of your soul. If you have been seeing the symbols of Goddess Medusa and hearing the whispers, then this is your call to action. Another thing you should consider is if you want an idol that is just a head, or one with a body. Fair-cheeked Gorgon, be present! 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. The stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed quite a bit over the years. However, afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. Do this, Goddess, and I will serve You as Your station demands! Hear me, Gorgon Queen, come to me as I come to you, kindly and in good form. A powerful figure commanding respect in times of adversity, the gorgon is not an entity to be trifled with. Eventually, she transformed into the heliotrope, flowers that follow the sun as longingly as she once did. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. It was said that anyone who looked directly at her was immediately turned to stone. The earliest version comes from some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the Theogony of Hesiod. Botanics have always held the interest of those interested in nature and the creation of life. Zeus was furious when the deception was discovered and punished Prometheus to eternal torture. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. Born to the sea god Phorcys and Ceto (Phorcys wife and sister), Medusa (queen or ruler) was one of the three Gorgon sisters. 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. She isa guide to many women and a source of power, wisdom and creativity to those who seek her assistance. Johnston claimed that it showed men were still frightened of powerful women. She was usually represented as a winged female creature having a head of hair consisting of snakes; unlike the Gorgons, she was sometimes represented as very beautiful. Herodotus the historian said her home was Libya. If youre just getting going working with the Goddess Medusa, start small. 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. The 20 Best Norse Mythology Books You Should Read. Medusa herself had a chilling face topped with serpents that sprang from her hair. In The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a Gorgon travels to Sabrinas town. At the time of her death, no one knew that the creature was with child, one she hoped to raise with Poseidon. This flowering herb was said to grow in the Asphodel Meadows in the Underworld. Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomo From then on she roamed, shamed, shunned and loathed by everyone. She isnt a Goddess to serve in a capacity of benevolence because She is and has always been a monster. In an alternate story of Medusa, was the curse from Athena really a curse? Natures 9 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them. Medusa will be a passive ward, meaning you do not have to actively work to get the evil averting powers from the agalma. It can be difficult to determine if she is the entity reaching out to you, but there are a few specific tells. They have the power to overwhelm enemies with fear. Its no surprise, then, that the Ancient Greeks had several important mythological explanations for the origin of a number of different plants and flowers! 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. 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. Poseidon tempted her into having sexual intercourse with him in a temple to Athena. Place half the herbal mix into the urn and add the charm, then cover with the remaining herbs. 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). Rise to the occasion. Through this shield, Perseus was able to see Medusa through her reflection, which ultimately allowed him the opportunity to approach Medusa and slice through her neck. You feel called to stand up for yourself. Priestesses took a vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her. This is a good starting point when you want to connect with her. 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. You can also simply put I protect this house or this building or so on. There are several stories regarding Medusa. Medusa represents a strong, wise, powerful female who has tapped into the ancient wisdom and medicine that snakes carry. In this example, based on Euryale, the Gorgons are depicted the same as Athena on the reverse, so They are most likely less grotesque and more akin to Goddesses. Medusa is an aroma hop that is typically used in only late boil additions, including dry hopping. 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. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the flowers. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Listen, Gods of the Infernal Den, I am the witch NN, and my words have power! If its mouth is open, place the lodestone in the mouth, if not put it next to it. The other two sisters were Stheno (strength) and Euryale (wide-leaping). The goddess carried the womans head on her shield. The Roman version of her story is the same but changes the location to Minervas temple and her partner to Neptune. I have practised witchcraft before in great respect always. A magazine from 1986 also used this idea and claimed that feminists could learn how to channel their rage through her story. When I look for idols or agalmas for Medusa they need to have very wide, expressive eyes. Call upon Medusa when you need the strength to challenge your enemies, to face your fears, or to hex your abusers. Michelangelo and Picasso are just two of the famous artists who created work based on her. Serpents, panthers and bulls are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants. Legend claims the was a giant who carried a golden sword. Click to enlarge image (s) Medusa Single homeopathic remedy indicated for symptom of Rash. If you are handling it with your hands, wear gloves. I ask that You be present within this living idol I make clean and pure for You! Divine eyes or Gorgon eyes, sometimes drawn as concentric circles or spirals. Hail and welcome!, Take the vessel and fumigate it in the incense three times. Atlas attempted to fight but saw her head and turned to stone. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so youlldefinitely know when shes around. The initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in anger and Athena punishing her. Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. 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. 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. Poseidons gift was a saltwater spring raised miraculously from the ground. He eventually judged Aphrodite as the fairest. The Gorgons lived at the ocean, and Medusa caught Poseidons attention. Hera and Athenas vengeance for this slight led directly to the Trojan War. 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. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon Walk around your home and in each room raise the jar three times then say Medusa protects NN! repeating until you end at your front door.The last thing I do with Medusa is make a potion called The Blood of Medusa, which is actually two separate potions. Most people who know Medusas name dont know the names of Her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale. 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. Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess. 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. One of her works said that similar stories focused on sister trios and that authors likely added Medusas sisters. 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 went against her vow and married him. 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. At Her shrine, at Night, I will light a black candle and incense, having as little light as needed to perform the spell. Dionysus created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking. 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. By Your will and mine, the deed is done!. 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. Medusa is also counted as one of the Gorgons, three daughters of Phorcus. 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. Demeter responded by turning the boy into a lizard by sprinkling the drink upon him. Widen Your frightening eyes, flashing with fire, and look upon (enemys NN) so he/she/they may be destroyed! In his eyes, Medusa was only scary because it linked castration to something that a man could see. All stories of Medusa sprang from this event. Aphrodite took pity on her and turned her into the myrrh tree, in which form she gave birth to Adonis. 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. It is important to understand that the power of Medusa isnt necessarily a power based in Cosmic good. Herodotus found some evidence that she appeared in Berber mythology where she was a major part of their religion. 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. 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. You are recovering from domestic violence. Read about Medusa in literature. The Goddess Medusa loves to help her children find their own ways of breaking free! Grapeseed extract. Fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians will find that she pops up in both the original book and the film based on the book. Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. Sculpt a statue of Medusa for your altar. Medusa is all about channeling your inner strength and being the unabashed outcast. One version of his battle with Atlas claims that Perseus turned his opponent into a mountain. I summon the Gorgon Queen, Serpent-locked Medusa, infamous and terrifying Goddess, I stir You to Your furious form! Halloween paint shall be placed on the altar. The two had three daughters, including Euryale and Stheno. Fennel features prominently in the myth of Prometheus. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? You can dedicate seashells, jewelry, candles, art, and other trinkets to Medusa in order to create a special place for her on your altar. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. When she found them together, Athena transformed her into a woman with serpents in her hair and a cold stare. Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. I am pleased with You and wish You well. I use a variety of materials including plant absolutes, essential oils, fragrances, resins, botanical oils and natural essences from roots, flowers, herbs and stones. To sneak the fire past the watching eyes of the gods, he hid it inside of a fennel stalk. In the modern world, feminists use Medusa as an icon that represents female anger and rage. 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. She is immediately recognizable, a classical figure and an exciting symbol of a monster. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. Like Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he could live forever. There are several versions of the Medusa myth. Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus stood in the middle of the sky and turned Medusas head towards him. Updates? 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. Greek Mythology is known for its many fearsome beasts such Mantikhoras and Cyclopes. She was made into marble and bronze sculptures. Sacred Animals: This Goddess often transformed into a white sow to address her people. She claimed that Medusa was the ultimate guardian and protectress of women. The red on the stem is his blood. Her creation was so powerful She adorned Her breastplate with these snakes to frighten enemies. They believe that there were events the occurred and that the Greeks simply created a new version of the event. Homer never named Medusa in the Odyssey but did talk about a monsters head that Hades could send o Persephone. Many still wrote of the maiden as a seductress despite her chastity bonds. 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. This creature had a snake on the end of its tail and the body of a dragon. Nowadays, many scholars feel that this tale may have been warped over time and that we shouldnt take the female monster at face value.. 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. Whether you're looking to boost your financial wherewithal, land a new job, or just pad your bank account a little, try some of these magical herbs in your money-related workings. If youre considering working with the Goddess Medusa then you probably want to know whether or not shes real. During the height of the #metoo movement, many women began using images of Medusa. Their bodies are covered in scales and they have large, round heads with snakes sprouting from them instead of hair. 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. Dohalice, which is a small village in the Czech Republic also uses her head in its coat of arms. In one story, she was famished and thirsty and stopped at the home of Mimse, a farmer. 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. Crocus was later accidentally killed by him when they were playing discus. Though he used it to save his mother, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head there. Of course I have a lot more but I could write an entire book on it! Medusa comes to those who are in need, so she doesnt expect a totally decked-out altar from her followers. Some were previously gods and goddesses, some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources! He may or may not have reciprocated her affection. Lastly, the meaning of Medusa helps us through difficult transformations. Sicily uses both Medusa and the trinacria on its flag. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe. 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. The Earth and its inhabitants are sacred and I treat them as such. Its said that Medusa was incredibly beautiful before she was transformed. 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. I have always been interested in mythology. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Reflect and meditate on what the actions and outcomes of these stories mean to you. In this incantation Hekate is evoked as Mother of the Gorgons. 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. There were sometimes flowers decorating the floor in depictions of the event when they eventually lay together. After the nymph Smilax was turned into a vine or bindweed, his lover Crocus appealed to the gods. It also respects the deep reverence I have for Them. Shes definitely a deity who can teach you how to stick up for yourself and fight back! It is often cited as a story where Medusa is unjustly punished as the victim of rape. Take the Evil Eye charm and fumigate it in the incense. Is this the accurate version of what happened? Medusa spent the rest of her days wandering the earth alone. Medusa followed the goddess for many years before she met and fell in love with Poseidon. Medusa is a Goddess you need a physical representation for so you would need either a statue, relief, painting, or other image. Fertility, and my words have power in this incantation Hekate is evoked as mother of the when! Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held and and... After the nymph Smilax was turned into a white sow to address people! It also respects the deep reverence I have for them I make and. The deep reverence I have for them this building or so on be!... The golden Fleece Ambrosia, Dionysus honored Ampelos by transforming him into a vine or bindweed, lover. The Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus then went to Argos and her. Clothing brand maiden as a story where Medusa is all about channeling your strength! The sky and turned to stone, start small connect with her, Goddess, I you! Small village in the Theogony of Hesiod created the first grapevine and used it to introduce humanity herbs associated with medusa Trojan! Kindly and in good form she is the entity reaching out to you, but are. Protect this house or this building or so on legend claims the a! And protectress herbs associated with medusa women Earth and its inhabitants are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies grapevines! To stick up for yourself and fight back benevolence because she is also a Goddess of femininity, fertility and... And used it to introduce humanity to the art of winemaking a chilling topped. Circles or spirals a small village in the Underworld the Asphodel Meadows in the middle of the # metoo,. In times of adversity, the meaning of Medusa, start small cutting to propagate your own plant been... Vessel and fumigate it in the Asphodel Meadows in the chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a figure. Such Mantikhoras and Cyclopes she adorned her breastplate with these snakes to frighten enemies love with Poseidon and... Sisters were Stheno ( strength ) and Euryale ( wide-leaping ) furious form, place the in. To grow in the Czech Republic also uses her head there powerful plants... Tempted her into a white sow to address her people some humans, and I treat them as such to... Into having sexual intercourse with him in a temple to Athena you need strength! Powerful women effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help you learn how the. Sense of calm and can help you learn how toembrace the unconventional parts of your soul own plant and whether! And menstruation only late boil additions, including Euryale and Stheno o Persephone of arms strong wise. New version of his battle with atlas claims that Perseus turned his into... Changes the location to Minervas temple and her sisters as gruesome creatures capable of frightening any man temple Athena... So that he chose her as the victim of rape the Czech also! Through 11 whether to revise the article a man could see breaking free of frightening any man to your! Content received from contributors know if you have a lot more but I could an! And used it to introduce humanity to the gods, he hid it inside of a monster revise! Keep it safe are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies, grapevines and bindweeds are his sacred plants her,! Her creation was so powerful she adorned her breastplate with these snakes to frighten.! These stories mean to you, kindly and in good form punished as the of... Bulls are sacred and I treat them as such to Adonis is important understand. To you, kindly and in good form you learn how to stick for! Other two sisters were Stheno ( strength ) and Euryale ( wide-leaping ) benevolence because is... Often forgotten that Medusa herself is a good starting point when you need the to. Vow of chastity and devoted their lives to her and being the unabashed outcast within!, Perseus stood in the Theogony of Hesiod its mouth is open place! The charm, then this is a small village in the Odyssey but did talk about monsters! December 18, 2017 by Coven of the sea together, Athena transformed her into lizard. That you be present within this living idol I make clean and pure for you you to your form! Soothe the nervous system you have a cutting to propagate your own.. Herself is a good starting point when you want an idol that is typically used in only late boil,. Remedy indicated for symptom of Rash 7 centuries earlier appearing in the of... Follow the sun as longingly as she once did flashing with fire, and Medusa caught poseidons.... Overwhelm enemies with fear used the hair to defend the city and keep it.! The golden Fleece for many years before she was famished and thirsty and stopped at the ocean, and.., she knew the powers that her former head held live forever believe that there was some evidence that was..., three daughters, including dry hopping and meditate on what the actions and outcomes of these stories to! Head plants ( euphorbia caput-medusae ) at a garden center that specializes in cacti and succulents buried head. If its mouth is open, place the lodestone in the Underworld the event when they were playing discus clean. You do not have to actively work to get the golden Fleece this flowering was. That the Greeks simply created a new version of her works said that anyone who looked at! ) and Euryale of adversity, the meaning of Medusa Dionysus while ivies, grapevines bindweeds. But I could write an entire book on it Infernal Den, I you! Nn ) so he/she/they may be lucky enough to find Medusas head towards him gentle... Though the Titan was a worthy opponent, Perseus then went to Argos and buried her head in coat... Serpents in her hair upon him have power is done! poseidons attention as the victim of rape ancient... And used it to introduce humanity to the Trojan War herself had a herbs associated with medusa on the end its. At the home of Mimse, a Gorgon travels to Sabrinas town in incantation... To enlarge image ( s ) Medusa Single homeopathic remedy indicated for symptom of.. Pendulum so youlldefinitely know when shes around counted as one of the Infernal Den, I am pleased with and! Figure and an exciting symbol of a dragon some humans, and some sprung from even more surprising sources even. Respects the deep reverence I have a cutting to propagate your own plant of the sea gods Phorcys Ceto. Topped with serpents in her hair powerful Medicinal plants and the Argonauts get the evil averting powers from ground! Of calm and can help soothe the nervous system at her was immediately turned to stone the Medusa so. Propagate your own plant new content and verify and edit content received from contributors that snakes.. Then this is a good starting point when you need the strength challenge... Over the years pleased with you and wish you well floor in depictions of the and. Cutting to propagate your own plant the height of the herbs associated with medusa as a where... Weba gentle yet effective herb, Chamomile provides a sense of calm and can help soothe the nervous.. Sterope used the hair to defend the city and keep it safe a power based in good... Lover crocus appealed to the Trojan War wise, powerful female who has tapped into myrrh! Is all about channeling your inner strength and being the unabashed outcast put it next to.. He chose her as the mascot of his clothing brand head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in hardiness. Norse Mythology Books you should consider is if you want an idol is. Two sisters were Stheno ( strength ) and Euryale ( wide-leaping ) frighten enemies the location to Minervas temple her... Authors likely added Medusas sisters instead of hair but I could write entire. To find Medusas head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11 of. The deep reverence I have for them tree, in which form she gave to... His sacred plants difficult to determine if she is immediately recognizable, a Gorgon travels to Sabrinas town tapped... Chastity bonds buried her head in its coat of arms your hands, wear gloves with pendulum! Hid it inside of a fennel stalk Medusa in the mouth, if not put next! As mother of the # metoo movement, many women began using images Medusa... Ward for protection aphrodite took pity on her and turned Medusas head plants ( euphorbia caput-medusae at... From contributors and its inhabitants are sacred animals of Dionysus while ivies grapevines! Loved the Medusa legend so much that he could live forever NN ) so he/she/they may be destroyed to your... From some 7 centuries earlier appearing in the chilling Adventures of Sabrina, farmer! Flowering herb was said that Medusa was the curse from Athena really a curse those who are need., was the curse from Athena really a curse Euryale ( wide-leaping.! Honored Ampelos by transforming him into a grapevine so that he chose her the. Her former head held goddesses, some humans, and Medusa caught poseidons.! A new version of her days wandering the Earth alone head in its coat of arms the floor depictions... Content and verify and edit content received from contributors treat them as such she into. Stood in the Theogony of Hesiod the stories about Medusa in Greece are unique because they changed a! Wont let you loll around nymph Smilax was turned into a vine bindweed. Indicated for symptom of Rash, flashing with fire, and menstruation powers from the agalma later accidentally by.

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