The two had three daughters, including Euryale and Stheno. Hear me, Gorgon Queen, come to me as I come to you, kindly and in good form. 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*. Lets face it: Medusa is an intimidating presence, to say the least. Some authors today believe that the legend showed the control that a man could have over a woman. Maybe Medusas true powers lie in the shadow feminine, taking vengeance upon those who have taken advantage of women and binding those who intend to do them harm. The coat of arms of the Dohalice village from the Czech Republic depicts Medusas head. She is a proud Queen after all. 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. Last Updated on December 18, 2017 by Coven of the Goddess. In my practice it also paralyzes the Evil Eye and any malicious intentions sent against me, rendering them useless. 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. However, be really for some kind of intense imagery: Medusa isnt for the faint of heart! He was being led away as a distraction and potentially to his death! It wouldnt be too far fetched for a Sea Goddess like Medusa to have a horses body, especially as mother of Pegesus. 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. They claim that she spent most of her life in Sarpedon, which was close to Cisthene with her Gorgon sisters and also died there. But this is how Medusa achieved Her apotheosis. She was never raped by the Lord of the Sea, Poseidon, but His lover. 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. 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. Many later versions of the myth claimed that she was once a beautiful This powerful Goddess is one of the most recognizable apotropaic symbols of the ancient and modern world. In later artwork, she appears as a more beautiful woman. When I am working with Her and I want to harness the power of Her ferocity, and Her petrifying gaze I will set up my work area so that it faces away from Medusa, and only look upon Her image in a mirror that is on the work altar. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. While Medusa once had soft and supple white skin, it turned green. Place half the herbal mix into the urn and add the charm, then cover with the remaining herbs. Medusa spent the rest of her days wandering the earth alone. They were created by Aphrodite in her grief upon finding the body of her human lover, Adonis. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. Separated from her sisters and unable to find love, Medusa wandered through the African desert. 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. In one story, she was famished and thirsty and stopped at the home of Mimse, a farmer. His entire body, including his head and hair, became part of a mountain range. Uma Thurman took on the film role and was in a pivotal scene. For me personally I like to use snake fangs over tusks due to their practicality, but either will certainly work. This may not ring a bell to you, but lets just say its the guy that wanted to marry Perseus mother. WebRose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens, Geraniaceae) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and promotes wound healing. Much like in India where Kali is the destructive force of Durga, when equated to Kybele or Artemis, Medusa is the same. The Amphisbaena came from her blood, too. The two Gods lay with each other in soft meadows among spring flowers. Lets not forget her most famous power: the ability to turn men to stone. Michelangelo and Picasso are just two of the famous artists who created work based on her. This flowering herb was said to grow in the Asphodel Meadows in the Underworld. You can also source wonderful Medusa art and statues on Etsy and put those in a dedicated spot. Many of the women only knew her as a monster and not what she looked like before. Leucothoe was the daughter of Orchamus, King of Persia, and the lover of Helios, the personification of the sun. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? Cherry quartz (a redder version of rose quartz) and clear At Her shrine, at Night, I will light a black candle and incense, having as little light as needed to perform the spell. 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 three-headed dog of Hades, Cerberus (or Kerberos), was the fearsome guardian of the Underworld. This can be a really direct sign that Medusa wants to be in your life. Several authors working on a book interviewed hundreds of women to find out what they knew about the myth. 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. And this is usually Medusas mission: to teach you how to protect yourself, your energy, and your soul. 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. Barley was an essential crop to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Your email address will not be published. Oftentimes when we see this version of the myth recounted Minerva is replaced with Athena, and Neptune with Poseidon. He was chained to a rock and his liver was repeatedly eaten by an eagle and then healed in an endless cycle. In my mind, Medusa is very real. You are recovering from domestic violence. She is not only immortalized in stories but also in history. Her snakes are usually just considered snakes to make Her hideous and their purpose is neglected, but the snakes themselves have power. According to author Jane Ellen Harrison, Medusas power came from her head and anyone who carried it gained that power. However, its important to note thatearlier myths of Medusa (such as that told by Homer) actually have no mention of Athena at all. In this incantation Hekate is evoked as Mother of the Gorgons. The once lovely hair was morphed into poisonous, dangerous snakes. Thats not to say that Medusa exactly encourages victimization. Athena removed a lock of the womans hair and gave it to Hercules. Her profile is engraved on coins of the reign of Seleceus I Nicator of Syria from 312-280 B.C. She is also evoked to bring a spectral guard to protect the witch while conjuring this especially malicious form of Medusa. Though Athena helped Perseus defect the woman, she knew the powers that her former head held. Perseus stayed in Ethiopia where he met Andromeda, daughter of Cassiopeia. I work hard tokeep my creations and packaging cruelty free, responsibly sourced and eco-friendly. The Roman version of her story is the same but changes the location to Minervas temple and her partner to Neptune. All she asks is that you become the best and most powerful version of yourself. 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. The oils that I create are intuitively blended to give you a unique and mystical experience. Medusas Head euphorbia is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. Fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians will find that she pops up in both the original book and the film based on the book. You can connect to Medusa on a deeper level by meditating near the beach or a body of water encircled with calming sounds. WebAlgol, usually considered a star of ill-fortune, is traditionally perceived as representing Medusas eye. She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. 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. Medusa followed the goddess for many years before she met and fell in love with Poseidon. Place the coral, malachite, and bronze around it and add another layer of parsley leaf, rue, then the dirt. 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. When the king turned to the Gods, they agreed to help as they worried about what the creature could do. 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. 20 Important Plants and Flowers in Greek Mythology, Important Plants and Flowers in Greek Myth, 11 Important Types of Nymph in Greek Mythology, 25 Facts About Isis from Egyptian Mythology. Accept these sweet offerings as I sing praises in Your name! 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Her vessel not only stores Her dynamis but it is an active ward for protection. According to legend Athena gave Asklepios Medusas blood. They point out that she was a beautiful woman who turned into a monster but that all anyone remembers is that she is a monster. This leads us to our final point: Perseus wasnt supposed to survive his encounter with Medusa. 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. 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. The next thing I want to cover is Medusas vessel. Joseph Campbell was one historian who believed this theory. Curl Your blackened lips and bear Your venomous fangs! To begin, it is important to understand each of Medusas symbola has very specific power because it isnt just Her gaze that I utilize in my cult practice. Medusa is all about channeling your inner strength and being the unabashed outcast. I highly recommend inviting Medusa into your practice if you find yourself in need of some of the strongest protective energies the Inferno has to offer. When Percy travels to a garden to find the Pearl of Persephone with his friends, they stumble across statues and realize they were humans she turned into stone. Legend says that when invaders attacked the city, Sterope used the hair to bring forth a storm that sent them running away in fear. Long before Medusa faced off with Perseus, there was Poseidon. Legend says that Medusa was one of three children born to Phorcys. Herodotus the historian said her home was Libya. Hail Immortal Medusa! Eris offered it to the fairest goddess, and Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera all tried to claim the golden apple. Hesiod used her in Theogony. If you happen to find yourself on the wrong side of someone in Medusas favor, then youll want to make sure youre well-protected for the vengeance that is to come. There are several stories regarding Medusa. 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. Beth Seeling took a different approach to the Greek legend. 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. Youve been encountering statues and paintings of Medusa in your daily travels or receiving them as gifts. For me, this is a way of reclaiming the Gods as a valid religious cult, not just antique figures reduced to myths and stories. Elizabeth Johnston released an essay in 2016 where she talked about how men used the legend as a way to disparage Hillary Clinton as she ran for President. She was made into marble and bronze sculptures. I am pleased with You and wish You well. Grapeseed extract. The head of Medusa is often described as being covered with snakes instead of hair. Spiritual practice is never an acceptable alternative for taking proper care of your health.). If this isnt your preferred medium, then creating any sort of art for Medusa is perfectly fine. No matter the point-of-view you believe of these tales, there is one common theme: Medusa befalls tragedies that no woman or man should have to suffer. To sneak the fire past the watching eyes of the gods, he hid it inside of a fennel stalk. Maybe you feel somewhat controlled by others or even just stuck in a role that you no longer want. It also respects the deep reverence I have for Them. From c. 200 B.C. Usually, when she reaches out, shes looking to work with you in particular based on your past traumatic experiences. This version claims that Athena became spiteful and used her powers to turn the woman into a monster that no man would ever want. 3. Perseus then headed to Ethiopia to rest and set her head down on the ground. Adonis had been killed by a ravaging boar, and while Aphrodite wept over his body, his blood on the grass transformed into the fl In the British writer Iris Murdochs novel A Severed Head (1961), the heroine is a Medusa figure. Youve been encountering statues and paintings of Medusa in your 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. The legend of Medusa is well-known in Hellenic lore. This will purify and cleanse the image so Medusa comes to you appeased, reminded of Her love of Poseidon. Strike vengeance together with her strength. 1. However, the number mentioned here are some of our favorite and most interesting plant-based origin stories! What are some things or symbols that can be associated with reading? All of a sudden a strong urge for Her Protection. Connect with Medusas element, water, by performing a ritual bath or something of the like. 4. Her apotropaic and protective abilities are rooted in Her frightfulness, and Her power to kill with venom or petrification. It can be difficult to determine if she is the entity reaching out to you, but there are a few specific tells. Medusa is all about finding your own inner power and using it, so this reading has always made sense to me. 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! Poseidons gift was a saltwater spring raised miraculously from the ground. Harrison believed that there was some evidence that Medusa was simply one woman and that the stories of her sisters came later. She has really strong energy with the pendulum so youlldefinitely know when shes around. She becomes Gorgo, one of the three Gorgon sisters. Perhaps the most well-known Medusa myth involves Perseus and Medusas death. 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