One of the versions of Medusa has 3 different interpretations. Medusa is a female character that is present in Greek mythology. feelings originating in powerful oral impulses, and, for women, a means for resolving in fantasy the resentment arising from the lack of a penis. She helps females to attain their primes and become who they choose to be. The story of Medusa shifted over time along with her visage. Here we discuss Medusa as a goddess, gorgon, and icon AND we teach you 8 ways to work with her fierce energy. In ancient Greek society, which was a male-centered society, the feminization of monsters served to demonize women. Medusa is, in other words, the ultimate femme fatale. As Elizabeth Johnston says in her 2016 piece The Original Nasty Woman on Medusa: In Western culture, strong women have historically been imagined as threats requiring male conquest and control, and Medusa herself has long been the go-to figure for those seeking to demonize female authority.. Open March 31 through April 2. Her luscious hair was her most defining feature and she wasnt shy of flaunting herself to others either. Cixous disagrees with this analysis. Medusa embodies menstruation's protective powers. I remember finding out one day that the name Medusa means protectress, and it makes me wish that someone had been able to protect her. The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling. Medusa slept with Poseidon in Athena's temple knowing the consequences, but did it anyways therefore Athena was right about punishing her. In a new study, researchers propose that the mind creates an opinion of an artwork after dissecting it into discrete elements. Like the evil eye, the Medusa is an apotropaic symbol that protects from evil. This week, a Black Southern quilt collection is donated to a Mississippi museum, the fascinating AI-generated ceramic glazes, a map of Italian Fascist monuments, and can clothing ever truly be recycled? The meaning of Medusa is powerful. It was said that she protected those who were at war and during the hunt. She is assuring you that God will fight your battles, and help you to become victorious over your enemies. While the wild red locks of Edvard Munchs 1902 lithograph The Sin (Woman with Red Hair and Green Eyes), or Dante Gabriel Rossettis Lady Lilith (1867) with the Pre-Raphaelite subject brushing her long hair, are more of a stretch in the narrative, they reinforce the ongoing artistic portrayal of women as dangerous through their looks or power. To ensure your safety from spiritual attacks, try to keep a medusa symbol in front of your home. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. Can Brain Science Explain Why We Like Certain Artworks? Within this context, it seems as if both the male genitalia and female head are their respective centers of power. All of this points to one thing, which is Intellectual power. The name Medusa means 'sovereign female wisdom,' 'guardian / protrectress,' 'the one who knows' or 'the one who rules.' It derives from the same Indo-European root as the Sanskrit Medha and the Greek Metis, meaning 'wisdom' and 'intelligence.' (1) Metis, 'the clever one', is Athena's mother. The answer you seek might just be around the corner. The curse was meant to punish medusa, but it eventually became leverage for other spiritual things. She is revered for this power and grants wisdom to everyone that asks for it. Returning to those startling early images of Medusa, with her bared teeth and frightful snake hair, theres a narrative here on how transforming her into something benignly ornamental was another level of control. Meaning of Medusa Tattoo: After Perseus removed Medusa's head, some stories claim that he gifted it to Athena. Other sacred animals to Poseidon were the . During my free time, I love reading and researching history. It is said that medusa protects people from suffering what she suffered at the hands of Athena. I know for a fact Romans wore this as an apotropaic symbol, to avert evil (sorry not as knowledgable about Greek practices yet) . Best Greek Mythology Tattoos And Their Meanings. She and Mars are Cupid's parents. is derived from a conviction that women lack a penis. Medusa, who is often evil herself in these tellings, is used as a figure to repel other evil forces. Jeenah Moon for The New York Times. It means that we all can stay relevant even if all odds are against us. She was a beautiful goddess and was desired by many. 22. All three are originally described as having tusks, wings, and the infamously iconic snake hair. The god of the sea and of earthquakes, Poseidon had also some animals sacred to him. Still lives in Brooklyn with her over 500 Pokmon that she has Eevee trained into a mighty army. It was said that she protected those who were at war and during the hunt. She is transformed from a seeing subject to merely seen object, a demeaned and faceless body. In her 2017 book Women & Power: A Manifesto, classicist Mary Beard explores how the image of Medusa is used to skewer women in contemporary politics, from Angela Merkel to Hillary Clinton (with Trump as Perseus in a popular manifestation). In Greek mythology, she is one of the Gorgon sisters (derived from the Greek gorgs for dreadful), and Perseus uses a reflective bronze shield to defeat her. Medusa's visage has since been adopted by many women as a symbol of female rage; one of the first publications to express this idea was a feminist journal called Women: . She represented the beauty of the female gender and advocated for it. What medusa suffered is enough to make her insignificant in the world of spirituality. To make this obvious, add a medusa pendant to your necklace. You can keep medusas image with you to remind you of the danger of unfaithfulness. The first depiction of Medusa can be dated back from a poem by Homer as being part of the three gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale. According to some myths, this was the real head of Medusa. She was no longer depicted as a monster like it was written in the stories about her. This is why she has been made into many ceramics, golden, bronze, and silver sculptures unlike other goddesses. Chariot pole finial with the head of Medusa (detail) (Roman, Imperial, 1st2nd century CE), bronze, silver, and copper, height: 7 1/4 inches, width: 7 inches; diameter: 4 1/4 inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Rogers Fund, 1918). As she became more and more attractive, Medusa's allure became a symbol of her power in the world, a might that was often distinctly feminine. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Your email address will not be published. Some stories say that there was one more unnamed Gorgon who was older than the others. The fair fosters a welcoming environment for all those with an appreciation for art, regardless of background or technical know-how. She was also a ward of sorts for the Greeks to protect themselves against the negativity in life. There have been all kinds of well-known feminist attempts over the last fifty years or more to reclaim Medusa for female power (Laugh with Medusa, as the title of one recent collection of essays almost put it) not to mention the use of her as the Versace logo but its made not a blind bit of difference to the way she has been used in attacks on female politicians, writes Beard. Men are trash even in ancient greece, we been knew. Furthermore, she advocates for the respect of the feminine gender. The mythologically beheaded woman is seen (or at least partially seen) does not see; she is blinded and those who have beheaded her are blinded to her real nature. The myths and stories about medusa are true. Venus was born from seafoam. Reading Carol Ann Duffy's The World's Wife has got me thinking about historic women, particularly Medusa. Every situation you go through will turn around for your good. Medusa is both a symbolic and cultural figure for many, as she was cursed by Greek deities and later became a protectress and warden for them as a former worshipper of Athena. The image of her severed head remains a powerful protective amulet. Cal Poly State University - San Luis Obispo, California State University - Los Angeles, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, California State University, Channel Islands, Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Federal University Of Agriculture Abeokuta, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico San German campus, Keiser University - Latin American Campus, London School of Economics and Political Science, California State University of Sacramento, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, University of South Florida - St. Petersburg, William Paterson University of New Jersey. . Including floral details in the tattoo gives it a softer, more feminine finish. Evil Eye. Medusa thread which will be full of debate on this. severed head, capable of transfixion even in death, is carted away to help him defeat the villain of his story. Installation view of Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (photo by the author for Hyperallergic), Terracotta pelike (jar) with Perseus beheading the sleeping Medusa, attributed to Polygnotos (Greek, 450440 BCE), terracotta, height: 18 13/16 inches, diameter: 13 1/2 inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, 1945), Madeleine Glennonin a 2017 essay on Medusa in Ancient Greek Artfor the Met notes thatClassical and Hellenistic images of Medusa are more human, but she retains a sense of the unknown through specific supernatural details such as wings and snakes. In this version of the myth, Medusa is instead a beautiful womxn. Although other greek mythology claimed that she was a priestess and one of the 3 monstrous gorgons, which are known as 3 winged females. She calls women to write and express themselves fully. 9 Spiritual Meanings, 11 Ankh Spiritual Meanings: Egyptian Cross Symbol, Triangle Spiritual Meaning: 11 Symbolisms (Its Good or Bad? The myth of Medusa lies at the nexus of conversations about symbolism, feminity, rage, and the ways women are symbols of generativity, desire, and power. When the God of the Sea, Poseidon, was mesmerized by her beauty and forced himself onto her, she was clearly the victim here. When the artist Luciano Garbati made his sculpture . Before she was cursed for sleeping the Poseidon, medusa was a beautiful goddess and queen. For example, a sun and moon tattoo, which you can view as a coming together of opposites and a representation of two opposing forces. She went against her vow and married him. Freuds analysis of the Medusa myth is that she was decapitated because she represents castration anxiety through phallic symbolism. She was killed by Zeusbefore he fought his father and the Titans for power. This will also encourage you to always keep to your words. More by Allison Meier. What does the Medusa symbolize? Due to the apotropaic (protective) function of her image, the hydra Medusa motif has been widespread since the Hellenistic period. While she may be known for her monstrosity, her beauty remains just as dangerous. Oftentimes, this message comes with the message of wisdom and spiritual understanding because they are intertwined. The goddess's shield has a gorgon head in the center. women in power (or fighting for power) have been compared to Medusa, from Marie Antoinette to the suffragettes. I know you wrote this comment nearly a year ago, but Im actually writing a paper on this (which got me into Hellenism, but thats a whole other thing). An early 1800s plaster cast from the studio of Antonio Canova showspreparation for the marble statue that now presides over the Mets European Sculpture Court. The lotus flower is largely symbolic and has implied different concepts through history, such as purity, detachment, enlightenment, and spirituality. The Gorgon's head (or the head of Medusa) is a symbol of terror, death and divine magical power, in Greek mythology. This was what attracted Poseidon to her. Thank you so much for the response! Her energy can be channeled for spiritual activities like spells, rituals, and prayers. I heard somewhere (that is not a very reliable source I know) that the story of Medusa is actually a story ancient Greek women would look to for empowerment. He then employs her head and its stony glare as a weapon, a tool he subsequently gives to the goddess Athena who wore it on her armor. mustache stubble was replaced by smooth cheeks, and fangs concealed by shapely lips, a male-centered society, the feminization of monsters served to demonize women, represents a conflicting view of femininity, one that is seemingly alluring but with a threatening or sinister underside. However, she found a way to remain relevant. In some cases, Medusa was even considered to be a symbol of fertility. Well Medusa's dead, she was the only mortal gorgons. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Medusa Greek Mythology Quotes. However, the Greek evil eye talisman is believed to specifically protect against a malevolent glare - the "evil eye" - given to an unsuspecting person. Medusa represents feminine power. Become a subscriber and support the site! What does this mean? The clinical material cited in the above papers refers to male patients, except one case cited by Flugel. This helps you to be more tender and caring towards other people. Many people have heard about Medusa and her tragic tale but not much is known about the Gorgon herself. Throughout the essay she encourages women to come closer in relation to her sexuality, to her womanly being, giving her access to her native strength. She goes on to say that in doing so she will get back her goods, her pleasure, her organs, her immense bodily territories. Cixous continues on, saying that for too long women's bodies have been occupied and deemed guilty guilty of everything, guilty at every turn: for having desire, for not having any; for being frigid, for being too hot; for not being both at once, perhaps even from being both woman and angry. The original Hamsa amulet was shaped like a hand with 3 fingers in the middle and the thumb and small finger in a curved shape on either side of the hand. Medusa, who was once thought of as a boastful mortal who deserved to be turned into a monster, is now seen in a more sympathetic view by modern standards. Many in Greek culture also link snakes to a womans menstruation cycle which relates to the cycle of life and death as well. wildfirepunch / Instagram. Furthermore, she is a goddess that helps young ladies to overcome a lack of confidence. The myth of Medusa lies at the nexus of conversations about symbolism, feminity, rage, and the ways women are symbols of generativity, desire, and power. Another reminder that Minerva/Athena is not your feminist queen. Medusa was protective of her chastity and rejected Poseidons advances when the God tried to seduce her. Medusa's name derives from an ancient Greek verb that means "to protect and guard," which may be a nod to Athena's attempt to guard and protect Medusa from further abuse at the hands of Poseidon and other men. It was this sort of power dangerous, beautiful, and connected to women that both ancients and more modern people felt needed curtailing, oftentimes at the end of a sword. It is said that everyone has a masculine and feminine self. Image Courtesy: pixabay.com. Some believed that Medusa was the Libyan Goddess, Neith, who was the Goddess of Hunting and War. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. You might have asked questions about the reason behind medusas plight. Medusa was trending on Twitter in June because of an incredible statue image of Medusa sitting on her throne in all her glory. Only to be stalked and haunted constantly by status-seeking men, and inevitably, murdered by Perseus. Medusa in Jewelry. Answered, One Piece Won a Different Award at the 2023 Crunchyroll Anime Awards Than I Expected, and Im Delighted, Randall Parks Upcoming Film is Everything Ive Ever Wanted. Beyond the curse she sustained, medusa is known for her deep wisdom and understanding of the world. Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. All content found on Angelical Balance is for informational purposes only.Made with lots of love, hard work, and energy! In the 1994 book, Female Rage: Unlocking Its Secrets, Claiming Its Power, the authors claimed that when they asked women what female rage looked like to them, it was always Medusawho came to mindIn one interview after another they were told that Medusa is the most horrific woman in the world. None of the women they interview could remember the details of the myth, and perhaps, had they been able to, they would have had a different perspective. I write about my spiritual experiences to help all those who go through the same. Statues of Medusa were used to guard Pagan Greek temples. It wasnt until the Roman poet Ovid made her a more complex character than her original myth wrote her out to be. 42. If men have Medusa in their dreams, according to Freud and Ferencai, it is the terrifying mother syndrome with a castration In the Artemis temple of Corfu, Medusa is depicted in archaic form as a symbol of fertility with a belt of intertwined snakes on her body. Today it is sometimes used as a symbol of Hellenic Neopaganism. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. Beauty, like monstrosity, enthralls, and female beauty in particular was perceived and, to a certain extent, is still perceived to be both enchanting and dangerous, or even fatal.. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. The closest alternative to the evil eye bracelet is the medusas bracelet. She is telling you that you will never have to suffer what she endured. Today Medusa, with her snake hair and stare that turns people to stone, endures as an allegorical figure of fatal beauty, or a ready image for superimposing the face of a detested woman in power. It is believed that she became a goddess after the curse was pronounced. The masculine part is the rigid, convinced, and hard-hearted aspect of us, while the feminine side is the tender, emotional, loving, and caring part of us. Phoenix Tattoos. These later images may have lost the gaping mouth, sharp teeth, and beard, but they preserve the most striking quality of the Gorgon: the piercing and unflinching outward gaze.. Medusa was r*ped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and Athena was wrong for punishing her. Her story always starts in these objects when her power is possessed, her head severed and turned into a weapon, whether shes a damsel in distress or a monster. She works with birth, death, and rebirth. [5] Protection [ edit] Medusa can be a symbol of female strength and safety for women. Gorgon Medusa. The earliest portrayals of Medusa show a grotesque part human, part animal creature with wings and boar-like tusks. Medusa is known as the god of philosophy, beauty, and art. It was believed this would protect them on the journey into the next life. Her symbols were a shield that frequently appeared above her head in ancient hieroglyphics which was why she was killed with a reflective shield in Greek mythology. Now Medusa is now seen as a feminist icon as her ability to turn men into stone can be seen as a way to empower womxn; as Poet Percy Shelley writes about the snaked hair womxns powers as both being full of grace and terror. Required fields are marked *. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. Because of the origin of medusa, she is an emblem of deep spirituality. Well, let me tell you a secret. 59 Likes, TikTok video from Sasha Melendez (@sashamelendez15): ""Medusa and her story have been reclaimed as a symbol of strength and power, with her image also being used as a mark of protection against evils." #viral #medusa #saawareness #9thgenaccord". It is said that medusa was known for her innate wisdom, and many earlier scientists drew their great intellects and discoveries from her. Dot-work Medusa tattoos might symbolize the connection to the religious part of Athena's story. From the blood that . 7 Spiritual Meanings of Slugs in the House: Is it Good Luck? Love this, I decided half an hour before seeing this post to get or make one myself, as an apotropaic symbol. Nowadays Medusas can be seen as a symbol of revenge against the male gaze. Now, the same generation has turned her into a feminist icon with a story too many can relate to; instead of being a symbol of fear, Medusa has become the symbol of justice for sexual assault victims. Her Campus may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. In it, a nude Perseus proudly presents the dead Gorgons head in one hand, grasping some of the hair that writhes with a few subtle serpents. The labrys was formerly a symbol of Greek fascism. The evil eye bracelet is great for protecting people from evil stares. Additionally, the snakes in her hair can symbolize wisdom, healing, and . Many dont know this because Medusa is a monster but her name actually means to protect. Moreover, the Gorgon was also seen as a symbol of protection to ward off the evils and negativity of life. The gorgons have some interesting lore, well beyond what you see in pop culture. We dont have many of her temples around today, but she was once worshipped as a goddess in the past. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Medusa remains the. (image: Public Domain/Medusa by Caravaggio). Stepping on a Crack Superstition and Meaning: Its a Bad Omen? Just like any other figure in Greek mythology, Medusa had her own symbols that represented things in the culture of Greece. Ancient Greek artists originally portrayed Medusa as an almost comically hideous figure, with a lolling tongue, full beard, and bulging eyes. This image of Medusa began to shift when mustache stubble was replaced by smooth cheeks, and fangs concealed by shapely lips, as Classical artists began to feminize her once again. Pastimes include playing with words, using my passport, and eating croissants. You will see this in movies like clash of the titans. Save. Medusa was one of three daughters born with extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. She has the divine ability to keep your mind sane as a female. You can either pray to her or keep her image with you. Your email address will not be published. This seems odd as she was originally a very beautiful mortal. As weve mentioned, the myth of Medusa can be interpreted in various ways, but I think perhaps the most fascinating analysis is done through a feminist perspective because it unveils just how swift we are to circumvent female rage. the "old women," Pemphredoo, Enyo, and Deino or Perso, who share one tooth and one eye which they pass between them; the Graiai play a role in Medusa's myth. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. Instead of being seen as a monster, she is now depicted as a feminine Fatale. If the sexualization of the female head causes subjectivity of the woman, then I argue that Freuds analysis (i.e. Sculptors and painters would use the Medusa head as an apotropaic symbol to ward. If you ever find yourself in Sicily, you will see the Trinacria being sold in all forms: magnets, key chains, pins, postcards and most stunning of all: ceramic Trinacria plaques that are hand-crafted by local artisans. Medusa was the only one of the three who could ever be killed. When Athena discovers that Posidon has raped Medusa, she chooses to blame her rather than him. Then her severed head, capable of transfixion even in death, is carted away to help him defeat the villain of his story. There is a painful recognition in the fact that Medusas head the center of her knowledge and power is taken from her in order to empower a man and to fight his battles for him.
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