In 1950 his uncompleted essay, Medusas Head, was posthumously published. One of the versions of Medusa has 3 different interpretations. women in power (or fighting for power) have been compared to Medusa, from Marie Antoinette to the suffragettes. Overall, yes it is okay, and I think I wish to work with her, too. Your email address will not be published. In addition to this, the medusa can help people regain their spiritual fervor and sensitivity. Ancient Egyptians used the Eye of Horus to provide protection. 1. It might come as a surprise but the name Medusa actually means to protect and this actually reflects in the mythology. She is an advocate of the exaltation of femininity. Athena is one of Poseidons sworn enemies, and through raping her sister, he is able to take power from her. [5] Protection [ edit] Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus. She was likened to the modern evil eye and people believed that they needed an image of evil to ward off other evils that could affect them. Snakes shed their skin regularly, which symbolizes the death of their previous self and grow into their new skins during their rebirth. 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: . Oftentimes, this message comes with the message of wisdom and spiritual understanding because they are intertwined. Another reminder that Minerva/Athena is not your feminist queen. Medusa is often seen as a strong and powerful woman, who has the ability to destroy her enemies. Her image was used in Byzantine Greece to protect pregnant women and newborns. The closest alternative to the evil eye bracelet is the medusas bracelet. 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. Medusa is known as the god of philosophy, beauty, and art. Indian artist Diptej Vernekar attached puppets of Hindu avatars to exercise equipment that anyone could activate and engage with. 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. They were described as being "winged With snakes for hair" and having a . 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. In 1976, Hlne Cixous, a noteworthy French feminist theorist, wrote an essay called The Laugh of the Medusa, in which she unpacks this myth. Athena holds her head and Hades her soul. Medusa's head as a symbol of horror was classically worn upon her dress by the virgin goddess Athena. She and Mars are Cupid's parents. If you also desire wisdom and deep understanding, keep a medusa bracelet with you and mediate on it constantly. 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. Upon witnessing this act the goddess Minerva turned Medusa into the snake hair monster with the cold-stone stare that we all know her as. This was to ensure that no man will ever be able to look at her anymore. 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.. Including floral details in the tattoo gives it a softer, more feminine finish. This was what attracted Poseidon to her. What medusa suffered is enough to make her insignificant in the world of spirituality. Fortunately, the times have changed and people have started to realize the flaw in their reasoning. The god of the sea and of earthquakes, Poseidon had also some animals sacred to him. 42. Well Medusa's dead, she was the only mortal gorgons. She swore an oath of commitment but did not stay true to it. Dot-work Medusa tattoos might symbolize the connection to the religious part of Athena's story. January 28, 2022; asus rog zephyrus s gx531 ram upgrade; was medusa a symbol of protection for women However, she found a way to remain relevant. Different regions and cultures . the hair as a phallic symbol) is also a sexualization of the female head. However, Poseidon fell in love with her and slept with her. Medusa slept with Poseidon in Athena's temple knowing the consequences, but did it anyways therefore Athena was right about punishing her. One such symbolisation is the famous Perseus myth. From her severed neck, her child Pegasus is born. This should be a lesson to learn. Before she was cursed for sleeping the Poseidon, medusa was a beautiful goddess and queen. Because of the origin of medusa, she is an emblem of deep spirituality. Phoenix Tattoos. Our image of Medusa is one of pure evil, but in reality, she is raped and impregnated by her rapist. At this point, Medusas head became a desired trophy for many warriors who wanted to brave her fierce monster-like powers. She represented the sexuality of men and the ancient Greeks views towards women. Medusa remains of temporal importance because she is the symbol of what female power looks like in the face of threatened male authority. Just like movies like clash of the titans, she is a powerful spiritual entity that exists in ancient greek mythology. Freuds analysis of the Medusa myth is that she was decapitated because she represents castration anxiety through phallic symbolism. For this Athena punished her hideously. No doubt to be the most commonly linked symbol of Medusa, the snake is a symbol of the Gorgon that represented many things. ), 7 Eye of Horus Spiritual Meanings: The Egyptian Third Eye. The Gorgon, Medusa, was said to have been raped by the God of the Sea, Poseidon, but were there any children that were a product of this animosity? 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. (image: Public Domain/Medusa by Caravaggio). The reason for medusas plight was her unfaithfulness to the vow she made. The symbol offers protection from harm caused by the evil eye. The answer you seek might just be around the corner. Historically, the figure of Medusa has been used to ward off evil. If it's something you want, I don't see a problem with it. Furthermore, she is a goddess that helps young ladies to overcome a lack of confidence. She was a beautiful goddess and was desired by many. Following the moment her head was removed, a Pegasus flew out of her body, representing the birth of beauty. Medusas beheading is the ultimate offense because it involves a complete dismemberment, a permanence within the male gaze, and a double darkness. According to Hlne Cixous article The Laugh of Medusa, she claims that. She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. The clinical material cited in the above papers refers to male patients, except one case cited by Flugel. 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. The ability to be confident and proud of your gender stems from medusa. This is exactly why the story of Medusa continues to captivate us because she is a character that demands to be reimagined, she pushes back against the story that places Perseus at its center, who claims him to be blameless and heroic. Answer (1 of 6): The functional identity of human vital functions with the functions of the primitive organial forms of movement reaches much more behind and beyond the jellyfish known as Medousa [1] [2] These two photographs clearly show that the ancient Greek mythologists probably knew ana. Medusa as a symbol for women's empowerment. Whether you see her as a monster or more of that, the fact is that Medusa slithering her way into being more than meets the eye. When it comes to relationships, medusa is a lesson to learn. During the late 20th century, feminists began to reassess the myth of Medusa. Zeus represented power, Hades represented fairness in death, but what did a mortal who turned into a monster, like Medusa, represent? She was cold, calculated, and terrifying. She is then cast out and cursed by her own sister. Medusa was r*ped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and Athena was wrong for punishing her. Due to the apotropaic (protective) function of her image, the hydra Medusa motif has been widespread since the Hellenistic period. Her snakes have also made her one of the most popular characters from Greek mythology, with her modern depictions being widely used in modern media. The earliest portrayals of Medusa show a grotesque part human, part animal creature with wings and boar-like tusks. 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. Early Greek and English authors also said that Athena was the help Perseus had to behead Medusa. 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. It wasnt until the Roman poet Ovid made her a more complex character than her original myth wrote her out to be. 9 Meanings, 9 Vertigo Spiritual Meanings: Random Dizziness. Just like any other figure in Greek mythology, Medusa had her own symbols that represented things in the culture of Greece. So basically, Im wondering which is the most accurate? In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon - a creature with snakes for hair and the ability to turn anyone who looked at her into stone. Doniger claims that beheading equals the release or termination of sexuality, male or female. Doniger submits that through the sexualization of the female head, (i.e. Jeenah Moon for The New York Times. 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). She wants you to deliberately watch the things you say. The ability to understand science and ancient myths is also given by the goddess medusa. "When Medusa looks in the mirror, she sees the Lady of Sorrows." - Mason Cooley. She was also a powerful representation of facing ones inner demons and how self-reflection can make you into a better person. Crypto This experimental and multidisciplinary solo exhibition in New York City exploring the sweetness of doing nothing closes on March 12. Her existence reflected on the behavior of men during ancient times in Greece and shows how much have we advanced since then. The labrys symbolism is found in Minoan, Thracian, Greek, and Byzantine religion, mythology, and art, dating from the Middle Bronze Age onwards. 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. I know it has a name but I can't think of it. To ensure that you are protected from evil, try wearing medusa as a pendant or amulet. The myths and stories about medusa are true. Her beauty and wisdom were her confidence and she was respected in the greek world of gods. Business, Economics, and Finance. It also speaks of the power to generate new ideas for accomplishing a given task. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. AirplaneMode - BONES. If women venture to claim control over their heads, then they become a threat to the phallic, male-dominated structure. On funerary urns or armor, she was a talisman of protection, those eyes symbolically warding off evil. Two solo photography exhibitions at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, expose the obscured, silenced, and unacknowledged histories of the slave trade. pic.twitter.com/u61VAuxhJ8. 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. You will see this in movies like clash of the titans. In the original tale, Poseidon . Unfortunately, the Goddess Athena didnt see it that way and punished her because she couldnt punish the God for his defilement. Hyperallergic is a forum for serious, playful, and radical thinking about art in the world today. One of the powers of medusa is protection. a protection against . The tragedy of Medusa reflected how ancient Greece viewed women and their attitude towards them. and rebirth and can be inked as a symbol of protection, warding off evil and keeping the wearer safe from harm. The goddess's shield has a gorgon head in the center. My name is Marlin Davis and I am passionate about history of all sorts. Still lives in Brooklyn with her over 500 Pokmon that she has Eevee trained into a mighty army. Emailus. 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. Medusa was one of three daughters born with extraordinary beauty and stunning hair. Finally, shes a triple goddess. Originally born in Weirton West Virginia she spent most of her life in Pittsburgh PA. This reminded me of how her story, despite it being one where she gets decapitated, has been reclaimed as of late by feminist scholars. Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. You can keep medusas image with you to remind you of the danger of unfaithfulness. The Medusa head became a symbol of protection because it wards off invaders and turns anyone who gets top close into stone. She was also a ward of sorts for the Greeks to protect themselves against the negativity in life. To this moment, her beautiful face remains even with the snake on her head. She helps females to attain their primes and become who they choose to be. All content found on Angelical Balance is for informational purposes only.Made with lots of love, hard work, and energy! [emailprotected]. How Long Will Joe Goldbergs Rampage Be Left Unchecked? The Gorgon's head (or the head of Medusa) is a symbol of terror, death and divine magical power, in Greek mythology. She was a monster in her story but her symbols were often used for the good of mankind however ironic it is to hear. She went against her vow and married him. That's why it's considered protective. Medusas snakes were said to represent the cycle of life, rebirth, and death. Have a tip or story idea? Her Campus may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. What does the Palm Tree Symbolize? If she had not sworn an oath of celibacy, She might not suffer the grave consequences that befell her after Poseidon slept with her. Through these renditions of her visage, Medusa is painted into a half-human, half-animal monster. The consequence led to a lifetime of living beneath her powers. The Greeks believed most snakes to be poisonous as well which represents the end of a life cycle. Flower tattoos are associated with beauty . 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. The beginning of the cycle represents an opportunity to bring in new life while the later parts represent the end of life. Medusa represents feminine power. 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. Shoulder Medusa Tattoo Fabio Mauro Symbol Sage points out, "The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments." Further to this ability to turn people into stone, depictions of Medusa were used as a type of protection against evil. Other sacred animals to Poseidon were the . Up to that point that was Medusa was known for a monster that had the ability to turn her victims into stone. Press J to jump to the feed. Team Zutara forever. The 42nd edition of the fair showcases contemporary, modern, and 19th century images from 44 photography galleries. Through the snake-like strands of medusas hair, the universe is warning you against the deception of your friends. She also aided Perseus in later killing Medusa once and for all. 20. 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.. Men are trash even in ancient greece, we been knew. The eye of Horus is an ancient symbol embued with magickal power and meaning. Therefore, to enhance your intellectual power, try keeping an image of medusa around you. Even after the curse was initiated, medusa still carries that energy for wisdom and deep understanding. From ancient greek mythology, medusa is a goddess of art. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. Medusa, the most famous of the Gorgon sisters, represented an array of things to the Greeks. Venus had many lovers both mortal and immortal. However, the spiritual world can communicate different messages to you. She may also be accessed as a living goddess by those seeking menstrual, serpentine mysteries. Some believed that Medusa was the Libyan Goddess, Neith, who was the Goddess of Hunting and War. In Medusas story, the Gorgon was born a beautiful mortal among her hideous immortal siblings which people saw as a blessing for her. Meaning of Medusa Tattoo: When medusa was cursed, no god was there to help her or fight her battles. 11 Spiritual Meanings, Medusa Spiritual Meaning: 11 Spiritual Messages, 10) Everything is turning out to your good. In myth Medusa was the granddaughter of the earth (Gaia) and the ocean (Oceanus), a beautiful mortal Gorgon maiden sworn to celibacy to fulfill her duties as an attendant to Athena. In ancient history, females pray to her for confidence and strength especially in a world where men treat females as weak and helpless. We dont have many of her temples around today, but she was once worshipped as a goddess in the past. As Elizabeth Johnston claims in her 2016 Atlantic essay, Medusa may be the original Nasty Woman. In 2020, it might be easy to chastise the women in the 90s who called Medusa the most horrific woman, but perhaps we would be better suited to remind ourselves just how recently things have begun to change. The present ptient is a female. 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". From Freuds telling, the entire story takes place through the perspective of the man in the story, reducing Medusa to something sub-human. Gorgon Medusa. It means that we all can stay relevant even if all odds are against us. For women in ancient times, this motif had a specific function and was of great importance. Silencing Powerful Women - The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments. Medusa in Jewelry. Whenever you see an image of medusa, or dream of her, it encourages you to embrace the feminine side of yourself. She is telling you that you will never have to suffer what she endured. Medusa can be a symbol of female strength and safety for women. In a more modern sense, her image can be used as a warning to keep others at a distance. I almost got a Medusa pendent myself but I just never ended up getting one. This is why she has been made into many ceramics, golden, bronze, and silver sculptures unlike other goddesses. In order to punish her, Athena curses Medusa by replacing her beautiful hair with a head of venomous snakes and making it so anyone who looks into her eyes will be turned to stone. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Because I want to look into pendants that I can wear as protective talismans, and I think a Medusa one would be a good fit, but Im worried about drawing the attention of a vengeful monster. After Perseus removed Medusa's head, some stories claim that he gifted it to Athena. I know for a fact Romans wore this as an apotropaic symbol, to avert evil (sorry not as knowledgable about Greek practices yet) . The snake-like strands of hair also represent the cunning ability of snakes, which gives additional wisdom. That the only reason that Medusa is the way that she is is because of a curse that was placed on her. . If you purchase something through our links, The Mary Sue may earn an affiliate commission., Have a tip we should know? Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Medusas story is that she was pregnant with Poseidons child when she was killed. In fact, her name means Queen, and her sisters have similar positive names, whereas Perseus means to destroy and if that doesnt mean something, I dont know what does. According to ancient history, it is recorded that medusa was one of the prettiest goddesses in the universe. . It was said that she protected those who were at war and during the hunt. 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. She is an advocate of the exaltation of femininity. In fact, the name Medusa is derived from the Greek verb that means "to guard" or "to protect." And at the end of the story, Athena takes Medusa's severed head and uses it as her own protection in future battle (a symbol for these dual aspects of a woman becoming integrated.) 9 Spiritual Meanings, 11 Ankh Spiritual Meanings: Egyptian Cross Symbol, Triangle Spiritual Meaning: 11 Symbolisms (Its Good or Bad? The man was caught carrying Juanita in a food delivery backpack. In a new study, researchers propose that the mind creates an opinion of an artwork after dissecting it into discrete elements. She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. Modern women and pagans realize just how powerful Medusa's story is and what it means to women, trans women, the downtrodden and oppressed today. An. She turned anyone unlucky enough to stare directly at her face into stone. For example, a sun and moon tattoo, which you can view as a coming together of opposites and a representation of two opposing forces. 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 Hamsa is a talisman from the ancient Middle East. Its Medusas fault for being so beautiful. She was also originally a goddess, and I can try to send you all my research on that if you want (though some may be hidden by a paywall, Im not sure). Nowadays Medusas can be seen as a symbol of revenge against the male gaze. Lets go ! 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. Cixous disagrees with this analysis. Medusa is a female character that is present in Greek mythology. 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. (The Etruscans especially used to put her symbol on homes and temples to ward off evil spirits.) 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.