In ancient Greece, women were usually accused of provoking men with their image or their personality and are usually blamed when anything happens to them. The word means "protect, rule over" with Medusa meaning "guardian" or "protectress." Perseverance Some will get tattoos of Medusa's severed head, or Perseus holding it, as a representation of perseverance. It bears worth mentioning that Im very new to Hellenism, so Im a little confused as to how this all works. Other sacred animals to Poseidon were the . Some stories say that there was one more unnamed Gorgon who was older than the others. Medusa is seen as a powerful symbol of female intelligence and wisdom, related to the goddess Metis . Romans were part of the Greek world, and yes a Gorgon head was an apotropaic symbol in the broader Greek world too. 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. Medusa is a symbol of female power and a popular tattoo design that celebrates the womanhood of women. 21. If the sexualization of the female head causes subjectivity of the woman, then I argue that Freuds analysis (i.e. Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus. The consequence led to a lifetime of living beneath her powers. As a result, she symbolizes both death and rebirth. 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 rebooted TV series Charmed just did an episode touching on this, and it was really powerful because of all the work done to reclaim the character by pop culture. However even in the face of tragedy and disgrace, the Medusa was portrayed as meaningful. In her book Put A Bag Over Her Head: Beheading Mythological Women, Wendy Doniger posits that if men fear castration of the penis, then women fear decapitation of the head; therefore the penis and the head become the locus of power within the man and woman respectively. She has the divine ability to keep your mind sane as a female. Horus was the son of the goddess Isis. She represented the beauty of the female gender and advocated for it. The reason for medusas plight was her unfaithfulness to the vow she made. Originally from Oklahoma, she has been covering visual culture and overlooked history for print . A 450440 BCE red figure pelike container is among the earliest depictions of Medusa as an innocent maiden, with Perseus creeping up on the sleeping Gorgon. The tattoo design is empowering for women and can also be seductive. Even though the curse took away her beauty, she remains an emblem of feminine confidence. Venus was born from seafoam. The story has always been heavily discussed by classics scholars because of the very gendered image of Perseus cutting Medusas head off and the castration anxiety that became very popular around any type of chopping in psychoanalysis, especially after Sigmund Freuds Das Medusenhaupt (Medusas Head) was published in 1940 after his death. Black And Gray Tattoos. Princess (she/her-bisexual) is a Brooklyn born Megan Fox truther, who loves Sailor Moon, mythology, and diversity within sci-fi/fantasy. 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). Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. Dot-work Medusa tattoos might symbolize the connection to the religious part of Athena's story. Instead of being seen as a monster, she is now depicted as a feminine Fatale. Evil Eye. It might come as a surprise but the name Medusa actually means to protect and this actually reflects in the mythology. The evil eye is similar to the Egyptian wedjat, also known as the udjat eye or the Eye of Horus , which is a symbol of protection and good health. She was cold, calculated, and terrifying. these associations, Medusa is a purely sexual symbol that pertains to the sexual anxieties of women. In ancient Egyptian society, the Eye of Horus (Wadjet) was widely used as a symbol of protection, restoration, and royal power. In recent years, Medusa has been reformed into a tragic figure who was slut-shamed and victim blamed, simply because punishing a male god (Neptune/Poseidon) would have been considered unthinkable. The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. Overall, yes it is okay, and I think I wish to work with her, too. Angered by this, Athena placed a curse on her by turning her hair into snakes and making her gaze dangerous. She helps females to attain their primes and become who they choose to be. Read the best quotes from Greek mythology about Medusa. 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 evil eye bracelet is great for protecting people from evil stares. American Traditional Medusa Tattoos The reason for this is that the origin of philosophy and science is traceable to her. Therefore, seeing her should remind us of the power of faithfulness. I write about my spiritual experiences to help all those who go through the same. 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 goddess's shield has a gorgon head in the center. 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. She has been used as an image of great learning and wisdom for years. She is also seen as a protective figure, and her head is often used as a symbol of strength and power. Medusa is often seen as a strong and powerful woman, who has the ability to destroy her enemies. 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. While not the best source, Wikipedia seems to support your claim - it has images of her head used in gorgoneions. . 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. She was no longer depicted as a monster like it was written in the stories about her. Protection symbols are the specific signs that people use to safeguard against evil and negative energies, especially to have a strong spiritual and ritual impression in mind. The lotus flower is largely symbolic and has implied different concepts through history, such as purity, detachment, enlightenment, and spirituality. Athena is one of Poseidons sworn enemies, and through raping her sister, he is able to take power from her. To ensure your safety from spiritual attacks, try to keep a medusa symbol in front of your home. And rightly so. Among them, the most prominent was the horse, a symbol of valor and beauty since he himself fathered many horses, the best-known being the winged horse Pegasus by the Gorgon Medusa. Just like movies like clash of the titans, she is a powerful spiritual entity that exists in ancient greek mythology. Pastimes include playing with words, using my passport, and eating croissants. She is the opposite of what Michael Foucault called, docile bodies. A concept in which women are expected to conform and submit to the enforced codes and structures of a patriarchal society. A new intersectional publication, geared towards voices, values, and identities! Despite her origin story being one of purity and renowned beauty, Medusa has come to connote only malevolence and her role as a gorgon, or mythical monster. Medusa can be a symbol of female strength and safety for women. She is telling you that you will never have to suffer what she endured. She is both feminine and monstrous. What does Medusa Represent? It is also thought that the symbol brings its owner luck, happiness, good . The phallocentric understanding of Medusa that attempts to claim her as an erotic object denies her of her full power of speech, thought, and importance. So basically, Im wondering which is the most accurate? Medusa in Jewelry. Therefore, the words you speak have consequences. 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. Seventeen contemporary artists of the African Diaspora explore how movement and migration shape their artistic practices and lives. 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. This helps you to be more tender and caring towards other people. This gorgeous black and gray tattoo is of Athena, the Greek Goddess. The image of her severed head remains a powerful protective amulet. She was very lovely once, the hope of many An envious suitor, and of all her beauties Her hair most beautifulat least I heard so From one who claimed he had seen her. Another reminder that Minerva/Athena is not your feminist queen. Still no matter her form or decapitation her gaze is never averted, looking directly at the viewer as an assertion of her horrifying power that cannot be completely subverted by beauty. Team Zutara forever. 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. 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. 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. She was the child of Ceto and Phorcys. They were described as being winged With snakes for hair and having a hatred of mortal man.. Her energy can be channeled for spiritual activities like spells, rituals, and prayers. . She is astute in the ways of protection and lends her guardianship to those who need her most. Medusa has become an ubiquitous symbol of female empowerment and for good reason. link to 13 Frequently Asked Questions About Medusa. Medusas snakes were said to represent the cycle of life, rebirth, and death. Seems a little ironic that a monster like Medusa would be used as a way to keep family protected against the evils of the world. It has the divine power to protect you from harm. She and Mars are Cupid's parents. Early accounts placed the Gorgons in a faraway place on the edge of night. It was believed this would protect them on the journey into the next life. Well Medusa's dead, she was the only mortal gorgons. ), 7 Eye of Horus Spiritual Meanings: The Egyptian Third Eye. The inclusion of Medusa in the center implies the protection of the goddess Athena, who wore the Gorgon's likeness on her aegis, as said above. Statues of Medusa were used to guard Pagan Greek temples. The 42nd edition of the fair showcases contemporary, modern, and 19th century images from 44 photography galleries. However, what people dont know is that medusas bracelet carries the same power. To become confident in your feminine gender, you should try keeping medusas image with you. Her petrifying gaze turns men into stone but only towards those who look at her hideous appearance. If it's something you want, I don't see a problem with it. You should be fine if you worry about attracting her attention. She wants you to deliberately watch the things you say. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Medusa symbol might have a vary For women in ancient times, this motif had a specific function and was of great importance. What does this mean? 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. image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. 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. According to some myths, this was the real head of Medusa. Even after the curse was initiated, medusa still carries that energy for wisdom and deep understanding. The labrys was formerly a symbol of Greek fascism. Cixous disagrees with this analysis. Different regions and cultures . visittuscany.com It wasnt until the Roman poet Ovid made her a more complex character than her original myth wrote her out to be. Following the moment her head was removed, a Pegasus flew out of her body, representing the birth of beauty. 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. She represented the sexuality of men and the ancient Greeks views towards women. Save. Athena brandished Medusa's head on her shield similarly to why Ancient Greek soldiers brandished Phobos's face on their shields: to insight fear. 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. The symbol of her snakes is closely related to life itself as well as the cycle of rebirth. She works with birth, death, and rebirth. It looks particularly sexy on the back or thigh area, where the tattoo will draw attention to feminine body parts. Athena did not only curse Medusa but also her sisters. The curse was meant to punish medusa, but it eventually became leverage for other spiritual things. She went against her vow and married him. Medusa Greek Mythology Quotes. She is an advocate of the exaltation of femininity. What does it mean when Animals Come to You? You can keep medusas image with you to remind you of the danger of unfaithfulness. People with great academic achievements are believed to be possessed with medusa. Only to be stalked and haunted constantly by status-seeking men, and inevitably, murdered by Perseus. This is why she has been made into many ceramics, golden, bronze, and silver sculptures unlike other goddesses. (1) The history behind the association is unclear. 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. All three are originally described as having tusks, wings, and the infamously iconic snake hair. wildfirepunch / Instagram. No doubt to be the most commonly linked symbol of Medusa, the snake is a symbol of the Gorgon that represented many things. Sculptors and painters would use the Medusa head as an apotropaic symbol to ward. She is currently studying CLEG and her pronouns are she/her/hers. 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. They represent female power Medusa tattoos are a great way to express your feminine power and independence. The mythological symbol of the head of the Medusa can be traced back to this devaluation and loathing, that is, the impression made . It also tells you to be confident in your physical looks. One of the most complex drawings is medusa. Medusa can be given to you as a sign and message. Although Athena had the power to prevent this, she chooses not to. Can Brain Science Explain Why We Like Certain Artworks? Two solo photography exhibitions at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, expose the obscured, silenced, and unacknowledged histories of the slave trade. This will also encourage you to always keep to your words. The snake-like strands of hair also represent the cunning ability of snakes, which gives additional wisdom. Ancient Egyptians used the Eye of Horus to provide protection. Medusa's head as a symbol of horror was classically worn upon her dress by the virgin goddess Athena. From a feminist perspective, Medusas story seems a cautionary tale of the symbolic decapitation of women and a loss of ones power. It was said that she protected those who were at war and during the hunt. If we go back to Greek antiquity, Medusa was a mighty force endowed with the power to both kill and redeem. 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. 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. The earliest portrayals of Medusa show a grotesque part human, part animal creature with wings and boar-like tusks. As such she posed a great threat to the power of the Greek male-dominated sky gods. Silencing Powerful Women - The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments. The labrys also appears in African religious symbolism and mythology (see Shango). In 1950 his uncompleted essay, Medusas Head, was posthumously published. It means that she is a goddess that inspires people to be creative which brought forth the science of art. In 1976, Hlne Cixous, a noteworthy French feminist theorist, wrote an essay called The Laugh of the Medusa, in which she unpacks this myth. Of course, one must never mention psychoanalysis and phallic imagery without then mentioning Sigmund Freud, who, during the 20th century, wrote prolifically about the intersection of sexuality and psychology. All of Medusa's siblings were monsters by birth and, even though she was not, she had the misfortune of being turned . As an ancient protection symbol, the Medusa in this way also symbolizes aspects of the mother goddess, especially as a child of Gaia, the creator. 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. We dont have many of her temples around today, but she was once worshipped as a goddess in the past. 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). Medusa, in effect, became the archetypal femme fatale: a conflation of femininity, erotic desire, violence, and death, writesKiki Karoglou, associate curator in the Mets Department of Greek and Roman Art and organizer of Dangerous Beauty, in an issue of theMets quarterly Bulletinon the show. You might have asked questions about the reason behind medusas plight. You can either pray to her or keep her image with you. Including floral details in the tattoo gives it a softer, more feminine finish. Medusa was a beautiful woman who was raped, killed and beheaded by various gods. 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. This seems odd as she was originally a very beautiful mortal. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. This reminded me of how her story, despite it being one where she gets decapitated, has been reclaimed as of late by feminist scholars. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. Thereby, to castrate a man is to severe his most vital organ; and to decapitate a woman is to take her most vital source of power. Pharaohs would often be entombed wearing Wadjet amulets, and it was intended to protect them in the afterlife and ward off evil forces. If you purchase something through our links, The Mary Sue may earn an affiliate commission., Have a tip we should know? On a chariot-pole finial from 1st-2nd century Rome, Medusa is almost angelic with her flowing hair (and a pair of snakes peeking through her tresses), yet her penetrating eyes of inlaid silver recall her petrifying gaze. In addition to this, seeing the image of medusa speaks of the intellectual ability of an artist to draw her perfectly. Medusa was r*ped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and Athena was wrong for punishing her. Dangerous Beauty boldly mingles objects from across centuries in the compact exhibition. 9 Meanings, 9 Vertigo Spiritual Meanings: Random Dizziness. Medusa remains the. This began with the greeks and later flowed down to every other culture. Athena holds her head and Hades her soul. Emailus. 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. Stepping on a Crack Superstition and Meaning: Its a Bad Omen? However, the spiritual world can communicate different messages to you. Unfortunately, the Goddess Athena didnt see it that way and punished her because she couldnt punish the God for his defilement. One day Neptune Found her and raped her, in Minervas temple, And the goddess turned away, and hid her eyes Behind her shield, and, punishing the outrage As it deserved, she changed her hair to serpents, And even now, to frighten evil doers, She carries on her breastplate metal vipers To serve as awful warning of her vengeance.. Phoenix Tattoos. When she's not reading at one of D.C's many coffeeshops she can also be found taking pictures of the different monuments. She has the power to make you spiritually active and sensitive again. 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. During my free time, I love reading and researching history. I was thinking of getting one for my home then I made a painted wood thing invoking Heracles for protection as mentioned in Greek Religion. 22. It is said that medusa was known for her innate wisdom, and many earlier scientists drew their great intellects and discoveries from her. I bought a Medusa pendant the minute Covid struck my area last March and have been wearing it since. Therefore, if you notice a dwindle in your spiritual consciousness, seek help from medusa. Medusa was protective of her chastity and rejected Poseidons advances when the God tried to seduce her. If she had not sworn an oath of celibacy, She might not suffer the grave consequences that befell her after Poseidon slept with her. 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. What does Medusa Symbolize? The phoenix is an important symbol of life, death, and rebirth and is a popular image to get tattooed because of its incredible meaning. On funerary urns or armor, she was a talisman of protection, those eyes symbolically warding off evil. Additionally, the snakes in her hair can symbolize wisdom, healing, and . Some people tend to connect Medusas story with self-reflection and link Medusa to the darkest parts of ones soul. The eye of Horus is an ancient symbol embued with magickal power and meaning. 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. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. 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". The jazz drummers polymathic experimentation also spanned visual art, botany, and even an improvisational martial art he invented called Yara. Many people have heard about Medusa and her tragic tale but not much is known about the Gorgon herself. On view in NYC. Venus had many lovers both mortal and immortal. In Medusas story, the Gorgon was born a beautiful mortal among her hideous immortal siblings which people saw as a blessing for her. Beyond the stories we have heard about this goddess, there are things to learn from her, which can be applied to our daily living. Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art continues through January 6, 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan). Therefore, to enhance your intellectual power, try keeping an image of medusa around you. Dark tones enhance her hideous features and present the visage of Medusa as a frightening monster. He poses the idea that to decapitate = to castrate. Through this framework, Freud posits that the female head is akin to her genitalia keeping in mind that Medusa did in fact give birth to her child from her severed neck. I Need To Know What 'Very Bland' Opinion Got J.K. Rowling Kicked Out of a Harry Potter Forum, Disney Found a Way To Make Us Care About Peter Pan Again, 'The Mandalorian' Makes It Pretty Clear Where Gina Carano's Cara Dune Went, 'Quantumania' Writer Shares Painful Thoughts on All the Negative Reviews, 14 Dead By Daylight Characters We Want to See in the Dead by Daylight Movie, The Mary Sue Book Club, March 2023: Powerful Magic, Sensational Secrets, & Public Policy, Was Ellie Gay in The Last of Us Game? 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.
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