Gorgon Medusa. She is currently studying CLEG and her pronouns are she/her/hers. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. When it comes to relationships, medusa is a lesson to learn. Jeenah Moon for The New York Times. The Gorgon as a symbol of protection TW: Mention of r*pe. That's why it's considered protective. Meaning of Medusa Tattoo: Freud considered that as a result, she became the unapproachable woman who repels all sexual desire by carrying (symbolically) the genitals of the mother. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgoneion. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus. The reason for this is that the origin of philosophy and science is traceable to her. From Freuds telling, the entire story takes place through the perspective of the man in the story, reducing Medusa to something sub-human. According to Freud, it is for this reason that Perseus must decapitate her. Her gaze became an omen of protection, the snake on her hair became an omen of wisdom, and she is revered all over the world. Another reminder that Minerva/Athena is not your feminist queen. (image: Public Domain/Medusa by Caravaggio). Even after the curse was initiated, medusa still carries that energy for wisdom and deep understanding. To ensure your safety from spiritual attacks, try to keep a medusa symbol in front of your home. 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? On a 570 BCE terracotta stand, Medusa is comically hideous, and fully bearded, sticking out her tongue between two tusks. Medusa as a symbol for women's empowerment. 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. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. 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. Medusa in Jewelry. It speaks about the ability to handle complex situations, and deal with hard tasks. Because Medusa refuses a fate of silence and subjectivity, Perseus is left with no option but to decapitate Medusa for wielding her power. The image of her severed head remains a powerful protective amulet. Instead of being seen as a monster, she is now depicted as a feminine Fatale. severed head, capable of transfixion even in death, is carted away to help him defeat the villain of his story. She is an advocate of the exaltation of femininity. The tattoo design is empowering for women and can also be seductive. She vowed to be celibate her entire life as a priestess of Athena until she fell in love with Poseidon. In the original tale, Poseidon . Many people have heard about Medusa and her tragic tale but not much is known about the Gorgon herself. In a new study, researchers propose that the mind creates an opinion of an artwork after dissecting it into discrete elements. We dont have many of her temples around today, but she was once worshipped as a goddess in the past. Greek mythology has long fascinated me, but Im also intrigued by how the stories have changed and developed over time, as have interpretations of those stories. Team Zutara forever. It was really interesting and I hadnt heard that she was a triple goddess before, so Im glad I was able to learn something new. 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. There are numerous images of Medusa in an almost angel-like state, or even once she had been cursed, images where the snakes in her hair function as more of an accessory rather than something fearsome. Now, many are claiming that Medusa is not an evil figure, but a strong person who had to overcome enormous pain and trauma. She wants you to deliberately watch the things you say. is derived from a conviction that women lack a penis. The incomplete essay becomes far more phallocentric as it continues explaining how the sight of female genitalia instills fear of castration, how Medusas snake-like hair is (of course) a phallic symbol, and finally that Medusas ability to cause onlookers to become stiff, is a representation of an erection and therefore a confirmation of their manhood and of still having a penis it is in essence, their final confirmation of manhood. She is revered for this power and grants wisdom to everyone that asks for it. Be careful of this. Not only that, but Medusa is often used as a symbol of rage in feminism. visittuscany.com The Gorgon's head (or the head of Medusa) is a symbol of terror, death and divine magical power, in Greek mythology. On funerary urns or armor, she was a talisman of protection, those eyes symbolically warding off evil. Zeus represented power, Hades represented fairness in death, but what did a mortal who turned into a monster, like Medusa, represent? 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). It is believed that she became a goddess after the curse was pronounced. 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. 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 and Mars are Cupid's parents. Medusa Greek Mythology Quotes. Simi is a sophomore at American University and the events director for HerCampusAu. Venus had many lovers both mortal and immortal. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Her Campus may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The consequence led to a lifetime of living beneath her powers. She is the goddess of philosophy and blesses people with this wisdom. It might come as a surprise but the name Medusa actually means to protect and this actually reflects in the mythology. While there were some hints at Medusa once being a beautiful woman, that narrative didnt really get popular until the Roman poet Ovid wrote Metamorphoses, which contained 15 books and over 250 myths, including his version of the Medusa story. The ability to be confident and proud of your gender stems from medusa. She is then cast out and cursed by her own sister. image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. After Perseus removed Medusa's head, some stories claim that he gifted it to Athena. This should be a lesson to learn. She was a monster in her story but her symbols were often used for the good of mankind however ironic it is to hear. Some people tend to connect Medusas story with self-reflection and link Medusa to the darkest parts of ones soul. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. Simi is very passionate about talking about women of color in media, politics, and the arts. The 42nd edition of the fair showcases contemporary, modern, and 19th century images from 44 photography galleries. Her beauty and wisdom were her confidence and she was respected in the greek world of gods. This experimental and multidisciplinary solo exhibition in New York City exploring the sweetness of doing nothing closes on March 12. Statues of Medusa were used to guard Pagan Greek temples. Medusa represents feminine power. She has the power to make you spiritually active and sensitive again. Without the support of the gods, he would have been petrified like every other warrior. Medusa can be given to you as a sign and message. All of this points to one thing, which is Intellectual power. If it's something you want, I don't see a problem with it. This will also encourage you to always keep to your words. Dot-work Medusa tattoos might symbolize the connection to the religious part of Athena's story. The myths and stories about medusa are true. Finally, shes a triple goddess. 9 Spiritual Meanings, 11 Ankh Spiritual Meanings: Egyptian Cross Symbol, Triangle Spiritual Meaning: 11 Symbolisms (Its Good or Bad? As a result, women with Medusa Tattoos can show their fierce determination and may also reflect their unpredictable and impulsive nature. Medusa is so alluring to us, because she is the image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. She is seductive to us in her contemporary application and dimensionality. Angered by this, Athena placed a curse on her by turning her hair into snakes and making her gaze dangerous. When the artist Luciano Garbati made his sculpture . Ive seen a lot of variations of her myths that paint her as a vengeful monster, a symbol of feminine rage, or a protective one. What are your opinions on Medusa as a symbol of protection? Her energy can be channeled for spiritual activities like spells, rituals, and prayers. 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. ), 7 Eye of Horus Spiritual Meanings: The Egyptian Third Eye. Her image was used in Byzantine Greece to protect pregnant women and newborns. Furthermore, she is a goddess that helps young ladies to overcome a lack of confidence. For example, a sun and moon tattoo, which you can view as a coming together of opposites and a representation of two opposing forces. "When Medusa looks in the mirror, she sees the Lady of Sorrows." - Mason Cooley. You should be fine if you worry about attracting her attention. At this point, Medusas head became a desired trophy for many warriors who wanted to brave her fierce monster-like powers. Therefore, if you notice a dwindle in your spiritual consciousness, seek help from medusa. and rebirth and can be inked as a symbol of protection, warding off evil and keeping the wearer safe from harm. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The beginning of the cycle represents an opportunity to bring in new life while the later parts represent the end of life. Born of the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, it is often forgotten that Medusa herself is a goddess of the sea. This is especially true with the character of Medusa, because while the feminist reclaimed version is the one many of us have come to know, it wasnt always the way Medusa was written. Hyperallergic is a forum for serious, playful, and radical thinking about art in the world today. However, seeing her in your dream changes the narrative. 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. Yes, Medusa is a protection symbol. Early accounts placed the Gorgons in a faraway place on the edge of night. The closest alternative to the evil eye bracelet is the medusas bracelet. Love this, I decided half an hour before seeing this post to get or make one myself, as an apotropaic symbol. She is a woman who represents a conflicting view of femininity, one that is seemingly alluring but with a threatening or sinister underside. The femme fatale archetype has found permanence in our storytelling, and confirms to us that: to be both beautiful and fearsome to be a woman who has bodily autonomy and anger is not at all normative and that those women must be cast aside or have power taken from them. The Gorgon was also a representation of protection and had symbols. 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. Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art continues through January 6, 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan). Stepping on a Crack Superstition and Meaning: Its a Bad Omen? Passionate about spirituality, numerology and spiritual accounts. Medusa is an icon of Greek mythology, representing female strength and wisdom.
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