was medusa a symbol of protection for women

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. 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). All of this points to one thing, which is Intellectual power. Beyond the stories we have heard about this goddess, there are things to learn from her, which can be applied to our daily living. She went against her vow and married him. Medusas snakes were said to represent the cycle of life, rebirth, and death. She and Mars are Cupid's parents. She was cold, calculated, and terrifying. Medusa has become an ubiquitous symbol of female empowerment and for good reason. Different versions of a myth can grow in popularity, replacing others, and there ends up being no one singular original story. However, the spiritual world can communicate different messages to you. Founded in 2009, Hyperallergic is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. Athena did not only curse Medusa but also her sisters. Many writers will tell you that writing is a physical activity. 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. During the late 20th century, feminists began to reassess the myth of Medusa. 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. 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. If women venture to claim control over their heads, then they become a threat to the phallic, male-dominated structure. Love this, I decided half an hour before seeing this post to get or make one myself, as an apotropaic symbol. Whenever you see yourself drawing medusa in a dream, it means that the universe has blessed you with creativity. From her severed neck, her child Pegasus is born. 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. "When Medusa looks in the mirror, she sees the Lady of Sorrows." - Mason Cooley. pic.twitter.com/u61VAuxhJ8. Medusa's beautyand, in particular, her femininityremains as dangerous as her original monstrosity. 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. It was believed this would protect them on the journey into the next life. Required fields are marked *. What are your opinions on Medusa as a symbol of protection? Moreover, the Gorgon was also seen as a symbol of protection to ward off the evils and negativity of life. Medusa is known as the god of philosophy, beauty, and art. Ultimately Freud and Ferencais conclusions are that women have anxieties because they do not have penises. Medusa was trending on Twitter in June because of an incredible statue image of Medusa sitting on her throne in all her glory. To ensure your safety from spiritual attacks, try to keep a medusa symbol in front of your home. 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 fair fosters a welcoming environment for all those with an appreciation for art, regardless of background or technical know-how. Many people have heard about Medusa and her tragic tale but not much is known about the Gorgon herself. She was usually represented as a winged female creature having a head of hair consisting of snakes; unlike the Gorgons, she was sometimes represented as very beautiful. The curse was meant to punish medusa, but it eventually became leverage for other spiritual things. Therefore, seeing a medusa sign might speak about protection. She was regarded as the patron and protector of various cities across Greece, especially Athens, from which she gets her name. Her existence reflected on the behavior of men during ancient times in Greece and shows how much have we advanced since then. For women in ancient times, this motif had a specific function and was of great importance. Finally, shes a triple goddess. The story of Medusa shifted over time along with her visage. I would be super interested in reading your source materials if youre willing (I think I can get around the paywall by using my universitys library so its worth a shot) or I would also like to read your paper whenever youre dont with it if thats easier! From Freuds telling, the entire story takes place through the perspective of the man in the story, reducing Medusa to something sub-human. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Different regions and cultures . Your email address will not be published. I aim to share everything I know about history on this blog, hope you enjoy reading too! She may also be accessed as a living goddess by those seeking menstrual, serpentine mysteries. She is an advocate of the exaltation of femininity. 20. They represent female power Medusa tattoos are a great way to express your feminine power and independence. 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. Therefore, seeing her should remind us of the power of faithfulness. Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. . In a more modern sense, her image can be used as a warning to keep others at a distance. She is assuring you that God will fight your battles, and help you to become victorious over your enemies. Medusa represents feminine power. One of the most complex drawings is medusa. The Gorgon, Medusa, was a monster in Greek mythology but everything in Greek mythology always represented something in the real world. Medusa was a beautiful woman who was raped, killed and beheaded by various gods. According to some myths, this was the real head of Medusa. 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. 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. No doubt to be the most commonly linked symbol of Medusa, the snake is a symbol of the Gorgon that represented many things. It is said that medusa protects people from suffering what she suffered at the hands of Athena. Hyperallergic is a forum for serious, playful, and radical thinking about art in the world today. I almost got a Medusa pendent myself but I just never ended up getting one. Men are trash even in ancient greece, we been knew. 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. As Karoglou points out, the majority of hybrids (half-human, half-animal monsters like sirens or Gorgons) in ancient Greece were female. If humans werent so tempting then maybe most of the male gods wouldnt be serial rapists. This should be a lesson to learn. The labrys symbolism is found in Minoan, Thracian, Greek, and Byzantine religion, mythology, and art, dating from the Middle Bronze Age onwards. In the new and annotated edition of Metamorphoses (highly recommend), it becomes clear that in the eyes of the Romans, Minervas wrath against a rape victim is seen as just, same as with Atalantas rape punishment (getting turned into a lion). Lets go ! Meaning of Medusa Tattoo: I know for a fact Romans wore this as an apotropaic symbol, to avert evil (sorry not as knowledgable about Greek practices yet) . You can either pray to her or keep her image with you. Medusa is also seen as a symbol of freedom and liberation for women, as she was used as a symbol of French liberation during the French Revolution. Hellenism (Greek: Ellinisms, Latin: Hellenismus), also less frequently called Olympianism (Greek: Olympianisms, Latin: Olympianismus) or Dodekatheism (Greek: Dodekathesms, Latin: Duodecimdeismus), is the traditional polytheistic and animistic orthopraxic religion, lifestyle, aesthetics, and ethos of the ancient Graeco-Roman world, and is the indigenous religion of the common Greek and Latin cultural sphere. Its Medusas fault for being so beautiful. Other shades of history claimed that Poseidon raped her because he could not resist her beauty. 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. One of the versions of Medusa has 3 different interpretations. 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. 1. Renee Gladmans drawings convey that idea in a more visceral, less cerebral way. Therefore, if you notice a dwindle in your spiritual consciousness, seek help from medusa. The present ptient is a female. On a 570 BCE terracotta stand, Medusa is comically hideous, and fully bearded, sticking out her tongue between two tusks. AirplaneMode - BONES. If the sexualization of the female head causes subjectivity of the woman, then I argue that Freuds analysis (i.e. Snakes shed their skin regularly, which symbolizes the death of their previous self and grow into their new skins during their rebirth. Silencing Powerful Women - The beheading of Medusa can be seen as symbolic of silencing powerful women who voice their sentiments. Furthermore, she is a goddess that helps young ladies to overcome a lack of confidence. She was no longer depicted as a monster like it was written in the stories about her. From a feminist perspective, Medusas story seems a cautionary tale of the symbolic decapitation of women and a loss of ones power. She has a stern stare that prevents evil people from glancing at you with their jealous stare. Meanwhile, a rotation of 1990s Versace fashions presents Medusa as a modern luxury logo. Here we discuss Medusa as a goddess, gorgon, and icon AND we teach you 8 ways to work with her fierce energy. People with great academic achievements are believed to be possessed with medusa. While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. 22. Pharaohs would often be entombed wearing Wadjet amulets, and it was intended to protect them in the afterlife and ward off evil forces. To prove her loyalty, she swore an oath of celibacy to be committed to the temple of Athena for the rest of her life. In addition to this, the medusa can help people regain their spiritual fervor and sensitivity. The Greeks loved to romanticize their culture in the form of Greek mythology and every character in it represented something about their culture. As a symbol I don't see a problem with it. Press J to jump to the feed. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. 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. ), 7 Eye of Horus Spiritual Meanings: The Egyptian Third Eye. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Venus had many lovers both mortal and immortal. If you have committed to accomplishing a task, stay true to it no matter what. 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. When Athena discovers that Posidon has raped Medusa, she chooses to blame her rather than him. The phoenix is an important symbol of life, death, and rebirth and is a popular image to get tattooed because of its incredible meaning. 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. The ability to be confident and proud of your gender stems from medusa. Romans were part of the Greek world, and yes a Gorgon head was an apotropaic symbol in the broader Greek world too. Originally born in Weirton West Virginia she spent most of her life in Pittsburgh PA. All of Medusa's siblings were monsters by birth and, even though she was not, she had the misfortune of being turned . While there have been myths about Medusa in the past, the most famous myth is her being the monster that Persuses had killed. 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 a new show, Nicole Marroquins artworks are in dialogue with the documentary photographs of Mexican-born artist Diana Sols. a protection against . Whenever you see an image of medusa, or dream of her, it encourages you to embrace the feminine side of yourself. Medusa, in Greek mythology, the most famous of the monster figures known as Gorgons. 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. A new intersectional publication, geared towards voices, values, and identities! The stories of ancient Greek and Roman mythology have, over the years, been rediscovered, repurposed, and reinterpreted in more modern contexts. Her representationthe Medusa Tattoohas long served as a symbol of protection from evil. Medusa was a worshiper of Athena and a guardian of her temple. Luciano Garbati's sculpture "Medusa With the Head of Perseus" was unveiled Tuesday in Lower Manhattan. What does this mean? The closest alternative to the evil eye bracelet is the medusas bracelet. wildfirepunch / Instagram. Without the support of the gods, he would have been petrified like every other warrior. According to ancient history, it is recorded that medusa was one of the prettiest goddesses in the universe. link to 13 Frequently Asked Questions About Medusa. The Greeks believed most snakes to be poisonous as well which represents the end of a life cycle. I write about my spiritual experiences to help all those who go through the same. Unfortunately, the Goddess Athena didnt see it that way and punished her because she couldnt punish the God for his defilement. While she may be known for her monstrosity, her beauty remains just as dangerous. This gorgeous black and gray tattoo is of Athena, the Greek Goddess. Athena brandished Medusa's head on her shield similarly to why Ancient Greek soldiers brandished Phobos's face on their shields: to insight fear. Pastimes include playing with words, using my passport, and eating croissants. She is the goddess of philosophy and blesses people with this wisdom. Men back in the day didnt have the same level of respect for women as they do today because each gender had a different role in society. Statues of Medusa were used to guard Pagan Greek temples. I know it has a name but I can't think of it. Furthermore, she is a goddess that helps young ladies to overcome a lack of confidence. She is both feminine and monstrous. She is then cast out and cursed by her own sister. The symbol offers protection from harm caused by the evil eye. She becomes a priestess to her sister Athena and vows to her sister to remain pure. She represented the sexuality of men and the ancient Greeks views towards women. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. "In a male-centered society, the feminization of monsters served to demonize women," she said. 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. Shes been found on houses, tombs, walls of cities, and temples (including the famous example, the Temple of Artemis in Corfu, which is what my paper circles around). Nowadays Medusas can be seen as a symbol of revenge against the male gaze. Due to the apotropaic (protective) function of her image, the hydra Medusa motif has been widespread since the Hellenistic period. Use this symbol to keep you safe on your travels as did ancient sailors who would paint it on the sides of their boats. Up to that point that was Medusa was known for a monster that had the ability to turn her victims into stone. 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". One of the powers of medusa is protection. You should never joke with what you say because forces are paying attention to every utterance of yours. Just like any other figure in Greek mythology, Medusa had her own symbols that represented things in the culture of Greece. 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. 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.

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