The snake-like strands of hair also represent the cunning ability of snakes, which gives additional wisdom. According to ancient history, it is recorded that medusa was one of the prettiest goddesses in the universe. Her writhing hair of serpents became wild curls, with maybe a couple of serpents beneath her chin to hint at her more bestial origins. While not the best source, Wikipedia seems to support your claim - it has images of her head used in gorgoneions. It means that medusa can encourage men to embrace their feminine selves. An. The tattoo design is empowering for women and can also be seductive. Medusa's head as a symbol of horror was classically worn upon her dress by the virgin goddess Athena. Just like movies like clash of the titans, she is a powerful spiritual entity that exists in ancient greek mythology. Her existence reflected on the behavior of men during ancient times in Greece and shows how much have we advanced since then. 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. One of the most popular monsters of Greek Mythology is Medusa. (image: Public Domain/Medusa by Caravaggio). Medusa is seen as a powerful symbol of female intelligence and wisdom, related to the goddess Metis . 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. 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. It is believed that she became a goddess after the curse was pronounced. 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 slept with Poseidon in Athena's temple knowing the consequences, but did it anyways therefore Athena was right about punishing her. Athena is one of Poseidons sworn enemies, and through raping her sister, he is able to take power from her. 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.. The tragedy of Medusa reflected how ancient Greece viewed women and their attitude towards them. Through the snake-like strands of medusas hair, the universe is warning you against the deception of your friends. 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. 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. The man was caught carrying Juanita in a food delivery backpack. She becomes a priestess to her sister Athena and vows to her sister to remain pure. To make this obvious, add a medusa pendant to your necklace. 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). (1) The history behind the association is unclear. This began with the greeks and later flowed down to every other culture. Medusa is a female character that is present in Greek mythology. "I believe the Medusa tattoo is the perfect visual depiction of a survivor's journey from pain to resilience, strength, empowerment and self-preservationa protective symbol, as she has the. severed head, capable of transfixion even in death, is carted away to help him defeat the villain of his story. What does this mean? 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. As Karoglou points out, the majority of hybrids (half-human, half-animal monsters like sirens or Gorgons) in ancient Greece were female. 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. In other words, symbolic decapitation, is a symptom of the real dangers that women face in a culture that is anxious about the powers of masculinity. Cixous demonstrates these points by claiming Freud himself is reductive and neglects to address the female experience in the Medusa myth, thereby erasing her experience, or, symbolically decapitating her as well. The clinical material cited in the above papers refers to male patients, except one case cited by Flugel. ), 7 Eye of Horus Spiritual Meanings: The Egyptian Third Eye. 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. Overall, yes it is okay, and I think I wish to work with her, too. Now, many are claiming that Medusa is not an evil figure, but a strong person who had to overcome enormous pain and trauma. Bronze greave (shin guard) for the left leg with Medusa head (Greek, 4th century BCE), bronze, width: 4 7/8 inches; length: 15 3/4inches (courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. Rosen, 1991). The answer you seek might just be around the corner. From Freuds telling, the entire story takes place through the perspective of the man in the story, reducing Medusa to something sub-human. She is the symbol of what female power looks like in the face of threatened male authority. Medusa, who is often evil herself in these tellings, is used as a figure to repel other evil forces. Other shades of history claimed that Poseidon raped her because he could not resist her beauty. Snakes shed their skin regularly, which symbolizes the death of their previous self and grow into their new skins during their rebirth. Medusa has become an ubiquitous symbol of female empowerment and for good reason. From ancient greek mythology, medusa is a goddess of art. Modern feminism often uses Medusa as a symbol of their rage against the stigmatization of female sexuality. To ensure your safety from spiritual attacks, try to keep a medusa symbol in front of your home. Can Brain Science Explain Why We Like Certain Artworks? All three are originally described as having tusks, wings, and the infamously iconic snake hair. As a result, she symbolizes both death and rebirth. The Gorgon was also a representation of protection and had symbols. Here we discuss Medusa as a goddess, gorgon, and icon AND we teach you 8 ways to work with her fierce energy. This will also encourage you to always keep to your words. 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. Angered by this, Athena placed a curse on her by turning her hair into snakes and making her gaze dangerous. It wasnt the most pleasant of behaviors but history does teach us its lessons and we should learn from them. . Still lives in Brooklyn with her over 500 Pokmon that she has Eevee trained into a mighty army. We dont have proof of this, but it was said that medusa was one of the 5 goddesses that advocated for feminine equality. Unfortunately, the Goddess Athena didnt see it that way and punished her because she couldnt punish the God for his defilement. these associations, Medusa is a purely sexual symbol that pertains to the sexual anxieties of women. Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus. She is revered for this power and grants wisdom to everyone that asks for it. Protection Symbol #9 The Eye of Horus. Therefore, seeing a medusa sign might speak about protection. Medusa was once a powerful feminine symbol, with control over the natural cycle and in harmony with the worlds of earth and sky. The labrys was formerly a symbol of Greek fascism. Princess (she/her-bisexual) is a Brooklyn born Megan Fox truther, who loves Sailor Moon, mythology, and diversity within sci-fi/fantasy. Medusa can be a symbol of female strength and safety for women. Another reminder that Minerva/Athena is not your feminist queen. More by Allison Meier. The eye of Horus is an ancient symbol embued with magickal power and meaning. 22. Use this symbol to keep you safe on your travels as did ancient sailors who would paint it on the sides of their boats. Lotus Flower (Asia) Red lotus flower. Freuds analysis of the Medusa myth is that she was decapitated because she represents castration anxiety through phallic symbolism. The fair fosters a welcoming environment for all those with an appreciation for art, regardless of background or technical know-how. 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.. She swore an oath of commitment but did not stay true to it. All of this points to one thing, which is Intellectual power. What medusa suffered is enough to make her insignificant in the world of spirituality. 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. In the original tale, Poseidon . To understand the impact of medusa, the following spiritual messages are important. Listed below are the top 11 most important Symbols of Female Strength: Table of Contents [ show] 1. Early accounts placed the Gorgons in a faraway place on the edge of night. In a new study, researchers propose that the mind creates an opinion of an artwork after dissecting it into discrete elements. To prove her loyalty, she swore an oath of celibacy to be committed to the temple of Athena for the rest of her life. Whenever you see yourself drawing medusa in a dream, it means that the universe has blessed you with creativity. Today it is sometimes used as a symbol of Hellenic Neopaganism. Medusa was a monster in Greek mythology but she represented some real-world problems for the Greeks and the rest of the world. Not only that, but Medusa is often used as a symbol of rage in feminism. It was said that she protected those who were at war and during the hunt. 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 argues that decapitation is not a symbol of castration anxiety, but rather a result of it. All three are originally described as having tusks, wings, and the infamously iconic snake hair. pic.twitter.com/u61VAuxhJ8. Press J to jump to the feed. Love this, I decided half an hour before seeing this post to get or make one myself, as an apotropaic symbol. If you also desire wisdom and deep understanding, keep a medusa bracelet with you and mediate on it constantly. According to Freud, it is for this reason that Perseus must decapitate her. Originally born in Weirton West Virginia she spent most of her life in Pittsburgh PA. Historically, the figure of Medusa has been used to ward off evil. "Pegasus, poetry, was born of Medusa when her head was cut off." - Joseph Campbell. However, Poseidon fell in love with her and slept with her. The consequence led to a lifetime of living beneath her powers. 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. 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. Throughout all of her work, Cixous decries phallocentric storytelling and histories in which men and the psychoanalytic lens of phallic imagery are centered in womens stories. The lotus flower is largely symbolic and has implied different concepts through history, such as purity, detachment, enlightenment, and spirituality. Phoenix Tattoos. She represented the sexuality of men and the ancient Greeks views towards women. It is said that medusa was known for her innate wisdom, and many earlier scientists drew their great intellects and discoveries from her. 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. According to The Met Museum, Medusa is portrayed in most Greek art as an "apotropaic symbol used to protect and ward off the negative," representing a "dangerous threat meant to deter other. The evil eye bracelet is great for protecting people from evil stares. Feel free to correct me if Im wrong about anything! Horse, dolphin, the Cretan bull. Lets go ! 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. Medusa was the only one of the three who could ever be killed. image of intoxication, petrifaction, and luring attractiveness. 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. It means that we all can stay relevant even if all odds are against us. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Team Zutara forever. She was also a powerful representation of facing ones inner demons and how self-reflection can make you into a better person. The complexity lies in how to represent her hair by art. 21. Venus had many lovers both mortal and immortal. Her energy can be channeled for spiritual activities like spells, rituals, and prayers. Medusa was protective of her chastity and rejected Poseidons advances when the God tried to seduce her. Medusa was r*ped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and Athena was wrong for punishing her. Allison C. Meier is a former staff writer for Hyperallergic. 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.. Many in Greek culture also link snakes to a womans menstruation cycle which relates to the cycle of life and death as well. In Greece, Medusa was often seen as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evils and negativity as well. Hyperallergic is a forum for serious, playful, and radical thinking about art in the world today. She was killed by Zeusbefore he fought his father and the Titans for power. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon, one of three monstrous sisters comprised of Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale. Dangerous Beauty: Medusa in Classical Art continues through January 6, 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan). In Medusas story, the Gorgon was born a beautiful mortal among her hideous immortal siblings which people saw as a blessing for her. Her decapitation is in direct result of male anxiety about maintaining power and control. Medusa is an icon of Greek mythology, representing female strength and wisdom. Her Campus may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Medusa represents feminine power. However even in the face of tragedy and disgrace, the Medusa was portrayed as meaningful. is derived from a conviction that women lack a penis. She has the divine ability to keep your mind sane as a female. 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. If we go back to Greek antiquity, Medusa was a mighty force endowed with the power to both kill and redeem. She is also seen as a protective figure, and her head is often used as a symbol of strength and power. They represent female power Medusa tattoos are a great way to express your feminine power and independence. Therefore, this secret behind medusa is the reason for many movies that portrayed her as a head full of snakes. 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. Even into the 19th century, as the romanticization continued, her eyes did not close. Can you now see the reason for her plight? You only need to maintain a positive approach towards life and have a little faith. Medusa remains of temporal importance because she is the symbol of what female power looks like in the face of threatened male authority. Ideally, Medusa's face is so repulsive and terrifying that it will repel evil entities. The 42nd edition of the fair showcases contemporary, modern, and 19th century images from 44 photography galleries. It should help us to remain true to our words. It speaks about the ability to handle complex situations, and deal with hard tasks. If the sexualization of the female head causes subjectivity of the woman, then I argue that Freuds analysis (i.e. The Greeks believed most snakes to be poisonous as well which represents the end of a life cycle. Thank you so much for the response! Medusa Tattoo Designs 1. It might come as a surprise but the name Medusa actually means to protect and this actually reflects in the mythology. To this moment, her beautiful face remains even with the snake on her head. This should be a lesson to learn. The meaning of Medusa is powerful. 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. Whenever you see an image of medusa, or dream of her, it encourages you to embrace the feminine side of yourself. She and Mars are Cupid's parents. The archive, belonging to lawyer Linda Coffee, contains nearly 150 documents and letters related to the historic case. What does this mean? Open March 31 through April 2. Worth looking into it, if youre curious. Well Medusa's dead, she was the only mortal gorgons. 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. 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. 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. How Long Will Joe Goldbergs Rampage Be Left Unchecked? Image Courtesy: pixabay.com. 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. So basically, Im wondering which is the most accurate? 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. AirplaneMode - BONES. What does Medusa Symbolize? 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. Luciano Garbati's sculpture "Medusa With the Head of Perseus" was unveiled Tuesday in Lower Manhattan. It appears on numerous objects of applied art, such as earrings, cameo rings, and medallion necklaces, etc. Medusa represents feminine power. One of the most complex drawings is medusa. 1. . About US | Privacy Policy | Contact Information | Pinterest | Web Stories. Medusas snakes were said to represent the cycle of life, rebirth, and death. Simi is a sophomore at American University and the events director for HerCampusAu. 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. However, the Greek evil eye talisman is believed to specifically protect against a malevolent glare - the "evil eye" - given to an unsuspecting person. Google any famous womans name, perhaps Angela Merkel, Nancy Pelosi, or Hillary Clinton along with the word Medusa. For centuries women in power (or fighting for power) have been compared to Medusa, from Marie Antoinette to the suffragettes.Its clear in our society the sexually and intellectually independent woman is a fearsome sight to behold. Medusa thread which will be full of debate on this. Dark tones enhance her hideous features and present the visage of Medusa as a frightening monster.