Medusa Symbol of Female Power
Once worshiped as a goddess in ancient Rome, Medusa is again gaining traction as more and more women flock to her for her guidance in the ways of protection and fierce divine femininity.
Medusa is most well known for her death. Nevertheless, a story lies beyond her patriarchal-imposed villainy that starts before she turned into the snake-haired monster that we know of today.
While a seemingly straightforward tale, Medusa’s story explores female dynamics, female power against patriarchal forces, and the ultimate defence against the male gaze.
Medusa Symbol of Sexuality
Historically, Medusa has been used to serve different political agendas, and perspectives on her have changed dramatically.
Now, she is a pop culture icon and became the logo for the leading fashion brand Versace, and is a reoccurring sex symbol in contemporary films.
From protector to villain and the nuances that lie in between, Medusa has a lot of significance concerning female sexuality and power.
The Male Myth!
The most common thread in the Medusa myth, as seen in oral traditions and visual representations, is that the beautiful Medusa was the only mortal human of the three Gorgon sisters.
One day, her long golden hair caught the eye of Poseidon who later violated her in the temple of Athena.
Athena, angry that this could take place in her own temple, lashed out – taking out her wrath on Medusa by turning her into a terrifying gorgon, and casting a curse for breaking her vow of celibacy. Anyone who looked her in the eyes turned to stone.
Perseus, son of Zeus, took it upon himself to slay Medusa. The gods instructed him not to look directly into Medusa’s eyes, and Athena, his half-sister, even gave him her mirrored shield to use.
Perseus later used the reflection in the shield as a pivotal strategy in killing Medusa and exploited her decapitated head to kill his enemies when brandishing it.
Athena also used the symbol of Medusa’s visage as a way to petrify her enemies by putting it on her aegis, or shield.
Medusa, while a symbol of female rage, villainy, and something that incites fear in enemies, also became a symbol of protection.
The Witches Take!
In an alternate story of Medusa, was the curse from Athena really a curse? The initial telling of this myth depicts Medusa acting out in anger and Athena punishing her. But this made no sense!
Instead, many modern-day witches now interpret Athena’s response as one from a place of understanding and concern. After all, Medusa took a vow of celibacy – she never wanted to be touched in the first place.
Athena then gifts Medusa with a special weapon that frees her from the possibility of ever suffering such an assault ever again. From then on, men would fear the very sight of her, and Medusa would be protected from the unwanted touch of them.
Goddess of Femininity
Medusa is all about finding your own inner power and using it.
She is also a goddess of femininity, fertility, and menstruation. Her power extends to those who need aid in these areas, so seek her out if you’re looking for guidance while trying to conceive or experiencing any sort of reproductive health issues. (That said, if you are experiencing troubling symptoms, consult your doctor. Spiritual practice is never an acceptable alternative for taking proper care of your health.)
She Can Help With Difficult Transformations
Medusa helps us through difficult transformations. We are transforming every seven years or so. Having experienced a few herself, she knows what it’s like to have to change everything about yourself – sometimes in ways that everyone else perceives in a negative light but you need in order to grow as a person.
Medusa has also experienced another unexpected transformation over time. As the interpretations of her story are better understood through a lens of empathy and empowerment, the general public’s opinion of the goddess has also shifted with the times.
Medusa is now accepted as a symbol of female empowerment, divine rage, and justice.
Is Medusa Real?
You better believe it! You may not be able to see her but her energy is out there, and by visualising her, you can tap into her power and use it when you need to stick up for yourself.
Maybe you feel somewhat controlled by others or even just stuck in a role that you no longer want. The Goddess Medusa can help you break free from your chains.
Sexually Desired by Men Yet Feared!
Male interpretations of Medusa often reflect their own fears and create a narrative for Medusa that protects male ego, virility, and domination.
And there is often an undeniably sexual desire for Medusa and the female eros she represents.
Men Sought Control Over Women by Creating The Ideal Female Image!
Art historian Margaret Miles pointed out that fourteenth-century women’s “sexuality and
biological experience were pointedly rejected in favour of an idealized female image” but found
“strong evidence that women at this time had considerable power in business, politics, and the
church”.
Miles stated: The spiritual autonomy of such women may have been deeply frightening to patrician men. The device of simultaneously distancing women and informing them of the role within the community that men preferred them to play made images of women attractive to men.
For men, the totally visually and spiritualized—silent and bodiless—woman was manageable.
Medusa Became An Emblem of What Men Most Feared in Women!
The “manageable” silent and bodiless woman in contrast to the fourteenth-century powerful
woman in business, politics, and the church, inscribed Medusa as the emblem of what men most
feared: “sensual and powerful women.”
Conclusion
Medusa is a symbol of female power and by tuning into her energy you can reclaim your birth right and unleash your inner Witch!