Medusa | her story
The tragic tale of Medusa — maligned and misinterpreted throughout the ages as she was victimized and vilified in life — was she villain or victim?
Medusa’s stories and true significance in the most legendary of matrifocal civilizations — the Amazons —is her greater role as one of a triad of goddesses. Anatha — Serpent Goddess, Sea Goddess, Sun Goddess, Goddess of Wisdom, the Dark Moon, Divination, Magic, the Mysteries.
Within the pivotal stories of Medusa, historical events of the conquering patriarchy — both Greek and Roman — over the matrifocal Northern African kingdoms, played out spiritually, to our detriment.
The influence and effect of Medusa lives on to this day:
- Athena put Medusa’s head in the center of her shield of defense.
- Zeus placed a likeness of Medusa’s head on his aegis.
- Julius Caesar had his armor emblazoned with her image in the middle of his chest.
- Alexander the Great had her likeness fashioned on his shield.
- The lost painting, Leonardo’s Medusa has influenced many Renaissance-era painters to replicate it and make other paintings of Medusa.
- The flag and emblem of Sicily has her head in the center with bent legs around it.
- Designer Gianni Versace made her the symbol of his fashion house.
- From ancient times through the Victorian age, wearing the head of Medusa was a powerful amulet of protection from any harm or evil.
- Modern Third Wave Feminism has adopted Medusa as a symbol of righteous feminine rage from millennia of oppression, and the power of that rage for change.
This is all testament to Medusa’s true Goddess nature and actual immortality, Her never ending power and strength, and Her guidance as Dark Mother. It is testament to her power as Divine Healer, and most of all as Guardian and Protector.
All hail the eternal Medusa!
Originally published at http://woaworld.blogspot.com.
