Medusa Goddess & Gorgon: 8 Ways to Work With Her Fierce Energy
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Or so the saying goes. And Medusa? Well, she’s one of those women. Medusa has become an ubiquitous symbol of female empowerment and for good reason. Modern women and pagans realize just how powerful Medusa’s story is and what it means to women, trans women, the downtrodden and oppressed today. Here we discuss Medusa as a goddess, gorgon, and icon AND we teach you 8 ways to work with her fierce energy.
Who is Medusa the Goddess? Her INTRIGUING Origins
Maybe you don’t think of Medusa as a goddess. Maybe you think of her as a monster. But you’d only be partially correct. Medusa is a complex being whose name evokes different emotions: fear, awe, anger, fascination and even courage. Her name means “guardian” or “protectress”. Medusa was born to two sea deities Ceto and Phorcyos, along with her sisters Echidna and Ladon.
Is Medusa a Black Goddess?
She may have first been a goddess to the Berber culture brought to Greece later on. There is lots of speculation and theories around the idea Medusa may have been (or is, depending on how you see it) a black goddess. The ancient Berbers, also called the African moors, were black. Therefore, if Medusa was a deity of the Berber people, she too was likely viewed as black. Needless to say, there were black people in ancient Greece, so it’s probable that more than just one ancient Greek deity was originally black. Click here to learn more about Africans in Ancient Greece.
Athena’s Curse
Medusa Goddess of Snakes began as a beautiful, mortal woman who was sought after by the sea god Poseidon. When she rejected his advances, he assaults her and takes what he wants anyway. He violates Medusa in one of Athena’s temples and because of this, Athena “punishes” Medusa by turning her into a monster. Athena “curses” Medusa with snakes for hair and a face so terrifying that anyone who sees it turns to stone. She becomes Gorgo, one of the three Gorgon sisters.
From Vanderbilt.edu, “just as the Medusa was powerless to fight against the repressive actions forced upon her, so too was she powerless against the continual metamorphosing of the myth which resulted in the more popular Medusa myth commonly known today. In this popular version the Medusa is a monster with hair of a thousand snakes. She is under a curse which causes everything she looks at to turn to stone. Cixous explains that this monstrous image of the Medusa exists only because it has been directly determined by the male gaze. Once Cixous establishes that the myth of the Medusa is nothing more than a facade, she begins to question if the Medusa does in fact have the ability to turn things into stone or if her fearful imagery comes merely from our perception of her, a perception that has manifested itself from male warnings.”
Perseus Kills Medusa
Perhaps the most well-known Medusa myth involves Perseus and Medusa’s death. The Greek “hero” Perseus is sent to take Medusa’s head in order to save his mother from marrying a selfish, evil king. Perseus was granted help by the gods including a reflecting tool. He uses this tool to gaze upon Medusa without being turned to stone and then he beheads her with a divine sword. But from Medusa’s tragic death springs new life and beauty. At the moment Perseus cuts off her head, a Pegasus flies out of her body and is born.
Signs Medusa is Calling You…
Signs and messages appear in many different ways and are unique to the individual. Medusa, though considered a monster to many, treats her devotees as friends and family and appears more often as a goddess to them. Here are some ways you might be called by her:
- You hear or see her name everywhere you go: books, online, TV, etc.
- Someone gifts you a present with Medusa as a feature
- You open a book and see her name randomly
- You’re seeing snakes everywhere and in your dreams
- Medusa appears in a vision, meditation, or dream to speak to you
- You’re in a transition that bucks against societal standards
- You may be in need of protection, particularly when it comes to womens rights
- Coral is given to you or you find a bunch of coral at the beach
- You’ve had a recent spiritual awakening at the beach, ocean, or cave
Medusa’s Magical Correspondences
| Domains | Offerings | Herbs | Animals & Colors |
| Strength | Water | Vanilla | Snakes |
| Protection | Wine | Apple | Jellyfish |
| Ferocity | Seafood | Spices | Green and Gold |
8 Ways to Work With Medusa Goddess of Protection & Power
How you experience deity is unique to you and your relationship with that god or goddess. But if you need some ideas to get started working with the goddess Medusa, here’s 7 ways:
1. Read & Study Medusa’s Myths
The best way to start getting to know a deity is to read about them. Read and study Medusa’s origins, her sea god mother and father and two sisters. Study the myth of Medusa, paying close attention to Poseidon’s assault on Medusa and Medusa’s death by Perseus’ hand. Record how these myths make you feel and how YOU interpret the symbolism in them. Medusa has also been featured in novels, movies and TV shows.
Consider the myth of Medusa in a different light: yes, Medusa was raped by Poseidon. But did Athena really curse Medusa OR did she try to help Medusa? By giving Medusa snakes for hair and the ability to kill with one look, she inadvertently protected Medusa from further assault. Maybe Medusa was thankful to have most men keep away from her, especially after suffering Poseidon’s attack.
2. Set Up An Altar for Medusa
Set up and dedicate altar space for Medusa Goddess. Candles, incense, offering bowls, stones, and cups are appropriate. Add a picture or representation of Medusa as the focal point. Snake figurines or images are also appropriate. Medusa particularly loves the color green.
3. Appropriate Offerings
Medusa is a sea spirit at her core. Therefore sea water and sea salt are both appropriate offerings. Medusa’s blood becomes coral, therefore coral is also an acceptable offering. Consider burning incense and candles for her, as well as offering glasses of wine and plates of seafood. Traditional Berber and Greek foods are appreciated. Snake figurines, artwork, and snake sheds make great offerings that can stay on the gorgon’s altar. Seashells, driftwood, and sand honor her sea roots. Never place a mirror or reflective device on Medusa’s altar. If she sees her own reflection, it will turn her to stone.
4. Stand for Women’s Rights
In recent years, Medusa has become a symbol of female empowerment. A statue was erected in Manhattan outside of the courthouse where Weinstein was brought to stand trial for numerous acts of assault against women. Medusa stands proud and strong, holding Perseus’ severed head in her hand. This is symbolic of women standing against their abusers. Medusa’s story of assault and then being hunted by men comes full circle in this statue – revenge. Justice. Stand up for women’s rights in whatever way you can and invoke the fierce, protective energy of Medusa the goddess.
5. The Snake Spirit Guide / Familiar
Medusa is the goddess of snakes. The snake is her familiar and friend, and if you want to work with Medusa the snake should become an ally of yours too. You don’t have to have a snake as a pet, but invoke the snake familiar or spirit guide and he will bring lessons of transformation, healing and strength.
6. Rituals and Spells
Medusa, like any other god or goddess, may be invoked when you are performing rituals or casting spells. This gorgon goddess is particularly helpful for protection, banishing, beauty, ferocity, and justice spells. She gladly lends her energy to defend abused, battered, or assaulted women and children.
7. Kundalini Rising
Kundalini is the cord of energy inside of us, rising up our spines, tying the chakras together. It is the life inside our bodies and connects us to the earth and the divine. Kundalini is depicted as a snake-like energy that twists and turns and wriggles with luminescence. When you tap into your personal power (mind, body and soul), you awaken your kundalini. This is called Kundalini rising. As Medusa is the snake goddess, she embodies Kundalini.
8. Evil Eye Amulet
Because of Medusa’s fearsome looks, her image was used for centuries in ancient Greece to ward off the evil eye. Some scholars believe she wasn’t necessarily a goddess but more of an apotropaic tool. A means of protecting the individual or household from evil. I believe she was indeed a goddess, once, and was demonized by the patriarchy. Like so many powerful women in the pages of history. You can carry her image on you to ward off evil, or even wear an amulet with her image on it. I believe awe-inspired offers these on their website.
Now you can have all of this info on a beautiful set of downloadable grimoire pages in our grimoire shop:
More God & Goddess Articles:
- Anubis: Egyptian God of the Dead: 12 Ways to Work With Him
- Rhiannon Goddess: 14 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Horses
- How to Use Tarot to Work With Gods and Goddesses
36 Comments
idk
June 11, 2023 at 11:44 pmI don’t know much about this type of magic stuff with different gods, crystals, incense, and alters to get powers from a supernatural source. As I am an atheist. This really interests me and I would want to try stuff like this out, (no offense) but I find it hard to believe. Any thoughts? Sorry if I sound dumb.
Lu
March 29, 2023 at 3:35 pmIn a past life I died in the sea, and sea always catch my interest but I’m a little afraid of it. Then I was abused, and I decided to worship Medusa and I asked her to lend me some power to see with het eyes the intention of people and see more beings and to protect me. She actually did it.
Anon
June 28, 2022 at 6:42 pmhow do I get medussy
Anonymous
October 3, 2022 at 5:48 pmoh wow
jen
December 9, 2022 at 9:09 amLMAOO BRU
Greta
May 15, 2022 at 2:17 amI have born on 18’th may – algol star / medusa is in conjunction with my sun, 18 day is a number of warrior, and truly I am:) boldly fighting for women and justice…. :))) and feeling protected
Anonymous
April 30, 2022 at 10:22 amShe came to me in a dream and picked out her own candle in the dream I was in my room when she contacted and lit the black candle all by herself I tried contacting her earlier this morning and all I got was a rising in my spine
Drianna
April 18, 2022 at 7:20 amIn the Chinese Zodiac I am born in the Year of the Snake. Would this give me an upper edge on the energy to work with her? Also, I have the Eagle Spirit Animal as my First Nations connection.
As with Hecate, there are signs when she has agreed to work with you. What are the signs the Medusa has agreed to work with anyone?
Greatly appreciate the information you have provided. Thank you.
Blessed Be
jen
January 10, 2023 at 12:05 pmI don’t really think it would improve or balance anything, but if medusa wants to work with you you’ll know. Most of the time you’ll get a sudden extremely obsessive interest with her, and she will send you a lot of signs. Some signs shes personally sent me are snakes, snake skin, seeing her in my dreams, dreaming of snakes, seeing turtles or large fish, or out of nowhere my sight appearing green or blue.
Irina
December 13, 2023 at 11:07 amI was given snake skin and i love snakes, I also am interisted with her and her story, do you think she is trying to work with me?
kitty fields
December 14, 2023 at 8:17 amSounds like it to me.
Kwame Limy
March 16, 2022 at 11:52 pmI want to worship Medusa all my life
Sabrina
March 9, 2022 at 6:56 pmI have recently connected with Medusa, she seemed warm and welcoming; like a mother’s embrace. Her voice was quite loud, and powerful, while also calming and sweet. I am wanting to continue contact with her and the other deities who spoke too me. But not much information is given on her, and not many agree on what she is saying to them. I just want to know what she would genuinely prefer/appreciate as offerings.
jen
November 15, 2022 at 8:46 amYes, medusa is a very strong spirit and she is a mother figure to her children who work with her. Some good offerings are Coral, sea salt, sea water, bones or skulls from sea/water animals. blood stone, stuff that represents the ocean, snake skin, and you can also give her things like sculptures, or paintings of her. You can also get her a mirror, they also are a symbol of her.
Shawna
April 27, 2023 at 2:35 pmdont give her a mirror! her reflection will turn her into stone.
Krista Balogh
March 1, 2022 at 7:07 pmThis is great information on Medusa I feel so much power inside of you by working with her knowing her standing up for women everything about her I respect thank you for sharing this and this makes me want to be a stronger woman definitely
Caitlin Castillo
October 16, 2021 at 2:03 amCan you guys make a article about like the crystals herbs incense all that that go with her I can’t find anything
jen
November 15, 2022 at 8:49 amfrom my personal expeirence of working with her, she loves sage, rose thorns, flowers, coral, you can also search up ” what herbs are for medusa” and buy whatever you feel you should, that’s usually how she tells you she wants something.
Natalie Fox
September 11, 2021 at 1:34 pmJust wanted to say thank you ☺️
Wanda
July 12, 2021 at 3:33 pmPls help me be one and what are the uses of being a worshiper of medusa.
Faithful Empress
April 24, 2021 at 12:59 pmWhatever you do, DO NOT OFFER MEDUSA snake stuff🤨…,
I know because She’s my main spirit guide (I am a hybrid of her and Venus reincarnated). She finds it offensive as if you are talking about her curse.
Anonymous
May 14, 2021 at 4:56 ambruh wut
LA
May 25, 2021 at 5:20 amI disagree with you, as when I work with her, she cherishes the offerings of my snakes’ skin. It is not a curse to her, it is a strength that made her powerful and protected. She has been by my side for decades, but I would never demand or tell someone else how to work with her or act as an authority (to each their own, but I feel what you wrote is not a good look for any Pagan, Wiccan, or other.)
Destinee Chavez
February 18, 2022 at 1:21 amHow do you know if it worked ?
Destinee Chavez
February 18, 2022 at 1:22 amHow do you know if you summon/ worked with medusa ? Also if had work how would you know ?
jen
November 15, 2022 at 8:42 amMedusa is a very powerful mother figure, when shes near you will sense a feeling of being protected or a feeling as if a mother is there. She will sometimes give you signs, but it’s different for everyone. I’ve been working with medusa for a year now and shes like a mother to me, she takes care of me and talks to me as if i’m her own. She will sometimes send you snakes or birds, and you will see her in your dreams sometimes if you work with her or have summoned her, it’s how she communicates.
jen
November 15, 2022 at 11:59 amthank you for bringing this up, people tend to tell others how you can or can’t work with deities even tho it just depends on how that deity acts towards you or tells you, everyone is different
Anonymous
November 19, 2021 at 2:57 amWhat do you offer her?
jen
November 15, 2022 at 8:43 amCoral, snake items, skulls or bones from sea/water animals, sea water, blood stone, and sea salt, she also loves paintings of snakes or anything that symbolizes the ocean.
jen
November 15, 2022 at 8:38 ameveryone works with her differently , I’ve been working with her for about a year and she loves receiving snake stuff, but your right about the curse part, she doesn’t enjoy when people talk about it, but shell talk to you about it and tell you.
thevvitch
March 30, 2023 at 11:54 pm“I am a hybrid of her and Venus reincarnated” i’m sorry WHAT? Venus/Aphrodite and Medusa are known to not get along lmaooo
Shawna
April 27, 2023 at 2:38 pmRespectfully I don’t agree with you. I put snake vertebrae in her candles and she loves it. I think it’s all about how you approach her about it.
Irina
December 13, 2023 at 11:11 amAlright, would she appreciate fossles of shells and sea creatures? I find a lot of fossles by the creek near my school. Also, what kind of paintings/art would she like?
kitty fields
December 14, 2023 at 8:17 amAbsolutely! Anything you feel inspired to paint or give.
Wanga
December 17, 2020 at 10:09 pmI want to join 🥺🤞
Anonymous
July 11, 2021 at 6:13 amU have snake skin 😱😱