As long as I can remember, I have been working with a variety of gods and beings. The work that I do, both publicly and personally, calls upon myth and legend to find the threads that can be woven into our modern lives. Through this work, I have been able to find the strength, wisdom, and healing I need. Over the years, I have found that these stories contain important lessons. They were significant thousands of years ago and the themes still ring true today. Honestly, I feel that they are just as important now as we are all searching for understanding between ourselves and our world. By reaching into the pages of the past, we can find the seeds of wisdom and plant them in our own lives. We can find inspiration. We can see our own pain and trauma. We can recognize common themes and begin to chart a new way forward as we break old and tired patterns. As a witch, these stories are more than whispers from a time long ago. The Goddesses and Gods are alive and well, breathing life into my world. They are partners that walk with me, reminding me that there is always a way forward and that I am never alone. I have been able to call upon Brigid, The Morrigan, Macha, Hecate, Persephone, Cerridwen, to name a few. Together we have walked into my darkest places and pulled upon my own pain in order to heal as I opened myself to love and joy, creating a life that I am grateful for. There is always more work to be done and I am not afraid to admit that.
As an act of gratitude for these partnerships, I sometimes write for the gods and guides in my life. Last year I wrote a piece after doing some deep work with Medusa. Once a beautiful healer who was loved and respected, she was raped in the Temple of Athena. The details of her story can vary depending on the translation and author. However, the core facts of the story remain. Medusa was a human who was horribly violated, vilified, and punished. She was transformed into a monster. Her beautiful hair turned into snakes; snakes that once helped heal those who sought her out. Her beauty now struck fear in the hearts of men, casting her out of society and into a life of horror and shame. As if this punishment wasn’t enough, she could never look another in the eyes again. If she did, they would turn into stone. Medusa is now a feared Gorgon. Her humanness was ripped from her, just as her innocence was. In time, Medusa would eventually be murdered by doing what she was created to do.
There is so much to look at within Medusa’s story. The lessons have been echoing through time, reaching out to us today. How many of us have been touched by Medusa? Maybe you have been violated, vilified, and shunned by what has happened to you. Maybe you have been turned away by simply being who you are. Medusa’s story has a way forward for you. She has been reaching out through time to help us. She did for me, and I am forever grateful. She has helped me heal and find my voice. She opened a path to help me reclaim my story, my life, and some of the pieces that have been ripped out of me. Recently, more connections were made, more healing took place, and I felt that I needed to offer her something in a different way. I wrote a piece last year with Medusa. Only a few people have read it. Now I think I need to let others hear her voice through my lens. I offer this to Medusa and I offer this to those who need to reclaim their voice, body, and power.
The Call of Medusa
By: Renee Bedard
Difficult. Dangerous. Defiant. Words are thrown like stones against you. They are meant to harm and shame you. They are used as weapons against your beauty, uniqueness, and ability to live and love outside a narrow and uncompromising view. I know this all too well. “Villain,” they called me. “Monster,” they shunned and feared me. “A threat,“ they claimed, as I stood with my sisters between their idealized world of what is right and wrong, good and bad, justified and vilified. We are something that does not match their construct. So, we are pushed aside and into the margins, you and I. We live along the edges and shadows, gathering safely in the twilight under the cloak of Other. There is true power in these magickal and sacred spaces. That is where we must begin to tell our stories. For we know what it is like to be cast aside for our vision, our voice, our truth. We understand how it feels to have our truth and lives obscured and distorted. For these reasons and more, my Dear Ones, we must tell our stories. When we do, we give ourselves the chance to be witnessed for who we are and what we have been through. The more our story is told, the more we have a chance to claim our heart and mend the pieces that have been hidden or broken. As we strengthen our voice, we create a pathway forward for ourselves. What is the beautiful result of this solemn act of rebellion? We inspire others and allow space for them to do the same. It is a chance to offer others a glimpse into the space where they are afraid to tread.
The time is now to band together. The time is now to raise your voice. The time is now to deepen your understanding of who you are and why you are here in these difficult and changing times. For it is your voice that will rise above the din and call to others to join you. To stand up, step forward, and to be seen is an act of magickal resistance and rebellion. Your words, thoughts, and beliefs are valid. May you rise and stand tall as a beacon of Love, Hope, Will, and Power, encouraging others to embrace their own magickal essence and sacred soul.
I know these times are difficult. I know there is a lot going on all at once. It can feel like you are battling an endless night of horror that may swallow you whole. But that, my Dear One, is the point. There is a hope that you will eventually forget or move on from your quest. But I see that fire within you. I see that strength and resolve. With the clashing tides, you are called to stand together to break the waters that rush to knock you down. Banding together as a collective amplifies your tenacity and resolve. There is power and strength in your growing community. Remember Dear Ones, you are never alone. For my sisters and I stand with you. Heart of our hearts, blood of our blood, you have our protection and guidance through these transformative times.
I know that you grow tired and even battle-weary as you make the necessary changes in the world. It is important to rest. Come in from the noise and chaos and into the shelter of your heart. With the gift of self-care, you will gently ease your spirit with a soothing balm. Listen to what your heart, mind, and body have to say. When you are ready, you can work your magick once again. Fully rested, you can join your sisters, brothers, and others to weave the fabric of a new world; a world that includes us all.
Although some believe that my story ends upon my death, it does not. A pure, untamed, wild spirit and the spirit of a blessed warrior were born from my blood. Both winged and fierce. Both born with a wild and cunning way that lives within you my Dear Ones. My sisters, children, and I were born of violence and misunderstanding yet, something strong and meaningful continues to live on through our stories and within you. Take the best of our stories and feel them deep within your soul, setting you free. Take our trials and discover ways to prevail. Remember that your power, voice, strength, and beauty are something that challenges the rigid ‘acceptable’ norm. Minds and perceptions can change. The way you make that change is by embracing all of what you are and live your life the way you deserve to live it. Your act of magickal resistance is to love every part of who you are. Raise your voice. Rejoice in your uniqueness. Do not let them tame you. Do not let them shame you. Lift up others who are on the edges of society with you and create a new table where you can sit. It will not be easy. It will not be quick. Changing hearts and minds will take time with focused and diligent work. Always remember my children, you have a place in this world and you are deserving of it. May you rise and usher in a new world that inspires Love, Wisdom, Magick, Truth, and Justice.
Thank you, Medusa for your love and guidance, the vigilant light that you are, and being the fierce protector that you are.
Thank you, and may your gods guide and watch over you.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 