Monday 25 January 2010

M = Angels And Goddesses


















Michael is the great archangel whose name means ‘Who is as God.’

Michael is the chief angel who is the deliverer of the faithful. Michael grants miracles, fosters mercy, repentance, truth, sanctification, blessing, immortality, patience and love to mankind. Michael is protective of those who are just and good.

Michael is also known as the angel that strengthens our spirits in difficult times. Michael is a protector and helps us with our courage and our worthiness and self esteem. He helps us in our commitment and dedication to our beliefs.

It is commonly believed that Michael was the angel that Moses communicated with in the burning bush and that Michael also saved Daniel from the lion’s den. Michael is also one of the five great angels along with Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, and Metatron who assisted in the burial of Moses.

Michael inspires truth, patience and love in the human heart. In the Roman Catholic tradition Michael is considered to be the patron angel of policemen and makes sure to guide and protect them while they guide and protect us.

Michael is known to gently lead our souls to heaven. He is chief in the order of virtues, chief of the archangels, prince of the presence, angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy, and sanctification.

In Muslim lore Michael is described as being covered with saffron hairs of which each of them contain a million faces and mouths and as many tongues which, in a millioin dialects, implore the pardon of Allah. Christians invoke Michael as St. Michael the benevolent angel of death, in the sense of deliverance and immortality and for leading the souls of the faithful into the eternal light. To the Jews, he is the viceroy of heaven.

Michael is most famous for leading God’s army of angels against Satan. Among the Dead Sea Scrolls there is a one piece of the book entitled ‘War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness.’ Here Michael is called the Prince of Light and he leads the angels of light in battle against the legions of the angels of darkness. Michael wins this battle with God on his side.




















Medusa did not always turn everyone to stone.

Medusa is the original serpent Goddess of Female Wisdom and she is of the Libyan Amazons. She was also known as Metis in those days. Her blood was said to have the power to create life or bring on death.

Medusa was symbolized by two black swans that faced in opposite directions. Medusa was known as a full moon goddess who brought rain for the crops. In later myths she was a beautiful Gorgon Queen who guarded the Garden of the Hesperides containing the tree of golden apples in the land of the setting sun.

When Medusa was caught making love with Poseidon in Athena’s temple; Athena put a curse on her and turned her hair to snakes which caused any who glimpsed her face to turn to stone; another case of a woman cursing the other woman instead of the God.

Myth also tells of Medusa’s demise at the hands of Perseus who gave Athena Medusa’s head to wear on her shield.

*artwork Medusa by Arnold Bocklin

51 comments:

tattytiara said...

Very interesting stuff. Learning more about specific angels and how people perceive them is something I've had an interest in, to know what people look for in them and how it's expressed and all.

Elizabeth said...

That's some fascinating stuff. It kind of makes the hair on my arms stand up, but maybe because I'm reading it before bed.

I hope you're feeling all right, Renee. Love to you...

tattytiara said...

And I'm still up because I had to go a whole day without blogging yesterday, so I need to OD tonight and balance things out! Off to bed now, you sleep well too!

Susie Lubell said...

I hope Poseidon was a good lay after all that. sheesh. xoxo

RNSANE said...

Very interesting, dearest Renee. The Archangel Michael and Medusa sharing the spotlight, so to speak.
As for Medusa and Posedin, it was a bit presumptious of them to be carrying on right in Athena's own temple - no wonder Athena gave the girl a head full of snakes!

I hope your angels are watching over you, Renee, and I pray you are feeling better.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Good morning hon ...or rather good middle of the night for me...LOL Up posting the One World One Heart giveaways for myself and the team.
Thought I would pop by and say hello to you!
Powerful pair these two..no? Wow I didn't know much about Michael but I guess - not being Catholic!
Medusa..I knew more of her..yes woman and woman cursing..sigh...so very true.
Wonderful post again..I love these learn so very much! Hope you are well hon...geesh you are up early. As it is 2am here am going back to bed here in a minute. Sending a bit of Reiki your way and some hugs hon! Love you my friend, Sarah

Something Happened Somewhere Turning said...

I did not know that about Medusa and the not turning some people to stone. Very interesting.
I was always fascinated with Methuselah and the whole longest living person thing. Of course he wasn't an angel, but he fascinated me none the less.

I hope you are doing well this morning.

Arija said...

The Greeks were gruesome weren't they?
Michael was always very special o me.

How are you???

Silke Powers said...

I love these posts, Renee! Michael and I are old buds - he seems to be the one I call on most often... Maybe it's the big sword, but thinking of him always makes me feel safe. And poor Medusa - to have a head full of snakes - talk about a bad hair day! Thinking of you, dearest friend!! Love, Silke

tomkiddo said...

Medusa is my fav goddess in myth :D
i think she's cool :)

Caio Fern said...

i liked the first ilustration...
and medusa .... i was obsessed by its idea when i was a kid , i wished to to cut her head off and be a hero !!
hahah!


thank you Renee .
have a great week dear !!

Cate said...

What an interesting combination you have chose! Both seem to have captured the interest and imaginations of many people, mine included.

Quite informative and appreciated, it still makes me wonder.... :)

Always love learning about beliefs, religions, mythology...

The jealousy of females is always quite interesting too...Athena took out her anger on another female and not the male who betrayed her...ancient historical behavior passed on through the ages..no wonder some woman still behave in this fashion. ;)

Smile, hug, laugh, and enjoy every single second. I'm trying to everyday. My thoughts and prayers include you.

Peace,
~Cat

Ces Adorio said...

Good morning dearie. I hope you are doing well today. I am thinking of you today.

Poor Medusa! My favorite Gorgon! See what wrath can do and how men viewed rape in ancient times. Medusa was raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple but because Poseidon and Athena were enemies Athena scorns the victim. Go figure. There was Jupiter raping mortals like Leda in the form of a swan (What the heck - zooplilia!). He gets away with it but the poor victims get a consolation prize like Helen or a head of serpents! No wonder we still view modern day rape as the victim luring the rapist.

I love Greek Mythology - my favorite high school subject - go figure! Hahaha. Please feature Artemis or Diana next time. She is my all-time favorite goddess.

Have a lovely day Renee and I hope you are well as as can be and no bats! TSUP!


P.S. Only for you are the word verifications apropos for the post: 'molesti' --- goodness!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Medusa's downward slide from the Great Mother of All to evil snaky monster who turned men to stone mirrors the Divine Feminine's loss of power as patriarchal male dominance rose. History is written by the winners, as they say.

Unknown said...

Hi Renee!!! what a wonderful read...I always learn from you and I love knowing some new stuff along the way....

I am really fascinated by your angel stories....

Hope you're having a good day today...

Hugs
Diana

LuLu Kellogg said...

Truly interesting Renee!

I hope you are feeling well and I send you so much love from my heart to yours my dear.

xoxo

Isabel said...

My son's second name was chosen after Michael (Miguel).
Nice to read this!

LDWatkins said...

I, too, enjoy mythology.
Michael is my favorite angel. I see Michael and his legions swirling around us every moment of the day fighting off Satan's troops. It is a constant battle. I hope he is whacking off bats' heads today! Love ya, Lynda

Deborah said...

Michael is my first unborn child in Heaven. Michael is Ryan's confirmation name. I pray the bats are sleeping. All my love to you, Renee. ♥♥♥
Deb

angela recada said...

I love when you point out the common heritage that Christians, Muslims and Jews share.

And Medusa has always fascinated me, too. She's just another example of how people usually don't start out bad. Many are victims of circumstance. Too bad some women can be so vicious to each other, instead of supporting each other, eh?

I hope you are well, and that you are keeping those bats under control.

Love, love,
Hugs, hugs,
xoxoxoxoxo
Angela

Manon said...

I have to say that I seem to call on Michael quite a bit in my prayers. Both he and Raphael are pretty popular with me...lol!
The painting of Medusa was a little scary! Yikes!!
Sending you warm vibes today!!

love,
manon
xo

Annie said...

People who see angels always see Michael around me and I have been told along with some others that Michael is one of my guides. Who knows, but he is an angel that would be good to have in your corner :-).
Love and hugs my dear Renee.
xoxo ♥

Gberger said...

Medusa's image has always been scary, to me. However, I love the image of Michael, and didn't know most of what you wrote here - thank you for illuminating it for us. XOXO

Lilacrobin said...

Michael is my Saint's Day name....so being named Robin Michael, people often think I am a man! I always felt fortunate to have him as MY Saint.....so beautiful, so powerful and yet gentle.

As for Medusa - well, your commenters have said all I could.
Love, love, love Greek and Norse mythology.... a fascinating tale.

Sending you rainy morning Monday hugs! I know all the Saints and Goddesses are watching over you...

Love,

Robin (Michael)

~Babs said...

I love this portrait of Medusa,,she looks just like I think she should.
Snakes eat bats, right?

Anonymous said...

I learn so much from you Renee...
Did you learn this as a child? Or more as an adult.

How's your mom doing?

Are your bats at bay?

Much love from another traveling gypsy~
pattee

Deepa Gopal said...

Interesting!!! Nice illos:)

Linda Sue said...

That's why dread locks give me the creeps!! Medusa!

Bella Sinclair said...

Goodness, that is the manliest Michael I have ever seen! No wonder Silke likes his sword.

Anonymous said...

Medusa is she the mother of Pegasus.... or not?!

I love the winged horse Pegasus, yes he/she (?!) is my favorite!

I love your fascinating stuff, THANK YOU!! More more more!

Lots of love my dear dear friend!

Agneta

Flor Larios Art said...

I love learning about angels... you know how much I like angels :)
Thanks for your beautiful post!

Sarah said...

Hi Renee,
After telling you not to disappear I have then not visited you this weekend! I missed you and was pleased to see you out and about visiting OWOH blogs. You are right, it was this event where we met last year which is what decided me to join in again this year!
How has your weekend been?
Sarah xx

Marion said...

I gotta tell ya, I can't think of the Angel, Michael, without seeing John Travolta with those big wings peeking from under his coat, dancing in that bar scene, surrounded by women, smelling of cookies and looking SOOOO hot! LOL! Thanks for the memory, my sweet friend. Sending you love, blessings and peace today and every day. I love you. xoxoxo

studio lolo said...

Yup. John Travolta reminds me of Michael too. I loved that movie.

I hope the bat activity has subsided some. I really do hate not being able to help in a big way.

Consider me beside you doing what I can.

I love you.
xoxoxo

Sarah said...

William would love that! I am sorry, hope fully soon yes. Love you too xx

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Hello Dear Renee~
I share your love of mythology. It is so fascinating to see the roots of our beliefs and how they are expressed today.
I hope today the Light of Angels is with you. Hugs, Donna

secret agent woman said...

Same old story - a man cheats and the woman who is cheated on takes out her anger on the other woman instead of the goombah who cheated. I have never understood that. When my former louse of a boyfriend cheated I had no feeling about the woman - she hadn't betrayed me, he had.

Also Michaelmas, the feast of the archangel Michael, is September 29th - the day I was born! How's that for an auspicious birthday"

BT said...

You are still teaching me Renee and thank you for that. I always had a soft spot for Medusa!

Lori ann said...

i love the name michael. my younger brother is michael. and i named my baby boy jacob michael, for his uncle.
these paintings scare me, even though they are good.
hugging you with all my heart.
x lori

Sue said...

Michael has always been one of my favorites - never knew that about the saffron hairs though. Very cool! Beats Medusa's snakes!

xxxoooo

Sue

Rick said...

Rainy- I always liked Michael, but it always troubled me that it took them a few weeks to get back to Daniel just cuz of the king of Persia. Sheesh! Great post. ~rick

Angie Muresan said...

I feel so intelligent today because I know the story of both Michael and Medusa. Yet, I didn't know everything. Thinking of you and hope your evening is a good one, dear Renee. Love, hugs and kisses!

xoxoxoxo

kj said...

a black michael--i'm liking that from the starting gate.

the contrast between michael and medusa says alot, huh? i feel secure and safe in michael's strength and compassion; agitated and bothered by medusa's fate.

i love what debra had to say here. reminds me of 'the mists of avalon', which you and i have both read. i wonder sometimes if there will be a future where the power and strength of godesses and women will again reign.

these are super, renee. you are a teacher in every which way.

i love you moon sister. tsup!

Unknown said...

Such information,
thank you, again.

what an incredible wealth of wisdom and inspiration and food for thought you provide here.

that you are really.

hope you are settling in for the evening, restful, peaceful, well, held.

Great-Granny Grandma said...

Thanks for entering my giveaway, sweet friend. Your name is in the hat.

kj said...

'kj is a pickpocketer'

okay girl, you've got some 'splaining to do.

i have a reputation to maintain, afterall.

Tammie Lee said...

thank you for sharing about Michael and Medusa, two big icons through out history. Wishing you a lovely week.

Angie Muresan said...

Yes, indeed Renee. I do look like your daughters. My mom noticed it when you had posted those photos at Christmas time. Love to dear you!

Shaista said...

Renee, I just wrote about Medusa in a poem, I love finding the connected explanation here on this post. I am glad she was the Goddess of Wisdom who had the power to bring life instead of death... I saw a tattoo of her while I was in hospital :)

zoe said...

wow, i'd never heard the part about the saffron hairs...thanks!

Eugen Caitaz said...

It's really very intersting. Now I think if all names have his unickal story, maybe you can write something, about your, so beautiful name - Renee!!??

and I would adviced to you,- to look or read book or film- Angels and Demons!