Lamia, Medusa and Algol

Linking the upcoming Uranus, Mars Algol conjunction mid July 2024 with mythology.

There are many great astrolgers out there who have shared some brilliant takes on the Uranus, Mars, Algol conjunction mid July 2024 and I recommend looking into their work as this conjunction will impact the world on a global scale over the next couple of years. It's good to be prepared for what comes next.

My intention has never and will never, be to rinse and repeat the insights of others. I will only add my commentary when I have something unique to add which I have shared below for you.

Algol, is a star in the constellation Perseus known as the "Demon Star." Algol’s name comes from the Arabic "Ra's al-Ghul," meaning "the Head of the Ghoul." In Greek mythology, Perseus is the hero who beheaded Medusa, a Gorgon whose gaze could turn people to stone. Algol represents Medusa's severed head, held by Perseus. The star's periodic dimming and brightening were thought to symbolise the winking of Medusa's eyes.

I would like to share with you another myth which many compare to the Medusa tale -

Lamia, in Greek mythology, was a beautiful queen of Libya and a lover of Zeus (Jupiter). When Hera (Juno), Zeus's jealous wife, discovered the affair, she killed Zeus and Lamia's children out of spite. In some tales Lamia is blamed for the murders and is exiled.

Overcome with grief and driven to madness, Lamia transformed into a monster who roamed the land, seducing men and devouring the children of others to assuage her sorrow. In her monstrous form, Lamia is often depicted with serpent-like qualities, sometimes with the lower body of a snake and is said to have the ability to remove her eyes (note the blinking of Algol), symbolising her cursed sleeplessness and eternal mourning.

Both Lamia and Medusa were beautiful women turned into fearsome creatures due to the actions of gods. Their myths highlight the destructive power of jealousy and the terrifying aspects of feminine rage.

Algol, representing Medusa's head, serves as a celestial reminder of these myths, bridging the stories of Lamia and Medusa through the symbolism of the monstrous feminine and the star’s eerie variability in the night sky.

Despite her terrifying aspect, Lamia's story contains positive elements. At the heart of Lamia's tragic story is the profound love she had for her children. Her transformation into a monster was driven by the unbearable grief of losing them, highlighting the depth of her maternal bond.

Lamia's tale also underscores the human vulnerability to divine whims and the destructive power of grief. Her story evokes compassion and understanding of the intense emotional suffering caused by loss. Additionally, Lamia’s myth adds complexity to her character, illustrating that monsters in mythology are not purely evil but often the result of self-preservation, tragic circumstances and emotions.

Medusa's story also has positive aspects. Despite her fearsome appearance, Medusa's head, once severed by Perseus, had protective qualities. It was used by Athena (Minerva) and Zeus as a talisman to ward off evil and enemies, signifying the conversion of something terrifying into a source of protection.

Medusa can be seen as a symbol of strength and resilience. Her transformation from a beautiful maiden to a powerful Gorgon illustrates the capacity to endure, adapt and become powerful in the face of suffering and injustice.

Algol, too, has its positive aspects. Algol is a well-known eclipsing binary star system, one of the first variable stars to be discovered. Its study has contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, enhancing our understanding of stellar dynamics and binary star systems. The star's connection to Medusa’s myth imbues it with rich cultural and historical significance, linking the heavens with ancient stories and beliefs.

Algol’s periodic dimming and brightening symbolise the natural cycles of change and transformation, reflecting themes of renewal and the cyclical nature of life and death.

While Lamia, Medusa and Algol are often associated with fear and monstrosity, their stories also encompass themes of love, strength, protection and the transformative power of suffering. These positive aspects add depth to their myths, making them enduring and multifaceted figures in both ancient and modern times.

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Caroline is a distinguished Astrologer, Mentor, Meditator, and Educator living in the Scottish Highlands.

She possesses extensive experience in personal and business transformation, having worked with luxury brands, higher education institutions and the UK's employability sector. Caroline has also held roles within the banking industry and has experience as a business owner.

Specialising in neurodiversity, Caroline leverages her background in education to bring a unique and informed perspective to her work. She is passionate about sharing her expertise in personal development, astrology, history, mythology, ancestry, and neuroscience.

Book appointment to learn how to harness you own unique skillset.

Image credits:

https://www.astroshop.eu/magazine/practical-tips/observation/deep-sky-from-the-city/algol-n-the-demon-star-in-perseus/i,1268