Learn all about the meaning of the Medusa tattoo and why it is a powerful symbol of female empowerment representing strength, resilience for any person, but specifically for women to reclaim themselves after sexual trauma or abuse.
Editor note: This content could be triggering for survivors of sexual trauma and abuse.
If you are one of the millions of people scrolling through #TattooTok, you have most likely come across all sorts of Greek mythological designs, but most notably, Medusa tattoos. While anyone can wear these designs, for women, the symbolism of the Medusa tattoo is especially powerful. It is widely believed to be a symbol of feminine strength for women who have survived sexual trauma or abuse.
So where did Medusa actually come from and why do women specifically feel connected to it? Today, Medusa is represented as a woman with hair made of snakes, green skin, and a gaze that turns onlookers to stone, but this is not how she was originally represented. Medusa’s story is one of the best examples of victim-shaming in mythology. Please read on to learn about Medusa and the meaning of the Medusa tattoo for women, as well as take a look at the mythological design ideas.
Medusa’s Beginning
According to Greek mythology, Medusa was a young, beautiful woman and a virgin priestess of the warrior goddess Athena. Eventually, Poseidon, the sea god, became infatuated with Medusa’s beauty. The many versions of this story state that Poseidon raped her inside Athena’s temple to which Athena became enraged at Medusa for desecrating the sacred space and transformed her into a gorgon, a winged female creature with snake hair capable of turning anyone to stone at a mere glance. This is the version of Medusa most commonly recognized today.
Why a Medusa Tattoo Meaning Matters
As a sexual assault survivor, Medusa’s story makes the symbolism for a Medusa tattoo particularly profound to many women. UK tattoo artist Ruby Rose states, “While there are lots of different meanings for Medusa tattoos, generally they represent survival, resilience, and beating assault.” Rose says, “Medusa also represents a shield for women who had been sexually assaulted or abused, in particular, by men.”
Furthermore, the spiritual symbolism of the tattoo also represents transformation and rebirth. “I think it acts as a spiritual protector on your skin to remind you of your strength when needed,” Rose says. Whenever you need a reminder of your strength to reach for your power and resilience, you can look at your tattoo.
But it’s important to recognize that, like any tattoo, having a Medusa tattoo doesn’t mean an automatic association with the experience of an assault or a survivor lens. Rose identifies that many people, even herself, are choosing the tattoo for non-rape-specific aesthetic reasons or just general historical interest. “Medusa is very popular—many use it for snakes, for portraits, in Greek mythology; for an aesthetic that has nothing to do with the association of rape.” The beauty and simplicity of art shouldn’t be limited. Part of the beauty in the tattoo industry is there is democratization there and anyone can have an art piece.
Why Medusa Tattoos are Rising
Tattoos often aid in healing: A 2020 study exploring the experiences of tattooed survivors between countries found that tattoos have therapeutic effects for processing trauma experiences. They give survivors a way to center their trauma narrative along with connecting with others who have had similar experiences. For Medusa tattoos, especially post #MeToo movement in the late 2010s, survivors may feel more at ease using this healing strategy as discussing recovery from sexual assault was more normalized and survivor stigma was reduced.
Social media has also heightened the Medusa tattoo’s popularity: a lot of people are sharing their experiences online, showcasing their ink, which informs others to get Medusa tattoos as feminine empowerment.
Regardless of the impetus, global interest in the Medusa tattoo is on the rise. “I’ve done around 30 Medusa tattoos in the span of the last six months,” Rose shares. “I have seven Medusa tattoos available for purchase online, each purchased hundreds of times around the world.”
Before Getting your Tattoo
The most important step before getting this meaningful tattoo is to select the right tattoo artist. “It’s important to feel safe and secure in a safe environment while being tattooed,” Rose points out. “Research your artist because there are many tattoo artists, particularly woman tattooists, that specialize in Medusa tattoos.” These artists understand the feminine significance of the tattoo and the emotional symbolism that accompanies it.
Rose encourages people to think about where they want their Medusa tattoo. “Think about how others might react. If comments or questions would bother you, use a less visible spot. It’s your body and your right to get whatever kind of tattoo you want, or need.”
Medusa Tattoo FAQ
Does a Medusa tattoo mean female empowerment?
Medusa tattoos often represent feminine power or female empowerment. According to Rose, there a few reasons why people might think of the Medusa as a figure of strength, resilience, and survival. “These are all great qualities that relate to every woman I tattoo, and every woman I know.” Medusa symbolism is especially empowering for survivors of sexual assault or abuse, as it makes the symbol a representation of them reclaiming their lives, and their sexuality.
Do people view Medusa as protective?
There is a lot of interpretation to Medusa’s story—being a victim, overcoming violence, and regaining power—many women view Medusa as protection against evil and harm, Rose notes. For survivors, Medusa tattoos are not just for protection; they are used to reclaim power and exert control. They proclaim inner strength and serve as a reminder that survivors can overcome their past experiences, just like Medusa.
Are there different styles of Medusa tattoos?
Mythological Medusa tattoos can go in many different directions. While each artist has different styles of Greek mythology tattoos, the common interpretation of Medusa is usually to show her snake hair and the powerful gaze capable of petrifying. “I only focus on fine-line female portraiture, which really connects with Medusas, while other artists put their own twist on it,” Rose explains.
The crying Medusa tattoo is also another common variation. Medusa’s tears naturally express sadness or pain and signify even the strongest individuals experience sadness or pain.
Where are the most common tattoo placements for Medusa?
This transforming tattoo can go anywhere because it is all about the client and their choice. Rose has a lot of clients choose their arms, thighs, or stomachs for Medusa designs. Not sure where to put your Medusa? Try out your different choices using temporary, stick-on options before you get a permanent, etc.
