ARTEMIS

The Greek Goddess Artemis is a multifaceted virgin Goddess. She was born of Zeus
and Leto, and is the twin sister to Apollo. She is most commonly known as a Moon
Goddess and Goddess of the Hunt. She is the Patron Goddess of the Amazons and
Her day of worship is the 6th day of the New Moon. As a Moon Goddess, they say
She rides Her silver chariot pulled by silver stags across the sky and shoots
Her arrows of silver moonlight to the Earth below. As the Goddess of the Hunt,
She is the protectress of wild places and wild animals. She loves to roam the
forests and knows the deep places in Nature where one can relax and regain
strength. She is often seen followed by wild beasts and loves singing and
dancing with her nymphs. Physically, She is often depicted carrying a silver bow
and arrow made by Hephaestus and the Cyclopes and sometimes depicted with a
crescent moon above Her forehead. Artemis is one of three Goddesses immune
to Aphrodite's enchantments (the other two being Hestia and Athena). She prides
herself on Her chastity and punishes those who attempt to dishonor Her. One myth
tells of Actaeon who snuck up on the Goddess and Her nymphs while they were
bathing. He did not turn away, instead creeping closer and when he was caught,
Artemis turned him into a stag and Her hounds tore him to pieces. Another tells
of Orion who attempted to rape Her. In one version, Artemis kills him with Her
bow and arrow and in another, She conjures up a scorpion that kills him and his
dog, Sirius. They are both turned into constellations. Though a virgin, Artemis
is also considered a Goddess of Fertility and Childbirth. She was said to be the
protectress of women in labor but it was said that it was Her arrows that
brought them sudden death during or immediately after. Artemis and Her brother
Apollo are healing deities but She has also brought about diseases such as
rabies and leprosy. Callisto is one of Artemis' titles used to denote Her
connections with the bear, one of Her sacred animals. She is also known as the
"Hunter of Souls" and a shape-shifter. Artemis is often identified with Diana,
the Roman Goddess of the Moon.

Trees sacred to Artemis: Almond, Bay Laurel, Cedar, Cypress, Fir, Myrtle, Rowan,
and Willow.

Herbs sacred to Artemis: Aster, Daisy, Hyacinth, Moonwort, Mugwort, and
Wormwood.

Animals sacred to Artemis: Deer/Stags, geese, wild dogs, fish, goats, bees,
quail, and bears.

Sources:
-The Witches' Web of Moon Deities
-The Encyclopedia Mythica
-Greek Mythology
-Gerina Dunwich /"Wicca Craft"/ Paperback / Carol Publishing Group / May 1991
-D.J. Conway /"Maiden, Mother, Crone"/ Paperback / Llewellyn Publications / July
1994

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