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Artemis A Goddess Dedication
By Pyre, |
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 History: Artemis was a much worshipped Goddess of ancient Greece. Daughter of Zeus and Leto, her brother was Apollo. According to legend, Hera, who was jealous of Leto’s pregnancy by Zeus, forbade Leto to give birth anywhere on land. However, the island of Delos took pity on Leto and allowed her to give birth there (Oxford Classical Dictionary). Artemis spent much time in her youth obtaining and collecting everything she would need to be a huntress. She firmly believed that she was called by fate to aid women in delivering their babies (Hymn III to Artemis). Artemis as Virgin Goddess: There are many stories of men and other gods who loved or desired Artemis, however the only one who ever gained her heart was her hunting companion, Orion. Artemis is known as a virgin goddess, however in these times virginity referred to independence and the ability to live as a free agent unhindered by men. Artemis retains the reputation as a chaste figure in modern times, but this interpretation is flawed (The Once and Future Goddess). Worship: The worship of Artemis was widespread in ancient Greece, especially on the island of her birth, Delos, and in Sparta (Oxford Classical Dictionary). Later, the Romans also adopted Artemis as a goddess of their own and renamed her Diana. In the Roman Empire, Diana symbolized the moon and fertility and protection for the forest and for animals. Diana was honored in Rome with festivals, prayers, offerings, and the lighting of fire. Romans also took ritual baths in water made white by milk to invoke Diana’s protection (365 Goddess: A Daily Guide to the magic and Inspiration of the Goddess). Artistic Depictions: Statues of Artemis/Diana typically depict her as bare-chested, often with a bow and quiver of arrows. She is frequently seen with a stag or a group of dogs, much like the dogs gifted to her by Apollo (Hymn III to Artemis). She is heavily associated with protection during childbirth, the hunt, the protection of young women, and guardian of the forest and its animals. Ritual (written by Pyre): Purpose of Ritual: To honor Artemis by blessing the animals of the forest Materials needed: Bird seed, bowl of blessed water, white marbles Best time to perform: Outside at dusk on the night of a full moon Set up ritual space, avoiding candles to preserve night vision. Start by thanking the Goddess for the animals native to our ecosystem. Meditate on the life that shares our air and the blessings they give us. During the next steps, chant: Artemis, Artemis, lone and fair, Bless your creatures large and small. Artemis, Artemis, help me share, Teach me how to care of them all. In a bowl of previously prepared blessed water, add white marbles until they poke out above the surface of the liquid. This will allow bees and other insects to drink from the bowl without drowning. Place the bowl around plants or in an area where these creatures frequent. After placing the dish, scatter birdseed in the general vicinity while continuing to chant. Raise green energy for prosperity and health, and send it out into the environment for the well-being of the wildlife and the healing of the earth. Spend time in silence listening to the sounds of nature and watching for any animal visitors. Ground and close. Sources:
Callimachus. Callimachus: Hymns, Epigrams, Select Fragments. Baltimore, 1988 Gadon, Elinor W. The Once and Future Goddess. New York, 1989 www.oxfordreference.com www.sacredsource.com Telesco, Patricia. 365 Goddess: A Daily Guide to the magic and Inspiration of the Goddess. San Francisco, 1998 |
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This page is the creative property of Pyre Initiate, Sisters in The Goddess Tree
August 2014 |
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