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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.