This is an article I wrote for the Artemis Temple of Spirit Amazon.
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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