Artemis, Goddess of Discernment

July 8, 2014 — 5 Comments

Artemis is an independent spirit, choosing solitary activities.  She is a hunter who feels at home in the woods and with nature. Her social life is limited, and she remains single.  She loves a group women who are  her companions, all sworn to chastity.  These are the original wild women, happy in the forrest, hunting and living in accord with natural rhythm.  The story of Callisto illustrates how seriously Artemis took the privacy and chastity of her followers.  Artemis’ own father Zeus seduced Callisto and made her pregnant.  When Artemis discovered the pregnancy she changed Callisto into a bear.

Her protective nature makes her the guardian of childbirth and children.  She is Apollo’s twin sister.  It is said that she was born first, then assisted in the birth of her brother the sun god.  Her strength and confidence come from her powers of discernment.  Hunters learn the ways of the prey in order to be successful in a hunt.  Artemis  is physical prowess and natural instinct combined in a strong feminine being.  Her positive force is derived from loving herself without reservation.  She is not influenced by the opinions of others, and rarely condescends to take part in arguments.  She has abilities to discern the motives of those around her.  She is happy, free, and physically in tune with nature.  Her fitness and poise come from a life of natural exertion.  She has enough self confidence to protect, inspire and enlighten others.

To get in touch with Artemis use the herb Artemisia vulgaris.  It can be purchased as essential oil, although a good quality oil is hard to find of this herb.  Use it very sparingly because the oil is very potent.  It needs to be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba.  On full or new moons the Artemis energy is high because she is a moon goddess.  Inhaling the scent or using the diluted oil on the temples of the head increases the connection to the magical huntress.  Choose a meditation or journaling exercise that invites animals into your imagination.  By setting a scene, perhaps a lake, or a shady spot, in your mind’s eye, wait to see the wildlife that comes into the picture.  Notice if the animals are healthy or seem stressed.  Just observe what they do, how they act, and what you think they desire.  By going deeper into these images you will make a connection with the Artemis in you.  Follow her instincts.  Her refined intuition makes a wonderful guide through the woods of life.