Mythcœur

Tag: artemis

  • Artemis: Wild Freedom, Boundaries, and the Refusal to Be Owned

    Artemis: Wild Freedom, Boundaries, and the Refusal to Be Owned

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    Artemis: Wild Freedom, Boundaries, and the Refusal to Be Owned


    Artemis: Wild Freedom, Boundaries, and the Refusal to Be Owned

    “For in wildness is the preservation of the world.” – Henry David Thoreau

    In the pantheon of Greek mythology, few deities embody the spirit of wild freedom as profoundly as Artemis. Known as Diana to the Romans, she was the goddess of the hunt, wildlife, and fertility, and her tale resonates deeply with those who appreciate nature’s untamed beauty and the boundaries that safeguard it.

    Born of Zeus and Leto

    Born from the union of Zeus and Leto, Artemis was born on the island of Delos under challenging circumstances. The twin birth of Artemis and her brother Apollo was a source of great joy for their parents, but it also marked them as extraordinary from their earliest moments.

    “The first light I saw in this world was the light of Artemis.” – Apollo (Homeric Hymn to Apollo)

    A Deity of Wildlife and Wilderness

    As a child, Artemis was associated with nature and animals. She was often depicted with a bow and arrows, symbolizing her role as the goddess of the hunt. However, she also had deep connections to other aspects of wildlife and wilderness, such as forests, mountains, nymphs, and rivers.

    The Goddess of Fertility

    Despite her associations with the wild and untamed, Artemis was also the goddess of fertility and childbirth. She protected women during labor and ensured the well-being of children. This dual nature reflects her complex relationship with life and death, as she was also associated with chastity and virginity.

    Boundaries and the Refusal to Be Owned

    One of Artemis’ most enduring characteristics is her steadfast refusal to be owned or possessed by anyone, human or divine. This defiance is exemplified in a famous myth where she punishes Actaeon, a hunter who accidentally witnessed her bathing naked in the wilderness. Enraged, Artemis transforms him into a stag and sets his own hounds upon him, resulting in his death.

    “The goddess of wildness and virginity herself cannot brook any witness to her nakedness.” – Ovid (Metamorphoses)

    Artemis in Modern Times

    Artemis’ legacy endures in modern times, serving as an inspiration for those who value the natural world and its preservation. Her tale of wild freedom, boundaries, and the refusal to be owned resonates deeply with contemporary struggles to protect Earth’s remaining wilderness areas from exploitation and destruction.



  • The Divine Feminine Rising – From Inanna to Artemis and beyond.

    The Divine Feminine Rising – From Inanna to Artemis and beyond.

    The Divine Feminine Rising – From Inanna to Artemis and beyond

    The concept of the divine feminine is an ancient and universal one, with roots in many cultures and societies around the world. It refers to the symbolic representation of femininity as a sacred and powerful force that underlies all existence. This article will explore the rise of the divine feminine from its earliest recorded manifestations in Mesopotamian mythology to its modern-day reemergence.

    Inanna’s Descent

    In ancient Sumerian mythology, Inanna was the queen of heaven and earth, worshipped as a powerful goddess of love, war, and fertility. Her mythological story is one of empowerment and transformation. According to legend, Inanna descended into the underworld, ruled by her sister Ereshkigal, in order to reclaim her husband Dumuzi’s corpse. This journey represents Inanna’s desire for knowledge, power, and self-discovery.

    Artemis’ Hunt

    In Greek mythology, Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. She is often depicted as a maiden with a bow and arrows, embodying the qualities of independence, strength, and protection. As the twin sister of Apollo, she represents the dualities of life: light and dark, masculine and feminine.

    The Triple Goddess

    The concept of the triple goddess, also known as the triple-faced goddess, is rooted in ancient European paganism. This mythological figure represents the three aspects of femininity: maiden (youth), mother (nurturing), and crone (wisdom). The triple goddess embodies the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

    Modern-Day Revival

    In recent years, there has been a growing interest in reviving the divine feminine through various forms of spirituality and activism. This movement is often associated with feminist and ecological concerns, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and protecting the natural world.

    “The Divine Feminine is not just about women; it’s about the feminine principle that underlies all existence.” – Gloria Steinem

    Contemporary Practices

    In today’s globalized society, there are many ways to connect with the divine feminine. These include:

    • Wicca and witchcraft**: A modern pagan religion emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the power of femininity.
    • Feminist spirituality**: An approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings, particularly women, and emphasizes self-care and empowerment.
    • Ecofeminism**: A movement that highlights the connection between the oppression of women and the degradation of the natural world.

    Conclusion

    The divine feminine is a timeless and universal concept that has been present throughout human history. Its revival in modern times serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness with nature and each other. By exploring the myths and symbolism associated with this phenomenon, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place within the world.

    Read more about the divine feminine