Sunday 22 August 2021

August Full Moon Altar: Artemis-Diana


Since we are now entering the astrological sun sign of Virgo, this month's full moon altar honours the Greco-Roman Goddess Artemis-Diana. She is the quintessential Maiden/Virgin Goddess. When her doting father Zeus-Jupiter promised she could have whatever she wanted, Artemis-Diana asked to remain forever untamed and unmarried, free to live and hunt in her beloved forests and streams with her band of nymphs. 

In classical mythology, the term "virgin" does not denote sexual status (as it does in our times) but instead refers to an independent woman who is "whole unto herself," needing neither husband nor children to define her life. This is what the astrological sign "Virgo the Virgin" represents -- the eternal Maiden energy, freedom and zest of the Divine Feminine.


My Goddess figurine is a reproduction of a statue known as "Diana of Versailles" (currently in the Louvre), which is a partially restored Roman copy (1st or 2nd century CE) of a lost Greek bronze created around 325 BCE. I was thrilled to find my reproduction figurine in an Edmonton second-hand decor shop about 20 years ago. Representing Artemis-Diana's wild forests are a green placemat from Maui depicting tropical vegetation, surrounded by freshly-cut pine boughs and juniper sprays from My Rare One's backyard. The blue hobnail glass candle holders evoking streams and lakes are a yard sale find from about 15 years ago. And finally, the altar is completed by the astrological symbol for Virgo.

[Photos © Debra She Who Seeks, August 2021]

44 comments:

  1. I never knew that about the term “virgin.” I know a lot more virgins than I thought. I love your altars.

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  2. Forgot to mention: It‘s nice to see you back blogging. I’ve missed you!

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  3. As a Virgo myself, I love this!! Wonderful details ~

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  4. "freedom and zest of the Divine Feminine" - would this be your star sign?

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  5. This is beautiful. Have a nice day.

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  6. @ Tasker Dunham -- Ha ha, yes it is, actually!

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  7. I like your Diana. I will have to look for something that says untamed freedom and zest to me.

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  8. Untamed, Unmarried and her name starts with D, I knew I loved all the tales
    that Ive read of this Goddess!
    Big wave to the Blue Moon tonight!

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  9. I like this definition of virgin so much better than the current.

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  10. My very closest friend is a Virgo and so is my husband!
    I am Aries. Are Virgos the only ones who can stand us?

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  11. Hello Debra, Your post today leads us into new trains of thought on the meaning of virginity and female independence, and also on the meaning of "going stag," for that matter.
    --Jim

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  12. Debra, I'm sure you're aware of all these theories that the veneration of Mary in at least one major branch of Christianity has something to do with the early Church coopting goddesses from various pagan religions in the hope of converting their adherents. Wouldn't it be something if Mary was originally Diana and THAT'S why she's a virgin?

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  13. @ Tundra Bunny -- Yeah, sprung early for good behaviour . . . but shhh, I told people I'm just on a blogging break for August. You're blowing my cover.

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  14. @ Kirk -- I entirely agree that Christianity co-opted many elements of the Divine Feminine and gave them to Mary (all while denying her divinity), including the Great Goddess's triple aspect of "Maiden, Mother, Crone." Mary's Maiden aspect is embodied in the "Blessed Virgin Mary," her Mother aspect is found in "Mary, Mother of God," and her Crone aspect is encompassed by "Mater Dolorosa," the grieving Mary at the foot of Jesus's cross.

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  15. I thought you wrote hobnob and wondered why you were worshipping a biscuit. :D

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  16. Great to see you back. Snd I always like the mini nugget of knowledge rhat comes with each altar

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  17. Didn't know that about the word "Virgin". My mom was Virgo and my oldest son was born on the Virgo and Libra cusp. But Virgo fell in planet Pluto when I was born.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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  18. I didn't know that was the definition of Virgin. You learn something every day. Thanks.

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  19. I call her Artemis, I always call a goddess her Greek name. I can identify her right away when she is sculpted. The bow and arrows is a sure giveaway. Artemis is also the inspiration of the Goddess of hunting in our Dungeons and Dragons campaign.

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  20. This is a wonderful alter, beautifully described.

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  21. Fascinating - I think we can all be virgins!

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  22. This was particularly interesting for me to read, and as a Virgo myself I enjoyed your synopsis.

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  23. I like the old definition of virgin. Lots more of those kind than the other. Chastity being its own punishment and all. Very lovely figurine.

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  24. This is a MOOD:
    "Artemis-Diana asked to remain forever untamed and unmarried, free to live and hunt in her beloved forests and streams with her band of nymphs."

    Forever a fan.

    XOXO

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  25. I hadn't know about the original definition of virgin.
    What a wonderful statue.

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  26. Artemis, my favorite of the Greek Goddesses. Forever untamed and unmarried... what a role model!

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  27. Your figuring is beautiful Debra! And I love that definition of virgin, though I love Alex, I do feel like I don't need a husband or human children to define myself, lol...need my furries though!! :) I appreciate my independence a lot!

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  28. I've heard of her. I like that in wonder woman they have a supporting character named Artemis

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  29. Patience above! Is it 'Virgo" time again?
    I have written on this zodiac sign before (somewhere in my archives)
    All that striving for improvement and perfectionism This year I think some gloomy planet must be visiting as I don't think I want any improvements this next 4 weeks.

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  30. You're not back. You're just trickin' us.

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  31. According to classical mythology, I'm still a virgin. Cool. I like it.
    Hope you're still enjoying your break.

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  32. Yay!!! I knew I was a virgin!! Welcome back...Pretty figurine.

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  33. Those are some great second hand finds!

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  34. It was nice to read your comment on my blog post, Debra. How did you hear about "Growing Up Catholic in a Small Texas Town" all the way from Canada?

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  35. @ Kathleen Kaska -- Jackiesue Denney ("Yellowdog Granny") recommended you on her blog!

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  36. Thanks. That is a nice altar! Thank you. She can be a formidable goddess. It might be useful to keep her in mind.

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  37. I always think of her when i see the new moon. Because in my imagination it reminds that she carried a bow and arrows.
    I am still too young to remember about that time her dogs killed that baby Apollo wannabe for spying on her.

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  38. A lovely altar, Debra! And I learned something that I missed somehow throughout my life ~ I have always interpreted "virgin" as sexually a virgin. Your explanation makes so much more sense! I think Lagertha in Viking mythology is a strong independent woman, and she was definitely not a virgin.

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  39. Thank you for such an informative and beautiful post. I've become much more spiritual and less religious in my old age and I really enjoyed this post! Have a great weekend!

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  40. well fuck I'm telling everyone I'm a virgin.

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  41. Beautiful Deb! I didn't realize that's what "Virgin" meant! Love this! Big Hugs!

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