Artemis: Virgin Goddess of the Moon and Hunt by Sorita d'Este
ARTEMIS
Virgin Goddess of the Hunt & Moon
By Sorita d’Este
In Artemis: Virgin Goddess of the Hunt & Moon, Sorita d'Este presents a comprehensive exploration of Artemis, one of the most important goddesses of ancient Greek religion. Best known as the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, the wilderness and the moon, Artemis was also revered as a protector of women, childbirth, wild animals and young people. Drawing upon mythology, archaeology, ancient texts and religious history, this book examines the worship, symbols, myths and enduring legacy of Artemis throughout the ancient world.
Daughter of the Titaness Leto and the Olympian god Zeus, Artemis emerges as a significant and complex figure from birth, assisting her mother during the delivery of her twin brother Apollo. Beloved by Zeus, she was granted numerous gifts and privileges that elevated her status among the Olympian deities. Over the centuries she assumed many roles and titles, including Potnia Theron, Mistress of Animals, Huntress, Protector and Mother Goddess. One of the most famous centres of her worship was the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a site mentioned in the Bible. There, Artemis was honoured by the Melissa Priestesses as a powerful Mother Goddess, reflecting one of the many forms in which she was revered.
This volume explores the mythology, worship, sacred symbols, temples, festivals and cult practices associated with Artemis. It examines her role in ancient Greek religion, her relationships with Apollo and the Olympian gods, her sacred animals, her attendants and devotees, and the many forms in which she was honoured throughout the Greek world and beyond. Richly illustrated with ancient sources and traditions, this study offers a detailed portrait of one of the most enduring and influential goddesses of Greek mythology.An essential resource for readers interested in Artemis, Greek mythology, ancient Greek religion, goddess spirituality, Hellenic polytheism and the worship of the Greek gods and goddesses.Second revised edition of the 2005 book by the same author, Artemis: Virgin Goddess of the Sun and Moon.
This Second Edition (Available)
2024, 180 pages, Paperback & Kindle edition available.
RRP £17.99 UK
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Out of Print:
First Edition (Out of Print) 2005, 156 pages. PB. ISBN 978-1-905297-02-3 - OUT OF PRINT. The 2024 Second Edition is updated, tidied, re-edited and slightly expanded.
Table of Contents
1. Who was Artemis?. 15
2. The Birth of the Divine Twins. 25
3. Temples & Sanctuaries of Artemis. 33
4. Festivals of Artemis. 50
5. Myths & Legends. 56
6. Titles of Artemis. 64
7. a Virgin Goddess. 92
8. Goddess of Women... 98
9. Lady of the Hunt & Wild Animals. 101
10. Goddess of the Dance & Song... 117
11. Goddess of Water.. 123
12. Warrior Goddess. 125
13. The Revenge of Artemis. 127
14. The Bright shining Moon... 132
15. Divine Relationships. 136
17. The Companions of Artemis. 149
18. Temple Attendants. 157
19. Artemis & Men... 160
20. Artemis’ Symbols. 162
Bibliography.. 167
Index.. 172
About the Author
Sorita d'Este is an author, researcher, publisher and priestess whose work explores mythology, ancient religion, goddess traditions and contemporary spirituality. Fascinated by magic, mysticism and the sacred from an early age, she has spent decades studying and practising Hellenic, Egyptian and Hermetic traditions, alongside Initiatory Craft and other Western esoteric paths.
She has written and edited numerous books on gods, goddesses, mythology and spiritual practice, including Artemis: Virgin Goddess of the Hunt & Moon, Circle for Hekate, The Cosmic Shekinah, The Isles of the Many Gods and Hekate: Liminal Rites. Combining historical research with lived experience, her work seeks to make ancient traditions accessible and relevant to modern readers and practitioners.
Based in Glastonbury, England, Sorita continues to research and write about mythology, sacred traditions, the ancient gods and their place in the modern world.
More information about her work can be found at www.soritadeste.com.
