Find Your Goddess Archetype
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My Results: Artemis and Hestia
A Brief Psychological Overview of Artemis
Artemis - Possesses an introverted and independent temperament (polar opposite to Athena) - represents the goddess of Nature - concerned with matters of the outdoors, animals, environmental protection, women’s communities - she is practical, adventurous, athletic and preferring solitude. She symbolizes regenerative Earth power over all living things. Both Artemis and Athena bore arms as protectress goddesses. Historically, Artemis was born quickly by her mother, Leto. However, due to a curse from Hera, Artemis was the one who, immediately following her own birth, assisted her mother’s delivery of her brother in a long and difficult labor. She became known as the patroness of childbirth. Artemis, armed with bow and arrow, possesses the power to inflict plagues and death, or to heal. She is known as the protectress of little children, baby animals and, yet, she also loves the hunt. Artemis is one of the ‘virgin’ androgynous goddesses. Due to her well-integrated masculine energy and independence, Artemis does not possess much need for a man to complete her. Her awareness is focused. A predominately Artemis type woman may enjoy a companion who will work alongside her, sharing her practical pursuits - parallel relatedness in shared activities, yet, each one retaining their strong and distinct identities in their fairly separate lives. They may come together enjoying a deep, intuitive connection with minimal ‘chatter’. Artemis, the goddess, was known to shun men.
The Ancient Olympian Goddesses - A Deeper Look
Artemis - represents the feminine archetype of Nature & the Wilds -virgin, pure, primitive - of wild places - Mother of Creatures. The function of virgins was to dispense the Mother’s grace to heal, to prophesy, to perform sacred dances, and wail for the dead. Artemis' image at Ephesus depicts a torso covered with breasts conveying her as the fertile nurturer of all living things. She was also the Huntress, killer/destroyer of the very creatures she brought forth - demonstrating the light and dark side of the goddess.
Psychologically, Artemis belongs to the category of‘virgin’ goddess - self-directed, autonomous, focused consciousness.
· To the Romans, Artemis was known as Diana
· Her ‘masculine’ energy can be deeply transformed or sublimated in highly creative ways.
· Androgynous nature - containing both feminine and masculine energies - complete, whole in and of herself - her true relationship is with herself
· Androgynous energy contained within converts to visions, mystical experiences, and a deep, enduring compassion for all of Nature
· Lover of animals and the serenity found in Nature, on the one hand, and, destroyer on the other, Artemis-goddess leads the nocturnal hunt deep in the forest
· Similar to Athena, psychologically - youthful, boyish, independent, strong, autonomous, energetic, born with strong masculine qualities in her nature and, particularly for Artemis, an intense love of freedom.
· Disposed to gender-role confusion
· Solitary nature teaching her self-sufficiency & independence - prophesy, poetry, music, magic and healing
· Artemis women allow Nature to frequently replace human relations - requiring solitary retreat whereby the ego is free from external stimulation.
· Artemis women find that the non-stop presence of others hinders her presence to herself, therefore, requiring retreat into the solitude of natural world and offering reconnection to her inner self.
· Many Artemis women, who would prefer living closer to Nature, are displaced in cities
· Disinclined by their true nature toward role of wife/motherhood or for the values of conventional society - Artemis types may prefer companionship of women who share her sense of presence of self and self-sufficiency
· Artemis’ mother was Leto, a nature deity who bore Artemis without pain. Artemis’ father was Zeus.
· Artemis, directly following her own birth - a newborn, herself, Artemis assisted as midwife to her mother, Leto, throughout a very difficult birth to her twin brother, Apollo. Artemis was subsequently considered a goddess of childbirth.
· Artemis, the protectress, on many occasions ‘rescued’ her own mother.
· At Ephesus, Artemis was worshiped as the many-breasted Great Mother.
· Classic Greek historians, on the other hand, depict her as a virgin who never mothers a child of her own, shunning men and living in the forest on the fringe of the inhabited world.
· Artemis - the patroness of midwives - Mother of Birth and of Death/Huntress and taker of life - representing both the Light and the Dark side of the goddess’ nature.
· Artemis, who is every bit as beautiful as Aphrodite, makes sacred - solitude, natural and primitive living - she is not flattered by or interested in male suitors.
· Artemis severely punishes any man who lays eyes on her naked body - she turned one spying man into a deer and his hunting dogs, no longer recognizing him, tore him apart.
· Artemis possesses deep sympathy for the Earth and all its living beings and employs the role of protectress - she is enraged by the exploitation of nature and powerless creatures.
· Artemis is Apollo’s twin sister - Dionysus is the dark brother of Apollo.
· Artemis may have, early on, prior to later Greek patriarchal manipulation, been the Great Mother, triple in her power as Maiden, Mother and Crone. Artemis may likely be one of the oldest of all the Greek goddesses - belonging to the most ancient layer of human memory.
Challenges Facing Artemis
· She tends to avoid her vulnerability in relation to others - hiding her emotional needs, even to herself.
· Artemis tends toward emotional distancing - difficulty trusting relationship.
· Growth for Artemis type woman is in developing her less conscious, human relationship side of herself.
· Artemis type needs rewarding and challenging goals toward which to strive, if Artemis is unable to find fulfilling self-expression in her life she will feel increasingly frustrated and depressed.
Primitive power of her bloodlust, ‘righteous rage’ - Artemis woman’s task is to confront her ‘inner wild boar’ - while sacrificing her ‘righteous and avenging’ goddess. She does this by humbly accepting her own flaws and mistakes as a human woman, compassionate with herself, first, then she may hold compassion towards others.
Self-esteem issues involving intimate relationship resulting from early isolation from other girls and, later, sense of rejection/exclusion by boys.
Ability to focus, set goals and reach them; autonomy/independence, ability to develop meaningful connection with other women.
As a Child and Adolescent:
· Strong, tom-boyish body, keenly instinctual connection with her body.
· She rejects the culturally prescribed behavior & interests of little girls as charming and compliant pleasers - may be criticized for appearing unfeminine.
· Athletic, competitive, persevering
· She may have her own horse, or at least love to ride horses.
· She is an animal lover, determined to become a veterinarian.
· She loves the woods-exploring plants, forests, streams, wild creatures, an adventurer.
• Strong adolescent persona persists even as an adult
• Non-traditional in her interests and approach to life
• Usually chooses her field of work as a result of her passion - sportswoman, biologist, veterinarian, geologist, environmental advocate, healer, herbologist, shaman or other solitary professions
• Holds feminist views and sisterly affiliations with other women
• Sexual expression leans more toward recreational sport or excitement of a new experience more so than for emotional intimacy - In later life sexuality shifts to following her interests which possess personal meaning to her
• A woman in whom Artemis archetype predominates will require a good degree of freedom and independence. Like her Athenian sister, she needs to direct her own life in a way that gives her personal fulfillment/accomplishment rather than by meeting the expectations of others.
• She needs Nature; if she does not adequately feed herself good doses of the ‘natural’ world, she will find herself feeling out-of-sorts, irritable or depressed.
• As a mother, if she chooses this path, she is most likely fiercely protective of her children’s well-being while giving them plenty of freedom to experience
Historic females embodying the Artemis archetype: Hildegard of Bingen - a healer, poet, musician and visionary (1100’s C.E.), Juliana of Norwich - writer who penned “God is our Mother”- in an attempt to refocus Christian awareness of her day back toward the valuation of Mother earth and the body (1300’s C.E.).
Modern day Artemis types: Jane Goodall, animal researcher/scientist studying chimpanzees in Tanzania for over 30 years. She also combines international animal advocacy and environment; Georgia O’Keefe - modern artist embracing nature and combining feminine sexuality in her artwork; Peggy Callahan, wolf biologist - wildlife conservation & management; Mary Jo Casalena, wild turkey biologist, studying and managing migrating birds. Billie Jean King, retired U.S. tennis pro of the late ’60’s and ’70’s.
A Brief Psychological Overview of Hestia
Hestia - Possesses an introverted temperament and is focused on her inner, spiritual world. Hestia is an archetype of inner centeredness. She was known to be mild mannered, upstanding, charitable, as well as a protector. She is the least known of the Olympian goddesses primarily because she never takes part in any disputes or wars. She minds her own business amidst a family of goddesses and gods who engage in ‘high drama’. Similarly to Athena and Artemis, she resists the amorous advances of men, therefore, placing her in the ‘virgin’goddess category. Her energy is impersonal and detached. Her awareness is focused. Different than Persephone who seeks to please others, Hestia’s focus is for herself. She is grounded and her life has meaning. Unlike Athena and Artemis, Hestia did not venture out to explore the world or wilderness; she remained inside, contained within the hearth. The goddess, Hestia did not take a partner. A Hestia-type woman, today, may prefer to live a more solitary life or live within a community of like-minded, spiritual ‘sisters.’
The Ancient Olympian Goddesses - A Deeper Look
Hestia - is the goddess of the hearth - she symbolized the household fire - the flame burning in the hearth. The hearth in each home was the central place around which family members gathered. When a family member left their home to begin a new family, a parcel of fire was taken from the family home to begin the new home fire - symbolizing the continuity of family through the perpetual flame. Each town center also had its communal hearth where the public fire was maintained. The fire of the Hestia, meaning hearth, was also used in sacrifices, and, therefore, taking on a sacred character to its citizens. Hestia is an archetype of inner centeredness/inner wisdom
Psychologically, Hestia belongs to the category of‘virgin’goddess. She is independent, autonomous and, focused on her inner spiritual world, she is not seeking a relationship with a man to complete her. Her energy is impersonal and detached. Her awareness is focused.
• To the Romans she was known as Vesta
• Hestia was a fire divinity
• Hestia was the first born of the second generation of Olympian goddesses and gods - her parents were Cronos (god of Earth & Time) and Rhea
• Hestia was swallowed by her father, Cronos, at birth.
• Hestia’s province was that of protecting the home, family and also the city
• She was believed to dwell in the inner part of every house and to preside over all sacrifices - her presence made both home and temple hearths holy
• A perpetually burning flame were features of her sanctuary - Hestia’s presence was felt in the living flame at the center of the home, temple and city
• Temples of Hestia were characterized by their circular form, embracing the notion of centricity in the earth as well as the universe - her symbol is the Circle
• Hestia was nearly raped by a lesser known divinity at a festival - he was unsuccessful
• Hestia’s dignity and her rights as the eldest were recognized; however, she took little advantage of her position and played a very minor role in Olympian drama
• Both the gods Poseidon and Apollo requested her hand in marriage - she turned them down
• Hestia turned to her brother, Zeus, in order to put an end to the unwanted male attention toward her - she vowed to remain a virgin for ever - Zeus accepted her vow
• Hestia was not represented in human form neither by sculptors nor painters
• Instead of marriage, Hestia was offered a seat in the midst of the celestial dwelling-place and receives the richest part of sacrifices
• Hestia is visualized as a stately yet not intimidating figure; she is pretty yet not beautiful.
• She is kindly yet distant - she possesses the ability to love impartially
• Her demeanor is modest and gentle
• She is self-sufficient and self-directed - inner focused
The majority of modern-day women are missing sufficient Hestia archetype within them. As an archetype of inner centeredness/wisdom, Hestia archetype does not exhibit reactionary behavior. This archetype is not interested in being out in the world - rather, self-contained within herself
• Hestia archetype flourishes in a spiritual community - particularly meditative
• Hestia shares her archetype with vestal virgins and nuns who give up their personal identity/their names and strive toward self-less-ness - a life dedicated to service
• Possible difficulties for a Hestia-type woman in today’s world - presenting herself as a ‘non-entity’, in other words - she has no desire to stand out, and not as a result of her own family or cultural conditioning, rather, by her own conscious choice.
• Hestia type lacks assertiveness - she will not speak up - she is out of place in this modern, fast-paced, competitive world
• Hestia type needs to develop an effective ‘persona’ - a social adaptation aiding her in interacting and in getting along in the world when circumstances require
• Hestia type, due to her introverted nature, tends to be undemonstrative with her feelings toward others even though she may care for them
• Hestia’s caring is impersonal, detached - her challenge may be to let those close to her know that she cares
• Hestia types appear to lack outer ambition - she is a home-body and tends to the hearth/the needs of the home
• Hestia appears to be the only goddess without an apparent dark side - she avoided the drama of her ‘family’ - refused to get ‘in-the-middle’ of their issues, remains calm, grounded, centered, and maintains focus on her own personal meaning
• One way of thinking of Hestia’s dark side - if we think, metaphorically- her resisting the advances made on her by both Apollo (God of Sun = intellect, logical reasoning) and Poseidon (God of Sea = the unconscious, emotion) - If Hestia is seduced by these aspects:
• Seduced by the need for logical reasoning, she will feel compelled to dismiss her keen intuition because she is unable to ‘logically explain herself’.
• Seduced by the unconscious, she runs the risk of becoming overwhelmed with psychic influences and/or emotional situations that keep her off balance.
• In modern societies, particularly in the United States, modern woman has forfeited, for a variety of reasons, the prerogative of tending home and hearth - maintaining the home fire.
• Hestia’s wound is more about the fact that she has little place to exist in this society with the current social values on consumerism-‘having more’, ‘gotta-have-it’ - which requires increased work hours to enable increased spending, therefore, creating increasingly frantic lifestyle as a result
• Modern women who are less assertive and less intellectual often feel, inwardly, second-rate in our fast-paced, competitive society. A woman exhibiting a quiet presence, following her own internal (rather than externally exhibited) spirituality is, at best, misunderstood and viewed “quirky”, or a “loner”
• Hestia experiences her wound when she is measured and judged by others’ outer-focused, tangible standards of success, accomplishment, or marital status.
• Hestia type woman is able to enjoy her solitude - not just ‘here’ and ‘there’ whenever she can ‘grab a moment’ - but, truly enjoying her own being, consistently - she is notinterested in ‘keeping busy’ - she does notenjoy ‘background noise’ to keep her company
• Hestia exhibited an inner strength which rendered Aphrodite unsuccessful in seducing or persuading any love/eros desire in Hestia - Hestia has strength to resistall that takes her away from her own center
• Hestia offers the gift of ritual-making, a powerful, affirming psychological method of honoring
• Hestia type woman is able to enjoy her solitude - not just ‘here’ and ‘there’ whenever she can ‘grab a moment’ - but, truly enjoying her own being, consistently - she is notinterested in ‘keeping busy’ - she does notenjoy ‘background noise’ to keep her company
• Hestia exhibited an inner strength which rendered Aphrodite unsuccessful in seducing or persuading any love/eros desire in Hestia - Hestia has strength to resistall that takes her away from her own center
• Hestia offers the gift of ritual-making, a powerful, affirming psychological method of honoring
As a Child and Adolescent:
• Hestia child tends to be quiet, compliant; however, on her own she enjoys self-directed play, exhibiting the beginnings of her own self-sufficiency
• Hestia child may simply withdraw to her room in the midst of difficulty in her family life
• She may feel isolated and alienated in her family because she feels so different from them - and, she is different
• She may be labeled as ‘shy’ by others; however, this is an example of other people misunderstanding her true nature
• As a teen she tends to steer clear of the social dramas of her peers. She may be perceived as a non-participant on the periphery of school life and activities, or, she may have one or two friends who share her more introverted, sensitive nature.
• In our modern culture, Hestia archetype is not predominant for the majority of women. Most women have other goddess archetypes predominant, yet some women may have hints of Hestia in their make-up. Other women may wish to cultivate Hestia qualities within themselves
• Hestia type woman has a quiet, inner presence. She is detached in her relation to others, and she is unattached to any need for possessions, outcomes, status or power. She is free from the bind to external circumstances as her attachment to an identity is unimportant
• Hestia types seek quiet tranquility
• Hestia type is drawn to incorporating ritual, to meditation and to other reflective spiritual practices into her daily life
• Hestia type focuses on her own inner experience/feelings - she is inwardly connected
• Hestia type is keenly in touch with and connected to her personal values - with this knowledge, she lives her life by choosing that which is personally meaningful to her. She does not lose her center by pleasing others in ways that gratify ego/seeking acceptance
• Hestia, as keeper of the hearth, goes about her tasks in a calm, centered, focused manner - whether she is sweeping or doing laundry, she is fully engaged, focusing on her task at hand - like a meditation - and not at all concerned about the clock or what she will be doing next. She experiences a timeless calm in the midst of her immediate tasks
• Hestia types are ‘background’ women - she doesn’t stand out; she appears anonymous. However, her presence is feltby others creating an atmosphere of tranquilorder
• Meaningis a key point in a Hestia woman’s life - what she does, who she is with reflect the meaning she holds of value
• Hestia type is not drawn into gossip and she isn’t interested in intellectual discourse
• Hestia type is a good listener, she shows compassion in her detached manner
• Because Hestia type appears to lack the driving outer ambition of her Athena and Artemis sisters, and since she doesn’t value power as her Hera sister, she may more than likely have a traditional, uninspiring job. She may feel unclear regarding her career direction.
• Sexuality is not of key importance in a primarily Hestia type woman; however, she enjoys the experience when it occurs
• A Hestia type who is married may appear to be in a traditional wife role, however, a truly Hestia woman maintains her inner autonomy and does not require a man in order to feel emotionally fulfilled
• A woman in whom Hestia archetype predominates is often a single woman who lives differently from the conventions of society. Her family or married friends who subscribe to “normal” lives may ‘pity’ her aloneness. However, it is often the unconscious fearof alone-ness - lonelinesswithin the individualthat creates the presumptionthat the Hestia woman is unhappy or pitiable.
• A Hestia woman has cultivated a rich inner life and, therefore, has faced the challenge of human aloneness.
• A Hestia woman has cultivated positive aspects of the ‘Recluse’ - an independent and creative woman, she craves solitude which offers her the sacred space in which she makes contact with her deepest self - the place where she meets spirit.
Historic females embodying the Hestia archetype: As has been previously stated, Hestia type women do not stand out. I read about the widowed Marcella, in the 11th century C.E., who chose to live an ascetic disciplined life in her own home with her mother. She also instructed her aristocratic female friends. Domnina, 15th century C.E., lived in a hut in her mother’s garden following ascetic discipline. Macrina, 10th century C.E. never married and never left her mother. She led an ascetic life at home living with her mother for some years, after which time her mother freed herself of her worldly responsibilities. Then, the two women along with their female attendants created a communal ascetic life, together.
