The Roman Goddess DianaAreas of Influence: Diana was the Goddess of the hunt and wild animals. She later took over from Luna as the Roman Goddess of the moon, responsible for fertility and childbirth. Her trinity of gods included Egeria and Virvius. Originally she was Queen of the open sky and possible a sun Goddess in addition to being a moon Goddess as her name means light. Men fought to the death to for the honour of becoming one of her priests.
In the Pagan tradition she is also said to have had a daughter Aradia who became queen of the witches.
Strengths: Independence and physical strength.
Diana's SymbolismOften depicted in Greek style clothing accompanied by a deer or hunting dogs. Sacred Animal: Deer, bears and hunting dogs.
Sacred Plants: Apple, balm, beech, jasmine, mugwort, oak trees, vervain, and wormwood.
Diana's Archetype'sThe Child of Nature : This stereotype feels most at home outside bonding and communicating with the forces of nature. The child of nature is often emotionally very sensitive and prefers solace and the company of animals to being with people. They are often independent and physically fit. The shadow aspect abuses animals and destroys the environment around them. Diana embodies this role as she is the goddess of wild animals. As the huntress she becomes the shadow attribute of this stereotype, killing the animals and attacking anyone who tries to take away her dignity.
This archetype represents the desire to remain sexually pure and uncorrupted, maintaining your energy for other projects . It can also symbolize a deep desire to create brand new ideas and methods of working. The shadow virgin, resists her sexuality due to fear and revolution of sex and the loss of innocence it symbolizes. Diana the Roman Goddess like her Greek counterpart protects and cherishes her chastity.
How to work With These ArchetypesThe Child of Nature:To have this particular archetype you need more than a love of nature. Your health and well-being is affected if you are unable to spend time outside working with animals, plants and other nature spirits. Your idear of hell is likely to be working in a busy office in the center of town. People who possess the shadow aspect are cruel to animals and have no interest in preserving the natural world.
This Virgin is one of your main archetypes, if you are continually preserving your vital energies, for spiritual pursuits. The virgin may also represent a desire to explore virgin territory; inventing refreshing, new ideas and ways of doing things On the shadow side, fear and disgust caused by bad past experiences could be preventing you from exploring your sexuality.
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