Artemis

artemis is so beloved to me as a patron. early on in my pagan path she was the first deity to reach out to me, and I still remember it vividly. she came to me in a dream, where I found myself in a forest next to a lake with a huge full moon overhead. she walked to me from within the forest - I remember thinking she was beautiful. she told me her name, and said she had been waiting for me because she wanted to be my patron.

I remember being shocked for the next few days. at first, unable to fully let go of what my parents had taught me, I had tried to be a christian witch and work with jesus and mary. however, none of it clicked, and I was feeling lost at the time at how I wanted to proceed. I hadn't expected anyone from any sort of pantheon to reach out to me, much less so strongly and so straightforward. but, the energy she gave off in that dream made me feel so safe and wanted. so, I decided to commit and start working with her.

ever since then she has been a continual guide and guardian in my work. from childhood I had always loved the moon and been obsessed with imagery related to it - somehow it felt meant to be. as I cycled through many pantheons and other deities trying to find my footing, she was always there, a sense of stability and sisterly care.

she put her blessing on my relationship with my wife, and has always been a protector for me in regards to my sexuality. I truly do believe artemis is a strong guardian of sapphics, and she has always been a support for me in my own insecurity with my sexuality and in trying to navigate a relationship. I often dedicate my new and full moon rituals to her, and my wife likes to join me. anything I do related to the moon is always for her.

in my indigenous culture, we have animals that represent you, your best self, and your spiritual identity. mine is the deer - I didn't learn this until after I had started working with her, and it made me feel a deeper connection with her. the deer is one of her most well known sacred animals, and it really made me feel as though she had been there all along, guiding and watching me.

I honor her brother apollo as well, and have at times have called on him for help with my art and medical issues. artemis is considered a midwifery goddess, and I feel blessed to have her protection over my children and their growth. she is one of the most consistent pillars of guidance, power, support, and love in my path, and I appreciate her so deeply. I try to offer her amaranth and green tea when I can, as well as feathers, moon imagery and items, and anything archery related.