Diana the goddess was known as these names, Queen of Heaven, the Great Goddess; Lunar Virgin, Mother of Animals, Lady of Wild Creatures and the Huntress Diana was worshipped in ancient Roman religion and is revered in the religions of Religio Romana Neopaganism and Stregheria.
Diana was an emblem of chastity. Oak groves were especially sacred to her. She was born with her twin brother Apollo on the island of Delos. Diana was initially just the hunting goddess, associated with wild animals and woodlands. She also later became a moon goddess, supplanting Luna.
Diana was worshipped at a festival on August 13, when King Servius Tullius, himself born a slave, dedicated her shrine on the Aventine Hill in the mid-sixth century BC.
There is a branch of Wicca named for her, which is characterized by an exclusive focus on the feminine aspect of the Divine.
In Italy the old religion of Stregheria embraced goddess Diana as Queen of the Witches; witches being the wise women healers of the time. Diana taught magic and witches were born. She created the world of her own being having in herself the seeds of all creation yet to come. It is said that out of herself she divided into the darkness and the light, keeping for herself the darkness of creation and creating her brother Apollo, the light. Goddess Diana loved and ruled with her brother Apollo, the god of the Sun.
She was also originally worshipped on the mountain Tifata near Capua and in sacred forests. She is depicted carrying a bow and arrow and wearing animal skins or accompanied by animals.
When the Greek city of Ephesus fell to Roman rule, Goddess Diana was merged with the Greek Goddess Artemis. Artemis and Diana were worshipped at the same times historically and when the Great Greek Temple of Artemis was destroyed the Romans rebuilt it in honor of Diana and the myth of
Goddess Diana of Ephesus began.
Diana sends her daughter Aradia to live as a mortal and save the misfortunate people of Earth like God send his son Jesus to live as a mortal and save the people.
Diana no longer was classed simply as a maiden huntress, but grew to the status of motherhood. By the birth of her daughter Ariadia. Then her path grew as well, to become known as the Queen of Witches.
During the famous witch hunts between the 15th and 17th centuries Diana became the mistress of magic; the teacher of spells, healing, and at the same time still holding her status of all things wild.
A prayer of Diana
Hail Diana
Hail Artemis Diana
Blessed Lady of the Beasts
I dedicate myself to You
May my path honor thee
May my spirit celebrate thee
May my life force magnify thee
These things I pray
Be fulfilled this day
Goddess Mother help me
to know what is right
By: Abby Willowroot
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