Carrie Ann Baade "Artemis Creatrix" 2015
I've had a deep connection to Artemis since I was a child (and long-time readers probably know this as I've posted many artists' homages to her over the years). Though she is a constant presence for me - a continuous low-grade lunar hum in my veins - she makes herself known to me in far more obvious ways when she needs to. Or when I need her to, more like.
Some of you are aware that I have just started a 6-month sabbatical from my day job. It's been an exciting decision, and one I know is the right one for me at this point in time. I have a lot of writing and healing and exploring to do, and I'm grateful to have been given the encouragement and support to be able to do it. That said, there is no small amount of anxiety that comes with big change, and in my case, little doubt goblins that creep in occasionally to make me second guess myself.
Artemis has been slaying these goblins for me, arrow by arrow.
She's been reminding me to trust my wild instincts and independence, and reassuring me by turning up in various guises and synchronicities over the past few days:
- Via a bottle of Artemis wine, given to me by a co-worker as kind send-off
- On NPR in between morning news segments in the form of a Jonathan Richman's "Because Her Beauty is Raw and Wild," an Artemisian song I had just fallen in love with a few weeks prior
- In an email from The Seneca White Deer, a non-profit I've supported for years, announcing that they will soon be reinstating public tours. (I plan on going as a pilgrimage in the fall, and finally visiting my spirit animal in person)
...to name but a few.
This painting by Carrie Ann Baade is a splendid interpretation of her. In Baade's own words, "'Artemis the Creatrix' is a goddess of creation and inspiration who calls forth something from nothing and transforms it into matter."
Artemis, thank you for your guidance, your transformative magic, and for the luminous, creative energy you shine upon and through me. Blessed be.
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