Temple of Athena the Savior

Today is the 6^th of the lunar month, the day in the Athenian calendar sacred to Artemis. The moon is waxing, shaped into the form of the Virgin Huntress’ bow. Remember Her today, and tonight when the moon’s gentle light shines on you, say a prayer of thanks to Leto’s glorious daughter.

Over the shadowy hills and windy peaks she draws her golden bow, rejoicing in the chase, and sends out grievous shafts. The tops of the high mountains tremble and the tangled wood echoes awesomely with the outcry of beasts: earth quakes and the sea also where fishes shoal. But the goddess with a bold heart turns every way destroying the race of wild beasts: and when she is satisfied and has cheered her heart, then the huntress who delights in arrows slackens her supple bow. – Homeric Hymn 27 to Artemis

Artemis of the wilderness (agrotera), lady of wild beasts (potnia theron) . . . Zeus has made you a lion among women, and given you leave to kill any at your pleasure . . . you hunt down the ravening beasts in the mountains and deer of the wilds. – Homer, Iliad 21. 470 & 483 ff