#roman goddess of the hunt

[mythologypaintings]

Diana in a Landscape

Artist: Louis-Michel van Loo (French, 1707-1771)

Date: 1739

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

Description

Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, sleeps outdoors, leaning on a boulder and wrapped in a leopard skin. She wears her symbol, the crescent moon, on her head and her clothes are of classical inspiration. She is accompanied by her bow and arrows and a hunting horn. Van Loo painted numerous mythological scenes, generally characterized by a certain degree of eroticism. This was in keeping with the tastes of eighteenth-century French art, where such representations facilitated a subtle and sensual depiction of female nudes.

[obsession-of-aesthetic]

"Diana on the Hunt" by Ferdinand Wagner Jr. (1900)

[psychopomparia]

If I had a nickel for Hoyoverse man named after a Goddess, I would have two nickels which isn't a lot but crazy how this has happened twice

[vanillabean-draws]

Artemis

[balletthebestphotographs]

Iana Salenko Яна Саленко

Iana Salenko Яна Саленко (Staatsballett Berlin) as “Diana” (Roman Goddess of Wild Animals and the Hunt), “Diana and Acteon”, choreo by Agrippina Vaganova Агриппина Ваганова, music by Cesare Pugni, 2013 Dance Open Ballet Festival, Oktyabrsky Concert Hall Большой Kонцертный зал Октя́брьский, Saint Petersburg, Russia (April 22, 2013).

Note I: This blog is open to receiving and considering any suggestions, contributions, and/or criticisms that may help correct mistakes or improve its content. Comments are available to any visitor.

Note II: Original quality of photographs might be affected by compression algorithm of the website where they are hosted.

Source and more info at: Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Facebook Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Facebook (page) Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Instagram Photographer Nikolay Krusser on VKontakte Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Fine Art America

[kwojciechowicz]

My painting „Artemis-Greek Goddess of Hunting” is available #forsale at #ArtifPoland Gallery 🟦https://artofpoland.pl/produkt/kamila-wojciechowicz-krauze-artemida-diana-bogini-lowow-akryle-i-oleje-na-plotnie-120x140cm/

P.S. The photos I posted are current!

#kamaarts #kamilawojciechowiczkrauze #artemis #diana #artemida #goddessofhunting #romangoddess #greekgoddess

[kurzler]

a quick psa to anyone recently getting into greek mythology and is a victim of tumblr and/or tiktok misconceptions:

-there is no shame in being introduced to mytholgy from something like percy jackson, epic the musical or anything like that, but keep in mind that actual myths are going to be VERY different from modern retellings

-the myth of medusa you probably know (her being a victim of poseidon and being cursed by athena) isn't 100% accurate to GREEK mythology (look up ovid)

-there is no version of persephone's abduction in which persephone willingly stays with hades, that's a tumblr invention (look up homeric hymn to demeter)

-as much as i would like it, no, cerberus' name does not mean "spot" (probably a misunderstanding from this wikipedia article)

-zeus isn't the only god who does terrible things to women, your fav male god probably has done the same

-on that note, your fav greek hero has probably done some heinous shit as well

-gods are more complicated than simply being "god of [insert thing]", many titles overlap between gods and some may even change depending on where they were worshipped

-also, apollo and artemis being the gods of the sun and the moon isn't 100% accurate, their main aspects as deities originally were music and the hunt

-titans and gods aren't two wholly different concepts, titan is just the word used to decribe the generation of gods before the olympians

-hector isn't the villain some people make him out to be

-hephaestus WAS married to aphrodite. they divorced. yes, divorce was a thing in ancient greece. hephaestus' wife is aglaia

-ancient greek society didn't have the same concepts of sexuality that we have now, it's incorrect to describe virgin goddesses like artemis and athena as lesbians, BUT it's also not wholly accurate to describe them as aromantic/asexual, it's more complex than that

-you can never fully understand certain myths if you don't understand the societal context in which they were told

-myths have lots and lots of retellings, there isn't one singular "canon", but we can try to distinguish between older and newer versions and bewteen greek and roman versions

-most of what you know about sparta is probably incorrect

-reading/waching retellings is not a substitute to reading the original myths, read the iliad! read the odyssey! i know they may seem intimidating, but they're much more entertaining than you may think

greek mythology is so complex and interesting, don't go into it with preconcieved notions! try to be open to learn!

[whereishermes]

Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis

The city of Ephesus was founded thousands of years ago on the edge of the gulf where the Küçük Menderes River flows into the Aegean Sea, and it entered a lively and active period towards the eleventh century B.C. Since it was a port city, its commercial importance increased. For this reason, it was invaded by various tribes.  The Temple of Artemis: Construction and Design Towards the middle of…

[blueiscoool]

Stunning Frescoes of a Mysterious Dionysian Cult Discovered in Ancient Pompeii

Created more than a century before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E., the wall paintings provide rare insights into secret rituals conducted in the Roman city.

Archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered a series of nearly life-size frescoes spanning three walls of an ancient banquet hall. Set against a ruby-red backdrop, the wall paintings depict female followers of Dionysus—the Greek god of wine and ecstasy—engaged in secretive cult rituals.

Also known as maenads or bacchantes, the women have swords in their hands and slaughtered animals draped across their bare shoulders. Alongside flute-piping satyrs, they’re engaged in a wild, ritualistic dance, while shellfish, eels, squid and poultry dangle above them. In the center of it all, a clothed woman awaits her initiation into the cult.

Pompeii is full of colorful frescoes, but this one is particularly rare. The only other large wall painting depicting a Dionysian ceremony was unearthed in the so-called Villa of the Mysteries in the ancient city’s suburbs in 1909, according to a statement from the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Known as a megalography—a Greek term for a large-scale painting—the banquet hall fresco was uncovered at the newly excavated House of Thiasus. It dates to the first century B.C.E., more than 100 years before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 C.E. and cast pumice and ash down upon Pompeii.

“In 100 years’ time, today will be remembered as historic,” Alessandro Giuli, the Italian culture minister, told reporters at the unveiling of the wall paintings on Wednesday, per Reuters’ Crispian Balmer. “Alongside the Villa of the Mysteries, this fresco forms an unparalleled testament to the lesser-known aspects of ancient Mediterranean life.”

As Giuli suggests, the festivals depicted in the frescoes were thoroughly secretive, even in antiquity.

“These were mystery cults, so what they did remains a mystery, even in the ancient written sources,” Sophie Hay, an archaeologist at Pompeii, tells the London Times’ Philip Willan.

Even so, the frescoes at Pompeii offer valuable insights into what worship of Dionysus, also known as the Roman god Bacchus, entailed.

Wine, of course, was central to these festivities. But researchers think cult members may have also consumed other substances, like opium, to enter “trance-like states,” Live Science’s Kristina Killgrove writes.

The women in the fresco are both hunters and dancers, suggesting that the duality of slaughter and revelry was a central tenet. The clothed, mortal woman who is awaiting initiation is depicted as “oscillating between these two extremes, two forms of the female being at the time,” Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, says in the statement.

“For the ancients, the bacchante or maenad expressed the wild, untameable side of women; the woman who abandons her children, the house and the city, who breaks free from male order to dance freely, go hunting and eat raw meat in the mountains and the woods,” he adds. In contrast, Zuchtriegel explains, were the women who emulated the goddess Venus and lived by the dictates of Roman society.

“The question is, what do you want to be in life, the hunter or the prey?” Zuchtriegel told reporters at the unveiling.

The hunting scenes may also stand as analogues for life and death. In the House of Thiasus, one woman eats raw meat. At the Villa of Mysteries, one breastfeeds a young goat.

“It’s the double function of death and rebirth. Dionysus dies and is reborn. Through initiation into the cult, you are born again,” Zuchtriegel says to the London Times.

By 186 B.C.E., these festivals were at risk of dying out, as Roman authorities attempted to crack down on the scandalous ceremonies. But the presence of the paintings in the House of Thiasus and the Villa of Mysteries suggest that the secret rituals survived.

Although archaeological work continues, the frescoes are now on public display.

By Eli Wizevich.

[drgnflyteabox]

Mdni - ancient rome again?!?!?! Noncon, soap is a freak, you're a Roman goddess purr

Ancient rome!Soap who had served proudly in the army and been honourably discharged for an injury that left him unable to wield a weapon.

Soap who refuses to take that lying down, refuses to retire, who - even though it was honourable - feels slighted by the armys dismissal of him.

Ancient Roman!soap who goes on a little ego quest, hiking for weeks until he reaches your shrine - a long forgotten goddess, you're so lonely :''''(

Even though he's mortal, you entertain him. He hunts and offers you half, he picks mountain flowers for you, he gives you gold coins, oils, little drawings. Everything he brought and can find.

You slowly start appearing to him first as little creatures. A bird, a fawn, a kitten. Soap stays very still, letting you get comfortable, letting you approach him first.

When you show him your human body, he can't help his Cheshire cat grin. He's sitting cross-legged near your statue, muscles taut and primed.

Soap had gotten you to trust him, yes, to show him yourself weakened and mortal. He'd been so patient all this time.

It only made your cries sweeter when he pushed you down in the dry, fragrant grass, and fucked you for the first time. Your cunt is so warm, snug around him, tits bouncing with the ferocity of his thrusts.

Up close like this you looked just like a regular person, red and flushed and squeaking when he leaned down to bite your nipples, your collarbone. Both wrists held in one hand, the other forcing your thigh to the ground. Your pussy squeezes desperately around him, wet despite your pleas.

Now he can brag again, now he's a worthy son of Rome. He's fucked a goddess, he's tied her to him forever with the baby he puts in you, tethering you to him and his world :')

Sigh

[furryparadiseking]

Jason Todd adoring strong women who share a name with the greek/roman goddess of hunt (Artemis/Diana).

so do you think that if jay was in ancient greece (i’d add roman empire as well, but greek mythology should stay greek, wtf), he’d be patronized by artemis? he obviously would worship her, there’s no question to that.

considering that she was a goddess of, besides hunt, transition, and care of children, all of which fit jason perfectly. especially considering how much she cares for women and children, which is precisely jason’s priority. and to top it off, it would be pretty much in line with greek mythology “tropes”: a strong goddess patronizes a man who does what she values, and artemis’ values were quite unusual for ancient greece. just like imagine her being utterly shocked that a man, respects???? and protects????? women?????? and then she oversteps her fair prejudices, and gives him her blessing.

and aND AND

HEAR ME OUT!!!!

dick getting blessing from apollo. because, first of all, and let’s be so honest here, his name. already enough of an argument i fear. but also beauty, and youth, and the performance 🤌🤌🤌 moreover, i feel like apollo would find it so fun to patronize a brother of his sister’s protege who also happens to be interesting enough to follow and observe. and the sibling drama there - peak, so fun to watch.

i can also see artemis being constantly unpleased with the way jason’s family situation unfolds, emphasizing with him, while apollo is having fun.

extra point if both twins decided to patronize batboys because of how tough for them their mothers’ deaths were.

after initially creating all of these for jason, i got a consultation from the dick-grayson-sage @gaywineauntsstuff who mentioned donna, and i hate to say it but…

DONNA FITS THE ARTEMIS THING SO MUCH, I NEED IT RN, AND ALL OF THESE BUT ARTEMIS PATRONIZING DONNA AND APOLLO PATRONIZING DICK - PEAK SIBLINGISM. I NEED IT RIGHT THIS MOMENT IN FRONT OF ME. SHE’D BE SUCH A BADASS PATRONIZED BY A BADASS, THEY’D BE UNSTOPPABLE.

jason version, don’t get me wrong, i still love you, but i also love donna troy, and i respect artemis’ overall decision to not get involved with men 🙏 plus jay already has his own artemis at home

[creature-wizard]

Info For Beginner Witches!

This is basically a masterpost for content relevant to new witches. A lot of it of it's stuff I wrote but I'll also link to material written by other people if I think it's useful.

Practice & Technique

Magical Correspondences 101

Closet Witchcraft: How To Get Witchy When You Can't Come Out Of The Broom Closet

How To Practice: Divination With Dice!

An approach to deity/entity work for the sort of people this sort of thing would work for

Manifestation Without Woo (a compassionate psychological approach to manifestation)

Non-Competitive Affirmations

No, you can't tell anything about a person from their natal chart.

A Brief Introduction to Energy Work

Energy Work On The Body: Hittin' The Right Spots For Tension Relief

Research & Critical Thinking

Information Literacy Basics

How to research

Distinguishing Fact, Opinion, Belief, and Prejudice

Critical Thinking: Definition, Examples, & Skills

Caution & Critical Thinking In Divination

10 Questions To Distinguish Real From Fake Science

Search for information on any witchy topic here!

"A weird thing just happened, does this mean anything? Is it an omen?"

Practicing discernment: Some ways of testing and ruling out the mundane

Research Tip: Remember the Five W's!

How conspiracy peddlers and cult recruiters make you feel like you're "thinking for yourself" when you're actually not

Remember a Previous Life? Maybe You Have a Bad Memory

Why fighting pseudohistory matters

Scams, Hoaxes, Conspiracy Theories, & Cults Everyone Should Know About

On people who assert "things are done this way for a reason!"

Dogmatism is not the solution to cultural appropriation

Some beliefs you might have to deconstruct as an ex-Christian

How the "divine feminine" and the "divine masculine" perpetuate patriarchy - and what we can do about it

Avoiding Harmful Stuff & Staying Safe

Recognizing the difference between real history and pseudohistory

Is the spiritual person a conspiracy theorist? A list of red flags

List of red flags to watch out for when joining a coven or online group

Beware of charisma mirrors

When your right to say no is entirely hypothetical

Dog whistles and symbols to watch out for

Eugenicist and bioessentialist beliefs about magic

What is spiritual eugenics?

Toxic Individualism In Modern Witchcraft

New Age beliefs that derive from racist pseudoscience

The Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis is Racist and Harmful

Allyship does not mean seeing yourself as worthless

The rules about responding to call outs aren’t working

History

Debunking the Pervasive Myths About Medieval Witch Hunts

Debunking Myths About Easter/Ostara

Just How Pagan is Christmas, Really?

The Origins of the Christmas Tree

No, Santa Claus Is Not Inspired By Odin

Why Prehistoric Matriarchy Wasn’t a Thing (A Brief Explanation)

Why Did The Patriarchal Greeks And Romans Worship Such Powerful Goddesses?

No, Athena Didn't Turn Medusa Into A Monster To Protect Her

Who Was the First God?

Were Ancient Civilizations Conservative Or Liberal?

PODCAST RECS - Debunking and Fact-Checking for Witches & Witchcraft Spaces

Angela's Symposium (YouTube channel about modern esotericism and witchcraft by Dr. Angela Puca)

ESOTERICA (YouTube channel about the history of Western esotericism by Dr. Justin Sledge)

ReligionForBreakfast (YouTube channel about religion run by Dr. Andrew Henry)

Let's Talk Religion (YouTube channel run by Filip Holm, lots of Islamic content but also lots of other stuff)

OceanKeltoi (Norse Heathenry)

Jackson Crawford (Norse Heathenry)

Conservation & Ecology

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Explained (all USian witches should read this, it most likely affects you)

How the Rage for Sage Threatens Native American Traditions and Recipes

(This post is unrebloggable because I plan to use it as a reference post to link, and may add/remove things to it over time.)

[balletthebestphotographs]

Iana Salenko Яна Саленко

Iana Salenko Яна Саленко (Staatsballett Berlin) as “Diana” (Roman Goddess of Wild Animals and the Hunt), “Diana and Acteon”, choreo by Agrippina Vaganova Агриппина Ваганова, music by Cesare Pugni, 2013 Dance Open Ballet Festival, Oktyabrsky Concert Hall Большой Kонцертный зал Октя́брьский, Saint Petersburg, Russia (April 22, 2013).

Note I: This blog is open to receiving and considering any suggestions, contributions, and/or criticisms that may help correct mistakes or improve its content. Comments are available to any visitor.

Note II: Original quality of photographs might be affected by compression algorithm of the website where they are hosted.

Source and more info at: Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Facebook Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Facebook (page) Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Instagram Photographer Nikolay Krusser on VKontakte Photographer Nikolay Krusser on Fine Art America

[astra-ravana]

Meet Me At The Crossroads

Crossroads magick is one of the most ancient and powerful forms of spiritual practice, rooted in folklore, myth, and occult traditions worldwide. The crossroads serve as a liminal space where different realms meet, making them ideal for transformation, communication with spirits, and supernatural workings. Let's explore the history, myths, practices associated with crossroads magick.

The Symbolism and Power of Crossroads

Crossroads are places where two or more paths meet, symbolizing transition, choices, and the convergence of the mundane and the mystical. In magickal traditions, they are seen as:

• Liminal Spaces – Areas where the veil between worlds is thin.

• Points of Decision – Representing life's choices and personal transformation.

• Spiritual Crossroads – Where humans, spirits, and deities can interact.

• Portals to the Otherworld – Allowing access to hidden knowledge and power.

The number of roads meeting affects the energy of the crossroads:

• Two-way crossroads (simple intersection) – Often used for general spellwork and divination.

• Three-way crossroads (Y-shape) – Associated with Hekate, the Fates, and feminine wisdom.

• Four-way crossroads (traditional crossroads) – The most commonly used for summoning spirits and transformative rituals.

Myths, Legends, and Superstitions

Many cultures have legends surrounding the mystical power of crossroads. Here are some notable myths and beliefs:

Greek and Roman Mythology

Hekate – The Greek goddess of witchcraft and magic is often depicted standing at a three-way crossroads with her torches, guiding souls and granting wisdom. Her followers left offerings called Hekate’s Suppers at crossroads for her favor.

Hermes/Mercury – A trickster and messenger god, he was the protector of travelers, psychopomps, and merchants. Crossroads were sacred to him, and statues called herms were placed at intersections to bring luck.

European Folklore

The Devil at the Crossroads – In European and later American folklore, it was believed that one could meet the Devil at a crossroads at midnight to make a pact for wealth, power, or skill (as in the famous story of blues musician Robert Johnson).

The Wild Hunt – A spectral procession of spirits, often led by Odin or other deities, was said to pass through crossroads. Seeing them was an omen of death.

Burial Superstitions – In medieval Europe, criminals and suicides were buried at crossroads to confuse their spirits and prevent hauntings.

Hoodoo and African Diaspora Traditions

Papa Legba – In Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo, Papa Legba is the gatekeeper of the crossroads, facilitating communication between humans and spirits.

The Crossroads Rite – In Hoodoo, one can go to the crossroads to make a deal with a spirit (not necessarily the Devil) to gain mastery in a skill, often by leaving offerings and performing rituals.

Asian Crossroads Beliefs

Shinto and Yokai – In Japanese folklore, crossroads were believed to be haunted by yurei (ghosts) and yokai (supernatural beings).

Chinese Folk Traditions – Paper offerings for spirits are often burned at crossroads to ensure the dead find their way.

Crossroads Magick Practices

Crossroads magick can be used for various purposes, including divination, spirit communication, curses, protection, and self-transformation.

Divination and Spirit Communication

• Perform scrying with a black mirror or water bowl at a crossroads at night.

• Use crossroads dirt in divination rituals to enhance psychic abilities.

• Ask a question, listen to the first words you hear or the first sign you see as an answer.

Spellwork and Rituals

• Offerings and Petitions – Leave food, coins, or candles to spirits or deities at the crossroads for guidance.

• Banishings and Uncrossings – Discard cursed items or perform cleansing rituals at a crossroads to remove negative energy.

• Empowerment and Mastery Rites – Go to the crossroads for seven nights, performing a skill (such as playing an instrument or reciting spells) to gain supernatural mastery.

Working with Spirits and Deities

• Call upon Hekate, Hermes, Papa Legba, or local spirits while standing at a crossroads, making offerings and asking for guidance.

• Use crossroads dirt in spell jars, protection sachets, or ritual circles to enhance power.

• Summon a spirit at midnight by drawing a symbol in the dirt, lighting candles, and calling their name.

Protection and Warding

• Place a small charm or a buried protective sigil at a crossroads to guard an area.

• Scatter salt or crushed eggshells at a crossroads to cleanse spiritual residue.

Crossroads Magick in Modern Practice

Today, crossroads magick is used in:

• Witchcraft and Paganism – Honoring deities like Hekate and Hermes, performing rituals, and collecting crossroads dirt.

• Hoodoo and Folk Magick – Working with spirits for skill mastery and protection.

• Urban Magick – Using intersections in cities as modern crossroads for rituals.

• Left-Hand Path Practices – Pact-making and spirit summoning.

Considerations

• Always research cultural traditions before incorporating them.

• Be respectful when leaving offerings (avoid littering).

• Ensure you protect yourself spiritually before summoning entities.

Hekate Crossroads Ritual (Road Opener)

Hekate, the goddess of the crossroads, is a powerful ally for removing obstacles, opening new opportunities, and guiding you on your path. This ritual calls upon her to clear blockages and illuminate the road ahead.

Needed:

• Three black candles

• A key

• Garlic or onions

• Honey or wine

• A written petition

• A bowl of spring water or Florida Water

• A small torch, lantern, or flashlight

Timing:

• Midnight is Hekate’s sacred hour, making it the most potent time.

• A dark moon (for deep transformation) or a new moon (for new beginnings).

• A Wednesday (for communication and movement) or a Saturday (for removing obstacles).

Instructions:

Preparation - Locate a physical crossroads where two or more roads meet. If that’s not possible, mark a symbolic crossroads in your home using salt, chalk, or stones. Stand in the center and take a few deep breaths, grounding yourself in the moment.

Invocation - Light the three black candles in a triangle around you, saying:

“Hekate, Torchbearer, Keeper of the Crossroads, I call to you. You who walk the liminal spaces, She who opens and closes the way, Come forth and guide me now.”

Place the key at the center of your ritual space and touch it, saying:

“With this key, I ask your blessing, Hekate Enodia, to open the roads before me.”

Pour a few drops of honey or wine onto the ground as an offering, saying:

“Mighty Hekate, accept this gift, and in your wisdom, clear my path.”

Removing Obstacles - Hold your petition and read it aloud, stating what you need cleared from your path. Example:

“Before me stand barriers unseen, doubts, fears, and paths unclear.

With your torches, Hekate, burn them away!

With your hounds, chase away misfortune!

With your key, unlock the way forward!”

Dip your fingers in the bowl of water and sprinkle it over your petition, saying:

“As water washes away the past, so too are my blockages removed.”

If safe, burn the petition in a fireproof dish, releasing it to the elements. If burning isn’t possible, tear it into small pieces and scatter them at the crossroads.

Opening the Way - Hold up the key and envision a golden path unfolding before you. Light your torch or flashlight and say:

“Hekate, light my way. With your guidance, I walk forward with confidence and clarity.”

Place the key in your pocket or wear it as a charm, symbolizing the road now open.

Closing - Leave garlic, onions, or additional honey at the crossroads as a final offering, saying:

“Hekate, Queen of the Crossroads, I thank you. May your blessings remain with me as I walk this new path.”

Walk away without looking back, trusting that the road is now open.

After the Ritual:

• Keep the key with you as a talisman for continued road-opening energy.

• Pay attention to dreams, signs, and synchronicities—Hekate often communicates through symbols.

• If possible, return to the crossroads in the coming days to leave a small token of gratitude.

Crossroads magick is a powerful, ancient practice that connects the worlds of the living, the dead, and the divine. Whether seeking wisdom, transformation, or supernatural aid, the crossroads serve as a gateway to profound mystical experiences. By honoring the spirits, respecting the traditions, and practicing responsibly, one can tap into the vast power of the crossroads.

[nihonnojihifukainomajonoseiiki]

A picture of my altar for Artemis/Diana.

I pray to her during Nemoralia, when I cast nature spells.

[thesilicontribesman]

Roman Gods And Goddesses of the Countryside, Arch of Trajan at Beneventum, 114 CE

These gods and goddesses represent the prosperity of the countryside: Bacchus, god of the vine with his thyrsos (a fennel-stalk staff); Ceres, goddess of corn and the harvest, with a torch; Diana, goddess of hunting and wild animals; and Silvanus, god of woods and fields, who holds a pine branch (in situ, west side, attic).

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford