Princess Diana has already become a living
archetype, reaching deeply into the personal and collective unconscious of
people all over the world, inspiring them. Yet few may be aware that she also
personified the myth of the Roman goddess Diana (the Greek Artemis), who was not
only true to her own free spirit, but also committed to humanitarian values.
The goddess Diana was a huntress, but she was also nurturer of children and
feminine values, and protector of the weak and vulnerable.
Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, stated at her funeral: "It is a point to
remember that of all the ironies about Diana, perhaps the greatest was this: a
girl given the name of the anicent goddess of hunting was, in the end, the most
hunted person of the modern age."
Let us explore further the myth of the goddess Diana, and reflect upon its
psychological meaning, and its relevance to Princess Diana.
Diana was goddess of the Moon, the heavenly light that illuminates the
darkness. Sometimes, she was portrayed as a torchbearer, whose torch or candle
lit the way for others. Regal and dignified, she held the reins of her life, and
drove her own chariot through uncharted territory.
Diana ruled the wilderness, the untamed frontiers of nature. Today we might
wonder: Did her realms also include inner terrains and the uncharted emotional
wilderness?
Images of Diana in Greek and Roman myth often portray her accompanied by
animals, (particu larly young stags) or surrounded by women who appealed to her
for help in childbearing. Diana was a protector of children, and responded to
the vulnerable and suffering. She defended the powerless from unjust treatment
by the patriarchy, and took decisive action in their behalf.
Diana's role as nurturer and protectress of all began early in life. She
began helping her mother Leto as soon as she was born, by delivering her own
twin brother Apollo. Her mother needed more nurturing from her own daughter than
she was able to give in return. All too frequently, the young Diana felt
abandoned by Leto, and compelled to come to her mother's aid.
This independent, and yet compassionate goddess was readily available to
others, but also vulnerable, and not known to have had particularly satisfying
relationships with men, except for her brother Apollo.
But even her relationship with her brother was not always smooth. Her one
great romantic love was the handsome and revered giant, Orion, whom her brother
did not like. One day Apollo tricked her by betting her that she could not hit a
distant object with her arrows.
Thriving on challenges, Artemis aimed, only to discover that her confidence,
competence and intuitive aim beheaded her lover. Forever after, she grieved that
she had so unintentionally incapacitated her lover, and proceeded to make him a
star in the sky since he no longer could be the star that brightened her time on
earth.
For graphics and more on Diana Mythology go to:
Diana and Diana/Artemis
at http://www.geocities.com/~webwinds/diana/diamyth1.htm
(that's a 1 as in ONE)
For links, pictures articles and more
Diana A Tribute is http://www.geocities.com/~webwinds/diana/diana.htm
Thanks to
Tracy Marks
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