New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| On this day in 1815 first-wave feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton was born. She was almost certainly not a Pagan, but if she were, her patron goddess might have been Artemis, who watches over women and supports their freedom and independence.
Artemis represents the concept that "female" does not have to equal "beholden to men." Her dalliances with both her female nymphs and the hunter Orion suggest bisexuality and a willingness to love where she will. Her role as protector of women in labor and childbirth acknowledges the danger inherent in the very act of bringing life into this world. And Artemis's influence may still be felt in the continuing work to liberate women around the world from everything from sexual harassment to assault to physical mutilation imposed by highly patriarchal cultures. Therefore, today is a very good day to honor this goddess of women's rights in specific and social justice in general. |
© This page is for the enjoyment of visitors to Llewellyn.com, and is the copyrighted intellectual property of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. You may post a link to this page, but no part of it may be used or reproduced without permission.
