Sacred Wands

Artemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. In the classical period of Greek mythology, Artemis was often described as the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was the Hellenic goddess of forests and hills, child birth, virginity, fertility, the hunt, and often was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows. In later Hellenistic times, she even assumed the ancient role of Eileithyia in aiding childbirth. Artemis later became identified with Selene, a Titaness who was a Greek moon goddess, sometimes depicted with a crescent moon above her head. She was also identified with the Roman goddess Diana.

Pre-pubescent Athenian girls and young Athenian girls approaching marriageable age were sent to the sanctuary of Artemis at Vravrona to serve the Goddess for one year. Even before Artemis, the sacred spring in the center of the grounds was revered. The Spring still exists today and supplies nourishment to the abundant plant life in the area. The temple lies in a lush valley surrounded by eucalyptus and pine trees. It has a beautiful atmosphere of secrecy and tranquility that seems timeless and other-worldly.