An Artemis Story for July’s Buck Moon
This month, we celebrate the full moon on July 13th, just a few short weeks before the first harvest of 2022.
July’s moon is called the Buck Moon, Hay Moon, and Thunder Moon, It’s also a Supermoon – the brightest of the year! July’s moon gets its name from the hay awaiting harvest, summer storms, and the buck’s antlers – which are now full grown.
Among spiritual communities, a stag’s antlers are associated with the Tree of Life and psychic projection. Also regeneration, and likewise, resurrection. Peaceful yet protective, the stag acts as a mediator between the spirit world and earth. While the stag embodies strength and independence (traditionally viewed as masculine characteristics), some goddesses and shapeshifters take this form when communicating with followers and conversely, distracting adversaries.
One such shapeshifter – Artemis.
So, instead moon spell this month, we offer a story. Also a question: what do you know of the famed huntress?
Artemis rules the mountains and wild lands. She is the daughter of Leto and Zeus, twin to Apollo, guardian of the moon, and protectress of women and children. She is clever, capable, and fiercely independent. And, despite admirers near and far, Artemis never desired to rule alongside a partner.
The problem – not everyone respects your boundaries.
Cue Otus and Ephialtes, better known as the Aloadae Giants.
Artemis rules the mountains and wild lands. She is the daughter of Leto and Zeus, twin to Apollo, guardian of the moon, and protectress of women and children. She is clever, capable, and fiercely independent. And, despite admirers near and far, Artemis never desired to rule alongside a partner.
The problem – not everyone respects your boundaries.
Cue Otus and Ephialtes, better known as the Aloadae Giants.
Sons to Iphimedeia and Poseidon, the Aloadae Giants were so infatuated with the goddess that they devised a plan to storm Mt. Olympus, detain Ares, and kidnap Artemis and Hera. And against all odds, the giants succeeded.
However, since Artemis knew what the brothers desired was love, she offered Otus her hand in marriage in exchange for Ares’ release. Once Ares walked free, Artemis transformed into a stag and took off running. The twins (being hunters themselves) grabbed their bows and shot two arrows at the creature.
But, the moment they released their arrows, the stag dashed between the men. Instead of hitting the animal, Otus’s arrow connected with Ephialtes chest. Ephialtes’ wayward arrow pierced his brother’s heart. Both giants died moments later.
And Artemis? Well, she returned home to her beloved mountains.
Like Artemis, the stag (and in many cases, the doe) knows that with maturity comes sovereignty and heightened senses, but also responsibility, sacrifice, and being tasked with difficult choices, many of which alter the world as we know it.
For us, this Buck Moon is a reminder that each day, we add a new page and a new adventure to our story. So, in true fairytale fashion, we’re spending some time listening to the birds and bees, also the critters and the trees. Because through them, Artemis’s voice rings loud and clear.