Western Hermetic Ritual and Invocation of the Roman Goddess Diana-Huntress and Her Hounds.

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This blog is an exploration of Diana’s (or in the Greek tradition, Artemis’s) huntress aspects, how they can be useful in magick and Tarot, and a suggested Western Hermetic-style ritual and invocation. While Diana is most often associated with Roman mythology, and Artemis is her direct Greek counterpart, these two deities share enough attributes that practitioners in the Western esoteric tradition frequently blend or interchange their lore. For simplicity and clarity, I’ll use “Diana” here, noting her close relationship with the Artemis of Greek myth and the Thoth Tarot-ATU-The Priestess as her Sigil. Diana the huntress is also noted for her hunting hounds who also are very good protectors. I have combined the Huntress and her hounds in a Western Hermetic Magick Ritual and Invocation.

1. Diana the Huntress: Background & Symbolism

Lunar and Solar Elements

• Lunar Qualities: Diana is often seen as a Moon Goddess (particularly in her Roman guise). The huntress aspect ties closely to the waxing moon phase, symbolizing drive, autonomy, and action.
• Solar Attributes: While less common, some traditions ascribe a subtle solar or fiery energy to Diana, owing to her proficiency with the bow (the “sunbeam” of her arrows). This duality—lunar intuition and solar precision—reflects her role both as a protector of women’s mysteries and as the courageous huntress.

Virginity and Autonomy

• Diana’s choice to remain unmarried and unattached is a classic feature of her myth. From a magickal standpoint, this highlights self-sovereignty, independence, and dedication to personal vision—qualities valuable for inner work and boundary setting.

Protector of the Wild and Women’s Mysteries

• Wild Spaces: Diana presides over forests, crossroads, and untamed land, suggesting aspects of untamed potential, primal power, and the fertility of nature.
• Women’s Mysteries: In many Hellenic and Roman cults, she offers protection in childbirth and is invoked for fertility and safe passage. Metaphorically, in personal or spiritual “gestation,” calling on Diana can provide protection and guidance.

Bow & Arrow Symbolism

• The bow and arrow represent focus, intention, and precision—perfect for magical work that requires clarity of purpose. Think of focusing your “aim” or channeling your energy toward a targeted outcome.

I have combined a ritual that incorporates Diana the Huntress, her lunar and independent aspects, and her loyal hounds, weaving them into a cohesive Western Hermetic-style practice. Feel free to adapt words, gestures, or tools to match your personal path.

1. Purpose & Preparation

Purpose

• To invoke Diana (Artemis) in her role as the moonlit Huntress and to welcome her hounds as protectors and guides.
• This ritual focuses on cultivating self-sovereignty, keen instincts, unwavering focus on your goals, and protective energy around your sacred space.

Timing

• Ideally performed during the Waxing or Full Moon for maximum lunar alignment. However, anytime you feel called by Diana’s energy is suitable.

Sacred Space & Setup

• Altar: Place a symbol or image of Diana (e.g., a statue, a lunar symbol, or an image of a woman with a bow).
• Symbols of the Hounds: A figurine or picture of a dog/wolf, or simply a small token (paw print charm, etc.).
• Candles: One white or silver candle to represent Diana. You may also add four small candles (one for each quarter) if you like.
• Incense: Frankincense, myrrh, or cedar.
• Offerings: A small offering for Diana (bread, wine, water, flower) and, if desired, a symbolic offering for her hounds (piece of bread or bowl of water).

2. The Combined Ritual

Below is a step-by-step outline. If you already use certain Hermetic forms (like the LBRP), you can seamlessly add them before or after.

Step 1: Opening and Cleansing

1. Create Your Sacred Circle:

   • Perform your preferred banishing or cleansing ritual (e.g., the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram).
   • As you visualize the circle forming, sense a soft silver glow, reminiscent of moonlight.

2. Statement of Intent:

   • Stand at your altar, place hands over your heart or extend them outward, and say clearly:

     “I stand under the silver glow of the Moon,
     Opening this space to the presence of Diana, the Huntress,
     And her faithful hounds who guard the wild ways.
     May all here be in perfect love and perfect trust.”

Step 2: Calling in Diana’s Hounds as Guardians

To incorporate the hounds, you can place them at the quarters or imagine them encircling your circle.

1. Calling the Hounds to the Quarters (optional approach):

   • East: Face East, draw a pentagram or a protective symbol in the air, and say:

     “In the East, I call upon the first of Diana’s hounds.
     Keen of sight, sharp of sense, guard this gate of dawn.
     Welcome and protect this circle.”

   • South: Face South, repeat with a similar call:

     “In the South, I call upon the second of Diana’s hounds.
     Fierce and fiery in spirit, keep harm at bay.
     Welcome and protect this circle.”

   • West: Face West:

     “In the West, I call upon the third of Diana’s hounds.
     Guardian of emotions and the hidden stream,
     Welcome and protect this circle.”

   • North: Face North:

     “In the North, I call upon the fourth of Diana’s hounds.
     Strong and steadfast, root this circle in safety.
     Welcome and protect this circle.”

2. Alternatively, Visualize the Hounds Circling:

   • If you prefer not to place them in the quarters, you can say:

     “Run swiftly, O Hounds of the Moonlit Hunt.
     Circle round with silent paws,
     Guard well the threshold of this space,
     And keep away all harmful or unwanted presence.”

   • Spend a few moments visualizing a pack of luminous hounds tracing the perimeter.

Step 3: Lighting the Candle & Invoking Diana

1. Light the White/Silver Candle:
   • Gaze into the flame or close your eyes and sense its glow expanding.
   • With reverent intention, speak or recite the combined invocation, calling both Diana and her hounds:

Invocation of Diana and Her Hounds

“Diana, Fleet-Footed Huntress of the Silver Moon,
She who moves unseen through forests dark,
Armed with bow, guided by unwavering aim,
I call upon your ancient power and grace.

With you run the loyal Hounds of Night,
Scenting truth where illusions hide,
Protecting each step through the wild path,
Ensuring safe passage under your lunar light.

Diana, I invoke you in this sacred space:
Infuse me with your focused precision,
Teach me the independence of the wild heart,
And bestow the keen instincts of your faithful hounds.

May your presence illuminate my mind,
May your hounds circle and stand guard,
Ensuring the purity of my intent
And the safety of this holy circle.

Hail, Diana! Hail to your hounds!
Be with me now and welcome.”

1. Visualization:
   • As you speak, see/feel Diana stepping into the circle, accompanied by her hounds, tails waving, alert eyes scanning the boundaries.
   • Sense a deep peace, yet a fierce protective power descending into your space.

Step 4: Meditation or Main Working

1. Focus & Communion:

   • Sit or stand quietly. Breathe slowly, grounding yourself. Allow Diana’s energy to fill you—calm yet commanding, lunar yet precise.
   • You might visualize yourself walking through a moonlit forest, with Diana guiding you and the hounds trotting protectively nearby.
   • Tune into messages, feelings, or visions she may bring.

2. Intentional Aim:

   • If you have a specific goal or “target,” imagine drawing Diana’s bow, placing your intention as an arrow.
   • Draw back the bowstring in your mind’s eye and release the arrow, trusting the hounds to track and secure your goal.

Step 5: Offering & Gratitude

1. Offerings:

   • Place your offering for Diana on the altar (bread, wine, water, flower, etc.).
   • Place a second, smaller offering for her hounds (a piece of bread, a small bowl of water, or something symbolic).
   • As you do, say:

     “Diana, I offer you this token of my gratitude and devotion,
     And to your hounds, this humble gift.
     May my respects nurture the bond we share,
     And may your blessings guide me always.”

2. Seal the Offerings:

   • Gently pass your hands over the offerings, visualizing them being accepted by the goddess and her hounds.
   • If you wish, ring a small bell or chime to finalize this energetic exchange.

Step 6: Closing the Ritual

1. Expression of Thanks:

   • Face the altar, bow your head or lift your hands in reverence:

     “Diana, Huntress of the Moonlit Realm,
     I thank you for your presence and your guidance.
     Hounds of Diana, guardians of this circle,
     I thank you for your faithful watch.
     Depart in peace if you must, or remain as allies in my heart.
     Hail and farewell!”

2. Release the Hounds (if placed at the quarters):

   • Move to each direction, thanking each hound for its protection:

     “(East) Hound of Dawn, I release you with gratitude. Hail and farewell.”
     Repeat for South, West, and North.

   • Or if you visualized them circling, envision them fading into moonlight or bowing and receding to wherever they dwell in spirit.

3. Take Down the Circle:

   • Perform the standard closing (e.g., closing pentagrams, dissolving the circle in your usual manner).
   • Visualize the silver bubble gently dissolving, leaving you cleansed, protected, and blessed with Diana’s lunar essence.

3. After the Ritual

1. Grounding: Eat or drink something (the bread/wine if appropriate) to ground and center yourself.
2. Journaling: Note any visions, sensations, or insights. This helps you track how Diana’s and her hounds’ energies manifest in your life.
3. Daily Life: Carry the sense of heightened awareness and focus into your mundane tasks. You might honor Diana’s influence by standing strong in your independence or practicing archery (literal or metaphorical) in your day-to-day activities.

Conclusion

By blending Diana’s lunar huntress archetype with the protective, wild instincts of her hounds, this ritual underscore autonomy, precision, and loyal guardianship. It can be repeated at different moon phases or adapted for group work, with each participant calling a hound or aspect of the goddess. May your path be illuminated by Diana’s silver bow, and may your circle be well-guarded by her faithful pack.

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