Triple Moon Goddesses

Do anymore know if there are any books or forums on the history and worship of Artemis, Selene, & Hecate? I've been researching information on them and the majority is different. I'm not sure what which would actually be authentic. Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.

Widdica32

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Every site/book will have different information I doubt there is a single authentic book

I recomend any site dedicated to Greek Mythology as these tend to have much more correct information

I feel like theoi.com would be the most authentic as it's all about lore and history, rather than new-agey ideas.

Thank you for the information. This site is very helpful.

The concepts of a triple moon Goddess or of the Maiden/Mother Crone concept are.modern ones that is unrelated to historical religions. It was largely the creation of Graves in his book of poetry called "The White Goddess". Gardner took this idea and incorporated it into Wiccan practice.

For instance, in the construct you are working with of Artemis (Maiden), Selene (Mother, and Hecate (Crone) has no relationship to ancient Greek practices. Just to point out one inconsistency between ancient/modern viewpoints, Hecate was a Titaness, not a Goddess; and she was a young woman, not the Crone.

There are some triple Goddesses in other ancient religions such as Irish mythology with Brighid and The Morrighan, but they do not fit into the Maiden/Mother/Crone construct at all.

Be very careful when trying to stuff ancient deities into modern pigeonholes as they often don't fit.

Thank you Lark for the breakdown. I see this is why I cannot locate information on the worship of Artemis in the craft. I find correspondences relating to the Goddess, such as herbs, plants, animals, zodiac, etc.

So with Greek practice, Gaia would be the Goddess aspect under this tradition?

Hecate/Hekate was often called a "Triple Goddess" even though she was a Titaness. But this has nothing to do with the maiden, mother, crone Triple Goddess. She was a Triple aspect Goddess which could be down to one of three things. Either to represent three stages of the moon, Zeus giving her dominion over Earth, Hevens and the sea or because she is linked with the crossroads, needing three heads to look three ways.

When it comes to offerings for the Greek Gods you can't really go wrong with wine, bread, honey, Oil and fruits.

In ancient greece they celebratedElaphebolia which was dedicated to Artemis. They would make cakes and such and cut them into the shape of deer. This was done a lot in Ancient Greece, If an animal wasn't at hand to be sacrificed they would make other foods in the shape of that animal.

In Ancient Athens they celebratedMounukhia where they would make Artemis a round cake and place candles in a circle on the cake and light them. This is believed to be the beginning of birthday cakes and candles.

Clothing was also given to Artemis, Usually those of women who had survived childbirth due to that being something she was credited for. Bows and arrows can also be given to her.