studies center, the success of the project may depend on the political
acumen of Athena. In the midst of an emotional storm, if a woman
can call on Athena as an archetype in herself, rationality will help
her to find or keep her bearings.
VIRGIN GODDESS
The invulnerable and intact qualities descriptive of Artemis apply
to Athena as well. When Athena rules in a woman’s psyche, she—like
women who resemble either Artemis or Hestia—is motivated by
her own priorities. Like the Artemis archetype, Athena predisposes
a woman to focus on what matters to her, rather than on the needs
of others.
Athena differs from Artemis and Hestia in that she is the virgin
goddess who seeks the company of men. Rather than separating or
withdrawing, she enjoys being in the midst of male action and power.
The virgin goddess element helps her to avoid emotional or sexual
entanglements with men, with whom she works closely. She can be
companion, colleague, or confidante of men without developing
erotic feelings or emotional intimacy.
Athena emerged into the company of the Olympians as a fully
grown adult. She was depicted in her mythology as taking an interest
in worldly matters of consequence. The Athena archetype thus rep-
resents an older, more mature, version of a virgin goddess than does
Artemis. Athena’s realistic orientation to the world as it is, her
pragmatic attitude, her conformity to “adult” (that is, traditionally
held) standards, and lack of romanticism or idealism complete this
impression of Athena as the epitome of the “sensible adult.”
THE STRATEGIST
Athena’s wisdom was that of the general deploying forces or of
the business magnate outmaneuvering competition. She was the
best strategist during the Trojan War. Her tactics and interventions
won victories for the Greeks on the battlefield. The Athena archetype
thrives in the business, academic, scientific, military, or political
arenas.
For example, Athena may be manifested by a woman
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom Growing beyond the confining