Typically, she is not a sensual or a sexy woman, nor is she flirtatious
or romantic.
She likes men as friends or mentors rather than as lovers. Unlike
Artemis, she rarely considers sex a recreational sport or adventure.
Like an Artemis woman, she needs either Aphrodite or Hera as
active archetypes in order for sexuality to become an expression of
erotic attraction or emotional commitment. Otherwise, sex is a “part
of the agreement” inherent in a particular relationship, or is a calcu-
lated act. In either case, once she makes up her mind to be sexually
active, she usually learns how to make love skillfully.
An Athena woman often stays celibate for long periods in her
adult life, while she focuses her efforts on her career. If she is a de-
voted executive secretary or an administrative assistant to a chosen
great man, she may stay a celibate “office wife.”
If a married woman stays identified with Athena, her attitude to-
ward sexuality may be roughly the same as her attitude toward
other bodily functions—something that is done regularly and is
good for her. It is also part of her role as wife.
Athena seems well represented among lesbian women, contrary
to what might be expected (given the Athena woman’s patriarchal
loyalties, affinity for heroes, and lack of sisterly feelings). The lesbian
Athena woman has a tendency to have a partner cast in the same
mold as herself. They may both be professional women, high
achievers who began as colleagues prior to becoming lovers.
In their relationship, lesbian Athena women may admire the oth-
er’s “heroic” qualities and success, or may be drawn to the other’s
intellect. Companionship and loyalty, rather than passion, hold them
together; sex between them may dwindle to nothing. They are likely
to keep the homosexual nature of their relationship secret from
others. Their relationship is often long-lasting, surviving separations
caused by career requirements.
MARRIAGE
When women did not have much opportunity to succeed in their
own careers, most Athena women made “good marriages.” They
married hard-working, achievement-oriented
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom Growing beyond the confining