characteristically may not feel a lack in her life, especially if she is
able to invest her considerable energy in work that has a deep
meaning for her. She is likely to have an on-the-move lifestyle, which
she enjoys. A “home base” is not important. Nor are marriage and
children pressing needs, regardless of pressure from family and so-
ciety, unless Hera and/or Demeter are also strong archetypes. Al-
though she is missing close and committed emotional intimacy, she
has enduring sisterly and brotherly relationships with men and
women friends, and can enjoy the company of other people’s chil-
dren.
Identifying with Artemis shapes a woman’s character. She then
needs to be challenged and involved in interests that are personally
rewarding. Otherwise, the archetype is thwarted and unable to find
adequate expression, and the Artemis woman herself feels frustrated,
and ultimately depressed. This was the situation for many Artemis
women in the post—World War II, Baby Boom years, who tried
unsuccessfully to adapt to the roles available to them.
Recalling how destructive Artemis the goddess could be toward
others, it is not surprising to realize that a woman’s unconscious
identification with Artemis may be expressed through actions that
damage and hurt other people. These negative potentialites are
enumerated in the paragraphs that follow.
CONTEMPT FOR VULNERABILITY
As long as there is an element of “pursuit” on her part, an Artemis
woman may be interested in a man. But if he moves closer emotion-
ally, wants to marry her, or becomes dependent on her, the excite-
ment of the “hunt” is over. Moreover, she may lose interest or feel
contempt for him if he shows “weakness” by needing her. As a result,
an Artemis woman may have a series of relationships that go well
only as long as the man keeps some emotional distance and is not
always available. This pattern can arise if a woman identifies with
the “one-in-herself” virgin goddess element and denies her own
vulnerability and need for another. To change, she must discover
that the love and trust of another special person is very precious to
her.
Until then, from the man’s vantage point, she is like a
Artemis: Goddess of the Hunt and Moon, Competitor and Sister