By Freyawyche (Freyawyche) on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 - 06:23 pm:
Diana's Day, or La Giornata di Diana: August 13th. She is the Maiden Goddess. Sometimes associatd with Artemis. She is not tied to any man- living unto her own will and direction. An unmarried young woman but not necesarily virgin! She lives in the forests and is huntress/protector of all animals wild and free,especially those in childbirth.
"All rejoice and shout out a cry
As Goddess Diana strides on by.
Bow in hand, arrow near,
Cause for calm...have no fear.
Shimmering silver moonlike beam
Emanating from the inbetween...
Surrounds Her head like crown and crescent-
Heaven-blessed and luminescent.
Goddess, Maiden, Amazon Queen
Ruling from the in-between:
Have now mercy- send Thy power
Into this Thy forest bower.
Treat thine kin the animals fair
With special blessing from the aire.
Send moonbeam energy to the ones
That be of dirt and pond and aire and flight.
Shield them, bless them in the night.
All these creaures hear Thy call
Goddess bless them one and all. (FreyaWyche)
Light Spirit flame in cauldron (or candle- center of altar). Spread 9 white shells at base of altar around the flame. Pearls and moonstones are very appropriate to use during this feast. It is not spell work but a celebration of Diana's power and protection- a Day to honor Her.If you have a small doll or statue of a young woman it is traditional to place a wreathe of flowers around Her head as you give greeting. I like to cast the Circle with a combination of herbs and flower petals as well. Mugwort, Jasmine and Wormwod are special to her. As She was originally Italian/Etruscan I also use fennel and basil. In fact I made a blend of jaasmine (Her most favorite and strongest correspondence along with the crescent moon), fennel (just a wee touch) and basil. Worn in August heat it is lovely. (Does not seem so nice in ooler weather. This is an oil for the high full heat and sensuality of August and the Mediterranean).Diana is typically seen standing with her bow and arrows, surrounded by animals, esp dogs and deer. The Charge of Aradia is typically said aloud (you can find it online I suppose).You are supposed to make crescent-shaped cakes of grain, wine, honey in her memory and say: "Blessings upon this meal, which is as my own body. For without such sustenance, I would perish from this world. Blessings upon the grain, which as seed went into the earth where deep secrets hide. And there did dance with the elements, and spring forth as flowered plant, concealing secrets strange. When you were in the ear of grain, spirits of the fields came to cast their light upon you, and aid you in your growth. Thus through you shall I be touched by that same Race, and the mysteries hidden within you, I shall obtain even unto the last of these grains." (Raven Grimassi).
Part of the Charge that I like: (This is Aradia, Diana's daughter speaking)
"Give offerings all to She who is our Mother. For She is the beauty of the Green Wood, and the light of the moon among the stars, and the mystery which gives life, and always calls us to come together in Her name."
You are supposed to do the Rite of Union when placing the crown on the statue or altar. It is a mudra or combination of hand movements symbolizing communion and blessing. I have no way of showing it here but you could improvise: Raise hands above head in "prayer" fashion, slowly bring them down to third eye, then midchest near heart, then down to solar-plexus and hold them palms upwards one hand upon the other, then slowly extend outward and gently bow head in thanks to Diana.If you have a sword or athame you then lay it on the altar or at Her feet and say: "My Lady, all power is giving to You, for this is so ordained. And with love there is submission to your ways, and reign is given over to your hands."
http://pmsa.cch.kcl.ac.uk/images/nrpBM/BMGA25.jpgPicture of Diana
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl= ... 8%26sa%3DN