The goddess Diana stands as a beacon of strength, independence, and natural beauty. Revered as the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and wild animals, Diana’s mythology is rich with tales of her prowess and divine influence.
For those looking to incorporate Diana into their spiritual practice, understanding her symbols, epithets, and correspondences can deepen your connection to this powerful deity.

This lesson of the Goddess’ Temple Course will explore the multifaceted nature of Diana, offering insights into her mythology, the sacred symbols associated with her, and practical tips for making offerings and honoring Her in your rituals. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into paganism or are a seasoned practitioner, this guide will provide valuable insights to deepen and enrich your worship of Diana.
Who is The Goddess Diana?

Diana, the fierce and independent goddess of the hunt, roams the untamed wilderness with her bow and golden arrows, ever in search of adventure and game.
Clad in a chiton, a short tunic that allows her to move freely through the dense forests, she embodies the spirit of the wild. Her attire is completed with a cloak, sturdy boots, and a belt adorned with a jeweled clasp, adding a touch of elegance to her rugged ensemble. In some traditions, Diana is also depicted wearing regal purple raiment, highlighting her divine status and majestic presence.

A true master of the bow, Diana is undeniably the greatest of all hunters, embodying both skill and grace. She values chastity, steadfastly maintaining her maidenhood and independence. Preferring the solitude of the wilderness, Diana shuns the presence of other gods and mortals, finding solace and companionship among the trees and wild creatures, as a divinity of the forest.
Working with Goddess Diana
The most effective way to connect with Diana is through studying Her mythology, epithets, and symbols. Here’s a summary of the most significant tales featuring the goddess Diana, and how to worship Her in your practice.
Mythology of Diana
These stories not only illustrate Diana’s complex character, but also Her connections to themes of chastity, transformation, and the natural world. They offer a wealth of insight for neopagans looking to deepen their understanding and worship of this powerful goddess.

Actaeon’s Fate: The Hunter Becomes The Hunted
The tale, as recounted in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, begins with the hunter Actaeon venturing into the forest with his loyal hounds, intent on tracking down a stag. After a long and exhausting day, he decided to let his dogs rest and drink from a cool, refreshing spring. As they approached the water, Actaeon’s eyes fell upon a breathtaking sight: the goddess Diana, naked and bathing in the moonlight.

In a flash of anger, the chaste goddess reacted by splashing the water around her, invoking a powerful transformation upon Actaeon. The moment the enchanted water touched him, Actaeon began to change. Antlers sprouted from his head, and a fine coat of fur enveloped his body, turning him into a stag.
Unaware of their master’s transformation, Actaeon’s hounds instinctively pursued the stag. Despite his desperate attempts to flee, Actaeon’s new form was no match for the relentless pursuit of his dogs. They followed his scent through the forest and eventually caught up to him. Tragically, they tore their transformed master limb from limb, unaware of the true identity of their prey.

This myth serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of violating boundaries, especially those of the divine. Actaeon’s fate underscores the peril of intruding upon sacred spaces and the potential retribution from the gods. It highlights the importance of reverence and respect, teaching us that overstepping our bounds can lead to tragic and irreversible outcomes.
Callisto: From Companion To Constellation
Callisto, a nymph and devoted follower of Diana (also referred to as Artemis in many versions of the tale), was bound by a vow of chastity, as were all of Diana’s nymphs.
However, her fate took a tragic turn, as described in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Jupiter, the king of the gods, disguised himself as the goddess Diana to seduce Callisto, a deceitful act which led to Callisto becoming pregnant with Jupiter’s child.

The truth came to light when Diana discovered Callisto’s condition while she was bathing. In some versions of the tale, Callisto, feeling betrayed and outraged, blamed Diana for her predicament. Whether it was this accusation or her broken vow of chastity that fueled Diana’s anger, the goddess transformed Callisto into a bear in a fit of rage.
As a bear, Callisto roamed the mountains, eventually giving birth to a son named Arcas. In one of the many versions of the story, penned by the writer Hyginus, Callisto was captured by the Aetolians and brought to her father Lycaon. Still trapped in her bear form, she and her son Arcas sought refuge in a temple of Jupiter as the Arcadians pursued them. To save them, Jupiter transformed both mother and son into constellations, placing them in the sky as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Symbols of Diana

Crescent Moon: The crescent moon is one of Diana’s most prominent symbols, representing her role as a lunar deity. This symbol highlights her connection to the night, the cycles of the moon, and the mysteries of the natural world. The crescent moon also signifies her influence over time and tides, embodying the ever-changing yet constant nature of the lunar phases.

Bow & Arrow: Diana is often depicted with a bow and a quiver full of arrows, symbolizing her unmatched skill as a huntress and her warrior spirit. The bow represents her precision and strength, while the quiver signifies her readiness and resourcefulness. The tools are not just weapons but extensions of her divine will, allowing her to protect the wilderness and maintain the balance of nature.

Deer: Diana is often depicted with deer, symbolizing her dominion over wild animals and the natural world. This connection is vividly illustrated in the story of Actaeon, where Diana transforms the hunter into a stag as punishment for seeing her bathing. The deer, therefore, represent both the beauty of the wilderness and the fierce protection Diana offers to her sacred domain.

Oak Tree: As a tree known for its longevity and resilience, it is sacred to Diana, symbolizing not only her deep connection to the natural world but also her embodiment of strength and endurance. The oak represents the enduring power and stability of nature, qualities that Diana herself embodies as a protector of the wilderness.

Triple Goddess: Diana is often associated with a triadic form, where she is connected to three different but related goddesses, each representing a different domain:

- Diana (Artemis): In this form, Diana is the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and wild animals. She is often depicted with a bow and arrow, accompanied by hunting dogs, and associated with the forests and mountains.
- Luna (Selene): As Luna, Diana represents the moon and the night. She governs the lunar cycles and is often shown with a crescent moon on her forehead, emphasizing her connection to the celestial realm and her role in guiding and illuminating the night.
- Hecate (Trivia): In this aspect, Diana is connected to Hecate, the goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the underworld. This association links Diana to the darker, more mysterious aspects of the divine, including the afterlife and the unknown.
See also: 10 Common Occult Symbols – Do You Know Them All?
Titles and Epithets of Diana
Diana, revered as the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and the wilderness, bears numerous titles and epithets that highlight her diverse roles and attributes in ancient mythology and worship.
- Diana Caelus (Heavenly Diana)
- Diana Nemorensis (Diana of the Wood)
- Diana Triformis (Triple Goddess Diana)
- Diana Trivia (Diana of the Crossroads)
How to Worship Diana
Historically, worshipers honored the goddess Diana in a festival called the Nemoralia, celebrated from August 13-15. The festival blossomed over three days and nights, filled with torch-bearing worshipers passionately offering their heartfelt devotions to Diana. They presented tokens of their reverence, left out in wild places such as shimmering bodies of water, groves, woods, or even crossroads.

Worshiping Diana in Neopagan circles often involves working with moon herbs and the energy of the lunar phases. Rituals such as Esbats may be performed outdoors under the moonlight, invoking Diana’s protection and guidance. Practitioners might also engage in meditative walks in the forest or spend time in nature, reflecting on Diana’s qualities as a goddess of the hunt, the moon, and the wilderness.
Diana’s Correspondences
Diana’s Associations: Femininity, fertility, childbirth, nature, harvest, and abundance. She is a patroness of children, women, witches, and hunters. Diana’s domain is not only the wilderness, but the underworld, the heavens, and the liminal spaces in between.
Symbols: Bow & arrow, the crescent moon, the number 3.
Animals: Dogs, deer, woodland creatures.
Gems: Amethyst, diamond, moonstone, pearl, quartz, and turquoise.
Colors: Black, indigo, silver, and white.
Genealogy: Daughter of Jupiter and the Titan Leto. Twin sister of Apollo.
Goddess Diana Grimoire Page
Add this information about Diana to your Book of Shadows! Print and download this page for free here: Grimoire page: Goddess Diana.
🖨️ Get more pages to complete and organize your magical grimoire here: Printable Pages for your Book of Shadows
Diana’s Offerings
Prepare a moon altar to Diana by lighting silver and white candles and offering natural items like fruits, nuts, and fresh flowers. Here are some more ideas for offerings to Diana:
- Libations of milk and honey
- Fresh water (leave some out for the local wildlife!)
- Bread, cakes, or grains
- Mugwort, wormwood, or oak leaves
- White or silver candles
- Animal figurines
- Moonstone and silver
- Fruit and nuts
- Incense, such as sandalwood, cedar, or juniper
- Flower necklaces and garlands
- Statues or artistic depictions of the goddess Diana
Invocations and Prayers to Diana
After reading and researching the goddess as much as you can, if you feel that Diana is calling you, invoke the goddess with a simple prayer and a ritual offering.
Prayer to Diana
This prayer is intended to invoke the protective power of Diana. It is a request for her guidance and safeguarding, calling upon her strength to ward off harm and provide a sense of security. Whether recited during times of uncertainty or as part of a regular spiritual practice, this prayer seeks the comfort and protection of Diana’s divine presence.
“O Goddess Diana, Huntress of the wild and guardian of the night,
I call upon your strength and wisdom to shield me from harm.
Surround me with your light, as pure as the moon’s glow,
And guide my steps with your swift, steady grace.
May your watchful eyes keep danger at bay,
And your arrows of protection strike true.
In your name, I find safety and peace.
So mote it be.”
Further Reading
- Diana: Goddess of Hunting and Protector of Animals by Teri Temple
- From Artemis to Diana: The Goddess of Man and Beast by Tobias Fischer-Hansen
- Pagan Portals – Artemis by Irisanya Moon