Artemis: The Indomitable Spirit in Everywoman

Jungian psychiatrist Bolen (Goddesses in Everywoman) explores the myth of Artemis, the Greek Goddess of Sun and Moon, as well as her mortal counterpart, Atalanta and the way their characteristics are manifested in modern women. Bolen connects Artemis to contemporary figures such as environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill, author Cheryl Strayed, and journalist Lara Logan. She discusses the themes in the myths, musing on symbolism of apples, awareness of the passage of time, romantic desire, and creative impulses, each of which bear heavy on women's psyches. Bolen also discusses other goddess archetypes, including the romance-oriented Aphrodite, contemplative Hestia, and Hecate, the wise crone. The exploration of Artemis and Atalanta as feminist icons is compelling but some of Bolen's analogies are strained or drift off-topic. (Sept.)