Brauronia

Brauronia is a Hellenic festival. Festival of Artemis held at Brauron (a coastal deme of Attica) every four years. Young Athenian girls between 5 and 10 served Artemis as 'bears' (arktoi) — living in the sanctuary for a period, performing ritual acts before their transition to adulthood. Associated with the myth of the slain sacred bear. A festival of female coming-of-age, protection of girls, and the wildness inherent in female nature.

Festival of Artemis held at Brauron (a coastal deme of Attica) every four years. Young Athenian girls between 5 and 10 served Artemis as 'bears' (arktoi) — living in the sanctuary for a period, performing ritual acts before their transition to adulthood. Associated with the myth of the slain sacred bear. A festival of female coming-of-age, protection of girls, and the wildness inherent in female nature.

The spiritual theme of Brauronia: The bear-girls were not taming themselves — they were learning to hold wildness and civilization in one body. What wild part of you needs honoring?. Reflection prompts: What rites of passage in your life were never properly marked? What does Artemis ask of you in terms of protecting your own inner wildness?

Here is how to celebrate Brauronia: - Honoring Artemis for the protection of children and girls - Prayers for young girls at developmental transitions - Offerings: animal imagery (especially bear), simple gifts from nature - Acknowledge the wild, untamed aspect of yourself that civilization tries to domesticate

The deities honored at Brauronia are: Artemis. Festival of Artemis held at Brauron (a coastal deme of Attica) every four years. Young Athenian girls between 5 and 10 served Artemis as 'bears' (arktoi) — living in the sanctuary for a period, performing ritual acts before their transition to adulthood.

During Brauronia, meditate on: The bear-girls were not taming themselves — they were learning to hold wildness and civilization in one body. What wild part of you needs honoring?