The sacred number of Artemis, the revered Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, the Moon, and childbirth, is seven (7). This number holds significant mystical importance in the context of ancient Greek mythology and is also sacred to her twin brother, Apollo.
Significance of the Number Seven
The association of the number seven with both Artemis and Apollo highlights a shared divine connection and intrinsic symbolism within their mythological narratives. In many ancient cultures, including that of the Greeks, the number seven was considered particularly potent and sacred, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or divine order.
For Artemis, this sacred number reinforces several aspects of her divine identity:
- Lunar Cycles: The number seven can be symbolically linked to the Moon's phases, which traditionally last about seven days (a quarter cycle). As a moon goddess, this connection further deepens the significance of seven for Artemis.
- Divine Twinship: The shared sacred number with Apollo, god of music, poetry, light, and healing, emphasizes their powerful and harmonious divine sibling relationship. Both were children of Zeus and Leto, born on the island of Delos.
- Perfection and Wholeness: The number seven is frequently seen as a number of totality or perfection across various ancient belief systems, aligning with Artemis's dominion over untamed wilderness and the cycles of nature, which operate with a profound sense of natural order.
The number seven permeates various aspects of Greek mythology and ancient thought, extending beyond just Artemis and Apollo. Its consistent appearance underscores its profound religious and symbolic weight.
