The Naming of Artemis Rising
by Priscilla Anne Tennant Herrington

In the earliest days of the group it was agreed that we should have a name. And not just any name, but a name that would convey to all the world the wonder and the majesty of the women in this group. And, in the manner of feminist women, it was also agreed that the name must be chosen by a process designed to achieve concensus. If even one woman could not live with a name, then that name should not be used..

A certain amount of brainstorming was done by the entire group. Nothing of great consequence emerged. It was decreed that each woman should retire to her homeplace and stir her own pot. A date was appointed upon which each woman brought all her offerings. Many and varied were the ideas! Some funny, some derivative, some weighty and ponderous in the extreme. There were more names than could have been imagined! How could we ever choose? Being resourceful women, we knew ourselves to be capable of resolving the problem.

There were discussions about the group.  What are its goals? Who are its members? It was agreed that its members would be all women, serious poets who strive for excellence in their craft. The group is a writers' critique group with members sharing work and feedback. More than that, it is a group of women who support each other in their work and in their lives. This is a group that supports each member's growth. Meetings were designed to include an hour of discussion in order to get to know each other better and to share information about submission opportunities, upcoming events, etc., etc., etc. Oh definitely et cetera!

As amusing and wonderful as some names were ("On the Rag" comes to mind in this category), it was suggested that the name should be one we would be proud to include in a bio with work appearing in the most prestigious literary journals!

More cauldron stirring was involved. Each woman reduced the entire list to her five personal favorites. A common short list was developed. Women spoke for and against the names still on the table. Sometimes the same woman spoke for and against the same name. Another balloting occurred. The list was further reduced. A little more discussion, then a final balloting and there was a clear majority for Artemis Rising. Those who had voted for something else were each offered the opportunity to agree or disagree with the majority choice. And lo, consensus had occurred! The new group would henceforth be called Artemis Rising!

But ah, Grasshopper, you ask what does it mean? It is not enough for you to know that it sounds good. Really, really good. It flows from the tongue like something from a mythic past arising like a phoenix to a bright and glorious future! But there is more! Artemis, whom the Romans knew as Diana, is the Goddess of the Hunt. She runs freely through the forest, the original Virgin Goddess in the ancient meaning of the word - she is entire unto herself, needing and taking no man as consort 'though she mates at will. Her will. Artemis is also a protector and teacher of women. Young women were said to run with her through the forest, learning the art of hunting and of being themselves, finding their strength. Artemis is indeed a worthy mythic mentor!

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