Prayer to Artemis Before the Hunt

Slim-ankled Artemis, free-footed, wild-haired girl,

with steps swift and silent you run through the wood,

your bow at the ready, your shafts sharp and deadly.

Far-shooting Artemis, keen of eye and strong of arm,

your aim ever true, you take your prey, goddess,

with a single strike. Artemis, I pray to you

as I begin my hunt�"may my eyes be clear,

may my hand be steady, may the shots I fire

reach my target and no other, may any kill be quick.

I am grateful, goddess, for the meat on my table.

I am grateful, goddess, for the time I spend

in the cold, in the wood, hearing the silence;

I am grateful, goddess, for the time I spend

in your world. Grant that I take on this work

with honest intent, grant that I feel the weight

of what I do, grant that I honor the lives

that feed me. Mistress of the hunt, I pray to you.