In
Roman mythology,
Diana was the goddess of the
hunt, the
moon and
childbirth, being associated with wild animals and woodland, and having the power to talk to and control animals. She was equated with the
Greek goddess Artemis, though she had an independent origin in Italy. Diana was worshipped in
ancient Roman religion and is revered in
Roman Neopaganism and
Stregheria.
Dianic Wicca, a largely feminist form of the practice, is named for her. Diana was known to be the virgin goddess of childbirth and women. She was one of the three maiden goddesses, Diana,
Minerva and
Vesta, who swore never to marry.