I stand mesmerized, beholding these sentinels of grace, the vessels of ancient mysteries and transmitters of sacred energy.

These are Kore sacred feminine figures, towering atop of pedestals in the Archaic Art gallery at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece. Here, during my visit, I not only see these beautiful and precious relics, I also feel their energetic presence.

Many years ago, Artemis was the Greek deity with whom I most identified while reading The Goddesses Within Every Woman by Jean Shinoda Bolen. Artemis is sovereign, independent, wild, and lover of forests and fields. Learning about her powerful attributes helped me honor my own wild, nature-loving and independent spirit. So recently, while planning my vacation to Greece, I stumbled upon the existence of the archeological site of the Artemis Brauronia Sanctuary, one of the most important religious sites for women in ancient Greece, located near a seaside town about 20 miles from downtown Athens. I knew I must see it.