In ancient times, many cultures worshipped goddesses associated with the moon. One such deity is the Pagan goddess of the moon, who held great significance in Pagan and Wiccan traditions. This goddess, often called Luna or Selene, represented the feminine aspect of the moon and was believed to be the embodiment of its mystical powers. She was seen as a nurturing and guiding force, providing light in the darkness and overseeing the ebb and flow of tides. Luna was often depicted as a beautiful woman with long, flowing hair and adorned in silver or white robes. Some representations showed her with a crescent moon crown or a crescent-shaped necklace, symbolizing the moon's different phases.
Yemaya is often portrayed as a beautiful mermaid. Motherly and protective she watches out for fishermen at sea. It is said that humans were created when her water broke creating the rivers and human life.
A young, sensual woman that is associated with fertility and sensuality the waxing moon , and a powerful older woman associated with death and the destruction of the world the waning moon. A young, sensual woman that is associated with fertility and sensuality the waxing moon , and a powerful older woman associated with death and the destruction of the world the waning moon.
Some representations showed her with a crescent moon crown or a crescent-shaped necklace, symbolizing the moon's different phases. As the Pagan goddess of the moon, Luna was associated with various aspects of life and nature. She was closely linked to fertility, motherhood, and childbirth, as the moon was believed to govern these cycles.
Moon Gods and Moon Goddesses
N.S. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. She has been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history expertise.
Updated on August 13, 2019Most if not all cultures have deities associated with the Earth's moon—which should not be too surprising, since the position of the Moon in the skies is a harbinger of seasonal changes. Westerners are perhaps more familiar with (female) moon goddesses. Our word lunar, as in the lunar cycle of full, crescent, and new moons, all comes from the feminine Latin Luna. This seems natural because of the association of the lunar month and the female menstrual cycle, but not all societies envision the moon as a woman. In the Bronze Age, the East, from Anatolia to Sumer and Egypt, had (male) moon gods. Here are some of the moon gods and moon goddesses of major ancient religions.
People would offer prayers and rituals to Luna, seeking her blessings for healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries. Luna was also regarded as a goddess of intuition, dreams, and emotions. It was believed that she could empower individuals with heightened psychic abilities and provide guidance through dreams and visions. Many Pagans would perform rituals under the moonlight, harnessing its energy and connecting with the goddess to enhance their intuition and spiritual growth. In addition to her nurturing and intuitive qualities, Luna was also associated with feminine energy, mysticism, and beauty. She was seen as a symbol of feminine power and wisdom. Many Pagan rituals honoring Luna would emphasize these aspects, celebrating the feminine divine and embracing the interconnectedness of nature and the moon. Today, the worship of the Pagan goddess of the moon continues in modern Pagan and Wiccan practices. Many pagans still honor Luna during lunar phases and celebrate her energies in rituals and ceremonies. Her presence serves as a reminder of the powerful and transformative energy of the moon and the deep connection between nature and spirituality..
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