Moon gods and goddesses have been an important part of world mythology for centuries. These deities have been worshipped and revered by different cultures throughout history. They are believed to have control over the moon and its various phases, which in turn affect the tides, crops, and other natural phenomena.
One of the most well-known moon goddesses is Artemis, who was worshipped in ancient Greece. She was the goddess of the hunt, nature, childbirth, and chastity, among other things. Artemis was also associated with the moon, and was often depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead. Another popular moon deity is Alignak, the Inuit god of the moon and weather. Alignak was believed to control the tides and preside over earthquakes and eclipses.
Moon gods and goddesses have also been an important part of other cultures, such as the Aztecs, who worshipped the goddess Coyolxauhqui and the god Tecciztecatl. In African mythology, the moon god Metztli was revered by many tribes. These deities were believed to have the power to influence various aspects of life, from agriculture to fertility. Overall, moon gods and goddesses have played a significant role in world mythology, and continue to be an important part of many cultures today.
Lunar Deities in Ancient Civilizations
Sumerian Moon God Nanna
In ancient Sumerian mythology, Nanna was the god of the moon and the son of Enlil and Ninlil. He was also known as Sin and was considered one of the most important deities in the Sumerian pantheon. Nanna was believed to have a powerful influence over the tides, and his worship was closely associated with the cycles of the moon. He was often depicted as a bearded man wearing a horned helmet and holding a crescent-shaped staff.
Egyptian Moon God Khonsu
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Khonsu was the god of the moon and time. He was one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon and was often depicted as a young man with a side-lock of hair and a crescent moon on his head. Khonsu was believed to have the power to heal and protect, and his worship was closely associated with the cycles of the moon. He was also associated with fertility and was often depicted holding a flail and a crook.
Greek Moon Goddess Selene
In ancient Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon and the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia. She was often depicted as a beautiful woman with long hair and a crescent moon on her forehead. Selene was believed to have the power to control the tides and the cycles of the moon, and her worship was closely associated with the natural world. She was also believed to have the power to grant fertility and was often associated with childbirth.
Roman Moon Goddess Luna
In ancient Roman mythology, Luna was the goddess of the moon and the sister of the sun god Sol. She was often depicted as a beautiful woman with a crescent moon on her forehead and was believed to have the power to control the tides and the cycles of the moon. Luna was closely associated with the natural world and was often worshipped by farmers and fishermen. Her worship was also associated with fertility and childbirth.
Moon Gods in Eastern Mythologies
Chinese Moon Goddess Chang’e
In Chinese mythology, Chang’e is the Moon Goddess who is said to live on the Moon with her pet rabbit. The story goes that she drank the elixir of immortality and flew to the Moon, where she has remained ever since. She is often depicted holding a rabbit, which is a symbol of the Moon in Chinese culture.
Japanese Moon God Tsukuyomi
Tsukuyomi is the Moon God in Japanese mythology. He is known as the brother of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. According to legend, Tsukuyomi was born from the right eye of the creator god, Izanagi. He is often depicted as a handsome man holding a sword, and is said to have the power to control the tides.
Hindu Moon God Chandra
In Hindu mythology, Chandra is the Moon God who is known for his beauty and charm. He is often depicted as a handsome young man with a crescent Moon on his forehead. Chandra is said to be the ruler of the night and is associated with fertility and growth.
Overall, Moon Gods and Goddesses have played an important role in Eastern mythologies. They are often associated with fertility, growth, and the rhythms of nature.
Indigenous and Tribal Lunar Deities
Inuit Moon God Anningan
In Inuit mythology, Anningan is the moon god who controls the tides and the hunt. He is often depicted as a young man with long hair and has a sister, the sun goddess Malina. According to Inuit legend, Anningan chases his sister across the sky, causing the day and night cycle.
African Moon Goddess Mawu
Mawu is a moon goddess from the Fon people of Benin, Togo, and Ghana. She is often depicted as a woman with a crescent moon on her forehead and is associated with fertility and creation. In Fon mythology, Mawu and her twin brother Lisa created the world and all its inhabitants.
Native American Moon Goddesses
Many Native American tribes have lunar deities, including the Mohave, Ottawa, and Pueblo tribes. The moon is an important clan crest on the Northwest Coast and can often be found carved on totem poles. Native American moon goddesses include Menil, the Cahuilla moon goddess, and Hanwi, the Lakota moon goddess. These goddesses are associated with fertility, creation, and the cycles of the moon.
Overall, indigenous and tribal cultures around the world have worshipped lunar deities for centuries, often associating them with natural phenomena and the cycles of life.
Personifications and Symbols of the Moon
Triple Goddess in Modern Paganism
In modern Paganism, the Triple Goddess is a common symbol associated with the moon. The Triple Goddess represents the three phases of the moon: waxing, full, and waning. The waxing moon represents the maiden, the full moon represents the mother, and the waning moon represents the crone. This symbol is often used in rituals and ceremonies to honor the moon and the cycles of life.
The Moon in Alchemy and Astrology
In alchemy and astrology, the moon is associated with the element of water and the feminine principle. It is also associated with the subconscious mind and emotions. The phases of the moon are believed to affect human behavior and emotions, with the full moon being associated with heightened emotions and the new moon being associated with new beginnings. In alchemy, the moon is often depicted as a silver crescent, symbolizing the process of transformation and change.