Some industries you get to work in and never have to wonder why Luna is the root word in lunacy because you don’t have to look up to know it is a full moon, work just seems to keep coming. The lunar cycle has captured the attention of humanity throughout our history. The moon’s twenty eight day cycle aided humans in tracking the rhythms of nature and helped set their schedules as much as the sun and the seasons did and still do.

Evidence of lunar worship has been uncovered in nearly every culture on the globe and considering many of us are still fascinated by the moon today that should be no surprise. Selene, Luna, Phoebe, Artemis, and Hecate are well known female lunar deities while Sin, Máni, Thoth, and Tsukuyomi are some of the better known male lunar deities. Myths about the moon vary far and wide but let’s take a closer look at a couple.

Selene is the Greek’s moon personified. She is the daughter of titans Hyperion and Theia, making her a Titaness herself, sister to Helios, god of the sun, and Eos, goddess of Dawn. Selene crosses the heavens in a chariot drawn by two white horses. Selene can mask reality and can pierce illusion. She can awaken one’s own intuitive powers and prompt psychic visions, These powers stem from their association with the mon which shines a light into the dark.

Germanic mythology’s moon is personified by Máni, said to be a gorgeous man with silver eyes and dark hair. Máni’s brother is Sól the sun personified and the pair also have horse drawn chariots, though in this mythos they are chased constantly by a pair of wolves. When Hati, the wolf that pursues Máni, gets too close there is an eclipse. The phases of the moon are a result of the cat and mouse game played out by Hati and Máni. Máni’s role is to keep track of the date and time, and Máni’s silver eyes help to light the night sky.

By being open to the effect the moon has on our very subconscious we can work with the phases of the moon to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and a closer relationship with the universe.