Images of femininity and nature are wondrous to me and I think they also have an allegorical function for society at large (when used in literature or mythology for example). There is just so much to learn from Mother Nature, we must listen to her. I recently came across the Greek Goddess, Selene, Goddess of the Moon and learned about her myths and meaning. Her Roman equivalent is Luna.

Spiritual rituals related to honoring the Moon Goddess are magical and so meaningful to me, and I also love to learn about the stories of all of the Greek goddesses. Some of Selene’s lovers included Zeus, Pan, and the mortal Endymion. Endymion is most famously known as her lover as he was a mortal man who was either an astronomer or a shepherd (his role being someone who is under the moon frequently) and he caught Selene’s eye.

In the case of Selene’s greatest love… the name Endymion means “Diver.” When considering the process of the sun setting and (diving into the sea), Selene as the moon can be interpreted as embracing her diver when she (the moon) rises… The convergence of the two lovers leads to their embrace through this union of nature. Endymion is a mortal, but he remains ageless and deathless, which allows for Selene to have him.

In Selene’s case, she teaches us more broadly about maintaining balance in life: she balances light and darkness all at once with her representation of the moon. The moon is a wonderful reminder that we must find balance in our everyday lives. Her light is also calming and mystical to us and we should do our part to be in tune with her and appreciate the tranquility she brings us. I will always believe in the powers of the moon…