Symbolic Moon
Facts and, Moon
Meanings, by Avia/
Συμβολική Σελήνη,
Γεγονότα, Σημασίες της Σελήνης, από την Avia
Symbolic Moon Facts Moon Symbolism
Moon Meanings and Moon Symbolism
This page on symbolic moon facts is devoted to the various illuminating
qualities of the moon from a philosophical/metaphysical perspective.
Throughout nature we find a cavalcade of energetic counterparts: Light/Dark,
Male/Female, Increase/Decrease, etc., and the moon takes her place in the
balance as the counter part to the sun.
The sun is symbolic of the fraternal (male, yang) aspect of guidance; and
so logically the moon stoically stands as the maternal (female or yin)
influence.
This gender association is a
generalization, and (as with most symbolic meanings) there are departures. Moon
symbolism in Native American tribes (Navajo, Eskimo, Pueblo come to mind),
along with African, Japanese, Maori, Teutonic, Oceania, and Sumerian-Semitic
groups refer to the moon as a masculine force.
More intriguing than gender, is the means by which the moon wields her force
and influence. She is considered a luminary, but she produces no light of her
own accord. She is reliant upon the sun's light to reflect (mirror) her image
to our earthly eyes.
This method of projecting light makes the moon a symbol of subtlety.
Clarity, reflection, and indirect deduction are gained by passive means. Where
the sun will boldly bear down its blaze upon a given philosophical subject -
the moon softly enfolds our attention - illumining our psyche in a gossamer
glow that is more open to esoteric impressions.
"The
moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to
crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently
influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The
moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished."
~Ming-Dao Deng
Some key words relating to symbolic
moon facts include...
Symbolic
Moon Meanings
Time
Cycles
Psyche
Wonder
Shadow
Balance
Renewal
Mystery
Emotion
Intuition
Passivity
Influence
Fertility
Transition
Femininity
Perception
Progression
Receptivity
Illumination
Astrologically speaking the moon is ruler of the sign of Cancer and governs the realm
of intuitive thinking as well as emotions. The moon is a symbolic soul mate to
water, and shares this affinity with Cancer as we learn Cancer's foundational
element is water.
In animal symbolism, the moon shares
an association with water (and her influence over the tides) makes her matron
of all sea creatures - specifically those with shell coverings.
Her domain doesn't stop at the sea however, because the moon is also queen
of the night, her kingdom includes all nocturnal creatures too. But as with
everything else in symbolism, this is not an exclusive rule. The moon's
connection with animals will vary according to culture, myth, era, etc. For
example, the horse possesses lunar symbolism in Celtic mythology (Celtic
goddess Epona), yet equines are solar figures in many Native American tribes.
Here are just a few lunar animals that dance to the rhythmic pull of the
moon...
Understandably,
most nocturnal creatures are powerfully connected to moon symbolism.
Animals Connected with Symbolic Moon Meanings
Dog
Bat
Bear
Wolf
Owl
Moth
Cat
Crab
Hare
Snail
Dolphin
Toad and Frog
The symbolic moon facts can be found in alchemical teachings wherein the
moon is a facet of silver. In the ever-parabolic perspective of the practicing
alchemist, we know silver is symbolic of clarity, purity, and brilliance.
Silver is one of the three foundational metals of the Prima Materia and so the
silver-personified moon is prominently placed upon the triune throne of
transformation.
Goddesses
associated with lunar energy are often defenders of children and are immortal
matrons of childbirth.
More symbolic moon facts are derived from myth, lore and culture as we see
lunar associations tied with deities and cyclical events in human collective
consciousness.
Aligning the moon with mythological personalities is a way of humanizing...a way
of personalizing hefty, obtuse lunar concepts.
To wit, the moon is associated with
symbolic archetypes in ancient deities (gods and goddesses). Here are just a
few cultural gods and goddesses who have strong connections with the moon. As
mentioned, the moon is almost exclusively affiliated with female energy. As
such, goddesses are featured more with the moon than gods. There are
exceptions, however, as you will see below.
Archetypal Moon Meanings
-
Deities Associated With
The Moon
Artemis:
Greek hunter goddess whose personality highlights include chastity,
protection, avengement, midwifery and childbirth.
Diana:
Also a huntress archetype, and woodland goddess of the Romans; she is
protector of women and animals. Also a symbol of female power and independence.
Hecate:
Adopted Greek goddess specializing in magic, birth, cycles,
purification, crossroads and second (otherworldly) sight. Also a protective
goddess of the home. She is a skilled keeper of secrets.
Thoth:
Egyptian god (note male attribution) of the moon having connections with
magic, wisdom, writing, and hidden meanings (associated with Hermes in Greek
myth, who interestingly, like Hecate is a figurehead of crossroads too).
Virgin Mary:
Christian symbolism features her with the new moon where she resonates
with the concepts of purity, peace, illumination, and perfection.
Kuan Yin:
Chinese goddess of purity, grace, kindness, selflessness and
benevolence. She is believed to be a matron of childbirth, and is called upon for
aid in conception as well as healing. She also protects transitioning souls and
travelers.
These are just a few amidst a global
pantheon of symbolic archetypes that embody the illumined movements of the
moon.
We gain more symbolic moon facts by delving into the language of the Tarot
where the lunar energies are represented in the Moon card of the Major Arcana.
As if the moon itself isn't
cram-packed with celestial symbolism...the moon's motions are equally
meaningful. The following illuminates moon phases are their respective
symbolism.
Symbolism of Moon Phases
The
phases of the moon serve as another glimpse into her intricate meanings.
Waning Moon:
Symbolic of letting go, surrender, release, quiet time, contemplation,
and a time of incubation.
New Moons:
Symbolic of new beginnings, a fresh start, rebirth
Waxing Moon:
Symbolic of growth, manifestation, attainment, gravidity (heavy with
child - both philosophical and literal).
Full Moon:
Symbolic of the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and
obtainment of desire.
"There
is a side of the Moon which we never see, but that hidden half is as potent a
factor in causing the ebb and flow of the Earth's tide as the part of the Moon
which is visible.
~Max
Heindel
The nature-wise, and cosmically conscious Native American Indians
recognized power of full moons to the extent they framed each month's fullness
with a contextual attribute. Meaning, they recognized the full moon in each
month as having a specific (restorative, outstanding) quality.
I hope you have enjoyed this summary
of observations on symbolic moon facts. I would encourage you to use this page
as a jumping-off-point to launch you into broader research on your own.
Keep up the moon momentum! Check out
other pages related to symbolic moon facts, planetary symbolism and more via
the links on this page. As always, thanks for reading!
May all your lunar encounters be
illuminating.
Brightly,
Avia
http://seliniartemisekati.blogspot.gr/
- Επιτρέπεται η αναδημοσίευση του περιεχομένου της ιστοσελίδας εφόσον
αναφέρεται ευκρινώς η πηγή του και υπάρχει ενεργός σύνδεσμος(link ). Νόμος
2121/1993 και κανόνες Διεθνούς Δικαίου που ισχύουν στην Ελλάδα.
ΕΠΙΣΗΜΑΝΣΗ
Ορισμένα αναρτώμενα από το διαδίκτυο κείμενα ή
εικόνες (με σχετική σημείωση της πηγής), θεωρούμε ότι είναι δημόσια. Αν
υπάρχουν δικαιώματα συγγραφέων, παρακαλούμε ενημερώστε μας για να τα
αφαιρέσουμε. Επίσης σημειώνεται ότι οι απόψεις του ιστολόγιου μπορεί να μην
συμπίπτουν με τα περιεχόμενα του άρθρου. Για τα άρθρα που δημοσιεύονται εδώ,
ουδεμία ευθύνη εκ του νόμου φέρουμε καθώς απηχούν αποκλειστικά τις απόψεις των
συντακτών τους και δεν δεσμεύουν καθ’ οιονδήποτε τρόπο το ιστολόγιο.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου