Symbolic Moon Facts

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.

Some key words relating to symbolic moon facts include:

Receptivity
Femininity
Intuition
Illumination
Passivity
Psyche
Influence
Cycles
Time
Fertility
Transition
Emotion
Perception
Progression
Mystery
Wonder
Shadow
Balance
Renewal

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’s 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.

Here are just a few lunar animals that dance to the rhythmic pull of the moon (more lunar animals will be added to this moon facts page as they are written):

Bat
Bear
Wolf
Owl
Moth
Cat
Crab
Hare
Toad and Frog
Snail
Dolphin

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.

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.

To wit, the moon is associated with such symbolic archetypes as :

Artemis:
Greek hunter goddess whose personality highlights include chastity, protection, avengement, and childbirth.
Diana:
Also a huntress archetype, and woodland goddess of the Romans; she is protector of women and animals.
Hecate:
Adopted Greek goddess of the night specializing in birth, cycles, purification, crossroads and second (otherworldly) sight.
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.

The phases of the moon serve as another glimpse into her intricate meanings. For example:

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.

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’ve written about the Native American Full Moon names here.

Don't miss my page on Moon Sign Personality Types.

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.

Take the time to observe, quantify, research, and theorize about the moon for yourself. Connect with her many faces, and apply your findings to your own life experience. I guarantee the lunar depths you dive into will instill you with inspiration, expansion, and liberation.

Keep the momentum moving! Discovering more symbolic meanings by clicking on these in-site links: