Six Moon Goddesses You Should Know

The moon is a source of endless fascination for people around the world. For centuries, cultures have gazed at the night sky, told stories about the moon, and invented myths to explain its changing phases.

If you're a Pagan or Witch, then you're probably familiar with the concept of lunar deities and moon magic. But did you know that there are many different moon goddesses from around the world? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at six powerful goddesses and learn more about their origins and symbolism. So without further ado, let's meet (in no particular order) six luminous moon-imous goddesses!

1. Selene

Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon. She is a daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and her brother is the sun god Helios. Selene drives her moon chariot across the sky every night, and she is often portrayed as a beautiful woman with long dark hair. In art, she is often shown drifting across night the sky or pouring lunar light into rivers and lakes. She has a mortal lover named Endymion, who sleeps eternally, basking in her glow.

Selene is associated with many lunar phenomena, including the phases of the moon: Waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and new moon. Selene also governs menstruation cycles in women. In Ancient Greece, monthly rites were held in her honor to purify young girls before they reached adulthood. Selene’s power lies in her ability to control the light of the moon. She can make it shine brighter or dimmer at will.

She can also create lunar eclipses by blocking out the sun’s light with her body. Additionally, Selene is said to have the power to influence emotions and dreams. She is often invoked in spells and rituals involving love, psychic abilities, and feminine intuition.

2. Cerridwen

Cerridwen is a goddess from Welsh mythology who is associated with the moon, inspiration, and nature. She is often portrayed as a crone or hag, but she also has a young and beautiful aspect. Cerridwen is said to live in a mystical cave where she brews a magical potion. This potion can bestow knowledge and inspiration, but it can also cause great harm if not used correctly. Cerridwen is sometimes associated with death and destruction, but her connection to the moon also makes her a symbol of transformation and rebirth. As such, she represents the cycle of life and death, and the ways that we can be changed’ by our experiences.

The potion is said to have the power to grant knowledge and insight. Cerridwen is also the mother of Taliesin, a famous bard who was born after she accidentally swallowed some of her own potion. Cerridwen is a powerful and enigmatic figure, who has much to teach those who are willing to listen.

3. Chang'e

Chang'e is the Chinese goddess of the moon. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman living on the moon with her pet rabbit. The moon is an ancient symbol of the Yin (or feminine) force in Chinese cosmology.

According to legend, Chang'e was once a mortal woman who lived on Earth with her husband Hou Yi. After Hou Yi shot down nine of the ten suns that plagued the Earth, the emperor offered him immortality as a reward. Chang'e consumed the elixir meant for her husband, and she was propelled into the sky, where she has resided ever since. On clear nights, people can still see Chang'e floating among the stars, and they often leave offerings of food and drink to keep her well-nourished. As the guardian of the moon, Chang-E is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. Devotees also pray to her for the blessings of love, beauty, and longevity.

4. Diana/Artemis

Diana is the Roman goddess of the moon, and as such, she is associated with all things lunar. Her Greek counterpart is Artemis. She is associated with animals, nature, and the cycle of life and death. In addition to being a beautiful young maiden, she is a fierce huntress and is usually depicted with a bow and arrow. She often wears a crescent-shaped headdress known as a stephane.

Diana is a virgin goddess, and as such, she represents purity and innocence. However, she is also a powerful protector, and she is often invoked for her ability to ward off evil. Diana is a complex goddess, and her many facets make her an immensely popular figure in mythology. In Italian traditional witchcraft, Diana is revered as the Queen of Faeries and Mother of Witches.

5. Hekate

Hekate is a goddess with a long and complex history. Her name is thought to be derived from the Greek word hekatos, meaning “one who works from afar”—a reference to her magical powers, but also possibly her origins in a foreign mystery cult.

Hekate is often depicted holding a torch or a key, and she is frequently associated with crossroads, doorways, and gates. In many ways, she is the goddess of transitions and liminal spaces. Hekate is also known as a protectress of women, children, and animals. Ancient literature is full of magical spells dispensed by Hekate, who as the ability to both bless and curse. Hekate's connection to the moon is thought to represent her ability to oversee human transitional rites or phases of life—birth, death, marriage, etc. 

Hekate's most common epithet is "Hekate of the Crossroads." This name refers to her role as a guardian of borders and thresholds, both physical and spiritual. She is often invoked in spells and rituals among modern Witches and Pagans. In recent years, Hekate has begun to regain her rightful place in the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses, and she is once again being worshipped as a powerful goddess of transformation and change.

6. The Triple Goddess

The Triple Goddess is a fundamental concept in Wicca, representing the three stages of womanhood: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. She also represents the three aspects of the moon: Waxing, Full, and Waning. The Triple Goddess is often depicted as a trio of sisters or as a single woman with three faces. She may be unnamed, or each aspect may borrow a name from another goddess—for example, Kore (Maiden), Isis (Mother), and Kali (Crone).

The Maiden represents youth, innocence, and new beginnings. The Mother is associated with fertility, motherhood, and power. The Crone is a wise woman who represents maturity, wisdom, and death. Together, these three aspects represent the full cycle of a human life from birth to death. Wiccans celebrate this cycle through festivals and rituals that honor the Goddess in all her forms.

In Wicca, the Goddess is seen as embodying life and creation, wisdom and power. Wiccans believe that through connecting with the goddess, they can tap into their own divinity and potential. In recent years, the Triple Goddess archetype has been criticized for prescribing traditional gender roles and over-emphasizing reproduction as a marker of womanood. However, the Triple Goddess is still a symbol of hope, inspiration, and strength for many who follow the Wiccan path. Her power is available to people of all genders who seek her blessings.

There are plenty of moon goddesses to choose from in world mythology, each with their own unique story and powers. If you’re looking to connect with some ancient goddess energy, consider research or invoking one (or more) of these lunar ladies in your next ritual. Who knows, you might just find a special deity connection that turns out to be much more than just a phase!