Selene personifies the Moon itself, embodying its cyclical nature and mystery. However, as one of the oldest Greek goddesses, her influence extended beyond mere lunar associations, touching upon themes of femininity, time and the rhythms of nature. This post looks at the mythology surrounding Selene and explores how we can work with her lunar and feminine energy today.

Selene is a complex figure in art, literature mythology and magic. She manages to be both distant and deeply connected to human life at the same time. Imagine her as the moon itself – far away in the sky, yet influencing our tides and seasons right here on Earth. This mix of far and near is what makes Selene so interesting. She represents the vast universe we can’t fully understand, but also the everyday rhythms we all experience.

Selene’s lasting appeal comes from this ability to connect the cosmic with the everyday. Through her, we can think about our place in the universe while also feeling connected to nature’s cycles here on Earth. She reminds us that even something as distant as the moon can have real, practical effects on our daily lives.

Selene’s attributes and symbols

• The personification of the Moon itself
• Associated with lunar cycles and their influence on Earth
• Connected to concepts of time, change and renewal
• Believed to influence tides, agriculture and human behaviour

Physical appearance

• Often depicted as a beautiful young woman with pale skin
• Typically shown wearing a crescent moon crown or diadem
• Sometimes portrayed riding a silver chariot across the night sky
• Occasionally depicted with wings, emphasizing her celestial nature

Symbols associated with Selene

• Crescent moon: Her most iconic symbol, representing the lunar cycle
• Torch: Symbolizing the light she brings to the night
• Silver: The metal associated with the Moon and Selene’s radiance
• Bull or cow: Animals linked to the moon’s shape and Selene’s power
• Poppy: Associated with sleep and night, often attributed to Selene

Selene’s attributes and symbols reflect her dual nature as both a cosmic force and a deeply personal deity. Her influence over the night sky made her a patron of travellers, lovers and those seeking guidance in the darkness. The cyclical nature of the Moon, mirrored in her mythology, also connected her to concepts of fate, fertility and the passage of time.

The Myth of Selene and Endymion

Selene, the radiant goddess of the Moon, fell deeply in love with a mortal named Endymion. He was a handsome shepherd (in some versions, a king or hunter) known for his extraordinary beauty.

Every night, Selene would drive her silver chariot across the sky, illuminating the world below. During her nightly journey, she caught sight of Endymion sleeping on Mount Latmos and was instantly smitten.

Enchanted by his beauty, Selene visited Endymion night after night, watching him as he slept. Her love for him grew stronger with each visit, but she faced a painful dilemma – as a mortal, Endymion would age and eventually die, while she remained eternally young.

Unable to bear the thought of losing him, Selene asked Zeus, the king of the gods, for a favour. She requested that Endymion be granted eternal youth and immortality. Zeus agreed, but with a twist – Endymion would sleep forever, never to awaken.

Zeus placed Endymion in a state of eternal slumber, forever young and beautiful. Some versions say he was hidden in a cave on Mount Latmos.

From that day on, Selene would visit her sleeping lover every night, basking in his unchanging beauty. In some tellings, they had fifty daughters together, representing the fifty lunar months of the Olympiad.

This myth symbolises the moon’s eternal cycle and its association with sleep and dreams. It also touches on themes of immortal love, the gap between gods and humans, and the bittersweet nature of eternal youth.

You can find out more about Selene’s mythology here at Theoi

Ways to work with Selene

1. Moon-based rituals:
   • Performing ceremonies during esbats, full moons, new moons, or other dark moons
   • Using moon water (water charged under moonlight) in rituals
   • Conducting nighttime outdoor rituals under the moon’s light
2. Altar setup:
   • Creating altars with moon-related items like silver objects, moonstone crystals, or lunar calendars
   • Using white or silver candles to represent her light
   • Incorporating symbols associated with the goddess, such as crescent moon shapes or poppy flowers
3. Offerings:
   • Leaving out offerings of milk, honey, or white foods
   • Burning moon-associated incense like jasmine or sandalwood
   • Offering silver coins or jewellery
4. Meditation and prayer:
   • Engaging in moon-gazing meditation
   • Reciting hymns or prayers to the goddess, perhaps adapted from ancient Greek sources or newly composed
   • Practicing visualization techniques focused on lunar imagery
5. Magical practices:
   • Charging magical tools or crystals under moonlight
   • Performing divination during moon-related times
   • Incorporating lunar cycles into spell work or manifestation practices
6. Incorporating Selene into a wider practice:
   • Recognizing her as part of a trio with Artemis and Hecate (sometimes called the Triple Goddess)
   • Relating her to other moon deities from various pantheons
7. Personal devotional acts:
   • Keeping a moon journal to track personal experiences with lunar cycles
   • Wearing moon-themed jewellery or clothing as a form of devotion

It’s important to note that practices can vary widely between individuals and groups. Some may focus solely on Selene, while others might incorporate her into a broader Hellenic or eclectic practice. The key is often personal connection and meaning rather than strict adherence to ancient practices.

Whether you’re drawn to Selene for her mythological significance, her connection to natural cycles, or her magical associations, she offers a wealth of inspiration for personal practice. By exploring her attributes and stories, we can deepen our understanding of lunar energies and our own connection to the rhythms of nature.

As you explore Selene’s energy, let your own experiences and insights guide your practice. The moon has been a source of wonder and inspiration for countless generations – through Selene, we can continue this ancient tradition of lunar reverence in our modern lives.