selenolatry

Selenolatry refers to the worship or veneration of the Moon. This practice has existed in various forms across different cultures and historical periods. Many ancient civilizations incorporated lunar deities into their mythologies and religious systems, associating the Moon with feminine principles, fertility, cycles, and the night.

Examples of lunar worship can be found in ancient Mesopotamian cultures, where the Moon god Sin was highly revered. In ancient Greece, Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and wilderness, was also strongly linked to the Moon. Similarly, in Roman mythology, Luna held a prominent position as the embodiment of the Moon. Many indigenous cultures worldwide also have traditions that center on lunar phases and their perceived influence on natural phenomena and human life.

The symbolism of the Moon in selenolatry often includes its perceived influence on tides, agriculture, and human emotions. Its cyclical nature has also been interpreted as representing birth, death, and rebirth. While organized selenolatry as a distinct religious practice is rare in modern times, lunar symbolism and reverence for the Moon continue to appear in various cultural and spiritual contexts, including neopaganism and certain artistic expressions. The term itself is derived from the Greek word "selene" meaning Moon and "latreia" meaning worship.