Cosmos/Moon/Religion
Ancient Religion and the Moon
Moon worship, adoration or veneration of the moon, a deity in the moon, or a personification or symbol of the moon. The sacredness of the moon has been connected with the basic rhythms of life and the universe. A widespread phenomenon, appearing in various eras and cultures, moon worship has engendered a rich symbolism and mythology.
The moon is viewed in terms of the rhythmic life of the cosmos and is believed to govern all vital change. The cyclical process of disappearance and appearance of the moon is the basis of the widespread association of the moon with the land of the dead, the place to which souls ascend after death, and the power of rebirth. The lunar governance of this cycle likewise leads to association of the moon and fate.
The mythology of the moon emphasizes especially those periods when it disappears—the three days of darkness in the lunar cycle and eclipses. Both are usually interpreted as the result of battles between some monster who devours or slays the moon and who subsequently regurgitates or revives it. The interregnum is interpreted as an evil period necessitating strict taboos against beginning any new or creative period (e.g., planting or sexual intercourse). In some areas loud noises are part of a ritual activity designed to scare off the moon’s assailant.
Lunar deities, gods and goddesses who personify the moon and its cycles, are comparatively rare. In primitive hunting cultures the moon is frequently regarded as male and, particularly in regard to women, is understood as a preeminently evil or dangerous figure. In agricultural traditions the moon is usually regarded as female and is the benevolent ruler of the cyclical vegetative process. [1]
Moon worship in the Bible
Abraham is called the friend of God, the father of the Jews, and the father of the faithful. He is honored by Jews, Muslims, and Christians as a great man, but what religion did he follow before being called by Yahweh?
Abraham was born and raised in Ur of the Chaldees, which is in modern Iraq, near Nasiriyah in the southeastern part of the country. Joshua 24:2 says that Abraham and his father worshiped idols. We can make some educated guesses about their religion by looking at the history and religious artifacts from that period.
Ur of the Chaldees was an ancient city that flourished until about 300 BC. The great ziggurat of Ur was built by Ur-Nammu around 2100 BC and was dedicated to Nanna, the moon god. The moon was worshiped as the power that controlled the heavens and the life cycle on earth. To the Chaldeans, the phases of the moon represented the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death and also set the measurement of their yearly calendar. Among the pantheon of Mesopotamian gods, Nanna was supreme, because he was the source of fertility for crops, herds, and families. Prayers and offerings were offered to the moon to invoke its blessing.
When God called Abraham (then called Abram) in Genesis 12:1, He told Abraham to leave his country, his kindred, and his father’s house. Everything familiar was to be left behind, and that included his religion. We do not know what Abraham knew about the true God at that point, but it is likely that he had received some instruction from his father, as each generation passed down their history to the next. As a worshiper of other gods, Abraham must have been surprised to receive a direct revelation from Yahweh. The moon god and other deities were distant objects of worship, and they did not personally interact with men. Abraham obeyed God’s call, and, when he arrived in the land of Canaan, he built an altar to Yahweh at Shechem (Genesis 12:7). The text indicates that God’s appearance to Abraham was a deciding factor in his choosing to worship Him. Hebrews 11:8 says that Abraham’s departure from Ur was an example of faith in action. [2]
Deuteronomy 4:19: And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.
2 Kings 23:5: He did away with the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah and in the surrounding area of Jerusalem, also those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the constellations and to all the host of heaven.
Jeremiah 8:2: They will spread them out to the sun, the moon and to all the host of heaven, which they have loved and which they have served, and which they have gone after and which they have sought, and which they have worshiped. They will not be gathered or buried; they will be as dung on the face of the ground. (Describing an ancient equivalence to a NASA fanboy 🤣)
Ancient Greek Religion
In ancient Greek mythology, the moon was associated with the goddess Selene. Selene was the goddess of the moon, and was often depicted as a beautiful woman riding a chariot pulled by two white horses. Selene was also associated with the night, and was believed to drive her chariot across the sky at night, lighting up the darkness with her silver light.
The Greeks also believed that the moon was associated with magic and witchcraft. They believed that the full moon was a time when magical powers were at their strongest, and that witches and sorcerers could perform powerful spells and incantations during this time.
You may notice that NASA's cosmology follows the Ancient Greek Religion, in that it names their missions, phenomenon and the heavenly bodies after these mythological figures.
Egyptian Mythology
The ancient Egyptians worshipped the moon as a god named Thoth. Thoth was the god of knowledge, writing, and wisdom, and was often depicted as a man with an ibis head, or sometimes as a baboon. Thoth was also believed to be the creator of the calendar and the inventor of writing, which were both closely associated with the moon.
In addition to Thoth, the ancient Egyptians also worshipped the goddess Isis, who was associated with the moon. Isis was the goddess of fertility and motherhood, and was often depicted with a crescent moon on her head. The ancient Egyptians believed that the waxing and waning of the moon were associated with the fertility cycles of women.
Sumerian Mythology
In Sumerian mythology, the Moon was associated with Nanna, the god of wisdom and fertility. Nanna was believed to be the son of the sky god Anu and the earth goddess Ki, and was said to ride across the sky in a crescent-shaped chariot. The crescent shape of the Moon was associated with Nanna’s horns, and a full Moon was believed to be a sign of his power.
The Sumerians also believed that Nanna was responsible for controlling the tides, and his influence over the waters was linked to fertility and abundance.
Babylonian Mythology
In Babylonian mythology, the Moon was associated with Sin (also known as Nanna-Suen), the god of fertility and of the night sky. Like Nanna in Sumerian mythology, Sin was believed to ride across the sky in a crescent-shaped chariot. He was also said to be responsible for controlling the tides, and his influence over the waters was linked to fertility and abundance.
The Babylonians also believed that Sin had two children, Utu (the sun god) and Ishtar (the goddess of love), who represented day and night respectively. The waxing and waning of the Moon was seen as a representation of their eternal battle for power.
Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, the moon was associated with the god Shiva. Shiva was one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon, and was often associated with destruction and renewal. The moon was believed to be a symbol of Shiva’s purity and spiritual enlightenment, and was often depicted as a crescent moon on his forehead.
The Hindu religion also has a festival called Karwa Chauth, which is celebrated by women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands. It is believed that the moon’s energy and power during this time will bring good fortune and blessings to the family.
Native American Mythology
In Native American mythology, the moon was associated with the goddess of the hunt, and was often referred to as the “Hunter’s Moon”. The full moon in October was believed to be a time when hunters would have the best chance of catching game, as the animals were easier to spot in the moonlit night.
The moon was also a symbol of renewal and rebirth in many Native American cultures. It was believed that the moon’s light had healing powers, and that it could help to bring balance and harmony to the world.
Islam
The moon has always been symbolic and apparent in Arab culture. From holidays to music, to literature, to superstitions, the moon has manifested itself in many of the inner-workings of Arab existence. The moon has also emerged as a symbol for Islam, as the crescent and star have become almost symbols of the religion. This is prominent in the mosques and other religious symbols of the region. The crescent and star are also seen on multiple flags in the region which pays tribute to the dominant religion as well as the culture tied into the symbolism of the crescent and star. Countries like Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and even Turkey all have symbols of a crescent and star.
The moon is also a symbolic of Islamic Traditions. One of the main ways it manifests itself through this culture is the prominent use of the lunar calendar. In the Arabic lunar calendar, there are 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting on the last day. This has created a culture of anticipation for the results of the moon at the end of every month.
One of the main ways this is seen in modern Arabic culture is the wait for Ramadan. The anticipation for the arrival of Ramadan is built up throughout the year and the last couple of days before its arrival many await to see what date will the fasting begins. If the moon is seen on the 29th night, this means that there will be prayers that night and fasting will begin the next morning. However, if the new moon is not seen that night, that means everyone will have to wait another day before the fasting starts. This tradition comes to a close by the end of Ramadan when people await to see when the Eid celebrations will begin.
It transcends religious lines from the Judeo-Christian tradition to pagan pre-Islamic Arabia to Islam. The prominence in the moon in all three of these cultures indicated a unique understanding of the moon that is specific to the region. These traditions also did not die over time, as even today; they are still a hallmark of culture and tradition. From elders to little kids, everyone seems to have a personal relationship with this symbol. It’s beautiful to look up at the night sky and know that the same moon has inspired entire nations by its light and glow and it continues to do so every day.