Given that I practice Norse paganism, some may be surprised to learn that I primarily venerate Selene (the Greek personified Moon) rather than Máni (the Norse personified Moon).
The truth is, Selene was the first pagan deity I ever connected with. It was my first full moon ritual, and I felt her presence so viscerally.
To this day it remains one of my most powerful and significant rituals, because it affirmed so very clearly that I was on the right spiritual path.
Selene’s presence feels positive, nurturing, maternal, validating, and uplifting.
I turn to her for protection, healing, inspiration, and empowerment — though really, I imagine I could pray to Selene for just about anything.
Whether I am anxious and in need of comfort; attempting to heal a deep emotional wound; or seeking wisdom and inspiration from the spiritual realm, Selene is one of the deities I am most inclined to call upon.
Selene is very responsive to my prayers, but still, I feel the most connected to her on the night of the full moon. I swear at times it feels like she is right there beside me, radiating her love and her brightness all around.
Ultimately, that is how I think of Selene and her energy: love.
Just writing about her now, my heart feels so full. I relate this to the fact that Selene is often associated with the Mother archetype (which very much aligns with my own experience; I often address her as Moon Mother).
Selene loves to receive offerings of poetry and songs (especially about the moon), as well as water, wine and incense.
I have found that Selene often responds to offerings and prayers by sharing insights through dreams — I suspect this is likely Shared Personal Gnosis (SPG) rather than UPG given the moon’s association with sleep and dreams, but I am mentioning it here anyways since I don’t know that for certain.
Artwork: Selene by Jules Louis Machard
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