23 Moon Gods and Goddesses and Their Symbols

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The moon has long been a source of mystery, magic, and divine energy. Considering the celestial orb impacts the tides, the agriculture, and perhaps, us, it’s not surprising that it’s captivated us for so long. And, because of this, for thousands of years, many cultures have worshiped Moon gods and goddesses around the world.

Today, we think mostly of the connection between the moon and women, and female lunar deities such as Artemis and Hecate, but many of the earliest known lunar gods were male, including those from Mesopotamia, from where we have the first historical record of magic.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your lunar rituals, work with a specific moon deity, or simply learn more about the divine forces linked to the night sky, this guide will introduce you to some of the most powerful moon gods and goddesses throughout history.

Greek and Roman Moon Gods and Goddesses

1. Artemis (Greek)

Domains: The hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. Later associated with the Moon.
Symbols: Bow and arrows, stag and deer, crescent moon, hunting dogs, bear, cypress tree, bee, silver

Artemis is the Greek goddess of the moon, the hunt, wild animals, and childbirth. She embodies independence, protection, and the untamed spirit of nature. Artemis is typically depicted as a young huntress, wearing a short chiton (tunic) and carrying a bow and quiver. She is often shown with a deer or hunting dogs, emphasizing her role as the goddess of the wilderness and protector of animals. She is also associated with chastity and is considered a guardian of young girls until marriage.

Artemis was not originally a Moon goddess. Originally, the Greek moon goddess was Selene, the Greek personification of the Moon. Over time, their roles merged and Artemis began to also be associated with the moon.

2. Diana (Roman)

Domains: The hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. Later associated with the Moon.
Symbols: Bow and arrows, deer, crescent moon, oak tree, bee, gold, moon disc, triple goddess, keys

Diana is the Roman goddess of hunting, wild animals, and the wilderness and was originally venerated by several indigenous Italic peoples. Through syncretism—the process where deities with similar attributes are merged or identified with one another—Diana’s role expanded to incorporate aspects of other deities. These included Artemis (the Greek huntress goddess), Luna (the Roman personification of the Moon), and Hecate (the goddess of magic and the underworld).

Diana also became widely associated with witchcraft and sorcery, particularly in medieval texts that linked her to nocturnal spirit gatherings and supernatural rites. This connection continued into modern times, particularly within Dianic Wicca, a contemporary witchcraft tradition that emphasizes feminine divine power and goddess worship.

Diana is frequently portrayed in flowing robes or a shorter tunic, sometimes with a crescent moon above her head, reflecting her later association with lunar cycles.

In Ancient Rome, Diana was honored during Nemoralia, a festival held in August. She was also worshipped in forest sanctuaries and near bodies of water, reflecting her deep connection to nature and the wild—most notably at Lake Nemi in Italy, where her primary cult was based.

3. Selene (Greek)

Domains: Personification of the Moon, night travel, lunar cycles, and timekeeping.
Symbols: Crescent moon, chariot pulled by two horses, torches, billowing cloak, full moon with a radiant glow.

Selene is the ancient Greek goddess and personification of the Moon. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, she is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, making her the sister of Helios (the Sun) and Eos (the Dawn).

Selene is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a radiant glowing full moon or crescent moon crown or veiled head, and drives a chariot drawn by winged horses across the night sky. She carries a torch or a billowing cloak, emphasizing her role as the bringer of moonlight.

In early Greek mythology, Selene was revered as the embodiment of the Moon itself, distinct from other lunar-associated deities like Artemis and Hecate. Over time, through syncretism, her identity and functions began to overlap with these goddesses. Artemis, originally a huntress and wilderness deity, gradually absorbed lunar attributes, leading to a blending of their identities. Similarly, Hecate, associated with magic and the underworld, also took on lunar aspects, further intertwining their roles.

Selene’s most famous myth involves her love for the mortal Endymion. Captivated by his beauty, she asked Zeus to grant him eternal sleep so he would remain forever youthful. Each night, Selene descended to visit him, symbolizing the Moon’s eternal and unchanging presence in the sky.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Selene — *Selene and Endymion, painting by Ubaldo Gandolfi*

4. Luna (Roman)

Domains: Personification of the Moon, guardian of the night, and divine counterpart to Sol (the Sun).
Symbols: Crescent moon, chariot pulled by two horses, torch, veil, full moon with a face.

Luna is the Roman goddess who personifies the Moon, serving as the divine embodiment of its celestial presence. She is often depicted in a similar way to Selene, as a beautiful woman with a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing her connection to the lunar sphere.

In Roman mythology, Luna is considered the female counterpart to Sol, the Sun god, and is sometimes presented as part of a divine triad alongside Diana and either Proserpina or Hecate. This trio — known as Diana triformis — reflects the Moon’s influence over the heavens, the earth, and the underworld.

Luna had significant temples in Rome, notably on the Aventine Hill and Palatine Hill. Varro, an ancient Roman scholar, described this temple as shining or glowing by night, though specific details about its structure and rituals remain scarce.

Lunar Deities - Luna — *Bronze lamp of Luna from 1st Century photo by Yair Haklai*

5. Hecate (Greek and Roman)

Domains: Magic, witchcraft, Waning or dark moon, crossroads, liminal spaces, ghosts, the underworld, protection, warding off evil, the night, darkness, fertility, childbirth, dogs, the wild, knowledge, wisdom, guidance.
Symbols: Torches, keys, daggers, serpents, dogs, crossroads, the Strophalos (Hecate’s Wheel), the dark moon

Hecate is a goddess of magic, crossroads, spirits, and the underworld. She was originally worshipped in ancient Greece, with possible roots in Anatolia or Thrace, and later adopted into Roman religion. In Hesiod’s Theogony (c. 700 BCE), she is described as a powerful deity honored by Zeus, ruling over the earth, sea, and sky. Over time, her role became more closely associated with witchcraft, necromancy, and the night.

In Ancient Greece, Hecate was often depicted as a single figure holding torches, a key, or a dagger, symbolizing her role as a guide through darkness. Eventually, during the Hellenic period (323-31 BCE) her imagery evolved into a triple goddess, She represented the waning or Dark Moon, Selene the full Moon and Artemis the waxing Moon. Her Triple Goddess form also reflected her dominion over crossroads and liminal spaces. This depiction continued in Italy, where she was often invoked in chthonic rituals and magical practices.

The Romans adopted Hecate, but her role shifted. (If you’re curious about the spelling of her name, in ancient Greek, her name was spelled “Ἑκάτη” (Hekátē). As her worship spread to Rome, the Latinized spelling “Hecate” became common.)

While the Greek Hecate had protective and even benevolent aspects, the Roman Hecate was primarily a goddess of ghosts, witchcraft, and the underworld. She was feared and revered, often invoked in dark moon rituals and necromantic rites. Today, she remains one of the most widely honored deities in modern witchcraft and is associated with the Dark Moon.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Hecate — *Sculpture of Hecate photo by Dosseman*

Egyptian Lunar Deities

6. Khonsu (Egyptian)

Domains: The Moon, time, healing, protection, fertility, childbirth, travel, night, exorcism, divine judgment, kingship, celestial navigation, fate, rejuvenation, oracles, transformation.
Symbols: Crescent moon, sidelock of youth, falcon

Khonsu is the Egyptian god of the Moon, time, and healing, worshipped primarily in Thebes as part of the Theban Triad alongside Amun and Mut. His name means “Traveler”, a reference to the Moon’s journey across the night sky. He was believed to influence time, fertility, and protection, and his cycles helped determine the Egyptian calendar.

Khonsu’s mythology highlights his role as a healer and protector. In some texts, he is described as a powerful god capable of driving out evil spirits, and his influence was sought in medical and purification rituals. His association with the Moon also linked him to regenerative forces, reinforcing his connection to fertility and childbirth.

Depictions of Khonsu often show him as a youth with a sidelock of hair, wearing a lunar disk and crescent above his head. In some representations, he appears falcon-headed, resembling Horus, further associating him with divine kingship. His temple at Karnak, known as the Temple of Khonsu, was a major center of his worship, and his influence persisted into later Egyptian religious traditions.

7. Thoth (Egyptian)

Domains: Wisdom, writing, knowledge, magic, the Moon, timekeeping, astronomy, measurement, mathematics, justice, scribes, language, learning, memory, judgment of souls, healing, mediation, divination.
Symbols: Ibis, baboon, crescent moon, lunar disk, papyrus scrolls, scribe’s palette, reed pen

Thoth is the Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, magic, and the Moon, serving as a divine scribe and keeper of time. While he is primarily known for inventing writing (medu-netjer) and recording the judgment of souls in the afterlife, he also governed lunar cycles, measurement, and the passage of time. His connection to the Moon comes from his role in balancing the solar and lunar forces, ensuring the stability of the universe.

In Egyptian mythology, Thoth is often depicted as an ibis-headed deity or a baboon, both sacred animals associated with intelligence and foresight. He was credited with restoring the Eye of Ra, symbolizing the balance between the Sun and the Moon, and he played a crucial role in maintaining Ma’at (cosmic order).

Thoth was widely worshipped in Hermopolis, where he was honored as the patron of scribes, magicians, and astronomers. His influence extended beyond Egypt, as the Greeks later identified him with Hermes, leading to the development of Hermes Trismegistus and the Hermetic tradition

8. Iah (Egyptian)

Domain: Early personification of the Moon, lunar cycles, and night.
Symbols: Full moon with crescent.

Iah (also spelled Yah or Aah) is an Egyptian lunar deity whose name literally means “Moon”. He was a personification of the Moon itself, often associated with timekeeping, rejuvenation, and divine light. While less prominent than Khonsu or Thoth, Iah played an important role in early Egyptian cosmology, and his influence can be seen in the later development of Khonsu’s mythology.

Iah was depicted as a man wearing a full Moon and crescent on his head, emphasizing his direct connection to the celestial body. Over time, he became syncretized with Khonsu, as both shared roles in measuring time and guiding lunar cycles. Some inscriptions also associate him with Osiris, reinforcing his connection to death and rebirth.

Though not as widely worshipped as other lunar gods, Iah’s presence in Egyptian texts highlights the Moon’s essential role in Egyptian religious life, influencing everything from agriculture to divine kingship.

Mesopotamian & Near Eastern Lunar Deities

9. Sin/Nanna (Mesopotamian)

Domains: Moon, timekeeping, fertility, cattle herding, wisdom, divination.
Symbols: Crescent moon, bull, tripod, winged bull, beard of lapis lazuli, lunar barge.

Sin, also known as Nanna in Sumerian mythology, is the ancient Mesopotamian god of the Moon, wisdom, and timekeeping. He was one of the most revered deities in Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria, with major temples in Ur and Harran. As a lunar deity, he governed the night, the passage of time, and the cycles of nature, influencing calendars, agriculture, and religious ceremonies.

Sin/Nanna was one of the earliest recorded deities, dating back to at least the 3rd millennium BCE. He was the son of Enlil and Ninlil in Sumerian mythology and the father of Utu and Inanna. His worship was centered in Ur, where his temple, the Ekišnugal, was one of the most important religious sites in Mesopotamia. His cult later spread to Harran, where he remained a significant deity well into the 1st millennium BCE.

Sin/Nanna was represented by the crescent moon, which symbolized his dominion over the night sky. His sacred animals included bulls, associated with fertility and strength, and he was sometimes depicted as an old man with a flowing beard, crowned with a crescent moon. In inscriptions, he was called “Father of the Gods” and was considered a wise and just deity.

10. Kušuḫ (Hurrian)

Domains: Moon, timekeeping, protector of oaths.
Symbols: Crescent moon, winged disk, staff.

Kušuḫ was the Hurrian god of the Moon, worshipped primarily during the 2nd millennium BCE in regions such as Hattusa, Ugarit, Alalakh, and Mari. He was associated with oaths, oracles, and pregnancy, reflecting the Moon’s connection to fate and the passage of time.

In Hurrian tradition, he was depicted as a bearded figure standing on a winged lion, sometimes holding a crescent moon. Over time, Kušuḫ was syncretized with Arma, the Anatolian moon god, and was also linked to the Mesopotamian Sin/Nanna.

11. Yarikh (Ugaritic / Amorite)

Domains: Moon, fertility, protector of the night, provider of dew.
Symbols: Crescent moon, staff, lunar disk.

Yarikh was the moon god of Ugarit, an ancient city in modern-day Syria, worshipped primarily during the 2nd millennium BCE. He was known as the “luminary of the heavens” and was associated with night, fertility, and divine protection.

Ugaritic texts describe Yarikh’s connection to dew and the nourishing light of the Moon, essential for agriculture. His symbols included the crescent moon and a staff, representing his celestial authority. He was closely associated with Sin/Nanna, the Mesopotamian moon god.

12. Arma (Hittie / Luwian)

Domains: Moon, night, protector of travelers.
Symbols: Crescent moon, sickle, staff.

Arma was the Hittite and Luwian moon god, worshiped in Anatolia during the 2nd and 1st millennium BCE. He played a role in timekeeping, nocturnal protection, and the regulation of natural cycles. Like Kušuḫ, Arma was depicted with a crescent moon and was associated with divine guidance.

The Hittites and Luwians often equated him with Sin/Nanna of Mesopotamia, reflecting the shared significance of lunar deities across different cultures.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - arma — Relief of Anatolian God Arma, *photo by Dennis G. Jarvis.*

13. Mēn (Anatolian / Phrygian)

Domains: The Moon, timekeeping, fate, protection, cycles of nature, healing, oracles, initiation rites, nocturnal mysteries.
Symbols: Crescent moon, Phrygian cap, pine cone, bull, horse, lion, torch, key, staff.

Men is an Anatolian lunar god worshiped primarily in Phrygia, Lydia, and other regions of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was a god of the Moon, time, fate, and cycles, with strong associations with protection, oracles, and nocturnal mysteries. His worship was widespread across Hellenistic and Roman Anatolia, where he became linked to mystery cults and healing sanctuaries. Some scholars suggest his cult may have originated under Mesopotamian or Hittite influences, placing him alongside deities like Sin/Nanna, Kušuḫ, and Arma as part of the greater Near Eastern lunar tradition.

Men is often depicted wearing a Phrygian cap, with a crescent moon above his shoulders, symbolizing his lunar domain. His imagery includes bulls, lions, horses, and pine cones, which represent fertility, strength, and cosmic cycles. In some depictions, he holds a torch or key, reinforcing his role as a guardian of sacred knowledge and initiatory rites.

His cult was particularly strong in Pisidia, Pontus, and Lydia, where he was invoked for protection, healing, and guidance through dreams and prophecy. Over time, his influence extended into Greek and Roman religious practices, and he became syncretized with deities such as Selene, Sabazius, and even Mithras in certain mystery traditions.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Men — *Bust of Mên from Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara. Photograph by Carole Raddato*

Etruscan Moon Gods and Goddesses

14. Tivr (Etruscan)

Domains: Moon, night, and celestial order.
Symbols: Crescent moon, possibly a chariot.

Tivr was the Etruscan deity of the moon and the mysteries of the night. As their lunar god, he was integral to the Etruscan understanding of time and natural cycles. While less is known about Tivr compared to other lunar deities, he was depicted with symbols such as the crescent moon and often associated with nocturnal animals like the wolf.

15. Losna (Etruscan)

Domains: Moon and water.
Symbols: Crescent moon, wavy lines representing water.

Losna is recognized in Etruscan mythology as a goddess associated with the Moon, bearing similarities to the Roman Luna and the Greek Selene. Her domain encompasses both lunar aspects and connections to water bodies, particularly oceans and tides.

Representations of Losna are rare, but one notable depiction exists on an engraved mirror. In this artifact, Losna stands centrally, holding a staff in her left hand, with a slim waning crescent moon beside her face. She is accompanied by figures identified as Amukes (Amykos) and Polokes (Pollux), suggesting a celestial theme linking the Moon and stars.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Losna — *Mirror depicting Losna photo by Sailko*

Norse and Celtic Lunar Deities

16. Máni (Norse)

Domains: Personification of the Moon, timekeeper of night.
Symbols: Crescent moon, chariot pulled by horses.

Máni is the Norse god of the Moon, revered in Old Norse mythology as the brother of Sól, the Sun goddess. He was believed to guide the Moon across the night sky, pursued by the wolf Hati, who sought to devour him. His name, which simply means “Moon” in Old Norse, reflects his celestial domain.

Máni was believed to regulate time by determining the movement of the Moon and was associated with the creation of the lunar calendar, which was central to Viking society.

Little is known about his direct worship, but his importance is evident in the Poetic Edda (the poems Völuspá and Grímnismál) and in the Prose Edda where he is described as a divine charioteer who carries the Moon across the sky.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Mani — *The Wolves Pursuing Sol and Mani by John Charles Dollman*

17. Arianrhod (Celtic)

Domains: Fate, sovereignty, and celestial cycles.
Symbols: Silver wheel, stars.

Arianrhod is a Welsh goddess associated with fate, sovereignty, and the stars, appearing in medieval Welsh mythology. Her name translates to “Silver Wheel,” symbolizing the turning of celestial cycles and destiny.

She appears in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, a collection of medieval Welsh myths compiled in the 12th–13th century CE, though the stories themselves are believed to be much older. Arianrhod is linked to the House of Dôn, a family of deities in Welsh mythology.

While modern interpretations often associate her with the Moon, historical sources do not explicitly describe her as a lunar goddess. Instead, her symbolism of cycles, transformation, and cosmic order aligns with themes commonly connected to lunar deities.

African Moon Goddess

18. Mawu (West African)

Domain: Moon, creation, and wisdom.
Symbols: Crescent moon, serpent.

Mawu is a West African goddess associated with the Moon, creation, and wisdom, primarily worshipped by the Fon people of the Dahomey region (present-day Benin). Her name is often linked to concepts of coolness, peace, and maternal care, in contrast to the Sun deity Lisa, with whom she forms a divine duality.

She appears in the Vodun (Voodoo) tradition, where she is part of the Supreme Creator deity, Mawu-Lisa. In this cosmology, Mawu represents the Moon and feminine energy, while Lisa embodies the Sun and masculine power. Together, they govern the balance of the universe, with Mawu ruling over the night, wisdom, and fertility.

While modern interpretations highlight her lunar aspects, Mawu’s primary role in traditional mythology extends beyond the Moon. She is seen as a creator goddess, responsible for forming the world and bringing life and order to the cosmos. Her association with coolness and rest further strengthens her connection to the Moon, which brings relief from the Sun’s heat.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Mawu — *Painting of the Goddess Mawu by Sandra M. Stanton*

Mesoamerican Lunar Deities

19. Ix Chel (Mayan)

Domains: Moon, fertility, water, and weaving.
Symbols: Crescent moon, serpent, water jar.

Ix Chel is a Maya goddess associated with the Moon, fertility, water, and weaving. She was worshipped primarily by the Yucatec Maya, with her most famous shrine located on Cozumel Island, an important pilgrimage site for women seeking blessings for childbirth and healing.

She is often depicted as both a young maiden and an aged grandmother, representing the dual aspects of creation and destruction. As a Moon goddess, she was believed to control tides, rain, and cycles of life, particularly those related to women’s reproductive health. In her later depictions, she became linked to medicine, midwifery, and weaving, reinforcing her role as a protector of women and artisans.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Ix Chel — *Representation of Ix Chel photo by Salvardor alc*

20. Coyolxauhqui (Aztec)

Domain: Moon
Symbols: Bells and serpent.

Coyolxauhqui is an Aztec goddess associated with the Moon, known for her dramatic role in mythology, warfare, and celestial cycles. Her name means “Painted with Bells” in Nahuatl, referencing the bells or ornaments she was believed to wear.

The story of Coyolxauhqui is immortalized in the monumental stone relief known as the Coyolxauhqui Stone, discovered at the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City). This artifact depicts the goddess in a dismembered state, reflecting her mythological defeat and transformation into the Moon. .

While Coyolxauhqui is commonly linked to the Moon, she was not a benevolent lunar goddess like in other traditions. Instead, her story reflects cosmic struggle, sacrifice, and the Aztec emphasis on war and celestial order.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Coyolxauhqui — *Sculpture of Coyolxauhqui photo by Carlos yo*

21. Tecciztecatl (Aztec)

Domain: Moon, cosmic duality, and humility.
Symbols: Conch shell and rabbit

Tecciztecatl is an Aztec god associated with the Moon, known for his role in the creation of the Fifth Sun. His name means “The person from the place of the conch,” referencing the conch shell (tecciztli), a symbol of the Moon and cosmic cycles.

According to Mexica (Aztec) mythology, he participated in the creation of the current world. In their mythology, gods gathered at Teotihuacan to create the new Sun, requiring a deity to sacrifice themselves in fire. Tecciztecatl, a proud and wealthy god, was initially chosen, but he hesitated. Instead, Nanahuatzin, a humble and sickly deity, leaped into the flames first, becoming the Sun. Shamed by his hesitation, Tecciztecatl followed, but because he delayed, the gods decreed that he would not shine as brightly and instead became the Moon.

While Tecciztecatl is a lunar deity, his mythology reflects sacrifice, humility, and cosmic duality rather than the nurturing aspects often associated with moon gods. The marks on the Moon’s surface were believed to be caused by the gods throwing a rabbit at Tecciztecatl’s face, explaining the “rabbit in the Moon” motif.

South and East Asian Moon Gods and Goddesses

22. Chandra (Hindu)

Domains: Moon, night, time, emotions, fertility, wisdom, healing, plants, navigation, cosmic order.
Symbols: Crescent moon, chariot pulled by ten white horses or an antelope, lotus, water, soma (divine nectar), shining orb.

Chandra, also known as Soma, is the Hindu god of the Moon and one of the Navagrahas (nine celestial deities) who influence fate and cosmic order. His name means “shining” or “illustrious”, reflecting his role as the illuminator of the night sky. Chandra is deeply connected to timekeeping, as traditional Hindu calendars are lunar-based, and he governs emotions, intuition, and fertility.

According to Hindu mythology, Chandra rides a chariot pulled by ten white horses (sometimes depicted as an antelope) as he moves across the sky. He is closely linked to the elixir of immortality (soma), which he both embodies and presides over, making him an essential figure in Vedic rituals and plant medicine. His influence extends to agriculture, growth cycles, and the tides, reinforcing his importance in both celestial and earthly balance.

Moon Gods and Goddesses - Chandra — *Chandra by Ravi Varma Press*

23. Tsukuyomi (Shinto / Japanese)

Domains: The Moon, night, order, time, celestial cycles, judgment, balance.
Symbols: Crescent moon, mirror, sword, night sky, chariot.

Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, often simply called Tsukuyomi, is the Shinto moon god of Japan. He is one of the three major deities born from Izanagi, the creator god, when he purified himself after escaping the underworld. Tsukuyomi is the brother (or sometimes husband) of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the storm god.Tsukuyomi represents order, time, and celestial balance.

Unlike other moon gods, Tsukuyomi is not widely worshiped in modern Shinto practice. However, his association with timekeeping and the lunar cycle remains present in traditional Japanese festivals and lunar calendars.