moon affinity

My affinity of the moon has been life long.

"The moon is a loyal companion.

It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.

Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections."

― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me

I do not know exactly when my affinity for the moon began. Maybe it was due to being a huge fan of the Sailor Moon anime... or how I used to look at the moon on the way home from a long day. For whatever reason, the moon has always been a source of peace for me. The moon exposes me to my deepest dreams, desires, and vulnerabilities. She (referring to the moon) has a way of mirroring your outer personality and your inner - and usually true - self, which we often only show it to those closest to us. I guess you can say that I have an affinity for the moon. 

The moon, la lune, also fascinates me due to my love for Greek mythology. Selene is one of my favorite goddesses to read about, as she is the Goddess of the Moon. In a way, she possessed more "human qualities" than the other Greek gods and goddesses, because her vulnerability was present in her myth. For instance, she had an enduring love for the shepherd Endymion... so much so, when he was put to an eternal sleep, she would visit him in his sleep. I found this excerpt on their rather unconventional love story - since I can not explain it all too well at the moment - here:

"The myth of Selene and Endymion is about a rare female pursuit. The moon goddess, Selene, falls in love with the mortal Endymion. Endymion is said to be a shepherd, a hunter, or a king. Selene visited her sleeping love in the night as she rode her moon chariot across the night sky. She would come down to earth just to be with the beautiful Endymion.

“Or else, looking down on thee from the starry heavens, the orb [Selene the moon] that was born after the old Arcadians will lose control of her white-shining car [for love of a rustic, like Endymion]. And lately she blushed fiery red, though no staining cloud obscured her bright face”

– Seneca, Phaedra 786
(Credit to: https://commons.mtholyoke.edu/arth310lankiewicz/sweet-dreams/selene-and-endymion/)

Do you see? La lune has a way of blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. La lune mirrors our lives here on Earth with the fantasies that live within the depths of our souls. Selene and Endymion also exemplify unconditional love, but in a supernatural, mythological aspect. The moon emotes weak and weary, yet strong and resilient natures than humans show on a daily basis. In all, the moon gives accurate depictions of what it means to be human.

Until next time, check out this tune from the legendary band The Doors, which the late frontman was a wayward moon child in his own right.