The full moon has fueled the imagination of storytellers for centuries, giving rise to enchanting folklore that weaves together myth and mystery. Below, we'll delve into three full moon tales that have stood the test of time.
The Werewolf's Lament
One of the most enduring and widely known myths surrounding the full moon is that of the werewolf. Across cultures, from European folklore to Native American legends, stories of humans transforming into wolves under the mesmerising glow of the full moon are plentiful.
In European lore, the werewolf often embodies the dual nature of humanity, the struggle between civilised society and primal instincts. The full moon serves as the catalyst for this metamorphosis, a monthly reminder of the delicate balance between the human and the beast within.
The werewolf's tale typically revolves around a cursed individual, doomed to transform into a wolf during the full moon, roaming the night in search of prey. This narrative has been immortalised in literature and cinema, perpetuating the mystique of the full moon and its association with the supernatural.
The Rabbit on the Moon
In East Asian mythology, the full moon is often associated with a different kind of creature—a rabbit. The story goes that a rabbit is residing on the moon, pounding a mortar and pestle, crafting the elixir of immortality.
The most well-known version of this tale comes from Chinese folklore, where the rabbit is said to be a companion to the moon goddess Chang'e. According to the legend, Chang'e consumed the elixir to prevent a power-hungry individual from obtaining it. As a result, she ascended to the moon, accompanied by her loyal rabbit companion.
This folkloric narrative not only explains the presence of the rabbit on the moon but also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of meddling with the forces of immortality. The rabbit's perpetual pounding of the mortar and pestle echoes through the moonlit nights, symbolising determination and sacrifice in the pursuit of eternal life.
Artemis and the hunt:
In Greek mythology, Artemis emerges as a formidable goddess, her essence intertwined with the mystical glow of the moon.
Revered as the twin sister of Apollo, god of the sun, Artemis is the goddess of wilderness, wild animals, the hunt, and of chastity and childbirth. Often referred to as "Phoebe," meaning "bright" or "pure," Artemis is synonymous with the lunar cycles, and the crescent moon is a recurring symbol in depictions of this revered goddess.
Her association with the moon extends beyond the physical, embodying the changing phases as a reflection of her independence and dedication to a life of chastity. Artemis, the virgin goddess, stands as a vigilant protector, overseeing the well-being of women and children. Within the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, Artemis and her lunar connection illuminate the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and the celestial dance above.
The Full Moon and Connecting with Nature
At TreeSisters, we focus on encouraging people to return to cyclical living and to remember how nature lives inside our bodies, with times of action and expansion and times of rest and reflection.
Beyond its mythical associations, the full moon reminds us of our deep connection to nature and the cosmos and that we exist within far bigger cycles than ourselves. As a network, we choose this potent time to come together and practice embodied meditation. Engaging with the power of fruition and manifestation, our Full Moon Meditations are a powerful way to experience community and reconnect with nature’s cycles and the wider web of life.
So next time you gaze up at the night sky during a full moon, remember the enduring power of storytelling and the profound ways we are all connected to the natural world. Wherever in the world you are, we are all gazing at the same moon, and the tales it has inspired are a testament to our shared human heritage and the enduring power of the imagination.
