What are Moon Lovers Called? A Selenophile‘s Guide to Lunar Bliss

As a night owl data analyst and self-professed "selenophile", I‘ve had a lifelong fascination with the moon. If you find yourself frequently gazing up at the luminous night orb in wonder and admiration, then you too may be a moon lover. But what exactly is a selenophile?

The term comes from Greek roots – "selene" meaning moon, and "philia" for love or attraction. So a selenophile is someone who adores the moon and finds great meaning and solace in it.

Being a selenophile myself, I‘ve researched extensively into moon mythology, folklore, science and symbolism. In this epic 2500+ word guide, I‘ll share fascinating facts and insights to fully appreciate the magic of our one and only natural satellite. Ready for some "lunar bliss"? Let‘s explore the psychology, history and science behind selenophilia…

Why Are People So Enchanted by the Moon?

The moon has captivated humanity across cultures and millennia through its mystery, subtle beauty and glow amidst the darkness. But what exactly is the source of its enduring appeal?

Aesthetic Beauty – The visual splendor, colors and patterns of the moon are simply pleasing to behold. The interplay of light and shadows on its craters and "seas" creates exceptional beauty.

Mythology – Legends and folklore about moon deities, rabbits, maidens and superstitions help fuel selenophilia. The moon links us to the myths of our ancestors.

Fantasy & Imagination – The moon stirs flights of imagination and daydreaming through its mythical qualities. It represents the fantastical and even spiritual.

Romance & Dreams – The moon has strong associations with love and dreams. Its soft light sets a dreamy, intimate mood. No wonder it‘s considered the most romantic celestial body!

Mystery – The moon‘s secrets, from its hidden far side to its influence over humans, makes it endlessly fascinating as an object of study.

Darkness – Some prefer the moon‘s tranquil glow to the harsh light of day. The night can feel more magical, calm and inspiring.

Symbol of the Unconscious – In psychology, the moon represents the unconscious mind and hidden emotions. It is associated with imagination, intuition and inner wisdom.

Lunar Legends & Mythology

One source of the moon‘s appeal are the legends, folklore and myths that have accumulated around it for millennia across human cultures. Here are some prominent examples:

Greek Artemis – The virgin goddess of the moon and the hunt. Artemis was known for her archery skills and protection of women and children.

Egyptian Khonsu – The god of the moon who kept track of time. He was believed to heal by night those wounded by day.

Chinese Chang‘e – This goddess of the moon is central to many legends, including about the moon rabbits who dwell there.

Japanese Tsukuyomi – The Shinto moon god born from the right eye of Izanagi. He dwells in a palace on the moon made of Jade.

Mayan Ixchel – The aged goddess of fertility, medicine and weaving. She dwells on the moon with her consort Itzamna and 13 lunar deities.

Hindu Chandra – The male personification of the moon, who rides across the night sky in a chariot drawn by ten white horses.

Such rich mythology has contributed to an air of romance, fantasy and enchantment around the moon for millennia. Even thousands of years after these ancient civilizations, their moon legends live on and inspire the modern selenophile.

Meet Some Famous Selenophiles

The moon has been a muse for artists, poets and musicians alike. Let‘s look at what some renowned selenophiles have expressed about the moon:

"We all have a little lunacy in us… I see the moon and the moon sees me. The moon sees somebody I want to see." – George Harrison

"The Moon became for me a character in The Lord of the Rings. Very early on… the Moon takes on all the importance that the Sun has in our lives." – J.R.R. Tolkien

"You moon the saddest silver, thread among the branches and leaves, their light green. You moon claims you are old; old, by tide-rounds of brown seaweed, wheeling and drying." – Carl Sandburg

Such quotes illustrate the deeply personal relationship selenophiles feel with the moon. It takes on a living presence for them.

Lunar Science & Psychology

Now let‘s explore some of the scientific and psychological dimensions behind being a moon lover:

Moon Phases & Their Effects

The moon cycles through 8 lunar phases taking 29 1/2 days to orbit fully around earth:

During the Full Moon, people tend to experience lower quality sleep and increased REM (dreaming) sleep. Studies also show a small uptick in births, homicides, alcohol-related accidents and hospital psychiatric admissions around the full moon phase.

The Moon‘s Impact on Humans

The lunar cycle influences human behavior, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied. Some observed correlations include:

• The full moon lowers REM sleep duration but people report lower subjective sleep quality.
• The new moon correlates with a dip in serotonin levels.
• During a full moon, melatonin levels decrease, making it harder to fall asleep.
• Emergency room admissions and police arrests for violent crimes slightly increase around the full moon.

So there really may be truth to "lunacy" and "werewolves" being more active during the full moon!

The Moon as Shadow Archetype

Psychologist Carl Jung saw the moon as representing the Shadow in his analytic psychology. The moon‘s white glow mirrors the sunlight, yet has a hidden dark side. Therefore it symbolizes the unconscious mind and aspects of ourselves that are invisible in the daylight. To embrace the moon is to embrace the hidden, rejected parts of ourselves and find wholeness.

How to Deepen Your Connection to the Moon as a Selenophile

Ready to get closer to the moon and your inner selenophile? Here are some fun ideas and practices to try:

• Observe the moon over its phases, noting it‘s changing appearance, angles and details. Keep a moon journal.
• Photograph the moon creatively and artistically. Notice its interplay with landscapes, trees, buildings.
• Hold special rituals, ceremonies or meditations during the Full Moon or New Moon. Harness their symbolic power.
• Create Moon Phase calendars, charts or artworks. Follow and understand the complete lunar cycle.
• Study lunar eclipses when the full Moon passes into Earth‘s shadow. These represent a resetting of energy.
• Read works by lunar poets like Robert Frost, seed moon symbols and metaphors in literature.
• Research moon mythology and folklore from around the world. Note similarities and differences with your culture.
• Take note of any moon-related or vivid dreams. Dreams can represent the emergence of the unconscious or Shadow.

As a selenophile data analyst, I am endlessly fascinated by the moon‘s mathematical precision, symbolism and influence over humanity. Yet I‘m also drawn emotionally and spiritually to its luminous orb. Gazing at the moon still fills me with a sense of wonder, romance and meaning that is difficult to quantify or analyze! It remains one of the great muses, driving imagination, passion and even madness since ancient times.

Conclusion – Embrace Your Lunar Side

I hope I‘ve illuminated what it means to be a selenophile – a lover of the celestial jewel that lights up our nights. The moon brings magic, fantasy and meaning into our world through its beauty, legends and power over water and humans. It represents our unconscious desires, shadows and wholeness.

Perhaps we each have a bit of selenophile in us, longing for the lunar light. I know my affinity for the moon has brought inspiration and sublime moments of zen. Why not get acquainted with the phases, folklore and effects of the moon yourself? You may find inner wells of imagination and intuition rising under its gaze. Here‘s to embracing your lunar-inspired spirit!