Selene's Eternal Journey

As the sun dips low, Helios bids the day farewell,
Selene awakens, her dreams dispersed by Twilight's spell.
In the west, she stirs, beneath the evening's tender light,
Her silver tresses shimmering, ready to claim the night.

On full moon nights, the boy on his dolphin returns to Hydra's shore,
Drawn by the Goddess’ silver glow, a bond that legends implore.
They dance on the waves beneath her watchful golden eye,
A timeless connection between the earth, the sea, and the sky.

Through day's repose behind Peloponnese's cool embrace,
She slumbered in the depths, hidden from Helios's radiant face.
Now she rises, gentle and serene, her chariot of silver bright,
Drawn by steeds of purest white, she ascends to rule the night.

From western shores, she ventures, her journey just begun,
Chasing shadows, weaving dreams until the night is done.
She dances on the horizon, a whisper in the sky,
Her presence is a soft glow, a beacon to every eye.

First to greet her is Endymion, in his cave of eternal sleep,
A tender kiss upon his brow, a love so pure and deep.
Selene’s heart is full, and her love a timeless lore.
She whispers to her shepherd, "I'll love you evermore."

Upward she climbs, her path adorned with stars,
Guarding the heavens, watching from afar.
In battles fierce she’s fought, with giants in the fray,
Her light is a guiding force, keeping darkness at bay.

Against Typhon's might, she stood with grace,
Her lunar power glowing, illuminating space.
With strength and courage, she helped the gods prevail,
Her silver beams sliced through the night, a sacred, glowing trail.

In the high celestial dome, her story takes its flight,
Her chariot is carving arcs across the deep, dark night.
Over Hydra’s hills and valleys, her soft light gently spills,
Touching all beneath her, the forests, plains, and hills.

Her reflection graces waters where mortals cast their dreams,
A mirror of the universe in the moon’s soft gleams.
Lovers hold each other tight, beneath her watchful eye,
Their whispers filled with promises beneath the starry sky.

As the night grows older, the Lion of Nemea roars,
A beast once from her realm, now bound by earthly shores.
She remembers casting him down at Hera's stern command,
Her magic shaped legends in this ancient, mystic land.

Pan's call once charmed her, with wool as white as snow,
A fleeting moment shared in the moon’s soft glow.
Yet, bound by love and duty, she continued on her way,
Ever faithful to her path, to bring night from the end of the day.

Towards the east she journeys, as dawn begins to break,
Her brother Helios stirring, a new day to awake.
In a final, graceful descent, she dips into the sea,
To rest and dream once more until night sets her free.

As Helios rises, her tale remains untold,
Of battles, love, and magic in the moonlight’s gentle hold.
Selene, goddess of the night, eternal, pure, and bright,
Weaves her nightly journey, a symphony of light.

Hydra, July 2024

The Hay Moon and the Power of Selene

Tomorrow, the power of a new full moon, known as the 'Hay Moon,' will be felt as temperatures rise and July heats up. Tonight, as the moon nears completion, the Boy on his Dolphin appeared outside Spilia, demonstrating that Sunset Restaurant can also provide a spectacular view of the magnificent moon.

We call the full moon the 'Hay Moon' in Europe because of the haymaking in June and July. It is sometimes also referred to as the 'Mead Moon' due to the production of mead, which is created by fermenting honey mixed with water and sometimes adding fruits, spices, grains, or hops.

In 2024, the Hay Moon is positioned as a full moon in Capricorn, an Earth sign, the tenth on the zodiac wheel, and opposite Cancer, a water sign. This unique positioning holds significant astrological implications. The Cancer-Capricorn axis is critical to understanding the legacies we build and how we use tradition and the past as foundations. This understanding can empower us to make conscious choices in our lives.

During this time, the planets are engaged in a vast celestial dance. Even if we encounter hurdles, the best approach is to take a step back, pivot, focus on pleasure and connection, and brainstorm ways to build toward our most significant legacy.

Many ancient cultures and religions celebrate celestial cycles, finding ways to honour and harness the power of the full moon. Some astrologers believe a full moon is an ideal time to manifest dreams, utilising this intense energy. The full moon in Capricorn, an Earth sign, offers unique potential for manifestation, inspiring hope and creativity.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Take a closer look at your partnerships, all you Cancers! If you’re in a happy union, expect to grow closer and make long-term commitments, whether to move in, get engaged, commit, or get married. If you’re not in a happy union, it might be time to face the music and go your separate ways. And now let us dive deeper into Selene, the Goddess behind it all.

Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, is an enduring figure in mythology whose influence permeates various aspects of life and legend. Selene's legacy is rich and multifaceted, from her nightly journey across the sky to her profound impact on human culture and natural phenomena. Within this context, we delve into the captivating tales of Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, and her profound influence on mythology, nature, and human behaviour.

Selene and Endymion
Selene, the radiant goddess of the moon, was known for her ethereal beauty and nightly journey across the sky. Her most famous love story involves Endymion, a mortal shepherd renowned for his extraordinary beauty. Night after night, Selene would descend from her celestial path to gaze upon him as he slept, his face illuminated by her gentle light. Enchanted by his visage, Selene asked Zeus to grant Endymion eternal sleep so he would never age and she could admire him forever. This tale of everlasting love and beauty is a captivating part of Selene's mythology.

The Gigantomachy and Battle with Typhon
Selene's role in mythology extends beyond romance to the fierce battles of the gods. During the Gigantomachy, the epic struggle between the gods and the giants, Selene fought alongside her celestial siblings, Helios and Eos. Despite her serene nature, she wielded her lunar powers to defend Olympus against the giants' onslaught, showcasing her power and strength in the face of adversity.

Selene faced the monstrous Typhon in another myth, a formidable beast whose power threatened the gods. The battle was fierce, but with the combined strength of the Olympians and Selene's lunar magic, Typhon was ultimately defeated. These tales highlight Selene's importance as a symbol of beauty and love and a powerful and formidable deity.

Selene and the Lion of Nemea
An intriguing connection to Selene is found in the tale of Heracles' first labour: the slaying of the Nemean Lion. According to the poet Epimenides, Selene herself cast down the savage lion from the moon. In a fearsome shudder, she shook off the beast at the behest of Hera, who sought to challenge Heracles. Thus, with its impenetrable hide, the lion descended from the celestial realms to the Nemean plains, where it would meet its end at the hands of the legendary hero Heracles.

Selene and Pan.
Selene's romantic escapades continued with the god Pan, known for his wild and rustic nature. It must be said, not our Pan on Hydra. He’s innocent.
Selene's romantic escapades continued with the god Pan, known for his wild and rustic nature. Pan seduced Selene with a snowy bribe of wool, enchanting her with his offer. Some accounts, such as those by Nicander, add a whimsical detail: Pan wrapped himself in a sheepskin to further endear himself to the moon goddess. This tale adds a playful and humorous dimension to Selene's otherwise serene and dignified persona, bringing a smile to the audience's face.

Selene and Helios
Selene was often paired with her brother Helios, the sun god. Together, they adorned the east pediment of the Parthenon, framing the scene of Athena's birth. Rising from the ocean in his four-horsed chariot, Helios greeted the dawn, while Selene, descending into the sea, bid farewell to the night. She would descend into the sea outside Hydra, perhaps explaining why the moonlight seems exceptionally bright over this island.

Selene in Love Magic
Selene played an essential role in love magic, with her ethereal glow believed to influence hearts and desires. Lovers would invoke her name, seeking blessings to kindle romance and passion. Her association with the moon, a celestial body that governs tides and cycles, made her a potent figure in the mystical arts of attraction and enchantment.

Modern Legacy and Anecdotes
Selene's influence extends beyond ancient mythology into modern times. Her name graces celestial and terrestrial objects alike:

Astronomy and Geology: Selenology is the scientific study of the moon, particularly its geology. This field and its practitioners are selenologists. They delve into the mysteries of our lunar companion, a testament to Selene's enduring legacy.
- Elements and Spacecraft: The chemical element Selenium, named by Swedish chemist Jacob Berzelius, pays homage to the moon goddess due to its properties similar to tellurium (named for Earth). The Japanese lunar orbiter spacecraft SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer) also bears her name, symbolising humanity's quest to understand and explore the moon.
- HMS Selene and Ghia Selene: A 1944 British submarine, HMS Selene, and a 1959 concept car from the Ghia design studio were named after the goddess, reflecting her inspirational role across different fields.
Selene and Lunar Phenomena

Selene's influence on human culture and natural phenomena is vast and multifaceted. The full moon, often associated with her, has been linked to various legends and scientific observations:

- Werewolves and Vampires: In early literature, vampires were believed to be strengthened by the full moon, and werewolves were said to transform under its light. These tales reflect the moon's association with mystery and transformation.
- Human Behavior and Health: The moon's phases are thought to influence human behaviour, with some studies suggesting a link between the full moon and changes in symptoms of bipolar disorder. Researchers have also found that people experience less deep sleep during the full moon and take longer to enter REM sleep. Additionally, there is evidence of slight changes in cardiovascular conditions during a full moon.
- Tides and Time: The moon's gravitational pull affects the tides, a phenomenon intricately tied to Selene's influence over the natural world. This celestial force also subtly influences the rhythms of time and the natural cycles on Earth.

Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, is a figure of romance, power, and mystery. From her tender love for Endymion to her fierce battles alongside the gods and her enchanting encounters with Pan, she weaves through mythology with grace and strength. Her legacy continues to shine brightly in the night sky and the hearts of those who look up in wonder at the moon. Her influence extends into modern science, literature, and culture, embodying humanity's timeless fascination for the moon and its ethereal beauty. Selene's presence is felt in myriad ways, whether through the howls of wolves, the legends of werewolves and vampires, or the rhythms of the tides, a testament to her enduring power and allure.

"It Must Be a Full Moon
How often do we use that phrase when encountering careless drivers on the road, unruly subway riders, or bizarre behaviour? The tradition dates back to the first century when Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman historian Pliny the Elder hypothesised that a full moon induced madness across the land it illuminated. In fact, "lunatic" comes from the Latin lunaticus, meaning "of the moon" or "moonstruck."

Despite centuries of blaming the moon for mischief, mood swings, and mystical occurrences, scientific research points toward mere correlation rather than causation. So, why do many of us hold onto this belief?

Realistically, the moon's " effect on us might be linked to our ancestors. Its incredible significance within certain spiritual practices and rituals, both ancient and new-age, as well as its ties to folklore, myths, urban legends, and Halloween, means that despite what science shows us, some still choose to believe in the power of the moon.

Source of Superstition
In that centuries-old hypothesis, Aristotle and Pliny the Elder believed that because the brain is moist, it could be affected in the same ways that the waters of Earth are affected by the moon. They thought the moon had the power to induce insanity, epilepsy, or bouts of madness.

Even some modern thinkers toyed with this idea. Psychiatrist Arnold Lieber, MD, explored this belief in his books, "The Lunar Effect: Biological Tides and Human Emotions" (1978) and "How the Moon Affects You: A Compelling and Controversial Book on the Moon's Awesome Power to Affect Your Emotions and the Way You Live."

Lieber suggested that because the human body is about 70% water, humans experience tidal shifts caused by the moon's phases, just like Earth's oceans. He wrote that under a full moon, the occurrence of murder, suicide, aggravated assault, psychiatric emergencies, and fatal auto accidents increases dramatically.

While the theory seems reasonable at first glance, experts quickly dismissed it. One study specifically debunked Lieber's theory, arguing that the Earth's gravitational pull is 5,012 times stronger than the moon's, whose pull is no more than the weight of a flea. The moon might regulate the tides of large, open bodies of water, but think about its effect on a glass of water or a bathtub, let alone the water that makes up the human body.

Astronomers, physicists, and psychologists have all concluded that human behaviour is unrelated to the lunar phase.

In 1985, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 37 studies comparing lunar cycles to instances of crisis centre calls, suicides, crimes, and psychiatric issues. The results showed no relation between the full moon and any increase in these occurrences.

Several modern studies echo these findings by establishing no connection between the full moon and psychiatric admissions, hospital admissions, or aggressive behaviour. A study conducted in Finland even found that fewer homicides were committed during the full moon.

Lunar-Conscious Behavior
If a belief persists for thousands of years, there must be something to it. An article in Discover magazine suggested that the lunar lunacy effect originates from the fact that a brighter moon was probably more likely to disrupt our ancestors' sleep quality, causing sleep deprivation and sour moods.

Today, some evidence indicates that sleep is impacted by the lunar cycle. Researchers discovered that around the full moon, people spent 30% less time in NREM (deep sleep) and slept for 20 minutes less overall. This might explain some of the behavioural changes.

However, many experts interpret strong beliefs about the moon's effect as illusory correlation or confirmation bias, in which we pay greater attention to events that support our beliefs versus those that don't.

When there's a full moon, we're more likely to notice something strange happening, which will stick in our memory. Amy Morin, LCSW, says, "It may be that the expectation that things get a little weird' around a full moon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. People might start acting differently because they believe they are supposed to act out of the ordinary."

Spiritual Significance of the Moon
Among indigenous cultures around the world, the moon holds great significance. In the US, early Native Americans acknowledged that Grandmother Moon regulated the tides and watched over the waters of Earth. Full moons were important for tracking the passing year, so certain full moons have specific names that vary from tribe to tribe. Honouring the moon through rituals and dances of gratitude remains a vital practice and connection to nature.

The moon holds spiritual significance for other groups, as well. As a significant player in astrology, the lunar cycle is believed to influence behaviours and moods heavily. The moon is often associated with the subconscious. If you've ever investigated your birth chart, you'll recognise that your "moon sign," which correlates with the moon's location in the sky when you were born, is thought to tell you about your emotions and intuition.

Mindfully syncing with the moon's phases is also a powerful spiritual and self-care tool. Every 29.5 days, the moon completes an entire cycle, and each phase corresponds with particular actions that vary among cultures. For example, full moons are believed to be a time for self-reflection, while new moons are an opportunity to set intentions.

Although science has debunked many myths surrounding the moon, people still hold onto those facets of folklore that disregard the need for proof. You might not be able to blame the full moon for lousy driving or awkward interactions, but being mindful of its presence can positively impact your conscious behaviours. There's also nothing wrong with embracing the spooky vibes of a full moon in October—those scary stories and the season's mystery make Halloween so much fun.

So go out and howl tomorrow night. The full moon is best seen over Hydra from a boat, as in my picture.