In myths across continents, she embodies the divine mother: as the Greek goddess, Selene, with 50 daughters as Luna, her Roman counterpart as Abuk, the Dinka goddess of women and gardens as Ala, an Odinani alusi that shrouds dead souls inside her sacred womb. The moon is a moody luminary, endlessly pregnant.

Photo-Illustration: by Preeti Kinha Photos: Getty Images