Mah- Persian GodDeity"Moon Yazata"
Also known as: Maonghah and Mao
Description
When Ahriman slew the Primordial Bull, it was Mah who received and purified its seed, from which all animal species sprang. The moon yazata rides the night sky. His silver light keeps the darkness at bay where demons are strongest.
Mythology & Lore
The Seed of the Bull
When Ahriman broke into the good creation and slew the Primordial Bull, Gavaevodata, the dying creature's generative essence, its chihr, passed into the keeping of the moon. The Bundahishn records what happened next: Mah purified the seed, and from it sprang every beneficial animal species in the world. Without his guardianship at that moment, Ahriman's destruction of the first animal would have been final. Instead it became the beginning of proliferation.
The yazata who saved the seed of the first animal became the protector of all that descended from it. The Mah Niyayesh, recited when the moon is visible, honors this act and asks blessings on cattle and prosperity.
The Night Watch
The Mah Yasht describes Mah's journey across the night sky. His silver light restrains Angra Mainyu's servants during the hours when they are strongest. Darkness belongs to the demons. Complete darkness gives them free rein. Mah ensures creation is never entirely without light. He holds the line until Hvar Khshaita, the sun, returns.
The seventh month of the Zoroastrian calendar bears his name, and the twelfth day of each month is dedicated to him. The moon's regular cycle of waxing and waning marked the months, and religious observances tied to particular lunar phases fall under his watch.
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