The Medieval Podcast The Medieval Moon with Ayoush Lazikani
Nov 20, 2025
In this fascinating discussion, Ayoush Lazikani, a lecturer and author specializing in medieval contemplative texts, explores the moon's enchanting role across cultures in the Middle Ages. From celestial spheres to lunar deities, he delves into how the moon influenced everything from love poetry to medical beliefs. The conversation touches on the symbolic duality of the moon as both a companion and a site of solitude, along with its portrayal in stories of exile. Ayoush also highlights the practical uses of moon lore in daily life, emphasizing the diverse medieval perspectives on this celestial body.
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Avian Comparative Lens
- Ayoush Lazikani uses an avian perspective to compare cultures, imagining a bird flying between regions to notice differences and similarities.
- This approach emphasizes sensitivity to local "air currents" when doing comparative medieval studies.
Moon As Closest Planet
- Medieval scholars widely regarded the moon as a planet close to Earth and classified it as moist and phlegmatic.
- They attributed strong terrestrial effects to the moon, including tides, growth, animal behavior, and human health.
Geocentric Spheres And Moon's Influence
- Medieval cosmology placed Earth at the center with concentric spheres: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, then the fixed stars.
- Because of its proximity, the moon was seen as having the most intense kinship and influence on human affairs.
