Lilith
Lilith
Lilith is the patron goddess of those who want to ignite the spark of sensuality, practitioners who do not shy away from the dark feminine and instead embrace it with open arms and an iron will.
Lilith (1887) by John Collier
Lilith’s History
The first historical whisper of Lilith goes as far back as 3000 BCE, originating in Sumer in Mesopotamia. She was acknowledged as the “Queen of Heaven” known as Inanni or Ishtar and would later be the basis for the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In other Mesopotamian regions of Sumer, Lilitu is known as a class of female demons that attack in the night.
Lilith originally was portrayed as a handmaiden to Inanna (a well-loved goddess worshiped in Sumer), which involved prostitution in the temple of Inanna. Sexuaity was seen as a gift from the Heavens and was celebrated as such. It is believed that Inanni or Lilith was created in order to separate sexuality and lust from the beloved goddess Inanna. Lilitu was cited as a demon sent out by Inanni to seduce men and steal them away in the night.
While in the present day, the name “Lilith” is riddled with negative associations, many practitioners work with her as a way to connect with their inner sensuality and desire.
There is mention of Lilith in the Dead Sea Scrolls (between 408 and 318 BCE) as well, where she was associated with the wild and untamed beasts, bastards and demons.
Beginning at the Common Era, Lilith became the personification of sexual deviance and wickedness, the original succubus. Her daughters were other succubi and sons incubi. These creatures were often blamed for rape and assault on women.
Lilith, illustration by Carl Poellath from 1886 or earlier
“Her glamor, beauty, and sexuality made her powerful by way of men’s animalistic impulses–and this power scared them–so they vilified her, ultimately deifying her as the representation or what women should never be, all the while suppressing womankind altogether for this vert reason.” – The Glam Witch, Michael Herkes
Quite possibly the most famous rendition of Lilith derived from texts written between 700-1000 CE where she is named as the original female inhabitant of the Garden of Eden. She refused to submit to Adam and that resulted in arguments and disharmony. Adam felt that he was superior to her and demanded that Lilith lay beneath him during intercourse as a sign of deference.
Both Adam and Lilith were created by God out of earth, so therefore Lilith argued that her and Adam were equals. Because of her rebellion, she was cast out of the Garden. Adam begged for her to be returned and three angels were sent by God to find her, threatening that if she didn’t return, it would result in the death of her children but she was unphased by the threats. This story is used as a metaphor warning of what happens when women dare to disobey.
While initially this myth was created to warn women of the dangers of this “wildness”, instead Lilith’s siren song has called out to rebellious witches around the world, who want to honor the dark feminine power she emits.
Symbols of Lilith
–Animals: Snakes, Cats, Owls
–Colors: Black, Red, Pink
–Herbs: Apple, Cardamom, Damiana, Cinnamon, Jezebel Root, Lavender, Lotus, Lily, Orchid, Pomegranate, Poppy, Rose
Items To Include On Lilith’s Altar
-Red, Pink, or Black Candle
-State or picture of Lilith
-Herbs associated with her
-Items that remind you of lust or romance
To find more about Lilith and the practices around her such as love, glamor, sex, check out “The Glam Witch” by Micheal Herkes.
