Dark Goddess Lilith (with Tarot Spread)

Few beings are as difficult to pin down and/or label as Lilith. Some claim she is the Demon Queen of the Qliphoth, ruling the Sitra Achra (Tree of Impurity) together with Samael or Lucifer. Others see her as a Dark Goddess of feminine empowerment. She is also seen by some as a succubus and/or a vampire. Was she the first wife of Adam? Did she, together with Samael, tempt Eve in the garden? Is she none other than the consort of Yahweh himself, and was she responsible for rescuing humanity during the great flood?

Jump to the Lilith Tarot Spread

What we do know is that the myth about Lilith starts in ancient Mesopotamia, where she was known as Lilitu, a female demon linked to the wind and wind spirits. She eventually makes her way into Semitic mythology, where she becomes Lilith.

Lilith: The First Wife of Adam

According to the Jewish mystical texts Midrash and the Zohar, Lilith was created as the first wife of Adam. Formed from the same earth as Adam, she was his equal in every way. However, conflict arose when Adam demanded to lie on top of her during intercourse. Lilith refused, asserting her equality and arguing that she should lie on top or they should be side by side.

When Adam tried to dominate her, Lilith uttered the ineffable name of God and flew away from the Garden of Eden. Subsequently, Adam complained to God, who sent three angels—Senoy, Sansenoy, and Semangelof—to fetch her back. The angels found Lilith by the Red Sea, a place frequented by demons, and asked her to return. She refused, stating that she could not live in subservience.

The angels warned her that if she didn’t return, one hundred of her children would have to die each day. Despite this dreadful ultimatum, Lilith did not relent. Instead, she vowed to harm human babies—specifically newborn boys up to eight days old and girls up to twenty days old.

To protect infants from Lilith’s wrath, parents would place an amulet adorned with the names of the angels—Senoy, Sansenoy, and Semangelof—over the child’s crib. This sigil effectively warded off Lilith, preventing her from causing harm. The power of this protective charm has made it a significant element in Jewish folk traditions concerning childbirth and early child care, and it is still in use.

Lilith Vilified

Lilith’s story, as portrayed in ancient texts, is one of resistance against subjugation. In modern times, the understanding is that she was vilified as a demoness, largely as a product of patriarchal narratives. Society, over centuries, has painted Lilith as the quintessential rebel, a woman who dared to assert her equality and, for that audacity, was cast as a figure of darkness and evil.

The Patriarchal Vilification

Lilith’s refusal to conform to Adam’s demands embodies her resistance to the patriarchal order. The narrative turned her into a cautionary tale against female empowerment and assertiveness. Instead of being celebrated as a symbol of equality and autonomy, Lilith was demonised in the following ways:

• Demon Queen: Often depicted as the Demon Queen of the Qliphoth, ruling alongside figures like Samael or Lucifer.
• Succubus: Seen as a seductress who preys on men, a portrayal often used to discipline and control female sexuality.
• Child-Harm: Linked with harming infants, reinforcing her image as a dangerous and malevolent being.

Relating to Lilith

In contemporary discourse, individuals, women in particular, often turn to Lilith for one or more of the following reasons:

• Feminine Empowerment: Lilith stands as a symbol of feminine power and independence. Those who seek to embrace their inner strength and reject oppressive norms find inspiration in her story.
• Sexual Autonomy: As an emblem of sexual freedom, Lilith encourages individuals to take control of their own bodies and desires, free from societal judgments.
• Dark Feminine Archetype: Lilith embodies the dark feminine, embracing both light and shadow aspects of womanhood, acknowledging that wholeness comes from accepting all parts of oneself.

Books about Lilith

For those who wish to dive deeper into Lilith’s significance and connect with her archetype, the following books are invaluable resources:

• “The Book of Lilith” by Barbara Black Koltuv: A thorough Jungian study of Lilith’s mythology and her psychological archetypes.
• “Embracing Lilith” by Mark H. Williams: Focuses on modern interpretations and the empowerment elements of Lilith.
• “Embodying Lilith: A Gnostic Kabbalah of Lilith” by Mark H. Williams: Centred on Kabbalistic Pathworking with Lilith.

Lilith’s multifaceted persona allows individuals to relate to her in diverse and empowering ways, ultimately reclaiming her narrative from the grips of patriarchal vilification.

Lilith Correspondences

Lilith has various correspondences in mythology, symbolism, and ritual practice. These correspondences can help us connect with her energy and embody her attributes.

Dates and Times

• Samhain
• Saturday/Tuesday
• Midnight
• Dark/New Moon
• Liminal times such as dusk and dawn
• Eclipses

Please note that you can work with Lilith at any time of the day or the year. However, the times listed above can be extra powerful for rituals.

Symbols

• Owls: Often associated with wisdom and the night, symbolising Lilith’s connection to darkness and knowledge.
• Snakes: Representing rebirth, transformation, and forbidden knowledge.
• Bats, Ravens and Crows: Dark-winged creatures of the night, known for their ability to cross the veil and retrieve information from the void.
• The Crescent Moon: Highlighting her link to the cycles of the moon, femininity, and mystery.
• Red and Black Roses: Symbolising love, passion, and the dark aspects of femininity.

Colours

• Black: Signifying mystery, power, and the unknown.
• Red: Representing passion, vitality, and empowerment.
• Dark Purple: Symbolising spirituality, mystery, and transformation.

Herbs and Botanicals

• Mugwort: For protection and enhancing psychic abilities.
• Belladonna: Associated with the darker aspects of transformation and magic.
• Rosemary: For remembrance and warding off evil.
• Red Poppies: Symbolising sleep, dreams, and death.

Crystals and Stones

• Onyx: For protection and grounding.
• Obsidian: To deflect negative energy and for shadow work.
• Garnet: Linked with passion, regeneration, and creative power.
• Amethyst: Enhancing spiritual connection and intuition.

Starting Devotion to Lilith

Devotion to Lilith can take on many forms, from ritual practices to daily affirmations. I highly recommend watching this video lecture by Mark H. Williams if you are feeling a strong calling to connect with Lilith. Below are some simple tips on how to get started:

Setting Up an Altar

Create a dedicated space to honor Lilith. This can include:

• Statues or Images: Representations of Lilith to focus your energy.
• Candles: Black, red, and purple to represent her colors.
• Offerings: Items like wine, dark chocolate, and red fruits.
• Symbols: Incorporate owls, snakes, and lunar symbols.
• Crystals and Herbs: Place relevant crystals and herbs on your altar.

Daily Practices

• Meditation: Connect with Lilith’s energy through meditation, focusing on her attributes and stories.
• Affirmations: Recite affirmations that embody Lilith’s qualities, such as independence, strength, and empowerment.
• Journaling: Document experiences, dreams, and thoughts related to Lilith.

Rituals

• Moon Rituals: Honour Lilith during the dark/new moon phase.
• Shadow Work: Engage in practices that explore the unconscious mind and unresolved emotions, drawing on Lilith’s transformative energy.
• Invocation: Invite Lilith’s presence in rituals by chanting her names and invoking her aspects.

Reading and Study

• Mythological Texts: Study the ancient texts that contain stories about Lilith.
• Modern Books: Read contemporary analyses and interpretations to gain a deeper understanding of her archetype.
• Videos: Videos by Dr Justin Sledge of Esoterica, such as this one, and any videos on Lilith by Mark H. Williams in particular, as they are very well researched.

You may also wish to check out this post about Lilith, which contains more in-depth information about how to start working with her.

The Lilith Tarot Spread

Card Positions

1. The Essence of Lilith
   • Question: What aspect of Lilith’s essence should I embrace to empower myself?
2. Empowerment
   • Question: How can I step into my personal power and assert my independence?
3. Sexual Liberation
   • Question: What actions should I take to embrace my sexuality freely and authentically?
4. Alchemical Transformation
   • Question: What transformational process do I need to undergo to achieve true change?
5. Facing Shadow Aspects
   • Question: What shadow aspect do I need to face and accept to achieve wholeness?
6. Reclaiming Narrative
   • Question: How can I reclaim my story and align it with my true self?
7. External Influences
   • Question: What external influences should I be aware of on my path to empowerment and transformation?
8. Supportive Energies
   • Question: What resources or energies will support me on this journey?

How to Use This Spread

1. Prepare Your Mind and Space:
   • Find a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Shuffle the Deck:
   • While shuffling, focus on the intention to connect with Lilith’s empowering and transformative energies.
3. Lay Out the Cards:
   • Place the cards according to the diagram above.
4. Interpret Each Card:
   • Read each card in relation to its position. Reflect on how the card’s message relates to your current life circumstances.
5. Journal Your Insights:
   • Write down your thoughts, feelings, and any insights that come up during the reading. This will help you track your progress and revisit your intentions.
6. Thank Lilith:
   • Close your reading by expressing gratitude to Lilith for her guidance and support.

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