Lilith is a Sumerian/Babylonian demon-goddess, who is perhaps better
known for Her role in Hebrew legend. Called "The Dark Maid"
or "Maiden of Desolation", Lilith is associated with owls
and is a creature of the night. She is depicted on a Babylonian clay
plaque from 2000-1600BCE as beautiful winged woman with bird's feet
and claws.
As a young woman, Inanna,
the Sumerian goddess of love and war, plants a sacred huluppu-tree
from which She hopes to make Her throne (representing Her power as
an adult woman) and bed (representing Her full sexuality). But Lilith,
along with the serpent and the lion-faced anzu-bird, takes
up residence in the huluppu-tree, as a symbol of Inanna's fears.
The hero Gilgamesh eventually drives Lilith out, and Inanna is then
able to claim Her throne and bed.
In Hebrew legend, Lilith is Adam's first wife. She refused to have
sex with him because she did not want to be beneath him. She left
him and was cursed to give birth to one hundred demon children a day
who were then killed. She was said to take Her revenge for this curse
by stealing or killing human children. Her name means "Screech
Owl" or "Night Creature". She is mentioned in the Bible:
as the Hebrew God, Yahweh, threatens the destruction of Edom (a land
located to the south and east of the Dead Sea) He describes what will
happen after it is laid waste: "...The night creature shall rest
there, and find for herself a place of rest" (Book of Isaiah,
chapter 34, verse 14). Like in the Inanna legend, Lilith's presence
symbolizes a dark time of fear or desolation.
Lilith was also believed in Jewish folklore to be a succubus, a
sexual vampire or demon who came to men at night and caused wet dreams.
The Queen of Sheba, portrayed in some legends as a seductive temptress
or sorceress, is associated with Lilith in Jewish tradition.
In recent times, Lilith is revered as a strong woman, confident
in her sexual powers, who refused to be subordinate to the husband
she was given to, who left Paradise willingly rather than submit to
a man.
Lilith in a reading indicates tension and its underlying dark fears
that must be faced. Sexuality is a strong undercurrent in this situation
and needs to be recognized.
Alternate names: Lilit, Lilu
To read Her tale, go here.
