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Lilith comes to us via Hebrew Mythology, where she was characterized (until the Middle Ages) as a Demoness, preying upon humanity. It is believed that she was introduced to the Hebrews through their association with the more mature cultures of Assyria/Babylonia/Sumeria. Here she was also considered a malevolent force. Recurring themes of her myth appear to be the Night, Dreams, Death and Sex. During the Middle Ages, a book of questionable authenticity, The Alphabet of Ben Sira, chronicled the myth of Lilith as the first wife of Adam. This ties in smoothly with Rabbinical traditions depicting Lilith as a Succubi & the wife of Sammael (aka Satan). From these varying sources, it appears that the characterization of the Judeo-Christian Lilith as a "Demoness" derive from those cultures unhealthy inhibition of sexuality and the role of women. As these outdated mores slide into disuse, and as we better understand the natural world of which we are a part, the mischaracterization becomes apparent. As a Goddess, Lilith can appear however she wishes; however, she tends to appear -- in her revelations to me -- as a tall, slender woman with long, flowing, black hair and pale skin. Her garb is either a diaphanous gown or pre-Islamic Arabic gear. She is girt with a sword (Middle Eastern, slight, one-edged with a slightly curved blade) & often has three demons on a chain leash. Her lips are blood red. She governs the Night, Death, Sex, Mysticism, Dreams and Self-Reliance. Further references:
Page uploaded: 27 June 2001 |