Lilith as the Shadow of Feminine Sexuality and Freedom

   Lilith, in the matriarchal world, was once an image of all that was the finest of a woman's sexual nature, especially in her fiery, dark aspect, which related to the menstrual mysteries. After the patriarchy repressed women's sexuality and the old Goddess religion disappeared, Lilith came to embody mankind's projection of the feminine shadow, which Barbara Koltuv sees as representing the assertive and rebellious woman. As a demonic dark goddess she was then feared and hated rather than revered.

   To enter into the figure of Lilith is to remember a time in the ancient past when women were honored and praised for initiating and fully expressing their personal freedom and sexual passion. If we then recall a time in the more recent past when women tried to reenact that ecstasy, only to be abuse, suppressed, and rejected, we will understand how Lilith has been transformed by patriarchal culture. In the following discussion we will ask, What does it mean to reclaim the qualities she once bestowed upon the feminine as her birthright?

   Taken from the book, Mysteries of the Dark Moon, Demetra George.

This page was last updated: November 06, 2008

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