What Is Lilith in Astrology?

This article originally appeared on Yoga Journal

According to astrology, celestial bodies and their age-old stories bring insights into our personalities, challenges, and potentials. One such story is that of Lilith, a controversial archetype that has traversed cultures and centuries. Sometimes painted as a goddess of wild feminism, Lilith is considered an enigmatic figure associated with dark wisdom and self-destruction.

But what is Lilith in astrology, exactly? Knowing the answer might bring on our most needed breakthroughs.

The Archetype of Lilith

Lilith’s origins can be traced back to Mesopotamian mythology, although her likeness has been adopted by cultures around the world. Over the years, her persona has taken on varied meanings and associations and become a symbol of both danger and sacredness. The untamed, fiery first wife of Adam who was banished from Eden after refusing subservience, Lilith is regarded in contemporary times as an edgy, dark symbol of feminism.

As we trace her character back through the ages, Lilith is often depicted as a malevolent figure associated with nocturnal pillaging and death. Her story is detailed in Jewish folk writings, most notably the Alphabet of Sirach, an anonymous, proverbial text from the Middle Ages. In medieval folklore, Lilith is commonly depicted as a nightmarish figure believed to harm newborns and pregnant women, devour bone marrow, and feast on stolen children.

In medieval art, she was often portrayed as a demonic creature with wild, disheveled hair, wings, and clawed feet, screeching like a bird throughout the night. In kabbalistic teachings, she represents the concealed and chaotic aspects of the divine, in contrast to the more nurturing aspects of the feminine. In some interpretations, Lilith is associated with sensuality and “sexual promiscuity,” further adding to her complex and multifaceted portrayal.

As the myth of Lilith weaves through various cultures, her symbolism continues to be a source of fascination and exploration, evoking discussions about gender dynamics and the complexities of myth and folklore. While her independence and refusal to conform to societal norms are admirable, Lilith is almost always depicted as inherently hostile, showcasing and reinforcing our most nearsighted human tendencies, including self-destructive behaviors, co-dependency, and addiction.

What is Lilith in Astrology?

In astrology, three distinct Lilith points hold significant symbolism: Asteroid Lilith, Black Moon Lilith, and Dark Moon Lilith.

Black Moon Lilith is the most widely used astrological representation of the archetype. It is not a physical object but rather a point in space representing the Moon’s farthest point from Earth, or apogee.

Asteroid Lilith is the only solid representation of Lilith, situated within the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Dark Moon Lilith, also known as Waldemath Moon, is neither a tangible entity nor a verified celestial position. Instead, it is a captivating hypothesis suggesting the existence of a second, mysterious sphere-shaped dust cloud orbiting Earth. While science has yet to confirm Dark Moon Lilith’s presence, its symbolic significance continues to intrigue.

As she moves through the zodiac, Lilith brings our ruinous tendencies to the forefront, illuminating the darker and often overlooked shadow aspects of our lives. Lilith is the siren song that leads us astray time after time and the obstacle that manifests in the most innocuous yet detrimental way possible. Unlike the annoying hiccups of a Mercury retrograde, these obstacles are drawn from the deeply ingrained patterns, known in yoga as samskaras, that continually chase after us.

Lilith’s service to us comes when we stand toe-to-toe with her and confront what has been concealed from us. Lilith represents a powerful energy, one that invites us to explore our darker aspects and confront our shadows. She gives us power by revealing what has power over us. She can act as a powerful mirror, shedding light on our self-destructive tendencies, often bringing chaos and upheaval in the process.

Understanding the lessons of Lilith requires delving into the more uncomfortable aspects of ourselves, those parts we may avoid or deny. These can be likened to blind spots and obstacles that hold us back from realizing our full potential. By acknowledging and embracing these darker aspects, we engage in the needed shadow work and uncover the hidden wisdom that Lilith holds.

Although Lilith can initially appear as an obstacle, we can come out stronger through introspection and self-reflection based on her lessons.

What Is Your Lilith Sign in Astrology?

Just as you have a Sun, Moon, and rising sign that are unique to you, you also have a Lilith placement. Your Black Moon Lilith placement is based on where the furthest point of the Moon’s orbit lands in your birth chart. Finding your Black Moon Lilith sign is straightforward. Simply Google "Black Moon Lilith sign” and enter your birth date, time, and location.

What Your Lilith Sign Means in Astrology

By working with Lilith’s position in your birth chart, you can gain valuable insights into the areas in life where you need to reclaim your power. Engaging in shadow work, embracing authenticity, and cultivating self-love are essential steps toward harnessing Lilith’s wisdom and transforming your life.

Look at your own Lilith sign to understand and work with the dark goddess’s energy, but also explore how each Lilith placement can appear as she dances through the zodiac. We experience Lilith not just in our own chart but as she moves through the signs, much like how we’re all affected by a planet as it retrogrades or by the sign currently influencing the Sun. Lilith lingers in each sign for approximately nine months. During that time, she is said to prey upon the emotional and psychological themes related to that sign. Observe and remain curious as to how you can engage with these energies and shadows.

Lilith in Aries | Self and Identity

Individuals with Lilith in this typically confident fire sign may struggle with their sense of self and find it challenging to feel comfortable in their own skin. There can also be fear related to revealing your true self, believing that doing so would lead to abandonment. Working with this placement means it is essential to cultivate love and care of self with the intention of eventually embracing authenticity without fear.

Lilith in Taurus | Material and Security

Material-minded Taurus can lead to an obsession with status, possessions, and appearances and constantly feeling insecure or believing that you never have enough. Practicing generosity and embracing the idea that you receive what you give can help shift you from a scarcity mindset to a sense of abundance and security.

Lilith in Gemini | Communication and Expression

Those with Lilith in affable and social Gemini may struggle with communication, find themselves easily swayed by others, and often feel like they don't understand why you do anything. Self-destructive habits may surface when you least expect them. And you feel stuck because you can't process or talk about what's going on. Engaging in journaling and practicing how to communicate openly and honestly can help you navigate these challenges.

Lilith in Cancer | Foundation and Family

Lilith in home-bodied Cancer often signifies complicated family dynamics that have developed into a sense of stunted emotional maturity as an adult. This imbalance could swing in different ways, whether individuals experience codependency or, conversely, feel entirely unsupported by their families. To expand beyond this placement, it is crucial to create a life that is entirely sustained by yourself, detached from familial influences.

Lilith in Leo | Creativity and Self-Expression

Individuals with Lilith in outgoing, artistic Leo may struggle with insecurities surrounding their creative abilities and the value they bring to the world. They may often feel the desire to create but fear the moment of sharing it with the world. Embrace creativity without fear of judgment, make your art even if you perceive it as “bad,” and remain engaged with the things that help you feel passionate and playful.

Lilith in Virgo | Service and Routines

Lilith in practical, systematic-minded Virgo can manifest as an overwhelming desire to be helpful and add value to society. However, you may struggle with setting boundaries, saying no, and tending to your own well-being. Establishing a healthy mind-body connection, focusing on self-care, and recognizing your limits is essential for working with this placement.

Lilith in Libra | Relationships and Partnerships

Those with Lilith in Libra, the air sign most associated with social bonds, may experience issues with relationships, both romantic and platonic. Just like Lilith in Cancer, this imbalance can manifest in both extremes--destructive obsession or a debilitating fear of commitment. This placement necessitates an intentional focus on healthy attachment, positive self-image, and the development of trust and surrender with yourself and your partner.

Lilith in Scorpio | Transformation and Assets

When Lilith finds herself in emotional, intimate Scorpio, it can lead individuals to feel fixated on negativity, sometimes to the point of tunnel vision. They may have a hard time letting go of transgressions or ruminating on secrets and shadows. Lilith plays on this sign's passionate nature and can turn it toward festering and mental ruminating and holding grudges. Finding positive outlets for this excess energy, practicing meditations for release, and exploring personal potential outside of others is key to working with this placement.

Lilith in Sagittarius | Mental Expansion and Travel

Individuals with Lilith in this typically adaptable fire sign may struggle with rigid belief systems, an inability to open up to alternative perspectives, and even arrogance. On the flip side, you may feel pulled in too many directions and struggle with knowing what to believe. Remaining open-minded, actively listening to others, and embracing new experiences can help expand your mental horizons and bring you relief.

Lilith in Capricorn | Career and Ambition

Lilith in this earth sign is responsible for your life's work and your social standing. Lilith may manifest as a desire for recognition, a sense of self-importance, and the mistaken notion that you will only be happy if you're noticed. When those expectations aren't met, frustration and even depression can ensue. Working with your placement includes following your heart’s desires and pursuing your passions without attachment to external validation. If your sense of purpose feels unclear, allow space for it to evolve.

Lilith in Aquarius | Friends and Community

Lilith in philanthropic, cooperative, yet slightly rebellious Aquarius can make you feel lonely, isolated, and like no one understands you. With this placement, she seems to attack your sense of belonging and the part of you that wants to fit in and create a sense of community. Developing a sense of self-worth from within and being curious about why fitting in feels challenging for you can help foster a sense of belonging and authentic connection.

Lilith in Pisces | Subconscious Activity

Individuals with Lilith in dreamy, sleepy Pisces may struggle to understand the motives behind their actions, often feeling trapped in their own minds. To work with this placement, it is crucial to challenge negative self-talk, validate personal experiences, and redirect inner dialogues toward positivity and self-empowerment.

About Our Contributor

Sierra is a writer and modern witchy woman living in Oregon. She's been practicing yoga for nearly a decade and completed her teacher training in 2018. She writes and teaches about connection--connection to the body, to nature, and to the powerful energies of the universe. In 2017, she founded her media brand, The Local Mystic, an educational hub devoted to mindful, mystical living for women. Sierra loves to guide people to their witchy side by helping them deepen their spiritual studies and ritualize their lives. Through The Local Mystic, she's written books, plus hosted women's circles and wellness retreats worldwide. For free yoga and witchy wisdom, find Sierra on Instagram @thelocalmystic and on YouTube. And check out her book, Your Year of Magic.

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