Dark Goddess Lilith: Origins, Mythology, and How to Honor Her

Lilith is one of the most well-known and controversial dark goddesses in mythology, often associated with the Dark Divine Feminine, female empowerment, sexuality, and personal sovereignty. Revered by modern witches and practitioners of goddess spirituality, Lilith’s mythology spans Mesopotamian lore, Jewish folklore, and contemporary witchcraft. Understanding Lilith’s origins, symbols, and offerings can help deepen your connection to her energy and work with her intentionally.

History of Lilith: Dark Goddess Origins and Mythology

The earliest known reference to Lilith can be dated all the way back to between 40 and 10 BC; she was directly mentioned in passages in the Dead Sea Scrolls titled "Songs for a Sage". She appears again on Incantation Bowls made by Jewish people living in Babylon between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. These bowls were specifically meant to ward her off, protecting the owners of the bowl from her influence. Lilith starts appearing regularly in Jewish and Mandaean literature after 500 AD. In the Babylonian Talmud, she is called "a hot fiery female who first cohabitated with man".  

Her name is reminiscent of Mesopotamian demons called lilû, a group of entities born from young people who were born before they could have children. The feminine version of these demons was known as lilitu, and her identity as a demonic entity was later cemented in Jewish folklore. In 13th-century versions of her story, Lilith was Adam's first wife. She was made from the same clay that he was, but refused to be subservient to him, and because she wanted to be on top during sex sometimes, he demanded that she leave. Angels tried to bring her back to the Garden of Eden, but once she had sex with the Arch-Angel Samael, she refused to return. In many versions of the story, Lilith then declared that she would destroy Adam's children and his descendants as an act of revenge.

In modern interpretations, Lilith has evolved from a feared demon figure into a powerful symbol of feminine autonomy, sexual sovereignty, and resistance to patriarchal control.

Honoring Lilith: How to Work With the Dark Goddess

Lilith is the Dark Divine Feminine goddess of sexuality, feminine empowerment, and sovereignty. Many witches and practitioners now work with Lilith as a dark goddess who exudes unapologetic self-expression and embodied power rather than ruling with fear or punishment. Honoring Lilith often focuses on themes of sexuality, independence, shadow work, and reclaiming personal power, making her a central figure in Dark Feminine and modern witchcraft practices. Many of her symbols and offerings resonate with these concepts.

Animals:

• Screech Owls
• Serpents

Colors:

• Black
• Red

Herbs:

• Dragon's Blood
• Jasmine
• Sandalwood
  
• Mugwort
• Belladonna
• Poppy
• Black or Red Rose
  

Symbols:

• Dark Moon
• Lilith's Glyph
• Lilith's Seals

Food & Drink:

• Red Wine
• Honey
• Pomegranate
• Apple

Gems & Minerals:

• Clay
• Bloodstone
• Moonstone
• Obsidian 
• Jet

Many practitioners choose to honor Lilith through ritual tools, altar items, and devotional offerings that align with her dark feminine and sensual energy. Here at Inked Goddess Creations, we've created an entire line dedicated to Lilith. Her signature scent is Patchouli, Apple, and Amber, and we've reflected that in our various products. Our tea, bracelet set, and altar card and coin set are additional ways to show your devotion to Lilith