Lilith

From Astrowiki-en

Synonym: Black Moon

Symbol:

Astronomy

There is a certain amount of confusion among astrologers regarding the astronomical calculation of Lilith. Most astrologers follow one of the two following definitions, according to which Lilith is a sensitive point:

• The first method defines Lilith as the second focal point of the Moon's elliptical orbit next to the first one, the Earth.

• The second method defines Lilith as the Moon's apogee, i.e. that point on the Moon's elliptical orbit which is furthest away from the Earth.

To a certain extent both are correct, although the second focal point and apogee are not identical. Strictly speaking, the Moon's orbit is not truly elliptical, making it difficult to accurately define the position of the focal points. This fact would seem to support the use of the apogee to define Lilith's position. However, the question as to which point should be chosen for Lilith is in actual fact irrelevant because the focal point and apogee lie on the same line (as viewed from the Earth) and are therefore both situated at the same degree of the zodiac. Lilith forms an axis with Priapus, which situated 180 degrees opposite to Lilith.

Ephemerides often give a "true" and "mean" position for Lilith which can vary considerably from each other. Moreover, the so-called true position of Lilith does often not equate with the astronomical reality and is therefore something of a misnomer. Therefore most astrologers who work with Lilith use the "mean" position.

It takes Lilith about 8 years and 10 months to make one revolution through the zodiac.

In addition, two further phenomena are or were known under the name of Lilith:

• In antiquity it was the name given to a second terrestrial satellite thought to be located in front of the Moon and therefore invisible from Earth. According to astronomical laws this is an impossibility.

• There is also an asteroid called Lilith between Mars and Jupiter.

Mythology

In mythology Lilith is the first wife of Adam, in some myths even his mother. Rather than being formed from one of Adam's ribs, she was an equal partner created from the same earth as Adam and from the very beginning there was great competition between the two of them, particularly when it came to sex. When making love, they both insisted on lying on top, and because neither was willing to compromise, Lilith abandoned paradise. At the same time she broke another taboo by daring to speak the name of the unmentionable god Yahweh, who, impressed by her rebelliousness, sent an angel to persuade her to turn back. However, the angel failed to persuade Lilith who eventually became ruler of the night.

Hardly any other mythological figure has been demonised by patriarchal culture to the same extent as Lilith. On the other hand, some spiritual branches of feminism have idealised Lilith as a figure of female emancipation and a rebel against patriarchal suppression.

Interpretation

Lilith, also known as the Black Moon, is not only difficult to define astronomically but also difficult to interpret. From an astrological point of view Lilith is associated with the more hidden, mysterious aspects of the feminine archetype, with independence, rebelliousness, pride and strength. The long tradition in Western culture of suppressing the feminine has made Lilith appear to have threatening aspects. However, this is only true if she is banished into the unconsciousness. Finally, the integration and development of the energy symbolised by Lilith - in both men and women - is part of a process leading to a more inclusive and integrative life. The unfathomable suffering associated with Lilith themes is often a prerequisite for development of artistic potential. Hannelore Traugott, a recognised German Lilith expert, writes: "Lilith represents something that has become unconscious and is striving to become conscious again. Let's call it archaic energy, spiritual femininity, something akin to the wisdom of the goddess. As long as we don't have access to this energy we experience it psychologically as loss, suppression, isolation, emptiness, addiction and above all power struggles." Kocku von Stuckard notes: "For me, Lilith embodies the presence of an archaic form of feminine strength that ignores any patriarchal discourse of power and dominance and allies itself with those forces that affirm life itself."

Some astrologers associate Lilith with the sign of Capricorn.

Lilith is either the second focal point of the Moon's elliptical orbit (the Earth represents the first focal point) or the apogee, the point at which the Moon is at its greatest distance from the Earth.