Lilith. Goddess of the night. Screech Owl. Queen of Vampires. But is this ancient deity a demon, succubus, or an empowering enchantress? Hers is a name with many interpretations, stories, and misconceptions, but one that permeates pagan culture. Today, witches and magical practitioners seek to understand Lilith as a goddess. As an powerful symbol and magical guide. Here we look at her wild, mysterious origins and provide various ways to work with Lilith in your practice.
Who is Lilith Goddess of Witches?
The true origins of Lilith as a goddess are shrouded in mystery. We know a lot and yet we know very little. Only those who work with her energy and presence intimately truly come to understand who she is. Or at least get a glimpse. Because, let’s face it. A goddess this powerful only reveals a small portion of her innate glory!
The Name Lilith
Lilith’s name is from the ancient Syrian and Babylonian words Lili and Lilitu which translate to spirit(s). When you research Lilith’s origins, the first thing you’ll see is that she is a figure in Jewish mythology. But her power and presence goes way beyond Jewish mythology. She was known throughout the ancient Middle East. Most Hebrew sources claim Lilith as a demon and/or a night hag. In the Hebrew language, her name has become synonymous with a night-monster or screech owl.
Lilith Goddess: Exiled from the Garden of Eden
In the Medieval Jewish lore the Alphabet of Sirach, Lilith is biblical Adam’s first wife. That’s right – before Eve. She was created from the earth’s clay, from the same material as Adam. His equal. Later, in the Dark Ages, Jewish religious writers further developed the story. According to Isaac Alfasi, a Jewish theologian, Lilith refused to submit to being Adam’s inferior. Yes, Adam tried. But when Lilith asserted her strength, she was shamed, accused of mating with an archangel and henceforth kicked out of the Garden of Eden forever.
Lilith: Mother of Vampires
In addition to being exiled from paradise, ancient Lilith goddess has been reduced to a mere demon in Jewish and modern lore. Perhaps a more interesting image of her paints her as the Queen or Mother of Vampires. Her vampiric guise features often in horror movies, literature, music and more. Succubus is the other word often equated with Lilith. I like to think of her like this – she’s whoever she needs to be. And whoever YOU want her to be.
13 Ways to Work With Lilith Goddess of the Night
Truly the way you honor or work with Lilith goddess in your practice will be up to you. Just know this – she is a powerful deity. Ancient. Ever-present. Don’t reach out to her if you’re not serious about working with her. She is picky about who she aides and protects. But once you are considered her Daughter or Son, she will take you under her wing.
1. Read about Lilith
Truly the best way to begin a relationship with a goddess like Lilith is to read as much as you can about her. There is so much to study when it comes to this goddess, you’ll probably never run out of reading material. From Jewish folklore to Babylonian archaeology. From modern horror stories to the Epic of Gilgamesh. Get reading!
LILITH Altar Decor: BLOOD Red Mini Goblets (Vintage Set of 3)
Listing is for set of THREE Blood Red Vampire MINI Goblets. PERFECT for Lilith altar decor, as offering cups, and chalices for Sabbatic rituals and Dark Moon rites. These glasses are so goth witch! Vintage which means pre-owned and loved since the 1970s. The color is a deep red, brand is AVON collection is 1876…
2. Set Up Lilith Goddess Altar Space
Set up altar space and dedicate it to her. Lilith’s favorite colors are black and red, so incorporate these colors into the altar decor. Candles, incense, and offering bowls are all appropriate. Lilith loves mirrors and plants. Blood red mini goblets like those above would be perfect Lilith altar decor! Include her name and/or her symbol at the altar. Other symbols to include: owls, the Hamsa (or hands in general), stars (outer space) decor, dogs, snakes and dragons.
3. Mirror Scrying
Lilith goddess is known for having a love for mirrors. In fact, there are superstitions about women who look into the mirror for too long…they may become possessed by Lilith’s spirit. Don’t worry about the old legend. Instead of staring at yourself in the mirror, dedicate a mirror for mirror scrying and ask for Lilith’s help. The Goddess of the Night will aide your divination sessions.
4. Air Element Magick
Because Lilith is known as a spirit of the wind, working with the air element in your practice is a perfect way to work with her wild energy. Some ways to incorporate air into your witchcraft include making and burning incense, smoke and cloud scrying, and storm magick.
5. Goddess Lilith Symbols
Draw her symbol or hang her name in your space for protection. AND wear it on your person. Wear her symbols on jewelry or on clothing. Embroider goddess Lilith’s symbol on your favorite jacket, draw it inside or on the bottom of your shoes, etc. I’ve even seen Lilith devotees that get her symbols tattooed!
6. Moon Magick
Lilith is a goddess of the moon. Therefore, by working with the moon’s phases in your life and magick, you’re invoking her lunar energy. Moon magick is pleasing to Lilith and her favorite phases are the Waning and Dark Moon.
7. The Owl Familiar Spirit
Lilith’s name is synonymous with Screech Owl in Hebrew. Hence the owl is one of her sacred animals. Lilith frequently manifests in the form of a Great Owl. Work with the owl familiar spirit (or the Owl spirit guide) in your practice to honor Lilith and explore the occult mysteries.
8. Watch Vampire Movies
This might seem odd to some, but remember Lilith has multiple sides to her personality. Just like any other person. While she has a nurturing, motherly side, she also has her dark side. She enjoys any movie that features her name or character, but particularly vampire movies. Fun, right? My favorite vampire movies include: Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Lost Boys, Interview with a Vampire, Queen of the Damned and Fright Night.
9. Appropriate Offerings for Lilith
Regularly leave appropriate offerings for Lilith goddess of the night on her altar. Offerings could include lilies, frankincense, dragon’s blood, water, wine, tea, aphrodisiacs, doll babies, mirrors, hands, candles, images of owls, snakes, cats, dogs, bats, dragons, and spiders. Intangible offerings like art, song, dance, poetry, sex, prayer, exercise and more.
10. Sex Magick
Among her many magical domains, Lilith has an intensely lustful nature and rules sex magick. Learn how to manifest your desires with your sexual encounters, both personal and with a partner.
11. The Daughters of Lilith
Lilith goddess in her demon form is said to lead a horde of spirits called the Daughters of Lilith. Study this group of spirits, and consider calling yourself a Daughter of Lilith. To be a Daughter of Lilith is also synonymous to being a witch.
12. Astrological Markers
An asteroid, a star, Earth’s hypothetical second moon, and part of the moon’s orbit are named for her. Study each of these and their part in astrology. Then incorporate it into your magical practice.
13. Ritual
Include Lilith in your rituals, as you feel comfortable. I don’t recommend invoking Lilith into your rituals until you’ve gotten to know her intimately. Developing a relationship with the Queen of the Night is essential before asking her to join your circle OR invoking her power. Her energy is STRONG, often unpredictable and isn’t for the feint of heart. That being said, she is a protective and nurturing deity to her children.
14. Bat Magick
In my experience, one of the sacred animals of Lilith is the bat. The bat will appear whenever Lilith is near. I’m not sure if this is the connection to vampirism or something else, but one thing is for sure – if you’re working with Lilith the goddess, consider working with the bat spirit guide as well. Study the species, invoke its energy in your life and magick, and add a bat or two to Lilith’s altar. Even wearing bats on your clothing or accessories is a great way to honor Lilith. They are, after all, creatures of the night. They live in Mother Earth’s womb (in caves). And they have a long history with witches and sorcerers. All things that are also connected to Lilith.
Lilith: A Modern Goddess and Empowering Symbol
But modern pagans and witches know Lilith is much more than a blood-sucking demon or passing nightmare. She is a powerful, ancient goddess. Isn’t it funny the women who owned their power, who bucked against society’s standards, were inevitably demonized and distorted. Lilith, we believe, is one of these goddesses.
Many Sides to Lilith
We see her divine form in the bird-footed woman on the Babylonian Burney Relief (pictured above). She has been called the “Hand of Inanna” and is also associated with Erishkegal. We know that in addition to her mysterious, dangerous side, Lilith goddess has a motherly, protective side and she no doubt has had her hands in feminine rights movements of the past and today. To classify Lilith as “dark” or as “light” would be a mistake. She is both the night and the day. Life and death. The darkness and the light. Rage and love. Qualities we see in the modern woman and witch.
You can download these Lilith Grimoire Pages in the Grimoire Shop! (or click the images)
Is It Lilith or Something Else Entirely?
I’ve known a few practitioners who attempt to “summon” Lilith to do their bidding. Or to engage in an intimate relationship. There are a few problems with this. One – some spirits who are indeed vampiric and low level entities refer to themselves as Lilith. And two – most people don’t have the power and understanding to carry out such a task as to “summon” an ancient primal deity like Lilith and force them to do their bidding. I’ve seen numerous cases in which someone has contacted “Lilith” and then wondered if it was indeed her. I’ll give you a couple reasons the spirit you’re working with is NOT Lilith:
- The spirit has become violent – NOT Lilith
- This spirit you’ve attracted wants a multitude of offerings and you’re undying attention (NOT Lilith)
- You’ve gone down a dark path: drugs, alcohol abuse, toxic situations, etc. (NOT Lilith’s influence)
- You’re experiencing nightmares, sleep paralysis, night terrors (NOT Lilith the goddess)
Conversely, if you’ve indeed been working and honoring Lilith as a divine deity rather than a demon or vampiric spirit, here’s signs she’s the real deal:
- She respects your body as your own sacred space
- The real Lilith doesn’t need offering after offering every single day (beyond what you can and want to give)
- She will teach you important and sometimes painful lessons without causing you this pain (hello, shadow work)
- You won’t find yourself going down a dark path but a path of enlightenment and transformation
- Nightmares and sleep paralysis do NOT come in conjunction with visions or dreams of Lilith
- She’ll never be violent towards you
If You’ve Summoned a Spirit that’s Not Lilith…
There’s a rule in the witchcraft community that I feel is worth mentioning here. It goes like this, “never summon what you don’t know how to banish.” But, if it’s too late, and you find yourself with a lower level spirit haunting your life…it’s time for a banishing. First, a full cleansing of your home and self. Your personal cleansing ritual should also include a cord cutting ritual. This may need to be done a few times to sever the connection completely. Then protective, powerful wards should be placed around your property. I also recommend wearing an amulet charged for protection. Lastly, reclaim your own personal power over the situation. Cut out anything negative in your life that could be feeding this spirit, as well. Learn more about spiritual protection here.
WARNING: NEVER HEX Lilith!!!
Recently, a Tik Tok story went viral in the magical community involving young, inexperienced teens who claimed to be witches. They claimed they were going to “hex Lilith”. You read that right. I don’t understand where this idea came from, but I think it was the most idiotic decision to try to hex or curse Lilith as a deity. She would be the LAST on my list if I ever decided to do something so disrespectful and moronic. I’ll only say this once: DON’T PISS LILITH OFF. She’s not a goddess to be taken lightly.
Do YOU want to learn how to practice witchcraft? Read our no-nonsense guide for the beginner here:
The advice I would give anyone working with a “dark goddess” is to respect them. They are not looking for worshippers, or servants, but co-creators. If you want to work with unbridled passion in all you do, if you aren’t afraid (a little is okay, lol) to embrace your wild side and own your shadows., she can definitely help. I have been working with her for many years, she is loyal, opinionated and passionate, and sometimes lets her emotions get the best of her, but in general she is an ass kicker and all of this is spot on. Vampiric as an energy worker (a common trait in the dark goddess reflections I work with), just workings with darker energies in general. But DARK BAD, think “dark energy” more than “evil energy.” It’s there, supports the creation, and is integral, just a bit harder to see, because it’s a kind of “no f*cks” energy …
Lilith is not dark but is strong
Lilith is absolutely a dark Goddess, and she represents the dark feminine.
Lilith is a dark Goddess; denying that just means you have not experienced her full aspects or have a different definition of dark. I have been working with Lilith forever, and she represents the Dark Feminine; she is primordial, an INfernal Queen; she is more of nature, she is caring and loving, and she will absolutely fuck anybody who abuses or approaches her with disrespect. So yes, she can absolutely be that darkness.
First of all we talk of big forces of the Universe, they see you and hear you without any altar, the most important thing its what you think, hiw much you love them and how much respect you have for all forces, even if its light or dark 🧿😇💀😈👽
Hello I’m actually very new to all of this. See, I am relatively young and live in a Christian house hold so it’s very hard to do rituals and set up alters but I have been researching Lilith and out of all the goddesses I have researched I feel most deeply connected to her. If you wouldn’t mind could you reach out to me and give me some guidance on this please. My email is alanigrace06@gmail.com Thank you!
I need a promotion for the lilith and are want to join the lilith
greetings,
awakening inner feminine anima (animus for females)= light living formless goddess Lilith,
almost an impossible task in present world we live!……merging god/goddess, male/female…=light
make yourself light said Buddha before he died..light living lol
Over the past couple of months I’ve been hearing hear name seeing it randomly and have had her visit me in my dreams… at first I was frightened but curious about why such a deity has been calling for my attention
After a while i decided to open myself up to her and learn more about her (still a work in progrss). And honestly her energy is intense but calming. And i can’t wait to start actually working with her and learning everything that she’s willing to show me.
If you manage to be able to get to know Lilith then you should also try to see about getting to know Baphomet. He’s like a father deity in a way.
I started working with her by saying thank you and been in my life. I sometimes ask her to protect me. I can see h9w she protects me. I still need to learn about her but I always call her to thank her no matter what. I been getting dreams about vampires but isn’t violent but very sexual and kind.
So I have seen several things stating that Queen Lilith does not like to be worshipped? Is this true? If so, how would one start to work with her? I have been reading Lilith: the dark feminine archetype. I will be starting Healing the Wild after that.
Hello love! You can worship her but only if your serious, if your not then don’t call on her until you have an intimate relationship. If you would like to work with her start by making her an alter and learn about her role in Mesopotamia etc. If you need any help just contact me! ❤️❤️
Merry meet
I am very drawn to Lilith and would love any help that could get me started. Thank you blessed be
Janine, this entire article gives you ideas on how to start working with Lilith.
I had an intense dream last night about a goddess/spirit who talked to me in another language. She had a strong powerful presense and the language sounded like a mix of greek, celtic and latin. One of the words was “lir” which I looked up to mean sea. I felt like this was only my first encounter and there would be more. I went into some other room with a bed where I felt the presence but didnt see anything. There was a sexual energy as well. Then I walked into anither room that led outside and heard a chorous of beautiful female angels singing before I woke up. I asked this being to tell me who she is after that and waiting to see if I have an answer. Then I found this site.
Definitely sounds like either Lilith or The Morrigan. Could also be anyone else but those were the feelings I got from that statement ! 🙂 (The Morrigan is sometimes associated with the sea and is 100% a “dark” goddess)
Hello! I really feel drawn to work with Lilith, do you have any suggestions?
I want to about Lilith in detail
Hello I’ll like to learn more
Please how can I worship her
Nikki . Could you please contact me. It’s very very important. Maybe you can help me. My face book is john hollimon. This is me.
Please Explain me more about Lilith. I’m very serious to work with her. Waiting for your reply.
Could you help me connect with Lilith please?
How do you know if she excepts you? And how do you know if you have a good relationship with her?
Would like info to begin working with lilith, am very drawn to her
That’s what this article is titled. Ways to work with Lilith. ??
Im looking for a good Lilith’s book that is not totally fiction,more informative than just someone’s opinion i mean.Any recommendations?
I am reading Lilith The Dark Feminine Archetype by Asenath Mason
im drawn to Lilith…and wish to learn more about her…and serve her…some of the above things would be dificult for me..being married…like having an altar???…help??..sincere
Subtleties is all it takes. I’m married and have my own altar for her set up. I have a wooden coined shaped sigil with a few stones and dragons figures.
Tell ur spouse to deal with it lol
As a male, I have been drawn to Lilith. I’ve performed two rituals for this great goddess. I pray to her at night opening my heart to her. I notice my relationships with women have been changing slowly but for the best. Hopefully, I will have a real meaningful relationship with one soon
Keep the good work
Working with Lilith has been big life changer for me, she helped me remove a toxic male out of my life, that I was struggling to pull away from, she gave me tremendous strength and empowerment, after I was able to pull away from this toxic masculine, and focused on loving myself more, I have met an amazing guy, who treats me with respect, after years of always encountering abusive men, I believe in my heart it was Lilith who placed this good guy on my path. I have a wonderful altar dedicated to her, drawings that I have made for her, and I’ve written her songs, and sang them to her. Her energy is very caring and motherly, I respect her immensely, she has been very nice to me, and I’ve never had any bad experiences with her.
Thank you for this! When I tell you Lilith has been working hard for my attention I’m not joking I’ve recently come to find she’s been basically guiding me to build her altar and what she wants. She’s drawn me to owls, I have dog statue, that I just had to have along with the owl I have, I have been drawn to hand statues, and much , much more. And I’ve been hearing over and over again, TAKE YOUR POWER BACK! She’s reached out to me through my closest loved ones as well. And the list goes on. And I have been drawn to her for so long. I’ve even seen her symbols in my dreams. And with all that said, plus much more left unsaid, I am taking this moment as a realization that it’s time to embark on this journey, with Lilith and even Hecate and Freya. Because I have been drawn to them for just as long if not longer than Lilith. And with what I’m going through right now, I feel them all three surrounding me to protect me and guide me 🖤❤️
Hey, by calling her in your circle you mean summoning her? If calling her is another simpler thing I would like to know how
I too work with Lilith and Freyja, so much to the point I feel close to wanting to study priesthood for them both! They are both so beautiful and protective, it is worth your time if you are serious!! They will help you stand up for yourself and for others too. Not to mention they help with progressing your path as a witch and as a modern warrior. I’ve only ever adored Ma Kali and Apollo as much as I adore them. I love them with all my heart
This is really informative. Thank you. I’m really interested in communicating and serving Lilith <3
Is Lilith Vampire Or She Have Burn Her Hand ? It’s Likee Warning ?
Lilith isn’t as dark as even some comments are assuming and may make her out to be. Don’t fear calling upon her. I speak to her often when I’m in need. As a precaution I do keep smoky quartz around to help absorb anger since she can pick up on your negative vibrations and her being protective she can also be vengeful. I’ve only experienced good things with Lilith and she’s brought me a lot of comfort and guidance. I have an altar just for her alone including a candle dedicated to her, a snake charm, red Jasper, smoky quartz, an ancient piece of amber, raw carnelian, a carnelian sphere, a carnelian egg and flame. I have a small statue of her surrounded by owls, a black candle, frankincense resin, and her symbols. I sometimes place tourmaline on her altar while i call upon her too. The more I’ve worked with her the more comfortable I’ve become. You don’t have to indulge in anything you don’t want to. As for the person who commented about Hecate as well she has been a pleasure to work with also. In some of my worst times she helped me. I dedicated a separate altar to her, too. The day I first turned to Lilith I was lost and in tears and her comfort was amazing. Don’t fear. You’ll find your “go-to’s” and for me Hecate and Lilith are the main two I call upon. I do enjoy working with Freya as well. When choosing to work with Lilith just talk to her like you’re talking to your big sister. I have full on conversations telling her everything going in my life. You don’t have to worry about doing anything you don’t want to Lilith is a strong and independent woman and she wouldn’t want you to go against yourself. You don’t have to practice blood or sex magick.
Hi, can you please reach out to me, my email is Oamhenlucky@yahoo.com, I’d like you to teach me stuff about Lilith. I’m in need. Thanks
I loved this…
I’m looking for more information on her in the way you’re speaking of her. Can you please provide some sources? Thank you
I am connecting to lilith
hi so i’m a new witch and i decided to contact one of my spirit guides today and it happened to be Lilith and i’m
not sure what to do, can anyone help?
Wait- this just happened to me too! I think Lilith is trying to communicate with me. Similar to a comment stated above, she is trying to get my attention.
If you embrace any kind of witchcraft then you must take all of it seriously! Dark and light! If not then you’re just playing games.
Mmmmm I invoke Lilith when my spirit is in desperate need. I acknowledge her divinity inside my feminine spirit. I may not know Lilith intimately, but I know woman well enough.
lilith.
wating to work with you when i come to you ,
Hi! its a hit hard to reasearch lilith because their is also a lot of trash claiming to be informativ – what resources would you suggest? Are there any specific books you recommend?
Have a good day <3
Judika Illes’ touches on Lilith briefly in her Encyclopedia of Spirits. Otherwise, I put this together based on lots of research. You’re right – a lot of sources are showing her demonized side. It is difficult!
Lilith The Dark Feminine Archetype
Hi I was thinking of reaching out to Lilith but I see this dark side everywhere and even though i’m okay with that, I personally don’t do blood magic and dark magic. Do you think she’d still work with me? Being a darker deity I also know people who work with Hecate and she is known to be a bit darker as well. I am just cautious to work with Lilith due to me not wanting to do blood magic, sex magic or anything of the darker nature as It is known to overwhelm and take over people.
lilith will not force you to do blood magick or sex magick if you do not want to.
This is a wonderful article. I am drawn to Lilith because she seems to me to represent all traditional witches – the women who would not bow to the authority of men and who choose to live alone and work their healing and magic quietly. The darker side of Lilith repels me however – was this dark side really a part of her, or is this something that those lesser humans gave to her because she frightened them? Very good article, as always. Thank you.
Everyone has a dark side, Lilith just embraced it. I’m drawn to the dark, but not too dark. Gray, I guess. Maybe that’s Jenny I like Lilith so much. Do you know any other resources to research her?
lol, I’m a “Jenny” and I work with Lilith, and yes, I do like her that much, lol