In our twenty-first century renaissance, renewed interest in the goddess has brought many faces of the divine feminine into modern awareness. Lilith is one of the most alluring - and ancient. After five thousand years of smoky rumours, this female of ambiguous reputation remains a mystery. As seductive femme fatale, crib death hag or cosmic goddess, vampire or beacon of female integrity, she has continued to excite our cultural imagination. If we follow her trail back in time to seek the source of the fear and negativity she typically evokes, we often discover, not only a major shift in the collective human image of the feminine, but also something essential that needs to be redeemed in our personal lives. Living Lilith traces this powerful archetype through mythology, the arts, astrology, on the world stage and in real life. Of increasing interest to astrologers, Lilith is the name given to four astronomical points - an asteroid, a star, a dark "ghost" moon, and the better-known Black Moon. All four Liliths are discussed and differentiated with the aid of numerous case histories and fascinating insights into the lives of public figures. A section of suggested interpretations of Lilith's influence through the signs is included. This book is suitable for all levels of astrology, and anyone interested in the presence of Lilith in our lives today. Not everyone is ready to explore such profoundly unknown dimensions of self and experience. Is she calling to you?
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M. Kelley Hunter has studied the stars as an astrologer, mythologist and amateur astronomer for over 30 years. Co-founder of the Roots of Astrology experiential conferences, she is now astrologer-in-residence for the Omega Institute winter programs in the Caribbean. She leads star gazing nights and astrology workshops, and writes about the sky for various publications. She has mentored adult students at Norwich University and other colleges.
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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
March 3, 2009: For those who might be interested in this book but would like to see a review first, I am writing this as a "place-holder," or "pre-review." In other words, it is praise for the author. (I am swamped and will write the actual book review after I have had a chance to read it.)
I have been on an email list for M. Kelley Hunter's astrology newsletters for quite a few years. This has given me the opportunity to know her as a powerful, evocative, insightful, and delightful writer -- she has a rare gift for humor as well as depth. In her frequent newsletters, she often mentions Lilith in conjunction with the Black Moon and other astrological elements. I am a cross-cultural mythologist, not an astrologer, yet I am fascinated by Kelley's tantalizing comments on the astrological role played by this ancient goddess. I enjoy Kelley's style and am certain this book will not disappoint. In fact, I suspect that it will catalyze an unexpected but powerful spiritual journey for many of us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW, January 16, 2010: As I noted in my "pre-review" last year, I have been on Kelley Hunter's mailing-list for several years and know her as an insightful astrologer with strong connections to the ancient goddess Lilith (Adam's untamed first wife, among other roles). I have been attracted to Lilith ever since reading J.R. Salamanca's eerie, hypnotic novel about a woman of the same name in the early 60's; Lilith is also a Sumerian goddess whose byform is an owl, my favorite bird. When I learned Hunter was writing this book, I had high expectations -- I wasn't disappointed.
Hunter points out that in one of the oldest Lilith myths (much older than Genesis), Lilith lives in a primal tree-of-life with a serpent and huge wild bird. Elsewhere, she is connected with wilderness, storms, disorder, sexuality, darkness, death -- i.e., earthly, physical matters. Hunter's primary focus, however, is not on Lilith as an Earth Goddess but on her importance as the "Cosmic Feminine," viewed through her four astral, or sky, dimensions.
Two of Lilith's sky-dimensions are easy for a non-astrologer like me to understand (physically, that is, not astrologically) because they exist visibly: first, the asteroid Lilith, orbiting between Mars and Jupiter; second, the bright star Algol (mischief-maker, ghoul, demon) in the Perseus constellation, a star "...sometimes called Lilith by the Hebrews" [p.11]; Hunter adds that Algol also "marks the paralyzing eye of Medusa" [p.25]. Thus, Algol, which has its own uncanny, dark reputation, also links two "Dark" Goddesses, Lilith and Medusa.
The remaining two of Lilith's sky-dimensions are more difficult because they have no visible existence. First, there is earth's Dark Moon "ghost" Lilith, about which Hunter writes: "perhaps it is a moon that used to be, or exists on an astral level" [p.18]. Personally, I love the idea of a moon "that used to be" and still is, at least astrally. It reminds me of earth's primeval forests, long-vanished yet still "alive" to the eye of anyone studying our planet from many light-years away. Such an observer would see, not some mystical astral-plane, but light from an *actual* earth that existed billions of years ago. There, the forests are still alive in their own reality -- so too, perhaps, "ghost" Moon Lilith.
The final sky-dimension is Black Moon Lilith. Hunter describes her as "not a body at all; [she is] ....an invisible but meaningful astronomical point of reference" [p.11]. Although I have no problems with a ghost, an asteroid, and a star, I can't make sense of this one -- probably it would take a brief animated film before I could understand it (others, of course, might grasp it instantly and instead balk at the ghost-moon). Regardless, Black Moon Lilith plays a significant role in astrology charts.
About these four astral dimensions of Lilith, Hunter has an elegant passage in which she explains: "Though there are distinctions to be made about the effects of the various Liliths, there are underlying themes that connect them, like playing the same note in different octaves. The interpretations of each Lilith are not to be taken as isolated from the others. Pluck one string, the others will vibrate" [p.12].
For me, shifting from heaven's confusing math and maps to the realm of music was a brilliant move. It gave me a much better understanding of the role of these four celestial Liliths. Hunter returns to the theme of musical octaves a few pages later, writing: "With a potential of dangerously repressed anger, Lilith requires channels of expression, conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation, therapy or marriage counseling, before charged explosions explode into abuse. The rage inherent in Asteroid Lilith is echoed, even amplified by the Lilith Star, Algol. Perhaps the asteroid offers a concentrated outlet for the star, which exists on a more remote, collective octave" [p.17].
Elsewhere, Hunter adds yet another layer of understanding: "Making up over 90% of the univese, dark energy presents incalculable potential in our collective process of conscious evolution. Perhaps Lilith works in this dimension" [p.31]. That insight opens up a vast range of exciting possibilities.
In addition to the four celestial Liliths, I was touched by Lilith's psychological role in Hunter's personal life. For example, about a time when she was playing Lilith for a dramatic presentation at the United Nations in 1993, she writes: "Working with Lilith lured me into deeper aspects of my self experience, as drama work often does. Exploring this character in a theatrical context underscored other aspects of my life and relationships. The creative work provided a channel through which to process an inner and outer transformation, as I came to recognize some darker emotions and to act more strongly from my person center.... Playing with this dark goddess constantly stretches my personal and theatrical boundaries. I enjoy allowing the power to move through me and to move my body, yet each time I must overcome some resistance in myself -- necessary when working with Lilith! I learn a great deal about myself in the process. I discover how I stay in my power and how easily I can lose it" [pp.52-53].
For those interested in Lilith's role in astrology, the book has a section focusing on her positions in the charts of well known male and female leaders, writers, artists, and thinkers. Although not an astrologer myself, I'm nevertheless inspired by Hunter's wealth of insightful information and find it useful in decoding some of the meanings of Lilith in my own chart (NOTE: an online link is provided where one can get a free chart with all four Lilith positions).
In summary, this well-written, well-illustrated, illuminating book offers a wide-ranging exploration of Lilith in dreams, myths, the arts, and wisdom traditions. There is heartbreak here too, for Hunter eloquently argues that Lilith's fury and "evil" reputation all express the widespread denegration, oppression, and mutilation of the feminine in the world's largely androcentric societies. If you resonate with mythology's "dark goddesses," and/or are interested in astrology, don't miss this one.
I have been on an email list for M. Kelley Hunter's astrology newsletters for quite a few years. This has given me the opportunity to know her as a powerful, evocative, insightful, and delightful writer -- she has a rare gift for humor as well as depth. In her frequent newsletters, she often mentions Lilith in conjunction with the Black Moon and other astrological elements. I am a cross-cultural mythologist, not an astrologer, yet I am fascinated by Kelley's tantalizing comments on the astrological role played by this ancient goddess. I enjoy Kelley's style and am certain this book will not disappoint. In fact, I suspect that it will catalyze an unexpected but powerful spiritual journey for many of us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REVIEW, January 16, 2010: As I noted in my "pre-review" last year, I have been on Kelley Hunter's mailing-list for several years and know her as an insightful astrologer with strong connections to the ancient goddess Lilith (Adam's untamed first wife, among other roles). I have been attracted to Lilith ever since reading J.R. Salamanca's eerie, hypnotic novel about a woman of the same name in the early 60's; Lilith is also a Sumerian goddess whose byform is an owl, my favorite bird. When I learned Hunter was writing this book, I had high expectations -- I wasn't disappointed.
Hunter points out that in one of the oldest Lilith myths (much older than Genesis), Lilith lives in a primal tree-of-life with a serpent and huge wild bird. Elsewhere, she is connected with wilderness, storms, disorder, sexuality, darkness, death -- i.e., earthly, physical matters. Hunter's primary focus, however, is not on Lilith as an Earth Goddess but on her importance as the "Cosmic Feminine," viewed through her four astral, or sky, dimensions.
Two of Lilith's sky-dimensions are easy for a non-astrologer like me to understand (physically, that is, not astrologically) because they exist visibly: first, the asteroid Lilith, orbiting between Mars and Jupiter; second, the bright star Algol (mischief-maker, ghoul, demon) in the Perseus constellation, a star "...sometimes called Lilith by the Hebrews" [p.11]; Hunter adds that Algol also "marks the paralyzing eye of Medusa" [p.25]. Thus, Algol, which has its own uncanny, dark reputation, also links two "Dark" Goddesses, Lilith and Medusa.
The remaining two of Lilith's sky-dimensions are more difficult because they have no visible existence. First, there is earth's Dark Moon "ghost" Lilith, about which Hunter writes: "perhaps it is a moon that used to be, or exists on an astral level" [p.18]. Personally, I love the idea of a moon "that used to be" and still is, at least astrally. It reminds me of earth's primeval forests, long-vanished yet still "alive" to the eye of anyone studying our planet from many light-years away. Such an observer would see, not some mystical astral-plane, but light from an *actual* earth that existed billions of years ago. There, the forests are still alive in their own reality -- so too, perhaps, "ghost" Moon Lilith.
The final sky-dimension is Black Moon Lilith. Hunter describes her as "not a body at all; [she is] ....an invisible but meaningful astronomical point of reference" [p.11]. Although I have no problems with a ghost, an asteroid, and a star, I can't make sense of this one -- probably it would take a brief animated film before I could understand it (others, of course, might grasp it instantly and instead balk at the ghost-moon). Regardless, Black Moon Lilith plays a significant role in astrology charts.
About these four astral dimensions of Lilith, Hunter has an elegant passage in which she explains: "Though there are distinctions to be made about the effects of the various Liliths, there are underlying themes that connect them, like playing the same note in different octaves. The interpretations of each Lilith are not to be taken as isolated from the others. Pluck one string, the others will vibrate" [p.12].
For me, shifting from heaven's confusing math and maps to the realm of music was a brilliant move. It gave me a much better understanding of the role of these four celestial Liliths. Hunter returns to the theme of musical octaves a few pages later, writing: "With a potential of dangerously repressed anger, Lilith requires channels of expression, conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation, therapy or marriage counseling, before charged explosions explode into abuse. The rage inherent in Asteroid Lilith is echoed, even amplified by the Lilith Star, Algol. Perhaps the asteroid offers a concentrated outlet for the star, which exists on a more remote, collective octave" [p.17].
Elsewhere, Hunter adds yet another layer of understanding: "Making up over 90% of the univese, dark energy presents incalculable potential in our collective process of conscious evolution. Perhaps Lilith works in this dimension" [p.31]. That insight opens up a vast range of exciting possibilities.
In addition to the four celestial Liliths, I was touched by Lilith's psychological role in Hunter's personal life. For example, about a time when she was playing Lilith for a dramatic presentation at the United Nations in 1993, she writes: "Working with Lilith lured me into deeper aspects of my self experience, as drama work often does. Exploring this character in a theatrical context underscored other aspects of my life and relationships. The creative work provided a channel through which to process an inner and outer transformation, as I came to recognize some darker emotions and to act more strongly from my person center.... Playing with this dark goddess constantly stretches my personal and theatrical boundaries. I enjoy allowing the power to move through me and to move my body, yet each time I must overcome some resistance in myself -- necessary when working with Lilith! I learn a great deal about myself in the process. I discover how I stay in my power and how easily I can lose it" [pp.52-53].
For those interested in Lilith's role in astrology, the book has a section focusing on her positions in the charts of well known male and female leaders, writers, artists, and thinkers. Although not an astrologer myself, I'm nevertheless inspired by Hunter's wealth of insightful information and find it useful in decoding some of the meanings of Lilith in my own chart (NOTE: an online link is provided where one can get a free chart with all four Lilith positions).
In summary, this well-written, well-illustrated, illuminating book offers a wide-ranging exploration of Lilith in dreams, myths, the arts, and wisdom traditions. There is heartbreak here too, for Hunter eloquently argues that Lilith's fury and "evil" reputation all express the widespread denegration, oppression, and mutilation of the feminine in the world's largely androcentric societies. If you resonate with mythology's "dark goddesses," and/or are interested in astrology, don't miss this one.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Joseph Ross
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this book and am glad I bought it. I learned more about all the Liliths, the asteroid, the dark moon, the black moon, and the star Algol, also known as Lilith. In my opinion, Ms. Hunter has written the finest book so far on the four Liliths together.
However, in future writings by her or others, I would love to see greater psychological insight into the affects of these powerful astrological influences on human behavior rather than the more glamorous yet less balanced and useful treatment of the myths and legends associated with them. Frankly, one has come to expect in their treatment thus far from the writers who have interpreted Lilith from a woman's point of view, this more glamorous rather than deeper psychological interpretation. Lilith is not just a stealer of babies, she is a teacher of higher wisdom -- the wisdom we may or may not wish to know. And since men have Liliths too, then Lilith is clearly not so much a symbol of women's lib, as an aspect of human nature, representing, in my opinion and experience placing the Dark Moon Lilith in over 30,000 charts where she is, surprisingly and invariably, the most powerful significator in the chart, the focus of our genius and ultimate wholeness, as well as of the creative and realistic integration between our left-brain and right-brain natures; yet also the main focus of our division and separation and alienation when the Lilith energies are not manifested properly and productively.
As Delphine Jay shows so brilliantly in INTERPRETING LILITH, the must-read on the subject, the only truly balanced book on the subject, Lilith must be used objectively, universally, and creatively -- then we flourish -- rather than subjectively, uncreatively, or for selfish motives -- then we suffer. Ultimately, the Dark Moon Lilith forces us to be creative and universal and realistic -- and thus to be truly great and to do great things on the highest level of our potential for all humanity. She is like a seductress, a magical Delilah for good.
Thank you, once again, for this revealing book -- I can't wait to see the next book bringing Lilith hopefully out in all her glory.
However, in future writings by her or others, I would love to see greater psychological insight into the affects of these powerful astrological influences on human behavior rather than the more glamorous yet less balanced and useful treatment of the myths and legends associated with them. Frankly, one has come to expect in their treatment thus far from the writers who have interpreted Lilith from a woman's point of view, this more glamorous rather than deeper psychological interpretation. Lilith is not just a stealer of babies, she is a teacher of higher wisdom -- the wisdom we may or may not wish to know. And since men have Liliths too, then Lilith is clearly not so much a symbol of women's lib, as an aspect of human nature, representing, in my opinion and experience placing the Dark Moon Lilith in over 30,000 charts where she is, surprisingly and invariably, the most powerful significator in the chart, the focus of our genius and ultimate wholeness, as well as of the creative and realistic integration between our left-brain and right-brain natures; yet also the main focus of our division and separation and alienation when the Lilith energies are not manifested properly and productively.
As Delphine Jay shows so brilliantly in INTERPRETING LILITH, the must-read on the subject, the only truly balanced book on the subject, Lilith must be used objectively, universally, and creatively -- then we flourish -- rather than subjectively, uncreatively, or for selfish motives -- then we suffer. Ultimately, the Dark Moon Lilith forces us to be creative and universal and realistic -- and thus to be truly great and to do great things on the highest level of our potential for all humanity. She is like a seductress, a magical Delilah for good.
Thank you, once again, for this revealing book -- I can't wait to see the next book bringing Lilith hopefully out in all her glory.
By Mirela Faur
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Being an astrologer and writer about the Sacred Feminine archetypes I found very interesting and useful the description of the Four Liliths in Astrology, Lilith through the signs, the astrological maps of remarcable women and the case histories.
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