Have you ever felt like a part of you didn’t fit neatly with other people’s expectations of you? Or is there an area of your life where you buck the trends and prefer to go your own way? It might be Black Moon Lilith, an astrological point associated with rebellion, independence, and the parts of ourselves that insist on doing things our own way.
I’ve always been a nonconformist, something that exasperated my mother. Our biggest beef centered around school clothes. Frilly dresses were her top choice for me, while I preferred to live it up in pants and a sailor shirt with a little flap. This led to more than one argument until finally, she gave up. Picture day was the only time I’d agree to one of her itchy, ruffled frocks.
As I grew older, our differences were in my career choices. She envisioned me as a secretary straight out of Mad Men, but I chose to run my own business as an astrologer, tarot reader, and writer. For many years, she hid this from others and pretended I worked in a corporate environment. This caused more than a few raised eyebrows among those who knew me better.
Cut to two decades later, and I was relaying this story to a fellow astrologer who said, “It’s the placement of Black Moon Lilith in your birth chart.” Apparently, this astrological point in the sky had a lot to say, so I had to learn more.
What Is Black Moon Lilith?
I assumed Black Moon Lilith was a planet, but it’s not. It’s mathematical point in the sky rather than a physical object.
The Moon orbits the Earth on an elliptical path, which is like an oval rather than a circle. When the Moon is at the closest point to the Earth, it’s called “perigee.” But when it’s furthest away, it’s known as the “apogee.” Black Moon Lilith is the Moon’s farthest point from Earth.
Although Lilith is rooted in feminine mythology, everyone has a Black Moon Lilith placement in their birth chart, regardless of gender.
Astrologer Adama Sesay, author of Black Moon Lilith Rising, adds: “Based around the ancient dark divine feminine archetype of Lilith, she was first introduced into the natal chart in the early 20th century.”
Because the Moon’s orbit isn’t even, there are two calculations to consider: True and Mean. Mean is based on averages, while True is the exact position of Lilith. For the record, I prefer True, but other astrologers may choose Mean instead.
It’s important to note that there are other Liliths out there, including an asteroid and a Dark Moon Lilith. These are not popular with astrologers; most tend to focus on Black Moon Lilith instead.
The Mystery and Myth of Lilith
With roots deep in ancient Babylonian and Sumerian folklore, Lilith emerges as a wild feminine archetype - or a “she demon.” According to Jewish mythology, she was Adam’s first wife and, like him, was created from clay rather than from his rib, as Eve was. Lilith felt this made her his equal and refused to submit. This led to her exile from the Garden of Eden.
Some texts paint her as a wicked woman or harlot. Others see Lilith as a demonic figure that preys on men. Although she was viewed negatively, Lilith was eventually regarded by modern feminist scholars as a symbol of feminine rebellion, wildness, and independence.
According to Adama, “Black Moon Lilith is interpreted as the rebellious first woman who refused to submit to Adam. One major difference in my interpretation is that, in my book Black Moon Lilith Rising, I view her intersectionally as a point where we can experience exile, marginalization, racism, and patriarchal oppression. She is the unseen, suppressed, and unaddressed sides of humanity, especially within the feminine.”
What Black Moon Lilith Means
This celestial point in the heavens is associated with the primal part of ourselves that we are forced to repress. It’s where we are untamed, autonomous, and instinctual. Rather than bowing to society, Lilith shows us how to be our most authentic selves. Black Moon Lilith is where we can achieve liberation when we express our deepest desires.
There’s also another side to Lilith: our shadow self, which is the place where we feel shame or guilt. When viewing Black Moon Lilith through an astrological lens, it’s important to consider both the positive and challenging archetypes.
On the world’s stage, Lilith shows up as oppression. “This can manifest as racism, sexism, or the dominating religion in a country oppressing those who do not align with what society deems as ‘right,” says Adama.
How to Calculate Black Moon Lilith
To find your Black Moon Lilith sign, create a birth chart using your date, time, and place of birth.
You can do this with astrology software such as Solar Fire, Time Passages, or through online resources such as Astro.com.
Once your chart is generated, look for the Black Moon Lilith symbol, which resembles a crescent moon atop a cross. The zodiac sign next to that symbol is your Black Moon Lilith sign.
Black Moon Lilith shows where you are independent, rebellious, and able to reclaim your power. It also indicates where you might experience shame, repression, humiliation, or criticism. You can transform the energy by working with the traits through self-acceptance and courage.
Adama adds, “I find Black Moon Lilith is highly relevant on its own in the chart in terms of the zodiac sign placement and house. Everyone (even men) has a dark feminine aspect of themselves, and just the placement alone can tell you how it shows up in your life overall.”
For example, my Black Moon Lilith is in Capricorn, which means I am ambitious to the core, something that makes other people uncomfortable. Learning to embrace my overachiever side rather than repress it allowed me to create success on my terms.
Black Moon Lilith Through the Zodiac Signs
The zodiac sign where Black Moon Lilith appears adds another layer of meaning to this placement. Here’s how Black Moon Lilith may express itself through each sign:
Aries: This placement of Lilith can make it hard to assert yourself. You might be afraid of being seen as self-centered or bossy. Instead of taking the lead, you sit on the sidelines. Or you allow others to push you around. On the other extreme, you might be a control freak, never allowing others to have a say. Learn to be assertive without guilt or arrogance.
Taurus: Lilith in Taurus brings issues around security, particularly financial. This can manifest as a scarcity mindset, the fear of not having enough. Or you may experience guilt if you have wealth. Some Lilith in Taurus folks struggle with self-worth. The key to transforming this placement is to practice healthy financial habits and strengthen your self-esteem.
Gemini: Gemini longs to communicate, but if Lilith is in the sign of the Twins, you may hesitate to express yourself out of fear of ridicule or misunderstanding. You might also have strong opinions, which makes others feel uncomfortable. In some cases, you might have been “silenced” by someone else, which causes self-doubt. Your power lies in speaking your truth.
Cancer: Black Moon Lilith in Cancer indicates challenges with family, home, and security. For example, you could be the “black sheep” or come from a broken home. In some cases, this placement indicates a domineering mother. Your mission is to break the traditions and create a home or family that suits you.
Leo: Leo is meant to be in the spotlight. However, Black Moon Lilith might cause you to shy away from the main stage. You might have a fear of being seen - or anxiety about being humiliated. In some cases, you could experience envy from others due to your star power. Be unapologetically you - and claim your place in the Sun. It’s where you belong.
Virgo: Perfectionism is a Virgo trait. But Black Moon Lilith in this sign takes this to extremes. You might worry about not measuring up to the point where you never feel good enough. Or hold other people to impossible standards. Learn how to let go of the need to be perfect - and extend that same grace to others.
Libra: If your Lilith sits in Libra, relationships could be challenging. Give-and-take issues could turn into power struggles. In some cases, it could manifest as codependency or passive-aggressive tendencies. It’s important to find balance in all partnerships, which means expressing your needs while respecting others’ needs. For some, this might indicate trouble finding love, especially if you lead with neediness. Developing confidence and assertiveness helps find healthy partnerships.
Scorpio: Black Moon Lilith in the sign of the Scorpion is no astrological lightweight. Instead, this heavy hitter brings drama, trauma, and intense psychic experiences. Because Scorpio rules taboo things, you may be drawn to dark subjects or prone to seeking escape through substances. It’s okay to tiptoe into the dark side, but don’t lose your light along the way.
Sagittarius: This placement of Lilith means freedom at all costs is important to you. You may experience situations where you feel as if your freedom is being stripped away or controlled in some way. Don’t be afraid to challenge these situations if they arise. Free yourself! Higher education, travel, and philosophy are tools for healing. “When Black Moon Lilith is in Sagittarius in a birth chart, freedom, worldview, country of origin, and spiritual or philosophical truth are often suppressed, judged, or controlled by external forces,” adds Adama.
Capricorn: Capricorn is known for ambition. However, in Lilith, you might find yourself feeling guilty for your success. Or you might encounter situations where others feel threatened by your achievements, leading you to dim your light to keep the peace. You must learn to stand tall and go for the gold without apologizing.
Aquarius: This is a rebellious sign, so Lilith gets the freedom to let loose! You’re probably not afraid to march to your own beat, but that might make other people uncomfortable. Sometimes this placement can foster a future-oriented outlook that others deem “radical.” You’re just ahead of your time! Embrace your unique self, but try to understand that not everyone will “get you.”
Pisces: Because Pisces is associated with creativity, art could be an outlet for you. Expressing yourself is an excellent way to deal with emotional hurts, something you might experience due to your sensitive nature. Be careful around a tendency toward escapism. Drowning your sorrows will not make them go away. In fact, it will make it worse.
Black Moon Lilith Through the Astrological Houses
You can also check which house Lilith resides in for additional insights. The houses are the 12 areas of the chart, each one associated with a different life theme. For example, my Lilith is in my 3rd house of communication. I’m extremely straightforward in my speech, which sometimes doesn’t land well for some!
“I’m a Black Moon Lilith in Leo in the 1st house, and I also have the Moon in Leo. Black Moon Lilith in Leo, especially in the same sign as the Moon, may have their creativity suppressed by narcissistic family members, especially the mother, and may come into their own spotlight after they’ve shed fear of self-expression.” shares Adama.
Consider the house as a place where you need to shed the “rules” and practice autonomy.
- 1st House: self-image, independence
- 2nd House: finances, self-worth
- 3rd House: communication, learning
- 4th House: home, family
- 5th House: creativity, children, romance
- 6th House: work, daily routines, health
- 7th House: relationships
- 8th House: joint resources, intimacy
- 9th House: travel, higher education, spirituality
- 10th House: career, reputation
- 11th House: friends, goals
- 12th House: introspection, psyche
How to Work With Black Moon Lilith
Don’t be intimidated by this astrological wild child! Instead, lean into Lilith’s energy with these tips.
Once you know where Lilith resides in your chart, explore how themes of exile, rebellion, and shame show up. Activities such as journaling can help you sort out your feelings.
Get out in nature. Spend time where the wild things are.
Plant a section of wildflowers in your garden. But don’t move them to the outside! Let them sit side by side with the other plants and flowers.
Speak up when you see injustice or oppression. Don’t be a bystander. Use your voice for good!
Stop worrying about what other people think. Be unapologetically YOU.
Remember that Lilith wants to be sovereign. Whatever sign she is in, shows where you require independence, freedom, and the ability to determine your future. Embrace Black Moon Lilith, and you can reclaim your power!
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