This paper examines the reinterpretation of the figure of Lilith in two contemporary religious contexts: Feminist Judaism and contemporary spiritualities associated with neopagan and Goddess traditions. In both settings, a process of symbolic recovery has taken place through which Lilith has been rediscovered and redefined, transforming a figure traditionally portrayed as a demonic threat into a powerful symbol of female autonomy.
On the one hand, Feminist Judaism rescues Lilith from her patriarchal demonization and restores to the first woman her power and freedom. Lilith is finally remembered as the being she once was: a fearless and free-spirited woman who did not bend her head to Adam's whims. She has also been re-membered in her many dimensions and has become a symbol of female resistance, sexual independence and rage against patriarchal structures.
On the other hand, Contemporary Spiritualities regard her as one of the Dark Goddesses, alongside Hecate and Kali. Here too she is understood as a symbol of sacred sexuality and rebellion against the patriarchy. Whether conceived as a distinct goddess or as an aspect of the Great Goddess, she is particularly attributed destructive, transformative and liminal powers.
Although these two belief systems differ greatly, the characteristics and symbolism ascribed to Lilith are remarkably similar. The starting point is the same Jewish demoness and the endpoint is a subversive archetype who never scared rebellious women but became their role model and avenger.