The tree of the forbidden fruit, the tree from which Adam and Eve are told not to eat, was not simply a tree but a symbol of something far more profound. The forbidden fruit was not just a piece of fruit to be eaten but an allegory for intercourse—the act that creates life. To partake in it was to engage in the divine act of creation, something that was often reserved for the gods themselves. In the mythology of various ancient cultures, the creation of life was a privilege bestowed upon the divine. The gods were seen as beings who could bring forth life, imbue it with spirit, and guide it in ways beyond the mortal reach. In this sense, to partake in the fruit was to transcend the limitations of mortality, to step into a realm where divinity and humanity could merge through the act of creation itself.
The serpent, too, plays a pivotal role in this tale, but its symbolic significance is often misunderstood. The serpent, often portrayed as the antagonist of the story, is more than a mere trickster or deceiver. In the ancient world, serpents were revered as symbols of power, wisdom, and sexuality. The serpent was often associated with the phallus, a symbol of masculine potency and sexual energy. Its role in the story of Eve and Adam becomes a metaphor for the awakening of sexual consciousness, the stirrings of desire, and the power that comes with embracing one’s sexual identity. The serpent is not merely the agent of temptation, but rather a guide into a new realm of understanding, a teacher who awakens Eve to the knowledge of her own body and the divine power inherent within her.
The act of eating the fruit, the act of intercourse, is thus portrayed as a rite of passage. To take the fruit is to step into a new phase of existence, where knowledge and life are intertwined, where the sacred and the carnal meet. It is an act of creation, a divine action that can only be performed by those who possess the power to bring forth life. The tree itself, in its forbidden nature, becomes a symbol of both the sanctity and the danger of this power. In many ancient cultures, the tree represented the axis of the world, the centre of creation, the bridge between heaven and earth. To approach it, to partake in its fruit, was to engage with the divine, to challenge the established boundaries between the mortal and the immortal.
In the context of ancient religions and mythologies, the act of creating life was not seen as a mere biological function but as an act of divinity. The gods were often depicted as creators, beings who could breathe life into the world and shape it according to their will. In this sense, the narrative of Eve and Adam is not just about temptation and sin, but about the complex relationship between divinity, creation, and the power of life itself. To eat the forbidden fruit was to tap into that power, to become more than mortal, to step into a divine role, where the lines between gods and men became blurred.
This concept of life creation as a divine act is echoed in the mythologies of many ancient cultures. In Mesopotamian traditions, the gods were believed to have created humanity from clay, breathing life into it with their divine essence. In Egyptian mythology, the goddess Hathor was associated with fertility, childbirth, and the creation of life. In Greek mythology, the gods were often depicted as both the creators and destroyers of life, with the power to shape the mortal realm according to their whims. These traditions reflect a common understanding that the power to create life was a divine gift, one that carried great responsibility and often came with its own set of consequences.
The ancient symbol of the fig, with its associations with the vagina and the feminine, further reinforces this idea. In many ancient cultures, the fig was seen as a sacred fruit, one that represented fertility, sexuality, and the power to give birth. In the context of the Garden of Eden, the fig may have been used to symbolize the knowledge of sexuality and creation, the understanding of one’s own body and its capacity to bring forth life. The act of eating the fruit, then, becomes a symbol of sexual awakening, a moment of divine revelation where Adam and Eve come to understand the power of creation that lies within them.
The myth of Eve and Adam is thus a tale not of sin, but of the awakening of divine knowledge and power. It is a story of how humanity, through the act of creation, connects with the divine, how the boundaries between gods and men become porous, and how the power to create life is both a gift and a burden. The serpent, the fig, and the tree of forbidden fruit all serve as symbols of this divine knowledge, and the act of partaking in the fruit becomes an allegory for the sacred and transformative act of creation itself. To understand this story is to understand the deep, ancient connection between sexuality, divinity, and the power of life.
In examining the origins of this myth, we find echoes in various ancient texts. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known pieces of literature, touches on themes of mortality, immortality, and divine intervention. In it, the goddess Shamat introduces Gilgamesh to the pleasures of life, much as Eve is introduced to the knowledge of creation. Similarly, the Hindu myth of the divine creation, where the gods shape the universe and bring forth life, mirrors the concept of creation as a divine act.
The idea that to create life is to touch the divine is not unique to Christianity but is found throughout the ancient world. In Babylonian religion, the gods were seen as creators of humanity, fashioning it from clay, and in Hebrew tradition, God is the ultimate creator, breathing life into Adam. The connection between creation and divinity is a theme that runs through the very fabric of ancient religious thought, from the Sumerians to the Greeks, and it is this divine act of creation that is symbolized in the Eden narrative, not as a simple act of rebellion, but as a profound interaction between humanity and the divine.
Thus, the myth of Eve and Adam, far from being a tale of shame and sin, is a profound expression of humanity’s connection to the divine, the sacredness of creation, and the power inherent in the act of life-giving. The serpent, the fig, and the tree of the forbidden fruit are not merely symbols of temptation but are ancient representations of the divine forces that shape the world, that bring forth life, and that bridge the gap between gods and men. To partake in the fruit, to embrace the divine power of creation, is to step into the sacred, to acknowledge the eternal dance between the mortal and the divine.
References:
- Genesis 3:6, The Holy Bible (New International Version).
- Enuma Elish, Babylonian creation myth.
- Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet XI, Sumerian text.
- The Pyramid Texts and Coffin Texts of Ancient Egypt.
- Homer's Iliad and Theogony, Greek mythological texts.
- R. E. Witt, Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus, (Harvard University Press, 2007).
- Wendy Doniger, The Hindus: An Alternative History, (Oxford University Press, 2009).
1. The Fall of Adam and Eve: Why Shame and Not Creation?
The biblical story of Adam and Eve in Genesis is often read as one of sin and shame, where the actions of Eve—and her role in tempting Adam to eat the forbidden fruit—have been historically portrayed as the root cause of humanity's downfall. The shift from viewing the story as one of life and creation to one of shame and disobedience stems from a long history of interpretation and theological development that has been influenced by patriarchal ideals.
-
Theological Interpretation: In the Christian tradition, the Fall of Man (as it is often called) is interpreted as the original sin that tainted all of humanity. In early Christian thought, especially after the works of Augustine of Hippo (4th-5th centuries CE), Eve's role in tempting Adam was used to justify the doctrine of original sin, which says that all humans inherit the sin of Adam and Eve by virtue of being born. This idea places the blame for humanity's fall squarely on Eve's shoulders, leading to the perception that women are the source of sin and temptation. Augustine and later theologians were heavily influenced by the Greek and Roman cultural ideals of female inferiority and subordination, which found their way into Christian interpretations.
-
Patriarchy's Influence: The patriarchal structure of early Christian communities and the church’s power played a major role in interpreting religious texts in ways that reinforced male authority. Women, especially in theological texts, were often depicted as temptresses, weak-minded, and easily deceived, in line with the culturally ingrained view of the female sex as morally and intellectually inferior to men. This interpretation made it easier to justify male-dominated power structures by associating sin and corruption with femininity.
2. Why Christianity Portrays Women as Devious, Sinful, Cunning, and Liars?
Christianity’s portrayal of women in these negative ways has roots in both cultural traditions and misinterpretations of scripture. These portrayals are often linked to the rise of patriarchal social structures, which were then reinforced by religious institutions.
-
The Temptation and the Serpent: The portrayal of Eve as cunning and deceptive stems from the Genesis account, where she eats the forbidden fruit and offers it to Adam. Over time, this story has been twisted to emphasize Eve’s temptation of Adam, and in many Christian interpretations, the serpent (who is often interpreted as Satan) represents the deceptive, seductive power of women. This places the onus of temptation on femininity, as if women, by nature, have a special power to lead men astray. In some later Christian teachings, women's sexuality was also portrayed as inherently dangerous and as a gateway to sin.
-
Reinforcement Through Religion: The church’s teachings about women as inherently sinful were used as a means of control. Women were often excluded from positions of authority in the church, and teachings about original sin were often used to reinforce their subordinate role in both the spiritual and temporal worlds. By teaching that all humans were born with original sin because of Eve’s actions, Christianity reinforced the idea that women were inherently flawed or imperfect, thus justifying their subjugation.
-
Women as Deceivers in Biblical Texts: Women in the Bible who challenge male authority or act outside of prescribed gender roles—such as Delilah, Jezebel, or Herodias—are often painted as deceivers or manipulators. This pattern reflects societal fears of women’s power and agency outside the roles prescribed to them, particularly in a religious context where women were expected to be obedient and submissive.
3. The Fabrication of Myths to Demoralize Women.
The demonization of women in religious texts is not an accident, but rather a cultural construct that arose as part of a system of control. Religions—especially those that became institutionalized—often reflect the dominant cultural values of the time. In the case of Christianity, these values were rooted in patriarchy and the subjugation of women.
-
The Fear of Female Power: Many ancient societies, including early Israelite culture, feared female autonomy, especially in matters of sex, power, and creation. Myths like the story of Eve and the forbidden fruit served to demonize female power and sexuality. The myth of the serpent (often interpreted as Satan) offering Eve the fruit became symbolic of the dangerous allure of female autonomy, knowledge, and sexuality.
-
Male Authority and the Subjugation of Women: Religious narratives, especially in early Christianity, were written and interpreted by men who sought to establish and maintain their authority. The early church leaders, such as Paul and Augustine, reinforced the inferiority of women in their writings, and scriptures were interpreted in a way that justified women’s subordination. The portrayal of women as “devious” or “sinful” served to maintain this power dynamic.
4. The Doctrine of Original Sin: A Tool for Control.
The doctrine of original sin is another product of the patriarchal reading of Genesis. The idea that every human is born with original sin because of Eve’s transgression has been used throughout Christian history to justify the need for baptism and religious control over people’s lives. The idea of sin being inherited at birth serves to demonize human nature and create a sense of perpetual guilt that people must then seek to atone for through religious rituals and doctrines.
- Infants and Original Sin: The idea that even babies are marked by original sin is a powerful way for religious authorities to claim control over people's lives from the moment they are born. This doctrine has historically created a narrative of inherent depravity that serves to reinforce the idea that people must rely on the church for salvation. It also strengthens the role of the church as a mediator between people and God.
5. A Deeper Look at the Roots of These Myths.
-
Cultural and Religious Adaptation: Christianity did not emerge in a vacuum—it evolved within a rich cultural and religious landscape. Early Christians adapted many of their teachings from Judaism, but they also drew from Greek philosophy, Roman law, and even pagan myths. The demonization of women was not just a Christian invention, but rather a cultural inheritance from ancient societies that often viewed women as second-class citizens.
-
Feminist Theology and Reinterpretation: Many modern scholars and feminist theologians are working to reinterpret these ancient texts and uncover the original meanings of these stories. The original creation story in Genesis can be seen as one of co-creation and partnership, not shame. Lilith, as a pre-Eve figure, can be reclaimed as a symbol of independence and feminine power, rather than as a demon. Reclaiming these narratives helps to challenge the patriarchal framework that has distorted them for centuries.
Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Misogyny.
The portrayal of women as devious, sinful, and cunning in Christianity—and the larger narrative of original sin—are reflections of patriarchal structures that sought to maintain control over women and their roles in society. By re-examining these stories through a lens of feminist theology and cultural critique, we can begin to see the inherent life-giving and empowering aspects of these ancient myths, which were twisted for the purposes of maintaining gendered power imbalances.
In sharing this piece, I seek to offer a perspective rooted in both truth and reflection—a space for open-minded exploration where we can dismantle the myths that have been perpetuated for centuries, particularly around the stories of Eve, Adam, and the narrative of original sin. While my work predominantly explores the realms of Shadow Witchcraft, a practice deeply intertwined with self-reflection, transformation, and the unearthing of hidden truths, I believe it is essential to extend this approach to all aspects of spiritual and cultural history, including those stories that have shaped and often confined us.
The story of Eve is more than just a tale of temptation and shame—it is a symbol that has been misinterpreted, manipulated, and distorted. To truly understand its depth, we must look at it with an open heart and mind, recognizing the power and wisdom that have often been hidden beneath layers of patriarchal influence. Eve, as a figure, is a reflection of the divine feminine, a force of creation and transformation, and it is time that we reclaim these symbols for their true essence, free from the chains of guilt and subjugation that have been placed upon them.
I have included this exploration because knowledge is an essential aspect of the shadow work we all must undertake. Shadow Witchcraft is not just about embracing the dark, but about understanding the light and shadow that coexist within all things. The stories we tell ourselves—whether from ancient scripture, myth, or cultural tradition—hold great power in shaping our perceptions and our lives. By shedding light on these stories and seeing them for what they truly are, we open the door to freedom—freedom from falsehoods, freedom from misogyny, and freedom to empower ourselves through a more honest understanding of the past.
It is not enough to simply accept what has been handed to us through centuries of tradition. To grow, to evolve, and to heal, we must question, we must seek the deeper truths, and we must be willing to face the uncomfortable realities that have been woven into the fabric of our shared history. This is why I have brought this discussion to my blog—a space where we can all come together, without judgment, to explore the intersection of shadow work, mysticism, and the cultural narratives that continue to shape our lives.
In the end, the practice of Shadow Witchcraft is not about running from the darkness; it is about embracing it with full awareness, understanding that from the dark comes the most profound transformation. It is in that transformation that we find the true power of the stories we reclaim and the wisdom we uncover. Let us be brave enough to rewrite the narratives that have sought to diminish us, and instead, write new stories—stories of empowerment, creation, and the eternal respect for the masculine and feminine divine.
© Odette Austin. All Rights Reserved.
All content, including articles, photography, and images, is owned by Odette Austin and protected by copyright law.
No part of this site may be reproduced or used without written permission.
