Eve

Alright, let’s gather around for a fresh take on an old story—the story of Eve, straight from the Garden of Eden. But this isn’t your typical Sunday school narrative; no, ma’am. We’re about to get a full dose of herstory.

Once upon a time, in a verdant utopia called Eden, there lived Eve. Now, let’s be clear—Eve was no mere afterthought or accessory to Adam. She was crafted to be his equal, a companion capable of sharing and shaping this paradise side by side with him. She was the epitome of wisdom and curiosity, embodying the spirit that every scholar and artist can admire.

But here’s where the psychological layers deepen our understanding: Eve’s narrative, as traditionally told, is deeply rooted in the societal structures of the times when these stories were first written down—times dominated by patriarchal viewpoints that often diminished women’s roles and voices. These early interpretations painted Eve’s act of eating the forbidden fruit as a transgression leading to mankind's fall, casting her as the archetype of inherent female weakness and supposed moral failing. The fruit was forbidden because, according to the story, with great knowledge comes great responsibility—perhaps too great for humanity to handle. She represents the spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge—qualities that have historically been discouraged in women. Taking away from Eve as the curious soul, not content to simply exist but instead to understand and grow.

Lilith and Eve/ Shadow and Light/ Unconscious & conscious

Yet, from a psychological perspective, Eve’s story can be seen as a profound journey of experiencing separateness to return to wholeness. The act of reaching for the fruit represents a critical moment of self-differentiation, a necessary step in the human quest for identity and autonomy. This psychological narrative frames the Tree of Knowledge as more than just a source of temptation; it symbolizes the complex path to personal development and enlightenment that every soul journeys through in this quest called life.

Integrating the figure of Lilith who was disguised as the serpent, traditionally seen as Adam's first boo thing and exiled for her independence and strength, introduces an intriguing layer to Eve's psychology. Lilith as Eve’s shadow self embodies the repressed parts of her identity—those qualities of assertiveness, independence, and sexual autonomy that Eve must reconcile to fully realize her own agency. Eve’s engagement with the serpent, often associated with Lilith, is thus not merely a fall from grace but a dialogic encounter with her shadow, prompting her to integrate these disowned parts of her psyche.

Serpent offering a snack

In this retelling, we see Eve not as the cause of original sin but as the original seeker of enlightenment, the first to challenge the status quo. Her story teaches us that the quest for knowledge and the right to determine one’s destiny are not the roots of downfall but the foundations of empowerment. Psychologically, Eve’s action can be seen as a pursuit of self-actualization, pushing against the boundaries of imposed ignorance to reach a fuller understanding of her own capabilities and the nature of her reality.

Eve’s vilification over the centuries has been used to justify the subjugation and mistreatment of women, depicted as inherently deceitful or weak. Reclaiming Eve’s story as one of strength and pioneering spirit challenges these harmful stereotypes and offers a more empowering narrative for women.

So, let us reclaim Eve’s story as one of empowerment and inspiration, a beacon that illuminates the paths of all women who dare to desire more. Let us honor her not as the progenitor of humanity’s fall but as a foremother of resilience, advocating for the intrinsic right to be an intellectual, gain knowledge, autonomy, and just downright seeking more than what’s offered on the surface.

Exiled from the Garden of Eden

And if you're ever feeling boxed in by the gardens of your own life’s Edens, remember Eve. Recall her courage, her curiosity, and her transformative choice. Let her legacy inspire you to challenge the narratives set before you, to seek your truth, and to embrace your power, beautifully and unapologetically. So, why not take a leaf out of Eve’s book and reach for that fruit? Book a tarot reading with me today and step into your own story of awakening and empowerment.