When I view the mythical story of Eve and the snake in the Garden of Eden through the lens of this etymology, I’m moved by Eve’s willingness to risk her safety and security and step into the unknown. I’m struck by her desire to eat from the Tree of Knowledge and to know both the world and herself more deeply. Eve seemed to intuit that this knowledge would allow her to access the power of choice and to become less dependent on a so-called benevolent god who kept secrets and the sources of wisdom to himself. Rather than the power to harm, I picture Eve reaching for a power to create both her present and future.  

Marginalized communities have always been sources of profound wisdom and creativity. By embracing our people’s practices—be it through people’s songs, earth-honoring rituals, or storytelling—we open ourselves to sustainable and liberatory ways of being.