Tree of Knowledge

"Referred to in the book of Genesis, it is the tree in the Garden of Eden whose fruit God forbade Adam and Eve to eat. As used in the text (of The Prism of Lyra), the tree of the knowledge of good and evil symbolizes the knowledge of polarity." (PoL).

In verses 2 and 3, the book of Genesis mentions two trees, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life. The fruit of the tree of knowledge was the apple.

There are various interpretations of the meaning of the expression 'good and evil'. Keith Priest and Lyssa Royal, e.g., interpret it quite literally, as the knowledge of polairty, whereas many scolars refer to it as a common Egyptian expression, meaning everything. The tree of knowledge would therefore have been the tree of all knowledge.

As the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil from Genesis, it carries deep and complex symbolic meanings:

The birth of moral consciousness - The tree represents the moment humanity gained the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. Eating its fruit symbolizes the awakening of moral awareness and ethical judgment—the capacity that makes us distinctly human.

The loss of innocence - The tree marks the boundary between childlike innocence and the burden of experience. It symbolizes that pivotal transition from blissful ignorance to the painful awareness that comes with knowledge and responsibility.

Free will and choice - The prohibition against eating from the tree represents humanity's capacity for choice, including the choice to disobey. It symbolizes autonomy, agency, and the fundamental freedom to choose our path—even wrongly.

The cost of knowledge - The tree embodies the idea that knowledge comes with consequences. Gaining understanding means losing the comfort of ignorance, accepting mortality, experiencing shame, and bearing the weight of awareness. Wisdom has a price.

Separation from the divine - In the Biblical narrative, eating from the tree causes expulsion from Eden, symbolizing humanity's separation from direct union with God or from a state of perfect harmony with nature. It represents alienation and exile.

Forbidden desire and temptation - The tree symbolizes the allure of what's prohibited, curiosity's power, and how forbidden knowledge becomes irresistible. It represents the human tendency to transgress boundaries.

Duality and judgment - Knowledge of "good and evil" introduces dualistic thinking—categories, judgments, and distinctions that complicate the simple unity of pre-conscious existence.

The symbol remains debated: some view it as humanity's tragic fall, others as a necessary step toward maturity and consciousness, even if painful.