Inanna, also known as Ishtar in later Mesopotamian cultures, is one of the most fascinating and complex goddesses from the Sumerian pantheon. She is a goddess of love, fertility, war, and transformation, embodying both the nurturing and destructive aspects of life. Her mythology reflects the duality of human existence—she is as much a bringer of life as she is a force of destruction, making her both a goddess of creation and a goddess of battle.
My Experience with Inanna:
My personal connection with Inanna began in a dream. In that dream, I felt her presence—strong, overwhelming, yet filled with a wisdom that resonated deeply within me. The first time I felt her energy was during a goddess chant that invoked Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, and Inanna. As her name was chanted, I knew that she was calling to me. Since that moment, I have felt her presence in my life, particularly when I face moments of transformation, challenge, and rebirth. She has guided me through the unknown, offering strength.
Inanna’s Mythology:
Inanna is perhaps most famous for her myth of Descent into the Underworld, where she journeys to visit her sister Ereshkigal, the queen of the underworld. This journey represents death and rebirth, as Inanna must pass through seven gates, shedding aspects of her power and identity at each one. Ultimately, she dies in the underworld but is later resurrected, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, death, and regeneration. This myth shows Inanna’s connection to the themes of sacrifice, transformation, and renewal, aspects that I feel deeply in my own spiritual path.
Working with Inanna:
Inanna’s energy is incredibly potent—she is a goddess who does not shy away from the harshness of life but embraces its complexities. For me, working with her means confronting both my light and shadow sides, understanding that growth often comes from embracing discomfort and challenges. Inanna helps to guide those who seek empowerment and self-discovery through the process of transformation.
In modern paganism, she is often invoked in rituals of empowerment, personal transformation, and fertility, as well as in rites that honor both love and war. Her ability to embody dual forces of creation and destruction makes her a goddess for those who walk the path of balance, seeking both strength and compassion.
Inanna continues to be a source of profound strength and wisdom for me, and I look forward to deepening my connection with her as my spiritual journey unfolds.
