Who is Innana?
The Mesopotamian (aka Sumerian) goddess, Inanna, represents a lot of things -love, agriculture, war, political power and more. My focus is on her journey to visit her older sister Erishkigal, the guardian of the Underworld.
On her adventure, Inanna is required to remove one of her possessions as she passes through each of the Seven Gates of Hell – shoes, crown, robe, necklace, etc. Naked as the day she was born, Inanna finally reaches the throne of Erishkigal and here’s where it gets a little brutal, as mythology is wont to do. Angry at what she perceives is her sister’s abandonment, Erishkigal kills her sister and hangs her on a meat hook.
Stay with me.
With the help of Inanna’s shady consort, a deal is eventually struck for Innana to be reborn and Erishkigal to spend part of her life above ground, which is what she wanted all along, and as Inanna ascends back to Earth, each of her seven possessions is returned. But they now hold completely different meaning.
Is this about mythology?
Nope. Inanna’s Journal is about the metaphor of her journey, which is that if we’re to know who we truly are, we must be willing to let go of what we’re not. The descent to the darkness represents confronting our shadows and demons, the ego, and all the pieces of us that have dictated what is necessary to be happy.
The ascent is a transformation. The result? A better understanding of how to dance with those shadows and demons, how to better manage the ego, and the discovery of ways to exist in this world without being attached.
In my experience, this journey doesn’t happen just once. We all have myriad patterns and beliefs that we can undo if we choose.
I have chosen this journey.
What are your essays and podcast-lettes about?
Along this path, I have met (and continue to meet) some interesting characters, amazing people, and incredible teachers. I have acquired stories and experiences that are hilarious, devastating, raw and inspiring. And I talk to myself regularly about the lessons and changes, which I record as Conversations with Myself. This is what Inanna’s Journal contains.
I’m still learning. But I know I’m on the path to living my destiny instead of accepting the fate born of .
Do I have to pay?
The capitalistic strategy of subscription levels - you can see “this” if you pay to subscribe, otherwise you only can read “that” feels icky to me. I want to share my stories in the most inclusive way, so all of what I write - along with the podcast-lette - is available to everyone regardless of whether or not you pay.
I would appreciate the support if you feel so led and there are ways. You can purchase a paid subscription to Inanna’s Journal for only $5/month, make a contribution through Buy Me A Coffee or get yourself a copy of The Ten-Minute Self-Care Journal.
Reach out
I’m always interested to hear what you have to say, what your experiences are on this journey. Leave a comment or send me an email at staci@stacib.com.
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