Today we play homage to the ancient Mesopotamian Goddess Inanna, Queen of the Universe...
The ancient Goddess Ishtar, also known as Inanna, is the sky goddess of love, sex, fertility, and war. Legend speak of Ishtar was a loving, yet fierce goddess represented by the eight-point star and the lion. Ishtar is said to have been known by many names according the Sumerians who called her Inanna and Ishtar by the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. She is also believed to be the reincardination of both Isis and Aphonite among select scholars.
In Mesopotamian mythology, Ishtar often acted as an instigator who would challenge the authority of other gods or initiate confrontations that would trigger significant events. Her realm of influence was associated with fertility and politics.
As far as family is concerned, Mesopotamian text speak of Ishtar having a twin sister named Shamash and a younger sister named Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld. According to some, Ishtar might just be an avatar for the demon Astaroth, though to others she is his ancestor. Her counterparts are the goddesses Asherah, Astarte, Freya, Anat, Aphrodite, Isis, Venus and many others. She is the personification of the planet Venus.
Ishtar's attributes include: universal justice, universal laws, dance/movement/action, fertility, war/peace, rulership/leadership, politics, love, and the sky to name a few. She has also been associated with the colors red and blue; as well as the stones of carnelian, red calcite, lapis lazuli, and rubellite. Her number is eight (8) due to her association with the eight-point star.
Ishtar/Inanna is still a widely respected ancient goddess among many modern cultures, including Asian, African, and Greek . Much love and respect to the Goddess Ishtar.
SOURCES:
The Epic of Gilgamesh. Sumeria, 2000 B.C.E.
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