In this Anthology to Inanna, an ancient Sumerian Goddess known by many names, Dark Goddess Collective members offer up their knowledge and personal gnosis. Inanna’s myth includes a descent to Ereshkigal’s Underworld home. It doesn’t end there. She steps into her power and continues her journey forward as an alchemical and unifying force for the people she serves.
Correspondences
- Lineage: Sumerian
- Parents: Nanna, Ninghal
- Symbols: Reeds, 8-sided star, Rosette, Lion, D
- Animals: Lion, Dove, Raven, Swallow
- Plants: Cannabis, Rose,
- Stones: Lapis Lazuli
- Number: 7, 9
- Zodiac: Leo, Gemini, Virgo, Taurus
- Planet: Venus, Sun
- Tarot: Lust, Strength
Lapis Lazuli by Jane
The color is a deep blue and it can contain a little of the mineral’s pyrite, gold and calcite. It was one of the most ancient stones. In ancient Egypt it was considered sacred and was used by the nobility and priesthood. Pharaohs wore it generally cut in the shape of an eye. The goddess Inanna had a necklace, and a staff made of Lapis Lazuli.
Physical Healing Properties
Lapis Lazuli is used for treating problems of the throat chakra. It also absorbs poisonous metals from the body. This stone was used for treating problems of the bone marrow and immune system. Lapis Lazuli is associated with the third eye. It is good for treating insomnia and vertigo. It helps to activate the energies of renewal and regeneration in the body.
Effect on Emotional and Mental
Lapis Lazuli is used to alleviate heartaches and feelings of anguish. It encourages one and gives renewed strength. It liberates us from old, inhibiting thought patterns. It is an important stone for helping resentment and hatred. That lurk in the hidden depts of subconsciousness. This stone helps to balance the masculine and the feminine energies.
Spiritual Effect
Lapis Lazuli links the mental, physical, mental and emotional bodies. It also constitutes the “key” to ancient universal and esoteric knowledge. And helps with the ability to understand this knowledge. When it is placed on the third eye chakra it helps the person understand their dreams. In a way that contributes to emotional and spiritual development.
Lapis Lazuli balances the yin and the yang energies and is used as a physical and emotional protective stone.
Sources: Crystals by Connie Islin, Llewellyn’s Book of Correspondences. Picture: Microsoft Bing
Inanna & Cannabis by Aikat
The connection between the goddess Inanna and cannabis is a complex one, with evidence supporting both a strong association and a possible lack thereof. Let us explore together and be guided to our own understanding, perceptions, and personal gnosis.
Historical Associations
Qunnabu
Some scholars identify the Akkadian word “qunnabu” (cannabis) with Inanna. This association stems from texts mentioning qunnabu in the context of Ishtar, the East Semitic equivalent of Inanna. These texts describe qunnabu as a plant used in rituals and medicine, aligning with Inanna’s association with healing and ecstasy.
Epithets and Iconography
Inanna holds epithets like “the Lady of the Date Palm” and “the Queen of Heaven,” which some interpret as alluding to cannabis. Additionally, certain symbolic representations of Inanna, such as the eight-pointed star and the rosette, are sometimes linked to cannabis imagery.
Role of Women
In ancient Mesopotamia, women played a significant role in medicine and ritual, often using herbs like cannabis. As Inanna was a prominent female deity, it’s plausible she was connected to these practices.
Sacred Rites
Ishtar/Inanna (Venus) is a goddess of love, fertility, and sexuality. Cannabis has also been associated with these themes in some cultures due to its purported aphrodisiac properties and its use in certain rituals and festivals.
Challenges to Historical Associations
Limited Direct Evidence
Concrete evidence directly linking Inanna to cannabis is limited. While qunnabu is mentioned in texts related to Ishtar, explicit references to Inanna and cannabis are scarce.
Alternative Interpretations
The epithets and symbols associated with Inanna can have alternative interpretations not related to cannabis. For example, the eight-pointed star might represent Venus, Inanna’s associated planet. Although it should be noted Venus and the eight-point star are often times connected with cannabis outside of Inanna.
Later Associations
Some scholars argue that the strong association between Ishtar and cannabis developed later in Mesopotamian history, potentially influenced by other cultures.
Conclusion and Personal Experience
While a definitive answer remains elusive, the connection between Inanna and cannabis is a subject of ongoing debate. While some evidence suggests a strong link, particularly through the association with qunnabu and Ishtar, other interpretations and a lack of direct evidence leave room for doubt. Cannabis is deeply rooted in ancient Mesopotamia times, right along with Inanna and powerful witches. I believe it is important to take into consideration how much cannabis history has been erased as well during our individual discovery process. As for my own experience with Inanna, I can easily see the connection between the two.
~AiKat
Resources:
Barber, Elizabeth Wayland. (1992). Prehistoric Textiles: The Development of Cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with Special Reference to the Aegean. Princeton University Press.
Bennett, Chris. (2019). The Mother Plant of the Goddess – Cannabis. Cannabis Culture. Retrieved from: https://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2019/05/31/the-mother-plant-of-the-goddess-cannabis/
Inanna and Lust by Kaycee
Inanna is an amazing Goddess of cycles, but especially of creation. Her own rebirth myth brings forward her power through an acceptance of her sacred sexuality and pleasure. In The Way of Inanna by Seana Zelazo, which came forward through one of our DGC members (thank you Juliette!), discusses the imagery and symbolism of Inanna in her power atop of a lion controlling her own pleasure. This immediately reminded me of the Lust Card in the Thoth Deck!
Understanding Lust
The card is rich with symbolism and the depth of knowledge contained within these symbols spans millennia. We see a woman with a cup of blood (life-giving) atop a multi-headed lion with a serpent for a tail. Going a bit deeper, we know Inanna represents path 19 on the Tree of Life, joining Chesed (kindness, mercy) to Geburah (Strength, often why this card is known as Strength or Fortitude in other decks). The Hebrew letter is Teth, translated into ‘Serpent’. The best understanding that I have been able to uncover follows an age old creed of magicians, witches, philosophers, and healers: Know Thyself. Knowing what we desire, what we want, and the power to make it come to fruition.
Detail from James Ferguson’s, Astronomy Explained Upon Sir Isaac Newton’s Principles, 1799 ed., plate III, opp. p. 67.
The Dance of Venus
The audio below provides information on a path of Sexual Alchemy that allows our power of creation to come forward in a solitary fashion. Give yourself plenty of space and time! Like all magic, it takes practice. Listen here:
May you find the magic of alchemy and creation with Inanna!
A Candle & A Key,
Kaycee
Resources:
Leick, Gwendolyn (1998) [1991]. A Dictionary of Ancient Near Eastern Mythology. New York City, New York: Routledge.
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