INANNA

SUGGESTED MANTRA: RENEWAL
Goddess of the dark moon, brave and unwavering, Inanna ventures into the
underworld. She teaches us to stand firm, eyes focuses on the end true goal,
ultimately leading us to a state of wisdom.

SUGGESTED AFFIRMATIONS:
~ I am revitalized
~ I have overcome negative influences
~ My new life path reveals itself to me
~ I say goodbye to destructive influences
~ My insecurity is replaced with wisdom
~ At my center there is a incandescent fire ~ I release myself from harmful
judgments

Related essences: Vanilla, almond, oriental lily, bergamot

Related gemstones: Carnelian, coral, agate, brown jaspar (orange stones)

Inanna is the Sumerian goddess, honored at the dark moon, as it is she who fixes
destinies at each new moon. Inanna's journey into the underworld and subsequent
revitalization represents the soul's evolution through hardship into glorious
renewal.

In her quest for clarity and knowledge, Inanna Queen of Heaven and Earth
descended to Earth to rule her people, where (so that her people would not know
hunger) she made a sacred marriage to ensure the fertility of the lands. She
thirsted to understand first-hand though, the true sufferings of her followers,
so she descended again, this time to the realm of the underworld, the domain of
her sister Ereshkigal.

Ereshkigalonly allowed Inanna entry on the condition that she shed her earthly
attachments at each of seven gates to the underworld. So, at each gate, Inanna
surrendered some part of what she thought made up herself: wealth, power,
tributes. By the time she relinquished her final garment, she was no longer the
commanding Queen, and, exposed and vulnerable, she was ready to die.

However, it was only when she was near death and at her most vulnerable did she
discover new life and increased powers. She finally learned first-hand to accept
her vulnerability, as well as the understanding of the necessity of sacrifice
and death for the cycles of life to continue.

These revelations increased her power, beauty and wisdom. If you are repeating
old habits, ask Inanna to help you shed your layers that keep you trapped. Open
yourself to a journey to the underworld where you can let go of old
conditioning, release inhibitions, let alter-egos die, shed the burdens you
carry... all to create anew - it is only by becoming aware of our
vulnerabilities that we can rise up with strength gained from knowledge and
understanding.

Undress slowly in front of a mirror and with every bit of clothing you shed,
call it by the name of a negative element in your life. Say good-bye to that
negative element as you drop (or throw!) the clothing to the floor until you are
standing naked. Do it to music that will help keep you in the "now" - do not let
yourself get distracted as you focus on what the elements are that you are
shedding. Can you see your next steps, where you need to go, what you need to
do? Give yourself a hug, and get ready for the journey back to strength and
renewal - Inanna is with you to help you stay focused and unwavering on your
goal.

(Tip, do not get dressed again in the clothes you just shed - put them in the
washing machine on "super wash"! And, try not to wear them again in the same
combination).