The Way of Inanna: a Heroine's Guide to Living Unapologetically by Seana Zelazo

Author:Seana Zelazo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sacred Stories Publishing, LLC
Published: 2022-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Gate Five

ERECTING SACRED BOUNDARIES

THE MYTH

Three Hymns to Inanna

These short hymns depict Inanna in three clear, distinct aspects of the Goddess, all as Venus moving through the sky. Venus is one of her many identities. Unlike the other myths, which are rooted in discrete narratives, these are fragmentary but no less comprehensive in their significance and application.

The cycle of Venus moving through its phases offers a useful metaphor for the ways in which boundaries can be used constructively. As Venus, Inanna’s boundaries allow the integrated but separate aspects of her complexity and subjectivity to be showcased and to create the singularity of the role required for and during each phase. Contrary to most understandings of boundaries, we do not need to regard them as exclusionary. When erected with love, boundaries can actually enable synthesis and multiplicity—specifically because of the respect they encourage for the component parts of that whole.

In this way, boundaries are a safety mechanism that supports and protects through containment. In addition, they allow for clearly defined roles to be actualized in any given moment, leading to a solid sense of self. Let us turn to the hymns to explore how Inanna demonstrates strong sacred boundaries.

Hymn One: The Lady of the Evening: Inanna as Radiant Star

When the day ends, Inanna is seen as the transitional Great Light in the evening sky, clearly emphasizing her role in creating the conditions for repose and restoration. Her people engage in their ritual preparation for rest: “The men purify themselves; the women cleanse themselves.”63 Inanna invites all the beings of the land, the sea, and the sky to join her people in the move toward slumber. As they do, they give her offerings and raise their eyes to her. Joy is felt throughout the land. Connected to this joy is the art of sexual union that the Goddess inspires wherein “The young man makes love with his beloved,”64 underscoring that a connection with the beloved is also a way to connect with and worship the Goddess. This refers to all sexual union and is not limited to heterosexual connection. Inanna’s liminality extends through all aspects of being, including sexuality. The hymn ends with a prayer that is repeated across all three hymns: “I sing your praises, holy Inanna. /The Lady of the Evening is radiant on the horizon.”65

Hymn Two: The Lady Who Ascends into the Heavens: Inanna as Lone Star

This hymn is a celebration and explanation of the ways in which Inanna is honored for her capacity to forge into uncharted territory while unapologetically taking time for herself by figuratively going within. It is through tending to herself that she can optimally tend to others. Inanna’s people worship her ability to courageously ascend alone into the unknown of the heavens beyond their view. The hymn itemizes the many offerings left by her people in honor of her bravery and continued protection:

They fill the table of the land with the first fruits.

They pour dark beer for her.

They pour light beer for her.66

She is brought holy sustenance, as “The gods and the people of Sumer go to her with food and drink.

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