11 research outputs found
Ecology of the Erotic in a Myth of Inanna
Myths of Mesopotamian Goddess Inanna, planet Venus in the ancient Sumerian pantheon, have
been useful in psychological processes of contemporary women. A lesser-known myth, âInanna and
Shukaletuda,â includes sexual transgression against the deity and ties the deified erotic feminine
with fecundity and sacredness of fields and trees. Interpretation of Inannaâs love poems and poems of
natureâs justice contextualizes ecofeminist relevance to psychological issues. Deconstruction of rich
imagery illustrates menstrual power as female authority, erotic as a female aesthetic bringing order,
and transgender as sacred office of transformation. Meadorâs (2000) interpretation of three Inanna
poems by a high priestess of ancient Ur provides four new archetypes for women that situate an axis
for further understanding of âInanna and Shukaletuda.
Rituals of the Dark Goddess
This panel discssion was part of the From the Realm of the Ancestors: Language of the Goddess conference sponsored by the Womenâs Spirituality Program at CIIS (June 12-14, 1998 at Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason in San Francisco) in honor of the pioneering archeologist Marija Gimbutas. The conference focused on the necessity of refocusing our collective memory, and to the cultivation of vision, creativity, insight, and the celebration of life. The conference was moderated by Joan Marler and featured presentations by scholars and artists who acknowledge the significance of Dr. Gimbutasâ research and theories. Gimbutasâ discovery of Goddess-centered, matristic societies that preceded the development of patriarchy in Europe has initiated a new perception of European prehistory that challenges traditional assumptions about the origins of western civilization