Book SummaryDescent to the Goddess, by Sylvia Brinton Perera

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Descent to the Goddess

The goddess's descent and subsequent ascent symbolize the spiritual and psychological growth experienced by women.

Sylvia Brinton Perera examines the deep-seated tale of the Sumerian deity Inanna's descent into the underworld and her subsequent revival, viewing it as an essential emblem for the psychological growth and unification of women. Perera contends that women today, especially those nurtured in male-dominated systems, experience a detachment from their complete feminine impulses and energetic flows, resulting in feelings of disintegration and alienation. The book explores the idea that a journey downward, subsequently followed by a rise, provides a structure that enables women to recognize and incorporate the feminine traits they had once relegated to the unconscious back into their aware selves.

Inanna's descent and subsequent ascent provide a blueprint for navigating the darkest depths and emerging victorious.

The story depicts Inanna's journey as a symbol of the perpetual cycle of decline and renewal, reflecting the fundamental rhythms of life and the intrinsic duality present in the feminine archetype. The book serves as a navigational tool for women to explore their own profound depths of experience, leading to an enhanced consciousness and a deeper connection with their intrinsic feminine nature.

Inanna's journey to the underworld involves her surrender, demise, revival, and eventual reconstitution.

In the story, Inanna, the sovereign of both the celestial and terrestrial domains in Sumerian mythology, intentionally undertakes a journey into Ereshkigal's domain of darkness. As she passes through the seven gates of the underworld, she is progressively stripped of her regal garments and her emblematic power wanes, culminating in a heightened state of vulnerability and reduced acknowledgment. Ereshkigal strips her of vitality, and while in this condition, her body hangs, symbolizing utter vulnerability and breakdown. After a trio of days spent in the realm of shadows, Inanna surfaced with renewed fortitude and a deeper comprehension.

Perera posits that the descent and ensuing dissolution are critical stages in the development of feminine identity. She emphasizes that the initial stages of the journey often involve a painful letting go of the cherished self-image, often an embodiment of femininity constructed by patriarchal norms that many women strive to uphold. Surrendering power, akin to Inanna's shedding of her regal attire, is essential for a thorough exploration of the feminine psyche's hidden dimensions. Inanna's lifeless form represents the disintegration of the ego's previous self-image and the embracing of often-rejected aspects of the feminine.

Context

• The myth reflects the values and beliefs of ancient Sumerian society, including views on life, death, and the afterlife, as well as the roles and powers of deities.
• Modern interpretations, like those by Perera, often view the myth as a metaphor for psychological processes, such as confronting the unconscious or integrating shadow aspects of the self.
• The act of hanging can be seen as a metaphor for the ego's surrender and the necessary pause before transformation. It reflects a state of being stripped of all previous identities and roles.
• In astrology, the number three is often associated with harmony and balance, suggesting that the time spent in the underworld is necessary to achieve equilibrium within oneself.

Other Perspectives

• The focus on vulnerability and powerlessness may overshadow the role of Ereshkigal and the underworld as transformative, rather than merely punitive or negative, forces in the myth.
• The narrative may oversimplify the complexity of psychological recovery and the varied responses individuals can have to similar experiences.
• The act of shedding regal attire in the context of a journey to the underworld could be interpreted as a strategic adaptation to the rules of that realm, rather than a loss of power, as it may be a necessary ritual or form of respect in the presence of the underworld's ruler.
• Inanna's lifeless form could also be interpreted as a universal symbol of transformation and rebirth, not exclusively tied to the feminine ego or femininity.

Descent-Return: Essential for Women Seeking Wholeness and Reconnection to the Archetypal Feminine

Perera emphasizes the importance for women to immerse themselves in the journey of descending and returning as a crucial step towards achieving completeness and a profound bond with their true identity. She argues that in a society dominated by male-centric values, many potent feminine characteristics, particularly those associated with darkness, vigor, and primal urges, have been marginalized. Many women feel a profound disconnect from their intrinsic feminine nature, which is often represented by the archetype of the Divine Feminine, resulting in a sense of fragmentation and alienation. Women can reclaim...

Descent to the Goddess Summary This journey entails accepting the frequently overlooked aspects of womanly duality.

Perera emphasizes the intrinsic dual nature of the feminine archetype, as illustrated in the myth by contrasting Inanna with her mysterious counterpart, Ereshkigal. She argues that the contrasting natures of the deities – Inanna, who is bold, confident, and revels in the vibrancy of life, stands in stark opposition to Ereshkigal, a deity characterized by her reflective nature, her potential for destruction, and her acceptance of mortality. Perera posits that a woman's journey to full psychological wholeness necessitates the acceptance of all aspects of her being, emphasizing that the disproportionate devaluation of feminine attributes, particularly those represented by the goddess Ereshkigal, within a male-dominated society, has led to an imbalance and a sense of partiality in women.

Inanna and Ereshkigal: The Divine Feminine encompasses both active and nurturing forces.

Perera proposes that Inanna and Ereshkigal represent distinct facets of a singular female archetype, illustrating the inherent dual nature of feminine energy. Inanna personifies the dynamic and assertive force linked with creativity, affection, conflict, and aspiration. She interacts with the world with...

Descent to the Goddess Summary The path requires one to withstand difficulties, offer significant sacrifices, and ultimately experience a deep transformation while accepting the womanly aspect.

Perera suggests that fully acknowledging the feminine archetype, particularly the characteristics personified by the goddess Ereshkigal which are frequently repressed, usually involves a period characterized by intense turmoil and a rejection of one's self-concept. This upheaval occurs as an individual confronts their hidden inner essence, challenges societal conventions, and undertakes the strenuous process of dismantling previous self-conceptions to establish a truer sense of self.

Inanna's journey into the depths, marked by a crucial act of letting go, signifies her transformative passage and eventual return.

Inanna's journey, characterized by her death and the subsequent exhibition of her body on a spike in Ereshkigal's realm, represents the ultimate act of relinquishment in her epic tale of descent and resurgence. This act signifies a complete surrender of one's former exalted self-perception and a willingness to be reshaped by the powerful, primordial forces associated with the shadowy deity. Perera suggests that this symbolism signifies the deep-seated psychological process of accepting previously suppressed aspects of femininity, a process that typically involves a...