Menopause & The Journey of Inanna's Descent into the Underworld.

Menopause is often seen as a time of discomfort and stigma. However, it can also be a transformative journey, like Inanna’s mythological descent into the underworld.

This ancient myth serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the many layers of menopause and provides a framework for exploring our experiences and emerging renewed on the other side of the transition.

From the first time I read about Inanna, her myth has deeply moved me.

I felt a strong connection to her journey into the underworld to integrate her shadow sister.

In this post, I will explore the parallels between Inanna’s journey and the experience of menopause, highlighting the challenges, transformations, and empowering opportunities that arise during this vital phase of life.

Inanna: Goddess of Many Names.

Inanna had many names, reflecting her far-reaching influence across different cultures. In Egypt, she was known as Isis, in Rome as Venus, and in Greece as Aphrodite. In Mesopotamia, she bore the name Ishtar, while in Canaanite myth she was called Astarte.

These names, spanning centuries and cultures, highlight how her meaning is universal. Inanna represents the many facets of feminine strength; she is both gentle and strong, loving and warlike. This reflects a wide spectrum of human experience and encourages those who seek to understand their own duality.

The Sumerian Creation Story.

The myth "The Deluge" presents the Sumerian creation story. The story describes how the flood destroyed the world for 7 days and nights. This tale is an essential part of Sumerian culture and reveals how ancient Mesopotamian societies understood the cycle of life.

The Flood can be seen as a powerful metaphor for transformation. Like Inanna's journey to the underworld, the Flood reminds us that sometimes we must go through destruction in order to rebuild. This is a cycle deeply rooted in our collective psyche and remains relevant today. Many societies and civilizations have emerged stronger after crises, heightening the importance of undertaking transformation. The myth of Inanna reminds us of the importance of inner transformation.

The Myth of Innana.

Inanna, a Sumerian queen from ancient Mesopotamia, is one of the earliest goddesses in her-story. Her journey deals not only with death/loss and rebirth, but also with exploration of the human psyche and the inner struggles we all face.

Inanna stood on the threshold of a time of great change, as the world shifted from matriarchy to patriarchy. Her myth reflects both the complexity of this time of transition and its relevance in our world, which is also in transition.

She is not only a goddess of love and fertility; she is also a spiritual warrior and leader, confronting the darker/hidden aspects of life with courage of heart.

In the myth of Inanna, she is called down to the underworld to meet and confront her shadow sister, Ereshkigal.

On the way down, she must pass through 7 gates, at each of which she must surrender a part of what she identifies with:

Gate 1: The Crown; Symbol of status and authority.

Gate 2: The Scepter; Symbol of control.

Gate 3: The Necklace; Symbol of Beauty.

Gate 4: The Breastplate; Symbol of Sexual Power.

Gate 5: The Gold Ring; Symbol of binding contracts.

Gate 6: The Anklet; Symbol of social affiliation.

Gate 7: The Cloak: Symbol of her persona/identity.

Inanna must give up her powers and her identity as she has known it so far, in order to meet her shadow Ereshkigal, the queen of the underworld, completely naked.

Ereshkigal, who carries Inanna's authentic power and her sacred anger, orders her servant to hang Inanna on a meat hook for 3 days.

For 3 days, Inanna finds herself in the nothingness of darkness, not knowing whether she has been bought or sold.

This journey is more than a physical descent; it is a symbolic journey into the unconscious.

It takes courage to look inward and tackle the parts of ourselves we would rather hide. These kinds of challenges are common to all of us.

Inanna's descent reminds us that we must confront our own shadow sides in order to grow.

Inanna enters the underworld, stripped of everything she was taught made her worthy.

She is judged. She is silenced. She is hung on a hook.

It sounds like punishment, but it is also an initiation. Because it is not just about surrender. It is about what comes after.

Descent is not the end. This is the beginning of clarity.

And when Inanna rises, she doesn't just return. She comes back changed, no longer bound to performance. No longer needing permission to be in her power.

She rises with her authentic voice. Her inner knowing. Her unique way.

Her courage is inspiring and calls us all to take responsibility for our inner lives.

Innana represents inner strength and transformation. Her journey to the underworld is not just a setback; it is a quest for wholeness and sovereignty. As she passes through the seven gates of the underworld, she gives up her earthly treasures and confronts her fears.

The seven gates can also correlate to our 7 energy centers, which can be said to act as our physical bodies' access to our inner power.

This myth serves as a reflection of menopause, a period when women (and men) often feel like they are losing elements of their identity. Like Innana, we are often invited during menopause to confront our inner vulnerabilities as we navigate physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.

The Descent: Facing the Challenges.

The descent to the underworld is also the separation phase, which symbolizes the initial phase of menopause. During this period, we may experience various symptoms, including hot flashes, pain, mood swings, weight gain, and sleep disturbances.

This is often where we are invited to let go of what we have known so far, which we find safe, but deep down no longer serves us.

This phase can be scary, like Innana’s ordeal at the gates, where she sheds her former self.

It is important to meet these challenges with curiosity, presence, and care rather than avoiding them. Embracing our discomfort can lead to greater self-understanding. Speaking openly about what we are experiencing to our community can be invaluable.

Often, we find relief in sharing our stories, just as Innana found strength in her fellow goddesses.

When we connect with each other 1:1, in circles, or in ceremonies, we form connections that can reduce feelings of isolation during life’s difficult transitions, thereby improving our emotional well-being and strength to get through. We women are made for community, connection, and communication.

The Transformation: Embracing Change.

As Innana’s journey progresses, so does her transformation.

Menopause can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.

Embracing one’s shadow sister, who holds the key to our transformation and healing, is central to Inanna’s journey. The myth shows how important it is to accept and understand the parts of ourselves that we often try to hide. In today’s world, it is easy to become overwhelmed by societal expectations and our own inner demons. Inanna’s journey shows us that we grow by embracing our whole being, both light and dark.

This phase is an opportunity for rebirth. Here we may decide to pursue passions we have previously put aside, such as starting a business, traveling, or pursuing hobbies. Inanna’s embrace of her shadow sister and emergence from the underworld in an upgraded state resonates here, reminding us that transition can lead to renewed focus and creativity when we fully surrender to the process.

The Return: Fempowerment and Renewal.

Emerging from the underworld represents the conclusion of Inanna’s journey. For many women, this return marks the beginning of a new chapter in life filled with new wisdom and strength.

Fempowerment during menopause can take many forms - from advocating for health needs to embracing an authentic lifestyle. This is where we can free ourselves from society's expectations and unleash our inner potential and live fully and embodied.

Practical sister tips for navigating menopause:

Educate yourself: Gaining a clear understanding of the spiritual transformation and the emotional and physiological changes and potential symptoms of menopause allows us to take responsibility for our own holistic well-being.

Know your inner feminine cycle; Get to know yourself and your inner rhythm and flow as a feminine Being.

Prioritize self-care: Regular rest and exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices can enhance well-being.

Open to your inner world; Your spirituality, in the form of daily practice, can be your anchor and best tool for navigating the sometimes tumultuous waters of transition.

Talk to your womb; your womb carries your inner wisdom and can be your compass for making decisions that are grounded in the wisdom of your soul.

Be Patient: Give yourself time to be alone, feel your grief fully, and allow yourself to integrate and release what needs to be released.

Connect with others: Ask for help. Building a support network can provide both emotional relief and practical strategies.

Embrace Change: Seeing menopause as a chance for growth and renewal can change the narrative of loss to one of fempowerment.

Surrender to Love: Remember yourself as love. Hold yourself with compassion. Self-love is not selfish. Fill your own cup so that you can better be there for those you love.

Embrace the Journey.

Menopause, like Innana’s journey into the underworld, is a profound transition that can lead to personal growth and empowerment. By acknowledging the challenges and changes that come with this phase of life, you can emerge on the other side more resilient and confident.

Ultimately, menopause is not just an ending – it is also a beginning. It allows us to explore the depths of our being and emerge renewed, empowered and ready to embrace the next chapter of our lives.

If you are in need of guidance on your journey of transformation and healing you can read more here about my Moon doula sessions.

I see you.

!

Ahavah

Akkirah Rose Maedelene