Into the Great Below: A Devotional for Inanna and Ereshkigal

by Galina Krasskova, Lee Harrington (Contributor)

Into the Great Below is a compilation of devotional poems, prayers, and rituals celebrating two magnificent Sumerian Goddesses: Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Erishkigal, Queen of the Underworld. In these pages you will find a map traversing the shadowy places between these two Holy Powers. Here, you will read about Inanna's courage, Her journey and decent into Irkla, and Her vulnerability before Her sister. Here too you will find prayers celebrating the wisdom of Eriskigal, Her power, Her fury, Her mercy. In this book, you will hear from contemporary devotees of these ancient Powers and through their words possibly glimpse the ways in which both goddesses touch Their devotees lives today.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Paganism, Mythology

136 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2010

About the author

I'm a poet, polytheist, theologian and the majority of my writing is religious, of one flavor or another. I've written over twenty books covering a broad range of topics within contemporary Heathenry (Norse/Germanic polytheism), several devotionals (including a couple to Greco-Roman Deities), and I've edited several anthologies. I'm the managing editor of "Walking the Worlds" journal, the first peer reviewed journal focusing on issues of interest to polytheists and I maintain a blog at http://krasskova.wordpress.com. I cause a lot of trouble. LOL.

When I'm not writing (and causing trouble), I'm slogging my way through graduate school, round three. I currently hold a Masters in Religious Studies, worked for six years in a Phd program in Classics, hold a Masters in Medieval Studies, and I'm currently in my third year of PhD work in Theology.

I'm also an artist - acrylic and watercolor, some photography. Despite rumors to the contrary, I don't bite and I'm usually happy to answer any questions. ;)

Reviews

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the poetry and some of it was really moving because it reminded me of my own relationship with some of the Mesopotamian gods. I also loved a lot of the ritual ideas. I had a hard time with the Raven Kaldera poetry and ritual, because his path is just so different from mine and I didn't connect with his ritual at all. So. A mix for me.

[Seph · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pro-feminist collection of Wicca-style poetry and BDSM psychodrama which fails to capture the true essence of Inanna and Ereshkigal as cultural icons.