Meeting Ereshkigal: Queen of the Great Below

A Livestream Class with Frances Billinghurst

Sat at 4:45 pm in The Enchanted Parlor

From ancient Sumer comes the myth known as the “Descent of the Goddess,” where Inanna, the Queen of Heaven, journeys into the Underworld, only to be confronted by her sister Ereshkigal, who strips Inanna of her divine powers and titles before allowing her to resurface.

So powerful is this story that it forms the basis of many Underworld or shadow journeys and can even be found within initiatory and contemporary witchcraft, often retold from Inanna’s perspective.

This workshop will focus on Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Great Below, and her undeniable sovereignty over this subliminal realm. Through the exploration of her role within this myth and others, we will discover clues to the following questions:

• Can compassion be found within the deepest places—within the world and our own soul?
  
• What is to be witnessed when we sit with our fears, guilt, and suffering?
  
• What are we missing when we deny ourselves the opportunity to embrace the darkness?
  
• Can we alone bring forth birth to the brightest parts of our spirit?