The Living Inanna: Tracing the Evolution of the Sumerian Goddess Through History, Esotericism, and Contemporary Psychology

The Sumerian goddess Inanna is a paradoxical figure expressing erotic agency and martial dominion. Despite her prominence in the Sumerian pantheon—and her enduring significance as a contemporary myth model—the historical record reveals that the Inanna that has come down to us today was gradually reimagined by the political elite to support patriarchal agendas. Yet, the evidence explored in this course suggests that Inanna may have originated as a pre-patriarchal Great Goddess, perhaps a descendent of the Neolithic Great Goddess. Drawing on archaeology, mythology, iconography, and textual analysis, we will examine Inanna through historical, gendered, political, and economic subtextual lenses to explore the goddess’s Great Goddess origins, patriarchal transformation, and possible esoteric dimensions. Finally, we will consider how reclaiming Inanna’s Great Goddess origins and esoteric dimensions offers new possibilities for psychological reflections on contemporary meanings. Together, we will explore questions such as: 1) Was Inanna an inspiring myth model for ancient Mesopotamian women? Or was she, as Assyriologist Tikva Frymer-Kensky suggested, a striking example of what Mesopotamian women were not—independent? 2) Once historically contextualized, how might the complex and even contradictory nature of Inanna invite us to reimagine the goddess as an empowering myth model for our contemporary times? 3) What might we gain by reclaiming Inanna’s pre-patriarchal wholeness, and in what ways might The Descent of Inanna continue to serve as a guide toward personal and collective wholeness? Thursdays, October 15, 22nd, 29th and November 5th, 2026 7pm ET / 4pm PT Registration $150 ISM Members: $120 (Email info@ismythology.com for discount code).