There is something deeply humbling about working with Inanna. She is not a gentle goddess, not one who holds your hand through the shadows. Instead, she stands beside you while you fall apart, letting you strip away every layer until you’re bare and broken, and then—only then—does she guide you towards rising. My relationship with Inanna has been shaped through both heartbreak and healing, through feeling unseen and rising anyway. If you’re called to work with her, you’re not looking for comfort. You’re looking for transformation.
Understanding Inanna
The Many Faces of the Goddess
Inanna is a Sumerian goddess known for her duality. She is the goddess of love, beauty, sex, fertility, war, justice, and political power. Her myths are rich with contrast: desire and destruction, light and dark, ascension and descent. She is Venus and warrior, lover and avenger, ruler and rebel.
The Myth of Inanna’s Descent
One of her most famous stories is the Descent to the Underworld. In this myth, Inanna travels to the realm of her sister, Ereshkigal, and passes through seven gates, removing a layer of her clothing or jewellery at each one. She is stripped bare, physically and spiritually, before being killed and later resurrected. This myth is a powerful metaphor for personal transformation, shadow work, and spiritual rebirth.
Creating a Sacred Space for Inanna
Altar Items and Symbols
When setting up an altar for Inanna, include symbols that reflect her complex nature. Red and gold are powerful colours for her, representing both sensuality and divine royalty. Fresh roses, especially red or pink, speak to her aspect as a goddess of love. You might also include a small mirror, a representation of Venus, or a lion figure to symbolise her power.
Crystals such as garnet, carnelian, and rose quartz all resonate beautifully with her energy. Candles in red or gold are also potent additions. And if you have a statue or image of Inanna, place it at the centre, or use a representation of the planet Venus.
Daily Offerings
Offerings don’t need to be extravagant. A splash of rosewater, a small piece of chocolate, or a little wine can be perfect. More than the offering itself, Inanna values the intention behind it. Speak to her as you would a friend or mentor, honestly and openly.
Rituals for Self-Transformation
Descent Ritual
Inspired by her journey to the Underworld, this ritual is for when you are ready to confront your shadows. It is best performed during the waning moon or on the dark moon.
Start by creating a sacred space with dim lighting. Have a candle and seven small items of symbolic jewellery or clothing. As you meditate, remove each item one at a time, naming what you are shedding. This might be fear, guilt, self-doubt, or old beliefs.
When you are down to your final layer, sit quietly in the dark. Let any emotions come. Cry, rage, be still. Then, when you are ready, light the candle. Let its light symbolise your rebirth. This ritual is not about fixing what is broken but honouring your ability to rebuild.
Reclamation Bath
To invoke Inanna’s energy after the descent, run a bath with rose petals, a splash of milk, and a few drops of jasmine or rose oil. Light red or pink candles around the bath. As you soak, imagine reclaiming all the parts of yourself that you had cast aside. Let the water hold you, soothe you, and remind you of your sacredness.
Speak affirmations aloud:
“I rise in my power. I return to myself. I am whole.”
Love, Sex, and Sovereignty
Ritual for Divine Confidence
Inanna embodies unapologetic sensuality. This ritual is for when you want to connect with your inner power and allure. Dress in something that makes you feel strong and beautiful. Stand before a mirror, light a red candle, and look into your eyes. Speak words of affirmation and desire. Tell yourself what you long to hear.
This is not just about physical beauty but about reclaiming your autonomy. Inanna teaches that self-love and sexual power are sacred. There is nothing shameful about claiming your body, your pleasure, and your boundaries.
Sacred Self-Touch
This is an intimate practice of self-worship. Use oils or lotions, touch your body with reverence, and thank each part for what it gives you. Invite Inanna to be present. This is not necessarily sexual, though it can be. It is about presence and honouring your vessel.
You are not doing this for anyone else. You are doing this for you. Let Inanna’s energy remind you that pleasure is not indulgence, it is divinity.
Devotion and Prayer
Simple Daily Devotion
Devotional practices help build a strong connection with Inanna. Each morning, light a candle on your altar and greet her. Say something simple and true: “Good morning, Inanna. Thank you for walking with me. Help me walk in truth and strength today.”
Offer her a few minutes of your time. That might be through music, singing, writing, or simply sitting in silence. Over time, you will feel her presence become a steady companion.
A Prayer to Inanna
You can write your own prayers, but here is one I often use:
“Inanna, Lady of Heaven, Queen of the Great Below,
You who hold love and power in equal hands,
Strip me of what no longer serves,
So I may rise in truth and sovereignty.
Walk with me through shadow and light,
And help me remember who I am.”
Say this aloud as often as needed. Whisper it before bed. Speak it while walking or bathing. Let it live in your body.
Lunar and Seasonal Connections
Full Moon Ritual
Inanna, as a Venusian goddess, responds beautifully to lunar rituals, especially during the full moon. Place fresh roses on your altar, wear red or gold, and stand under the moonlight if possible.
Reflect on what you are ready to shine a light on. Write down your desires. Read them aloud with confidence. Then burn the paper in a fire-safe dish as an offering to the goddess, trusting she will help bring your desires to life.
Spring and Autumn Equinox
These are particularly powerful times to honour Inanna’s cyclical nature. In spring, celebrate her as the goddess of love and fertility. In autumn, honour her descent.
Create a simple ritual meal using pomegranate, honey, bread, and red wine or juice. Share it with her at your altar. Talk to her about what you are birthing or letting go of. These small, seasonal moments build an ongoing relationship.
Living Devotion
Wearing Her Symbols
One of the easiest ways to honour Inanna daily is by wearing symbols associated with her. This might be a rose pendant, a lion charm, or even wearing red lipstick with intention. These small acts of embodiment invite her into your daily life.
Being Brave in Love
Inanna doesn’t ask you to be perfect. She asks you to be brave. That might mean speaking your truth in a difficult moment, choosing yourself over someone else’s expectations, or following a calling that feels terrifying.
Devotion to Inanna is not passive. It is an active, sometimes uncomfortable journey into your fullest self. But every time you rise from pain, every time you love without shame, every time you say no to what dims your light—you are honouring her.
Final Words
Rituals for Inanna do not need to be grand or overly complex. They need to be honest. They need to be brave. Inanna is not a goddess who demands perfection, but she does call for authenticity. If you feel drawn to her, trust that she sees you, in all your messy becoming, and still chooses you.
So light your candle. Speak your truth. Step into your power. And let her walk beside you as you rise.
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