Journey to the underworld
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Authors
Marshe, Marian Tasha
Issue Date
1985
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Inanna/Ereshkigal , Women-spiritual life
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis is a study in the nature of feminine spiritual experience, through an exploration of the Sumerian myth of Inanna/Ereshkigal. The central theme of this paper and of the myth itself is the descent' to the underworld' . The psychological equivalent to descent is'depression' or 'breakdown', and is primarily viewed as a negative experience indicating a defectiveness in the ego structure. The Inanna/Ereshkigal myth casts a whole new light on this theme. manna's journey to the underworld is understood as a process of transcending downward into her own inner depths for the purpose of achieving a new synthesis. Psychologically, manna faces the neglected side of herself, her shadow, in order to re-claim her wholeness.