Many philosophical currents have more or less a connection with ancient religions and cults. In those days polytheism was the norm, and for each sphere there was a particular deity. One of the famous characters of the ancient cults is the goddess Ishtar.
Who is Ishtar?
The central female deity of Akkadian mythology has incarnations in other countries, for example, in Egypt it is known as Astarte, and in Greece it is one of the embodiments of Aphrodite. If interested, Ishtar the goddess of what, that is, for what sphere she answers, then she is considered the patroness of love. In all its incarnations, it is the embodiment of the feminine essence and sexuality . It is associated with everything that has to do with sex, including perversion. Ishtar is the goddess warrior and demon of rigidity. Often it is called the patroness of harlots and courtesans.
Where did Ishtar live?
According to historical information, in the 7th century BC in the territory of modern Iran there were several states, and called this territory Mesopotamia. The goddess of love and fertility Ishtar had a wide influence on people, therefore her cult spread to different territories, but the main place of her worship is the Akkadian kingdom. The myths do not indicate where the goddess Ishtar herself lived, but there is evidence that she descended into the underworld and ascended to heaven.
Ishtar's husband
The wife of the goddess of love recognizes Baal, who is the god of the elements in Syria. He was also a deity of fertility, sun and war. In ancient times, the word "Baal" was an epithet for designating different gods and mayors of the ancient Semites. The husband of the goddess Ishtar aroused fear in people and to cajole him, he was offered sacrifices, including human ones. Many historians consider Baal the first global patron god. Spouse Ishtar had one more name - Baal and many mages and theologians, consider him a terrible hell demon.
Children Ishtar
There is no reliable information about the descendants of the goddess of love, but there are suggestions that she had a son. In fact, Ishtar had a large number of lovers, not only among the gods and people, but also animals. She was distinguished by her insatiable lust and windyness. It is worth noting that because of this, this deity was chosen by the homosexuals and prostitutes as the patroness. The goddess of love Ishtar destroyed her lovers with a passion that became heavy shackles. Perhaps, because of this, she did not have children.
Legend of the goddess Ishtar
In the famous "Tale of Gulgamesh" it is told that the goddess destroyed her beloved Tammuz, who was the god of fertility. Her act caused conflicts with other celibates. The legend of Ishtar says that in order to atone for her guilt, she descended into the dark realm of the dead, ruled by her sister. The goddess must go through the seven gates, and each barrier she had to give back - her jewelry, which deprived her of mystical strength and power. As a result, she entered the lower kingdom naked and defenseless.
The hated sister sends 60 illnesses to her and closes it in the palace, so that she is tormented there. At this time not only the goddess Ishtar suffers, but all the people on earth, as nature begins to wilt, and animals, birds and humans can not reproduce. The supreme deity Aye understands the tragedy of the situation, orders to revive the goddess of love. As a ransom, she leaves her beloved Tammuz in the dark realm.
The goddess Ishtar is a symbol
One of the important symbols of this deity is the circle, braided with a ribbon, inside of which is an eight-pointed star. In this figure, the circle represents the sky, and the star represents the sun. The symbol of the goddess Ishtar is a clear sky, which embodies the goddess. There are many variants of this drawing used for different purposes, for example, there is an Ishtar star, which was applied to the seal-prints of rulers in Babylon, other images are found in mosaics and in various ornaments.
Worship of Ishtar
Known ritual, which can be carried out to express the goddess of love his respect and turn to her for help. Use it is allowed only in a situation where it does not work for a long time to solve an important problem. Note that the main spheres of influence Ishtar - personal life, but also it helps in material issues and in various conflicts . The ritual consists of several stages:
- It is necessary to start the day in the daytime and ideally if the sun is shining on the constructed altar. If the rite is held indoors, then it is necessary to open the window.
- Build the altar, which should be low, and covered with a white cloth. Best of all, if it is made of silk. In the corners and in the center, put white candles.
- Near the candle, which is in the left near corner, put a crystal goblet filled with milk. After him put a censer with such herbs: 1 part of sage and wormwood, and 2 parts of calendula. Plants need to be burned and put out the flames at once, so that they only smolder. In the right near corner, place a statue of a white dove.
- Stand on your knees, and then, in a sad voice, Ishtar's prayer should be read. After each line, it is necessary to make a bow, so that the forehead touches the floor.
- If everything is done correctly, there are no bad thoughts, and the goddess Ishtar came into contact, then there will be a fever. Pick up the goblet with milk, tell the plot and all drink.
- After that, turn to the goddess in your own words and ask her for help in solving the existing problem. Be sure to promise her to feed the pigeons and constantly praise her in her thoughts. Say goodbye, put out the candles and grass. The window should remain open until all the smoke has gone.
- If the contact was not installed from the first time, you do not need to despair, and you can still try again, only the next day. It is forbidden to perform this ritual more than once a day.