My Current Compilation of Information on Sumerian Deities- Do tell sources if you know them!

 **The ones highlighted in Red I have reason to believe it would be un-wise to invoke/evoke**

Sumerian Gods and Goddesses

A Sumerian Invocation

In constant motion I am Stillness.

In darkness I am the Light that does not shine.

I lead the Way I follow the Way

Thru the four quarters of that mind that is the Soul.

In desperation I am the calmness of the Heart of the Labyrinth that

is all Quietness.

I come to you as you approach me.

In gladness is the way to serve.

I am produced not nor do I suffer to toil.

I exist for the existing and my prayer is utter silence.

The World is dark and can not see by any other means.

Only the Heart of the Soul can know me.

I dwell above and beyond the lesser darkness and in Greater darkness

is my abode.

Awaken from your repose and exhalt thee above the clamor to the Palace of Silence,

The true home of all that is.

My secret name cannot be spoken yet though it is knowable.

Approach me by that name and I will know you as myself.

Primordial Beings*:

• Apsû - Parents of Lahmu and Lahamu
• Tiamat – Parents of Lahmu and Lahamu
• Lahmu – Parents of Anshar and Kishar
• Lahamu - Parents of Anshar and Kishar
• Anshar –Parents of Anu and Ki
• Kishar – Parents of Anu and Ki
• Mummu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Four Primary Deities

Deity	Patron City	Description	Symbol	Relationships	Comments	Also Known As...
An	Erech	Great Father of the Gods, the king of the Gods, the God of the Sun	star	Husband of Antu. Father of Ninhursag, Enlil, and Martu. Son of Ki and Nammu.	An was at one time the head of the Sumerian pantheon. His worship waned over time and his powers were transferred to Enlil.	Anat(As,C,Ch,S,Eg), Anatu(As), Anath, Anu(A,As,B,H,Hu,S,Sy), Anum
Enki	Eridu	Lord of water, wisdom, creation, and fertility. Invented writing. Keeper of the divine laws. Created the first humans.	Two serpents entwined on a staff. Warned Ziusudra of the impending flood.	Son of Nammu. Father of Dumuzi, Ninsar, Uttu, Ninmu, Nindurra, and Asarlubi. Husband of Nintu.	-	Lumha(S), Nudimmud(B), Ea(S,A,B), Amanki(B)
Enlil	Nippur	Lord of rain, wind, and air. Invents tools of agriculture. Created the deluge or "amaru" to destroy mankind.	Seven small circles.	Raped Ninlil. Either the brother or husband of Ninhursag (sources differ). Father of Ashnan, Nergal, Ninazu, Ninurta, and Nanna. Son of Ki and An.	Seceded An as the head of the Sumerian pantheon.	Adad(As,B,C,S), Bel(B,S), Illillos(S), Ishkur(A,H,S), Lil(S)
Ninhursag	-	Great Mother Goddess. Goddess of childbirth. Queen of the mountains.	-	Daughter of An and Nammu. Mother of Ninurta, Martu, and Ninkasi. Often stated as Enlil's sister, but also as his wife.	-	Ninlil(S), Ningal(S), Aruru(As,B,Ch,S), Bau(A,B,P,S), Belit(B,S), Belit-Illi, Belitis, Ga-Tum-Dug(S), Gula(A,B,S), Innini(S), Ki(S), Nammu(S), Ninkarrak(B,S), Ninki(S), Ninmah(S), Nintu(S), Ninurta(A,C,S)

 

The Seven Who Decreed Fate

Deity	Patron City	Description	Symbol	Relationships	Comments	Also Known As...
An	Erech	Great Father of the Gods, the king of the Gods, the God of the Sun	star	Husband of Antu. Father of Ninhursag, Enlil, and Martu. Son of Ki and Nammu.	An was at one time the head of the Sumerian pantheon. His worship waned over time and his powers were transferred to Enlil.	Anat(As,C,Ch,S,Eg), Anatu(As), Anath, Anu(A,As,B,H,Hu,S,Sy), Anum
Enki	Eridu	Lord of water, wisdom, creation, and fertility. Invented writing. Keeper of the divine laws. Created the first humans.	Two serpents entwined on a staff. WaIshtarrned Ziusudra of the impending flood.	Son of Nammu. Father of Dumuzi, Ninsar, Uttu, Ninmu, Nindurra, and Asarlubi. Husband of Nintu.	-	Lumha(S), Nudimmud(B), Ea(S,A,B), Amanki(B)
Enlil	Nippur	Lord of rain, wind, and air. Invents tools of agriculture. Created the deluge or "amaru" to destroy mankind.	Seven small circles.	Raped Ninlil. Either the brother or husband of Ninhursag (sources differ). Father of Ashnan, Nergal, Ninazu, Ninurta, and Nanna. Son of Ki and An.	Seceded An as the head of the Sumerian pantheon.	Adad(As,B,C,S), Bel(B,S), Illillos(S), Ishkur(A,H,S), Lil(S)
Inanna	Erech	Goddess of love, fertility, procreation, and war. Queen of the beasts. Protector of Aratta.	Eight or sixteen pointed star.	Daughter of Nanna and Ningal. Wife of Dumuzi. Early traditions state she is the daughter of An. According to one account, she is the sister of Gilgamesh. Sister of Utu, Nanshe, Ninisinna, Ninmug, Nidaba, and Ereshkigal.	-	Absusu(S), Ianna(S), Ishtar(A,B,Ch,Se,S), Tamar(He), Annis(S)
Nanna	Ur	God of the moon.	Crescent.	Father of Utu and Inanna. Son of Ninlil and Enlil. Husband of Ningal.	-	Sin(A,B,S)
Ninhursag	-	Great Mother Goddess. Goddess of childbirth. Queen of the mountains.	-	Daughter of An and Nammu. Mother of Ninurta, Martu, and Ninkasi. Often stated as Enlil's sister, but also as his wife.	-	Ninlil(S), Ningal(S), Aruru(As,B,Ch,S), Bau(A,B,P,S), Belit(B,S), Belit-Illi, Belitis, Ga-Tum-Dug(S), Gula(A,B,S), Innini(S), Ki(S), Nammu(S), Ninkarrak(B,S), Ninki(S), Ninmah(S), Nintu(S), Ninurta(A,C,S)
Utu	Larsa	Sun god of justice.	-	Son of Nanna and Ningal. Father of Mamu. Brother of Inanna.	-	Shamash(B), Babbar(S)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Annunaki

Deity	Patron City	Description	Symbol	Relationships	Comments	Also Known As...
Ashnan	-	Goddess of grain.	-	Daughter of Enlil.	-	-
Emesh	-	God of agriculture.	-	Brother of Enten.	-	-
Enbilulu	-	Appointed by Enki to be in charge of the Tigris and the Euphrates.	-	-	-	-
Enkidu	-	God of land owners and farmers.	-	Adversary of Dumuzi. Companion of Gilgamesh.	-	Enkimdu(S), Eabani(S), Enkita(H)
Enten	-	Farmer god.	-	Brother of Emesh.	-	-
Ereshkigal	-	Goddess of Arallu.	-	Sister of Inanna. Wife of Gugalanna.	-	Allat(A), Allatu(A), Alukah(C), Ganzir(Se), Ningirda(S)
Ishkur	-	God of the winds and lightning.	-	-	-	Adad(A,B), Iskur(S), Enlil(As,B,S), Immer(S), Mer(B,S), Mermer(S), Mur(S)
Kabta	-	God of the brickmold and pickax.	-	-	-	-
Lahar	-	Goddess of cattle.	-	-	-	-
Mushdamma	-	God of foundations and houses.	-	-	-	-
Nanshe	Lagash	Goddess of man's morals and ethics, widows and orphans, and seeks out justice for the poor.	-	Wife of Haia. Sister of Inanna.	-	-
Nergal	-	God of the plague, underworld, and fires. Supreme ruler of Arallu.	-	Son of Enlil and Ninlil. Brother of Ninurta.	-	Meshlamthea(S), Nirgalu(B), Gira(S), Enmesarra(B,S), Enmesharra(B,S), Ira(S), Lugalmeslam(S), Malik(S), Mekel(S), Reshef(Sy)
Nidaba	-	Goddess of writing and accounts. Patron deity of the palace archives.	-	Sister of Inanna.	-	-
Ningal	-	Sun goddess.	-	Wife of Nanna. Mother of Utu and Ianna.	-	Aruru(B,Ch,S), Ninhursag(A,S), Ninmah(S), Nintu(S)
Ninurta	-	God of the south wind, irrigation, copper and coppersmiths, and fertility. Patron of hunters. A warrior deity.	-	Son of Ninhursag and Enlil. Brother of Nergal.	-	Ennammasht(S), Ningirsu(S), Ninhursag(A,S), Ninib(S), Ninkilim(S), Ninsubur(A,B,S), Ninurash(S)
Ninisinna	Isin	Goddess of healing and medicine.	-	Sister of Inanna.	-	Ninedinna(B)
Ninkasi(Se)	-	Goddess of brewing and alcohol.	-	Daughter of Ninhursag.	-	Ninkas(S,Se)
Ninlil	-	Goddess of grain.	-	Daughter of Nunbarshegunu. Raped by Enlil, and is sometimes referred to as his sister. Mother of Nanna, Nergal, and Ninazu.	Identified with the Babylonian god Mullitu/Mylitta.	Belit(B,S), Haya(B), Ninhursag(A,S), Ninki(S), Ninlilla(B), Nisaba(S)
Sumuqan	-	God of plant and animal on the Sumerian plain.	-	-	-	-
Uttu	-	Goddess of weaving and clothing, plants, and vegetation.	-	Daughter of Enki and Nindurra.	-	-

 

 

Demigods and Heroes

Deity	Patron City	Description	Symbol	Relationships	Comments	Also Known As...
Adapa	-	Created by Ea to rule over man. Refused bread and water, which would have granted him everlasting life, and in turn brought illness, disease, and death to other humans.	-	-	Possible source for Adam.	Adapa Uan(S), Addu(Ar)
Dumuzi	-	Shepherd god over the fertility of plants and animals, and stables and sheepfolds.	-	Husband of Inanna. Brother of Geshtinanna. Son of Enki and Ninsun. Adversary of Enkimdu.	Historical king of Erech who was deified.	Damu(S), Tammuz(B), Ziapsu(S)
Gilgamesh	-	One-third man and two-thirds god. Sought out Utanapishtim for the secret of immortality.	-	Son of Ninsun and Lugalbanda. Companion of Enkidu. According to one source, he is the brother of Inanna.	Historical king of Erech who was deified.	Gizdubar(Ch), Izdubar, Gishgimmash(H)
Geshtinanna	-	Goddess of autumn vines and wine. Poetess, singer, and interpreter of dreams. Known as "The Lady of Desolation," "The Lady of the Vine," "The Recorder of Hell," and "The Bookkeeper of Heaven."	-	Sister of Dumuzi. Daughter of Ninsum.	-	-
Gugulanna	-	Bull of Heaven.	-	Husband of Ereshkigal.	-	-
Khumbaba	-	Guardian of the Cedar Forest of Amanus. Defeated and slain by Enkidu and Gilgamesh.	-	-	-	Hubaba(E), Humbaba(A,B,S), Hum-ba, Humhum, Huwawa
Kur	-	Underworld monster depicting the empty space between the earth's crust and the sea.	-	-	-	-
Ziapsu	-	-	-	-	-	Dumuzi(S)
Ziusudra	-	King of Sippar who was warned by Enki of the impending deluge.	-	Son of Ubartutu of Shuruppak. Granted eternal life by An and Enlil.	Possible source of Noah.	Ziusura(S), Utnapishtim(B)
Ziusura	-	-	-	-	-	Ziusudra(S)

Spirits and Monsters:

• Good beings
• Humbaba
• Kingu
• Kishar
• Mamitu
• Siris
• Zu
• 
  Evil beings
• Asag
• Edimmu
• Hanbi
• Kur
• Lamashtu
• Namtar
• Pazuzu
• Rabisu

Praise to An:

English

An the powerful, great among the gods,
An the respected, brilliantly manifest god!
As He passes, alone, as far as the border of the foreign lands,
He is indeed the guardian of the Anuna.
He seizes all the great divine powers,
And places His feet upon the numerous divine powers.

The august lord, pre-eminent, with the most complex divine powers,
Almighty grandfather of all the lords,
Head high, surpassing everyone, breed-bull, who makes the seeds sprout,
Whose name is respected, spreading great terror,
Whose august commands cannot be countermanded,
Who is imbued with awesomeness on the mountain of pure divine powers,
Who has taken his seat on the great throne-dais,
An, the king of the gods.

What An says decides a good destiny.
What the great An says decides a good destiny.
Praise be to An!

Ancient Tongue

an u-ru gal diĝir-re-e-ne
an nir-ĝal diĝir pa e-a
zag kur-kur-ra-še dili-ni dib
a-nun-na-ke-ne saĝ keše-bi na-nam
me gal-gal-la zag mu-ni-in-keše
me šar-ra ĝiri-ni nam-mi-in-ĝar

en mah zag dib me galam u-ru
pa-bil-ga en-en-e-ne
saĝ il dirig ninda numun i-i
mu idim ni gal-le-eš ri-a
mah dug-ga-ni sag di nu-zu
kur me sikil-la ni mu-ni-in-il
barag gal-la dur im-mi-in-ĝar
an lugal diĝir-re-e-ne-ke

an-e dug-ga-ni nam dug tar-ra-am
an gal-e dug-ga-ni nam dug tar-ra-am
an za-mi

Blessing to An

(From the Akkadian Tablets)

The 'Blessing To An' is usually recited on a daily basis and before conducting any of the Anunnakist Rituals or Works of Magick.

 Great An, May the Heavens and Earth Bless You!

 May the Deities Enlil, Enki, and Ninhursag Bless You Joyfully!

 May Both the Gods Nanna and Utu Bless You When You Appear!

 May the Deities Nergal and the Sebitti Bless You With Firm Hearts!

 May the Igigi Gods of Heaven and the Anunnaki Gods of Earth Bless You!

 May the Gods of the Deep and the Gods of the Holy Shrine Bless You!

 May they Bless You Daily, Every Day, Month, and Year! "

Invocation to An

Father Sky God, An of The One

King of the Universe, Nammu's First Son

Father of Gods, the Anunnaki Race

Creator of Worlds, Lord of All Space

Great Bull of Heaven, O Virtuous Steer

Come Unto Us Now, For We Invoke Thee Here."

Invocation to the 7 Deities

Place coloured candles in the heptagon formation (if you do not have coloured candles, use black candles for all of the points). This will serve as your magic circle. It might be a good idea to complete the circle using chalk, rope, etc., in order to create an unbroken circle. Stand within the circle, and begin the ritual.

[ Invoke the seven deities. Recite seven times. ]

English

I invoke the name of An
I invoke the name of Enlil
I invoke the name of Enki
I invoke the name of Ninmah (Ninhursag)
I invoke the name of Suen (Nanna)
I invoke the name of Utu
I invoke the name of Inanna

Ancient Tongue

mu an-la ĝe-sa
mu en-lil-la ĝe-sa
mu en-ki-la ĝe-sa
mu nin-mah-la ĝe-sa
mu suen-la ĝe-sa
mu utu-la ĝe-sa
mu inanna-la ĝe-sa

[ Pray to each of the deities, facing the respective candle for each deity. ]

To Enki

English

Lord of complex divine powers, who establishes understanding, whose intentions are unfathomable, who knows everything!
Enki, of broad wisdom, august ruler of the Anuna,
Wise one who casts spells, who provides words, who attends to decisions,
Who clarifies verdicts, who dispenses advice from dawn to dusk!
Enki, lord of all true words, I will praise you.

August lord, you excel in Heaven and Earth, and you have made your name shine forth.
Enki, you have gathered up all the divine powers that there are, and stored them in the Abzu.
You have made praiseworthy the divine powers, exceeding all other divine powers,
Of your holy dwelling which you have chosen in your heart, the Abzu, the august shrine, as well as its divine plans.
Its shadow covers all lands from east to west,
And its terrifying splendour rests upon the holy Heavens like dense thunderclouds.

Father Enki, inspiring terrible awe, surpassing description,
May the Anuna, your divine brothers, rejoice over you.
Son of An, possessor of august honour, it is sweet to praise you!

Ancient Tongue

en me galam-ma umuš ki ĝar-ra šag su-ud niĝ-nam zu
en-ki ĝeštug daĝal mas-su mah a-nun-na-ke-ne
gal-an-zu tu ĝar inim-ma sig-ga eš-bar-ra igi ĝal
sa pad-de ud e-ta ud šu-uš-še ĝalga šum-mu
en-ki en dug-ga zid-zid-da me-teš-e ga-a-i-i

en mah an ki-a zag bi-dib mu-zu pa bi-e
en-ki me a-na ĝal-la mu-u-ur-ur abzu-še mu-u-ĝar
ki-tuš kug šag-ge bi-pad-da-zu abzu eš mah-a
me-bi me-a dirig ĝiš-hur-bi a-re-eš gub-ba-me-en
ĝissu-bi ud e-ta ud šu-uš kur-kur-ra ši-im-dul
ni me-lem muru dugud-da-gin an kug-ge ib-us

a-a en-ki nam-gal ni ri-a ka-ge dib-ba-zu-uš
a-nun-na diĝir šeš-zu-ne he-me-da-hul-hul-le-eš
dumu an-na mah nir-ĝal-bi tuku za-mi-zu dug-ga-am

To Enlil

English

Enlil's commands are by far the loftiest, his words are holy, his utterances are immutable!
The fate he decides is everlasting!
All the gods of the Earth bow down to father Enlil,
Who sits comfortably on the holy dais, the lofty dais,
To Nunamnir, whose lordship and princeship are most perfect.

Enlil, your ingenuity takes one's breath away!
By its nature it is like entangled threads which cannot be unravelled,
Crossed threads which the eye cannot follow.
Your divinity can be relied on.
You are your own counsellor and adviser, you are a lord on your own.
Who can comprehend your actions?
No divine powers are as resplendent as yours.
No god can look you in the face.

Prominent one whose words are well established,
Whose command and support are things which are immutable,
Whose utterances take precedence,
Whose plans are firm words,
Great mountain, father Enlil, your praise is sublime!

Ancient Tongue

en-lil su-ra-še dug-ga-ni mah inim-ma-ni kug-ga-am
niĝ nu-kur-ru ka-ta e-a-ni nam ul-še tar-re
a-a en-lil barag kug barag mah-a daĝal-bi tuš-a-ni
nu-nam-nir nam-en nam-nun-na šu gal du-a-ni
diĝir ki ni-ba mu-un-na-gam-e-eš

en-lil niĝ galam-ma-galam-ma-zu niĝ-me-ĝar sug-ga
šag-bi gu suh-a si nu-sa-e-dam
gu-gu gilim-ma igi nu-pad-de-dam
nam-diĝir-zu-še nir im-te-ĝal
šag kuš-u ad gi-gi en ni-te-na-me-en
niĝ ak-zu a-ba i-zu-zu
me-zu me pa nu-ed-de
muš-za diĝir igi nu-bar-re-dam

mah-di inim-ma-ni ki-bi-še ĝar
dug-ga a-tah-a-ni niĝ nu-kur-ru
ka-ta e-a-ni saĝ ba-an-gub
ĝiš-hur-hur-ra-ni inim ge-en-ge-en
kur gal a-a en-lil za-mi-zu mah-am

To Ninmah (Ninhursag)

English

Lady Aruru of the house Keš,
Born in the mountains, the pure place!
Nintur, supreme mother of all lands,
Mother Nintur, lady Aruru of the house Keš,
Born in the mountains, the pure place!
Nintur, supreme mother of all lands,
Has appeared with the hair-raising fearsomeness of a lion.

The great prince of Heaven and Earth Enki cherishes you.
Bride of Enki who determines fates favourably,
Great wild cow, exceptional in appearance, pre-eminent forever!
Outstanding among ladies, your praise is sweet!
You never cease being the wife of your Eridug, the mountain of abundance.
You are the birth-giver of the great gods, you are their goddess.

Forceful lady with the nobility of Heaven and Earth,
Ninmah, forceful lady with the nobility of Heaven and Earth,
Mother Ninmah, your praise is sweet!

Ancient Tongue

nin a-ru-ru e keš-a
hur-saĝ ki sikil-la u-tud-da
nin-tur ama mah kur-kur-ra-ka
ama nin-tur nin a-ru-ru e keš-a
hur-saĝ ki sikil-la u-tud-da
nin-tur ama mah kur-kur-ra-ka
su zig piriĝ-ĝa-ka ši-mi-ni-in-e

nun gal en-ki an ki mi mu-ri-in-dug
e-gi-a am-an-ki nam zid-de-eš tar-re
sumun gal ulutim-bi dirig-ga niĝ-ul-e-eš rib-ba
saĝ il nam-nin-a za-mi-zu dug-ga
eridug kur he-ĝal-la-zu dam-bi nu-til-e
diĝir gal-gal-e-ne u-tud-bi he-a diĝir-bi he-em

nin gaba-ĝal nam-nun an ki-a
nin-mah nin gaba-ĝal nam-nun an ki-a
ama nin-mah za-mi-zu dug-ga

To Suen (Nanna/Sin)

English

Righteous lord who determines destiny! Born to Ninlil,
Suen, beloved son of Ninlil,
Suen, having no rival in the E-kur,
The house of Enlil,
Your divine powers are majestic divine powers granted by An!

Enlil has named you with a good renown,
You are the son of Enlil whose speech is just.
In his elevated heart An has bestowed kingship on you.
First-born of Enlil, the lord,
He has bestowed on you the kingship of Heaven.
You are a god dressed in beauty in the Heavens.
Your moonlight is holy and bright,
And as like Utu you are a shepherd of the land,
Nanna, it shines forth like the daylight.

Mighty one, trusted one of Enlil,
Youth, god of living creatures,
Leader of the land,
O father Nanna, be praised!

Ancient Tongue

en zid nam tar-ra nin-lil-le tud-da
suen dumu ki aĝ nin-lil-la
e-kur-re e en-lil-la-ka
suen gaba-šu-ĝar nu-mu-ni-tuku-am
me-zu me mah-am an-ne šum-ma-a-am

en-lil-le mu dug-ga mi-ri-in-sa
dug-ga zid dumu en-lil-la-me-en
an-ne šag mah-a-na nam-lugal ma-ra-an-šum
dumu-saĝ en-lil-la nam-en-na
nam-lugal an-na za-ra mu-ra-an-šum
diĝir an-na hi-li gur-ru-me-en
iti-zu kug-ga-am dadag-ga-am
utu-gin su-ba kalam-ma-me-en
nanna ud-de-eš-e mu-un-e

kalag-ga ĝiškim-til en-lil-la
šul diĝir zi-ĝal-la
mas-su kalam-ma
a-a nanna za-mi

To Utu

English

Youthful Utu, brilliant light, great lion,
Hero emerging from the holy interior of Heaven,
Storm whose splendour covers the land and is laden with great awesomeness;
The great wild bull, youthful Utu, who like a torch illuminates the land from the holy Heavens; the wise one of all the countries,
The fearsome radiance of Uraš,
The just god among the Anuna gods, the long, holy dragon,
The first-born son cherished by Suen, the lord born to command.

Utu who decrees judgments for all countries,
The lord, the son of Ningal, who renders decisions for all countries,
The lord who is highly skilled at verdicts, the son of Suen,
Highly knowledgeable and majestic Utu, the son of Ningal.

Lord of all the great divine powers, borne by Ningal!
Youthful Utu, lord of all the great divine powers, borne by Ningal!
Praise be to Utu!

Ancient Tongue

šul utu še-er-zid piriĝ gal
ur-saĝ an-šag kug-ta e-a
ud me-lem-ni kalam-ma bi-dul ni gal mu-da-ri
am gal an kug-ta šul utu izi-ĝar-gin ĝa-ĝa ud kalam-ma igi-ĝal
kur-kur-ra me-lem ur-ra-aš
diĝir si sa a-nun-ke-ne ušumgal kug sud-sud
dumu-saĝ suen-ne mi dug-ga en dug-ga tud-da

utu kur-kur-ra di-bi-še kud-de
en dumu nin-gal-la-ke kur-kur-ra ka-aš-bi igi bar-re-de
en gal-zu eš-bar dumu suen-la-ke
utu gal-zu mah dumu nin-gal-la-ke

en me gal-gal-la nin-gal-e tud-da
šul utu en me gal-gal-la nin-gal-e tud-da
utu za-mi

To Inanna

English

I shall greet her who ascends above, her who ascends above,
I shall greet the mistress who ascends above,
I shall greet the great lady of Heaven, Inanna!
I shall greet the holy torch who fills the Heavens,
The light, Inanna, her who shines like daylight,
The great lady of Heaven, Inanna!
I shall greet the mistress, the most awesome lady among the Anuna gods;
The respected one who fills Heaven and Earth with her huge brilliance;
The eldest daughter of Suen, Inanna!

The mistress stands alone in the pure Heavens.
From the midst of Heaven my lady looks down with joy.
The lady exalted as high as the Heaven, Inanna, is august!
I praise the lady of the evening, Inanna,
The august one, the young lady, Inanna.
The lady exalted as high as the Heaven, her grandeur reaches the borders of Heaven.

Your great deeds are unparalleled,
Your magnificence is praised!
Young woman, Inanna, your praise is sweet!

Ancient Tongue

an-ta e-a-ra an-ta e-a-ra silim-ma ga-na-ab-be-en
nu-u-gig an-ta e-a-ra silim-ma ga-na-ab-be-en
nin gal an-na inanna-ra silim-ma ga-na-ab-be-en
izi-ĝar kug an-e si-a-ra
su-ra-aĝ inanna-ra ud-gin zalag-ge-ra
nin gal an-na inanna-ra silim-ma ga-na-ab-be-en
nu-u-gig nin ni gur-ru a-nun-na-ke-ne
nir-ĝal an ki si gal si-a
dumu gal suen-na inanna-ra silim-ma ga-na-ab-be-en

nu-u-gig an sikil-la dili-ni nam-mi-in-gub
nin-ĝu an-šag-ta u dug-ge-eš im-me
nin an-še la-a inanna mah-am
nin an-usan-na inanna mah-am
ki-sikil inanna me-teš mu-e-i-i
nin an-še lu-a an-zag-še mah-am

niĝ gal-gal-zu niĝ zag nu-sa
nam-mah-zu me-teš hu-mu-i-i
ki-sikil inanna za-mi-zu dug-ga-am

Invocation to Ishtar

I call to Her and none other

I call to She is who is first and last

I call to She who is Light, Breath and Darkness

She who is the Whore and the Holy One

To her have I brought offerings

I call the Mother of all, who is the Daughter, Wife and Sister

I call the Womb of Life, who is barren yet has many sons

I summon forth the Silence that is Understanding and Wisdom

I call to Ishtar, Mother of Love and Battle, Giver of Pleasure and Death

Ishtar, Beloved of Men

Come unto me, accept my offering

Show to me your face

Bestow upon me this favor

You are the Exalted One

In your Shrine are many Pillars

In your bed are many Veils

In your eyes are many Mysteries

Ishtar, Beloved and Timeless

Ishtar, take from me this burden

Ishtar, render me whole.

Inanna’s Journey to the Underworld Ritual

This ritual is dedicated to making an inner journey, just as Inanna stripped away her finery and symbols of queenship in her descent to the underworld. (Ritual is adapted from Monaghan’s The Goddess Path.)

The altar:

·         Use a purple or black altar cloth, and make the room as dark as possible.

·         Decorate with lapis lazuli, crystals, figs, roses, and gold-colored objects.

·         Dates can represent earth, frankincense is stationed at air, a black candle represents the darkness of the underworld at fire, and beer can be used in the place of water.

·         At spirit, place a rose.

·         Wear a shawl over your head, and carry with you the symbols of whatever power you are to strip away

·         Also on the altar place a star of some sort, to represent Inanna.

Cast the circle, invoking Inanna and all the others who have traveled to the underworld and returned to the earth.

Walk counter-clockwise around the circle seven times to represent Inanna’s descent into the underworld.

Take the symbol of what is to be stripped away, meditating on the power of it in your life and experiencing the loss fully. Place it on the altar, turning it over or otherwise covering it.

 Take off the shawl and place it next to the altar, to represent the nakedness of Inanna when she arrived at Ereshkigal’s throne.

 Sit for several minutes silently, to represent Inanna’s time as a corpse. Meditate on yourself, stripped of all that seemed to protect you.

When you feel ready, imagine that the creatures sent by Enki have arrived to save you. Imagine that you are being brought back to life and freed. Feel the energy filling you. Walk clockwise seven times to represent your return to the earth. Pick up the symbol of Inanna from the altar and hold it tightly, to represent the inner strength that sustained you once the other trappings were stripped away.

Read the following invocation by Deanna Emerson (taken from Stein, page 188):

I have seen the piercing eyes of the dark goddess as she stands naked in the silent shadows, planting the seeds of vision. Reached into the arms of my deepest sorrow and looked into the eyes of death. Yet the world dance did not cease. By the light of the waning moon, I have seen the faces of the shining ones and, taking the sword of wisdom, cut the cords that bind me. Armed only with love I have entered the healing power of the moon, drawing it down around me to enter the sacred womb of the dark goddess. And turning pain into power, I have returned.

Prayer to Inanna/Ishtar

 The pure torch that flares in the sky,

The heavenly light shining bright like the day

The Great Queen of Heaven, Inanna, I will hail...

Of Her majesty, of Her greatness, of her exceeding dignity

Of Her brilliant coming forth in the evening sky,

Of Her flaring in the sky - a pure torch -

Of Her standing in the sky like the sun and moon,

Known by all lands from the south and north

 Of the greatness of the holy heaven

 To the Lady I will sing.

Unto the queen of the gods,

into whose hands are committed the behest of the great gods,

unto the lady of Nineveh,the queen of the gods,

the exhalted one,unto the daughter of the moon-god,

the twin sister of the sun god, unto her who ruleth all kingdoms,

unto the goddess of the world who deetermineth decrees,

unto the Lady of heaven and earth who recieveth supplication,

unto the merciful goddess who hearkeneth unto entreaty,

who recieveth prayer, who loveth righteousness,

I make my prayer unto Ishtar

to whom all confusion is a cause of grief.

The sorrows which I see I lament before thee.

Incline thine ear unto my words of lamentation

and let thine heart be opened unto my sorrowful speech.

Turn thy face unto me,

O Lady, so that by reason thereof

the heart of thy servant may be made strong!

I, Ashur-nasir-pal, the sorrowful one, am thy humble servant;

I, who am beloved of thee, make offerings unto thee and adore thy divinity

. . . . I was born in the mountains which no man knoweth;

I was without understanding and I prayed not of thy majesty.

Moreover the people of Assyria did not recognise and did not accept thy divinity.

But thou, O Ishtar, thou mighty Queen of the gods,

by the lifting up of thine eyes did teach me,

for thou didst desire my rule.

Thou didst take me from the mountains,

and didst make me the Door of my peoples

. . . and thou, O Ishtar, didst make great my name!

As concerning that for which thou are wrath with me,

grant me forgiveness.

Let thine anger be appeased,

and let thine heart be mercifully inclined towards me.

A Prayer to Inanna for Prosperity and Well-Being

Noble INANNA, mighty Queen, Lady of the Battle,

Powerful ISHTAR, mighty Lady, Offspring of NANNA,

The darling of ENKI, strong one of the Gods, IRNINI,

I beseech thee, O Lady, stand and hearken unto me!

I, (add thy own name), I am afraid and I tremble…

I, thy servant, am cast down in fear!

May my God stand at my right hand!

May my Goddess stand at my left hand!

Oh Lady of Heaven and Earth, that unto the Black-Headed Race art favorable,

Do thou set favour and righteousness upon me!

Truly pity me and hearken to my cries!

Decree my destiny, make pleasant my path!

Let my powers be propitious!

Let my dreams be favourable!

That I may praise thy greatness, that I may bow in humility before thee!

Invocation of Ninhursag (Ki)

(Mother of the Gods, The Earth Mother, Mother of Humankind)

    "Mother Earth Goddess, Ninhursag-Ki

    Mound of The Duku, Risen from the Sea

    Mother of Gods and Mother of Man

    Womb of Creation and Every Clan

    Serpent of Magick, Creatrix So Dear

    Come Unto Us Now, For We Invoke Thee Here."

Invocation of Enlil (Ellil)

(Lord of the Air, Champion of the Gods, Lord of the Earth)

    "O Mighty Enlil, Eagle of the Skies

    King of the World, Master of the Wise

    The Tablet of Destinies, You Hold in Your Hands

    Warrior of Heaven and Lord of the Lands

    By Your Throne and Crown, Scepter and Spear

    Come Unto Us Now, For We Invoke Thee Here."

Invocation of Nanna (Sin)

(Lord of the Moon, Judge of the Dead, Lawgiver)

  "O Great Nanna, Silver Hunter of the Night

    Great Orb of Power, Bringer of Light

    Lord of Tides and Judge of the Dead

    God of the People, Your Mercy is Shed

    God of All Lands, Both Far and Near

    Come Unto Us Now, For We Invoke Thee Here."

To seek the wisdom of the Moon-God (Nanna/Sin)

Lord and Chief of the Gods, 0 Sin!

Great one who holds the keys to the door of knowledge.

0 Sin, who is unique and who is brightest in the night

Who bears the burden of office once held by Kingu

Brilliant is thy torch, like the fire god

The brightness which fills the earth and offers up the

Goddess Nana, Hail to the Nannar, lord of increase!

I seek thee Sin who faced the Seven Sebitti in glorious array

And exists still held as a light-bearing torch in the night

0 Sin, glorious one of Ikur, I beseech thee to bring forth the

oracle of the Gods!

The end of the Month is the day of thy oracle, the decision

of the great gods through which I shall understand!

I pour now the libation of the night, I shall not bow down

yet ascend in the face of thy knowledge!

Thou Strong Bull with terrible horns, with a flowing beard

of the color of lapis lazuli, full of vigor and life!

Founder of shrines, Father Nannar, who is illuminated before all!

Bring to me the hidden knowledge, if the Sebitti are with

me so it shall be!

Invocation of Utu (Shamash)

(Lord of the Sun, Lord of Justice, Lawgiver)

Great Lord Utu, Shining Sun of Day

Father of Righteousness, Keeper of The Way

Bringer of Justice, Lord of Life

Protector of All and Defeater of Strife

Giver of Power, Destroyer of Fear

Come Unto Us Now, For We Invoke Thee Here."

Invocation of Inanna (Ishtar)

(Queen of Heaven, Goddess of Love and War)

    "O Inanna, Great Lady of Love and of War

    Queen of the Heavens and The Underworld's Door

    Star of the Morning, Star of the Eve

    Mistress of Passions, Great Magick You Weave

    Daughter of the Moon, Sacred and Dear

    Come Unto Us Now, For We Invoke Thee Here."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penitential Prayer to Every God

May the wrath of the heart of my god be pacified!

May the god who is unknown to me be pacified!

May the goddess who is unknown to me be pacified!

May the known and unknown god be pacified!

May the known and unknown goddess be pacified!

The sin which I have committed I know not.

The misdeed which I have committed I know not.

A gracious name may my god announce!

A gracious name may my goddess announce!

A gracious name may my known and unknown god announce!

A gracious name may my known and unknown goddess announce!

Pure food have I not eaten,

Clear water have I not drunk.

An offense against my god I have unwittingly committed.

A transgression against my goddess I have unwittingly done.

0 Lord, my sins are many, great are my iniquities!

My god, my sins are many, great are my iniquities! . . .

The sin, which I have committed, I know not.

The iniquity, which I have done, I know not.

The offense, which I have committed, I know not.

The transgression I have done, I know not.

The lord, in the anger of his heart, hath looked upon me.

The god, in the wrath of his heart, hath visited me.

The goddess hath become angry with me, and hath grievously stricken me.

The known or unknown god hath straitened me.

The known or unknown goddess hath brought affliction upon me.

I sought for help, but no one taketh my hand.

I wept, but no one came to my side.

I lamented, but no one hearkens to me.

I am afflicted, I am overcome, I cannot look up.

Unto my merciful god I turn, I make supplication.

I kiss the feet of my goddess and [crawl before her] . . .

How tong, my god . . .

How long, my goddess, until thy face be turned toward me?

How long, known and unknown god, until the anger of thy heart be pacified?

How long, known and unknown goddess, until thy unfriendly heart be pacified?

Mankind is perverted and has no judgment.

Of all men who are alive, who knows anything?

They do not know whether they do good or evil.

0 lord, do not cast aside thy servant!

He is cast into the mire; take his hand.

The sin which I have sinned, turn to mercy!

The iniquity which I have committed, let the wind carry away.

My many transgressions tear off like a garment!

My god, my sins are seven times seven; forgive my sins!

My goddess, my sins are seven times seven; forgive my sins!

Known and unknown god, my sins are seven times seven; forgive my sins.