ishtar of babylon

ishtar is the multilayerd babylonian creator goddess, the source of all life and embodiment of the power of nature. she is the giver of plenty, a lawgiver, a judge, the goddess of time as well as the goddess of both love and war. her name means "giver of light" and derives from her role as queen of heaven. she is the planet venus as both morning and evening star, and her girdle is the zodiacal belt. ishtar descends into the underworld and restores the vegetation god, tammuz, to life and thus restores fertility to the earth. as she descends she removes a veil at each gate. while she is underground all life on earth is depressed and notheing comes to life. ishtar is a multifaceted, powerful symbol of a forthrightt mode of being that is unafrad to venture into the depths of the underworld. she represents the creative feminine, active and strong.

--Michael Babcock