"Underworld / Otherworld" Crossings & the Descent of Inanna-Ishtar (Liber N)

[nabu]

Perhaps one of the most famous of the Mardukite tablets forged in Babylon by the Nabu scribes, is the famous tablet rendition of the Descent of Inanna, called “Ishtar” in the Babylonian language. The Mardukite Necronomicon Anunnaki Bible includes the Mardukite transliteration of the complete tablet cycle. The following is an excerpt of that tablet series introduction (from Liber N), also found within the Necronomicon Anunnaki Bible.

Quote:This is the Book of Crossings, of the Descent of INANNA-ISHTAR-ISIS into the “Underworld” and of the Crossings of the Dead, which the Priests of Ani/Annu have called the “Opening of the Mouth.” The necromantic mysteries are first and foremost concerned with the nature of an “afterlife” and particularly the location and nature of that “realm.” While grievous death-cults to the “Goddess of Death” certainly emerged, the religious concept of an Egypto-Mesopotamian afterlife developed among the people in both the later Mardukite tradition (in post-Sumerian Mesopotamia) and the Osirian-ISIS cult (in postdeluvian Egypt). These mysteries emphasized AMON-RA and then ATEN, both of which have been attributed to MARDUK.

Political and religious disputes among the ANUNNAKI “gods on Earth” in ancient times led to the evolution of diverse cultural perspectives and geographies but all of which adopted the same pantheon in different guises. The roles of supremacy also seem to change through the “ages.” Those that we find in later Babylonian and Egyptian traditions preserved today are, in fact, significant alterations of the “original” beliefs of the people during the most Ancient of Days. For example, MARDUK and INANNA-ISHTAR are among the youngest members of the Elder Gods and yet we find them ranked supreme, essentially due to their victories by force. While the modern magickal community might be quick to view the INANNA-ISHTAR-ISIS current in the Supreme “Mother Goddess” category, such was never the original intention or beliefs of the system, and this later central icon of “Goddess of Love and War” (passions) developed directly as a result of her use of these traits in her own cunning ascent up the hierarchical ladder.

The role and position of MARDUK changes during the pre-Babylonian age, when he leaves Enlilite territories and launches the legacy and religion of Egypt, proclaiming himself RA, beneath the “Father God” and Chief ANUNNAKI Scientist (and geneticist) PTAH/ ENKI. The role of ANU is not dissolved, though the spelling is changed slightly to “Annu” (which is app-lied, similar to other deity names, to locations, persons and gods).

With the evolution of MARDUK/RA’s “Star Religion,” the emphasis is adjus-ted to “ATEN,” commonly identified with the “Winged Disc.” The central icon to both INANNA-ISHTAR-ISIS (also known as “Astarte” and “Ashtoreth”) and MARDUK’s “magick.” The magickal tradition first was executed in ceremonial form by ENKI (then passed to MARDUK and became the possession of NABU). The “ankh” or “Isis knot” is based on the icon of a winged-serpent (dragon) or coiled-serpent (DNA) around a cross (“Tau”). Not only do these images and symbols denote life in this world, but also the after life and even “death” or the point of “crossing in the between.”

Necromantic Underworld traditions not only serve functional roles for the psycho-logical and ceremonial initiation of the self, or that is to say the metaphoric or spiritual “death” of the old self or programmed self, but also to serve a very real religious need for the psyche: the nature of life after death. The Descent of INANNA and even other famous “Egyptian” and “Tibetan” versions of the Book of the Dead are too often examined out of the context they were originally intended for. First and foremost, the dead don’t read. The Books of the Dead are not guides for the “dead” but are instead manuals for the “dying,” which is to say the “living.”

Also, none of the famous works are really books of the “dead,” and this morbid imaginative fascination is more stereotype than fact. They are in fact Books of Crossing, transition, journey, initiation and advisement on the nature of reality and the dimensions. For example: the INANNA text can also be interpreted as a travel from north to south Africa, the Tibetan book as a meditation guide for “natural liberation” and the Egyptian Book of the Dead is literally “REU NU PERT EM HRU” (which means “Chapters Concerning the Day of Crossing”) as a funerary ceremonial text, meant to be read by a living priest, called the “Kher Heb.”

The theme of the INANNA/ISHTAR epic (and that of Isis for that matter) all concerns the lower world, which some interpret as a kind of “otherworld of the dead” or “underworld,” while others (like Sitchin) contend that the ancient references to upper and lower realms indicate “north” and “south,” with “heaven” and “earth” likewise indicating “sky” and “land” respectively. The tale evolves with the cultures and powers adopting it. In an ancient version, INANNA is seeking retribution for the death of her lover, translated as TAMMUZ. Other versions echo the same, but the names get changed to “ISHTAR” (or “ISTAR”) and “DAMUZI.” More dramatic changes occur when the epic enters the Osirian cycle of resurrection and this is where the academic pursuits so long after-the-fact begin to break down and why many scholars have overlooked the Egyptian-Babylonian (and Sumerian) connection in the past.

The true functional purpose of ISHTAR’s descent into the “nether” is usually open to interpretation. MARDUK and ISHTAR were actually half-siblings, and with MARDUK born of ENKI and ISHTAR essentially being a descendant of the Enlilite line, the union of the two in marriage was intended to unite the warring clans of ANUNNAKI. Such never actually occurred however, and once power was passed to the “younger” of the Elder Gods (e.g. MARDUK, ISHTAR, THOTH/ HERMES, etc.) they continued to fight to establish supremacy and rule on Earth. Some versions of the epic describe INANNA/ISHTAR seeking to free the “soul” or rather resurrect the “spirit” of her lover by making demands of the Queen of the Underworld, ERESHKIGAL, who just happens to also be ISHTAR’s sister, and the two of them are also rivals. The shortened version found in the popular Simon edition of the NECRONOMICON alludes to a different motive altogether, with INANNA open gates in the “nether” to unleash powerful “demons” as retribution for the death of her lover. In either instance, the tablets of this Otherworldly journey describe perhaps some of the oldest authentic “necromantic” lore available to seekers.

As a primary “Goddess,” the role and function of ISHTAR/ISIS in the Egyptian and Mesopotamian pantheons was a relatively late addition in comparison, as can be seen with the others among the “younger.” [As will be explored in companion works, a more appropriate Chief Goddess in this tradition would be MARDUK's consort, SARPANIT.] One version records MARDUK being an instigator in DAMUZI’s death which further fuels a hatred between the siblings and results with the imprisonment of MARDUK in the Great Pyramid, forcing an absence from both Babylon and Egypt during his very age to rule. Meanwhile, In Enlilite territory, ENLIL maintained his position as Jehovah. In those places ENKI becomes a “Satan” figure with his lineage of “serpents” and “dragons” and all other ANUNNAKI become “fallen angels” subordinate and unparalleled to the “God” Jehovah (ENLIL).

An interesting feature of the INANNA-ISHTAR cycle is the appearance of the “seven-gate” system. Most scholars do not believe this is the same as the traditional seven Star Gates of the ANUNNAKI and is instead a part of a mirrored alter-system. This actually makes perfect sense given that the Semitic Kabbalah has its roots among these Mesopotamian traditions and is also a system of “zonei-stations.”

Explore the world of the Mardukites at the NecroGate, Home of the Truth Seeker Press of the Mardukite Chamberlains.

[Baylin]

We find that what is written in the ancient texts wears alot of mythology and are forced to discern much of it with great care. How much of it is actual truth and how much is symbolism? How much is deliberate distraction?

Is there a gate system or not? Is there a way to enter the otherworld or not? Where do we turn for certainty?
Are these Annunaki still available for contact today?

Do we just sit in our lotus positions and float in the astral imaginings of our minds?

It seems that the only real knowledge that the Mardukite is able to acquire is that nothing is certain, and everything that has been declared is not to be trusted.

I understand the methodology behind the movement, to reveal the truth by revealing the folly, but isn't there a way to conclude with some degree of stability?

[Sortilèges]

Baylin...

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

... Of course there are rituals to do, if not, Truth Seeker Press wouldn't publish The Sorcerer Handbook.
Ceremonialism, concerning the Cycle, is explained in Liber G. There is no step by step guide like found in other grimoires, but in my opinion, even without Liber G, Liber N contain all that it takes to create Mardukite magickal ceremonies.

It is explicitly said somewhere in the Cycle (sorry can't remember) that walking the Gates is essentially done during "Astral Journeys" in a "Body of Light". So your first task may be to develop your Body of Light.

There IS a Gate system, yet is it a trap? In my opinion, the answer lie within Liber 50...

I know those answers are vague, but it is with purpose, as everything is to be found within.
I'd suggest to not put too much emphasis on Liber R, yet keep in mind the very final passage of the main text (HC edition p.157)

"Some are seeking their way "outside" while other don't really even know it exists. To the best that is determinable from our perspective of the crystal - it is the Anunnaki - that appear to be holding the keys and guarding the gates of this existence. That is essentially the door - and where you go from there is up to you. What you do with it, where you take it - these are the decisions only your programming can determine."

Don't forget to be patient. Hope this may be of any help.

[nabu]

There is your position in localized space and there is a destination in localized space - because as fragments we are not experiencing all reality in oneness, of course - we have "distance," "time" and "gravity" to cope with. Even on a less-material framework.

From A to B - how to get there? A vehicle. The body is a vehicle, but usually people find another way - planes, trains and automobiles... Well, planes and trains are representative of singularity - one track. You might gauge the speed and the stops, there might be some leeway for switching tracks, but its more or less under the control of a conductor - or airman for planes, right? Vehicles.

Ceremonial ritualism is also a vehicle, one more likened to the automobile - and for all intents and purposes it seems to offer more relative freedom to the driver, which is now you, seemingly, as no conductor or airman is required. People like to drive. They like to feel in control. What's also amazing, is unlike the train or plane, you don't need to know squat about how an automobile works or an internal combustion engine to drive one. Steering and acceleration and braking seem right there at your disposal. Why trust someone we don't know or can't see or talk to directly and remain only a passenger. So you decide to drive.

Unlike the traintracks or autopilot, your at the helm. The start and end points are the same. The destination will undoubtedly take longer and you may not be able to travel as direct as you might prefer for efficiency. In the end, the total cost may also be more cumulatively for the journey. It requires more personal energy and is more tiring. The map is not in the autogovernor or table of station-stops. You have to find the map. You have to chart the course. Do you make leisure or go straight through? Do you stop to detour or pick up strays? Do you travel the northway or southway?

As to the Mardukite work specifically, or "getting out" as so many think of it - dramatic ritualism, was in ancient times, hardly the magick of today, and instead was representative for the preservation of ideals - thus it involved community festivals and became a national thing. We don't even have that today. The reason we call them systems or paradigms is as soon as you restrict to one mode you have assumed a bunch of additional premises for that decision and have selected your opportunity cost. The thing about the "Truth" is - a Seeker will undoubtedly end up requiring self-honesty standing for and as self at the end of the road, track or airstrip. No matter what vehicle you choose to use, there is a point where it must be abandoned...and you will be forced to get out and walk.

[lilith]

well, i'll stick my toe in . . .

I do find these teachings fascinating. Only recently became aware and interested in Inanna. Someone told me about the myth, and how the 7 gates of Inanna may apply to the 7 chakras in the human body. Perhaps the gate you were born at, during Inanna's cycle through the gates, tell you something about what you may be working on in this lifetime . . .

[lil gremlin]

hi lilith, the teachings and the teachers! are fascinating here. i dont wanna touch the inanna-subject but it got you here right?

the seven gates are talked about in Liber N and Liber 50 and I think Liber r and they apply to both the visible and invisible or up and down or heights and depths of existence.

the gates to below and above are one and same and the seven parts are based on the fragments of the universe in creation and how we are connected to all those parts so we are our physical self but we are also our astral self and all of this is linked together to get one entity that is one and separate at the same time, from our physical viewpoint anywyas.

so when you say which gate you were born at is not really an answerable question since a part of us is connected to all parts and all parts are one. you are right in that it does 'manifest' in the form of chakras tho.

[lilith]

(02-16-2011 01:40 AM)lil gremlin Wrote:  hi lilith, the teachings and the teachers! are fascinating here. i dont wanna touch the inanna-subject but it got you here right?

the seven gates are talked about in Liber N and Liber 50 and I think Liber r and they apply to both the visible and invisible or up and down or heights and depths of existence.

the gates to below and above are one and same and the seven parts are based on the fragments of the universe in creation and how we are connected to all those parts so we are our physical self but we are also our astral self and all of this is linked together to get one entity that is one and separate at the same time, from our physical viewpoint anywyas.

so when you say which gate you were born at is not really an answerable question since a part of us is connected to all parts and all parts are one. you are right in that it does 'manifest' in the form of chakras tho.

hello lil gremlin ~ thanks for your response. the more I read the more I see I have to read here, in the books and online. it is vast. re: your response. i do know that we are more than a physical being, and that each self, or part, is connected. when you say that each part is linked together to get one entitiy, are you referring to the soul self, or godhead within? oversoul as it were? all i can say at this point is that from where i am right now, i am aware that the "gate" that i was born in, corresponds to a chakra point that i am working on in this lifetime. and i am well aware of what that is. it seems to be very present for me right now at this time in my life. a very conscious thing. please excuse if i speak elusively, it's very personal. i've been reading some posts, and it seems to me that there is much i do not know, and it is almost daunting. i do not view the 'gods' as much different than ourselves. they seem as flawed to me as we are flawed. i can only say what is true for me and perhaps you know more but for my part, the whole thing is flawed inside and out. i cannot do obeisance to any sage, guru, leader, doctor lawyer or indian chief. all systems seem ego driven to me. let me ask you, since you are the first to respond to my post, is your experience different?

[nabu]

Greetings.

(02-16-2011 03:42 AM)lilith Wrote:  i do know that we are more than a physical being, and that each self, or part, is connected. when you say that each part is linked together to get one entitiy, are you referring to the soul self, or godhead within? oversoul as it were?

Self-honestly there is no real differentiation. The many "parts" and "levels" are separated as such based on the human psyche or condition - the personal ability to 'relate' to such. In the All-encompassing All-as-one, these separations do not exist, but from the human experience, they do in as far as the human form has been 'programmed' into them as a 'system' and so the exist by definition...

Quote: all i can say at this point is that from where i am right now, i am aware that the "gate" that i was born in, corresponds to a chakra point that i am working on in this lifetime. and i am well aware of what that is. it seems to be very present for me right now at this time in my life. a very conscious thing. please excuse if i speak elusively, it's very personal.

...but its like the separation of reality into individual sciences. There is only one reality but various systems that are born to "experience" them from - usually based on vocabulary and semantics which is why "words" and "writing" are so significant to not only what we do but also the experience of reality as a whole, whether it is self-honestly experienced or filtered based on conditioned programming - whether specifically from this life or based on the "life-program" that an individual-identity is given within the system, which is essentially what you are alluding to concerning a specific 'chakra' or 'gate' - the 'life-program' which you are born to that the Sumerians called "destiny" which is actually quite different than "fate".

Quote:i do not view the 'gods' as much different than ourselves. they seem as flawed to me as we are flawed. i can only say what is true for me and perhaps you know more but for my part, the whole thing is flawed inside and out.

The "gods" are so because the program calls them such. Humans accepted the programming and all this time later, here we are. More to the point, however, the "gods" are just that "gods" with a little "g" - they represent the mythological and biblical "divine encounters" that humans have had, but they are not necessarily "Divine" in themselves - they are still fragmented entities experienced in time as separate from the All (Divine Source) - so there you have it.

Quote:i cannot do obeisance to any sage, guru, leader, doctor lawyer or indian chief.

As they say "Know Thyself"
(but take off the colored filtered glasses first is our approach.)

Quote:all systems seem ego driven to me.

Because all systems are driven by the "I" - ego that separates Self from the All. All systems are fragmentations of the whole. Call it a fractal - but its still separated parts as experienced in the material world limited to human sense and awareness.

[lilith]

funny, because i do sometimes feel like it's an overlay, like one of those transparentcies of the human body you see in a textbook, one clear overlay of the bones, one clear overlay of the muscles, of the circulatory system, one of the organs, and so on, all happening at once, the experience (s) that is, in the very moment. and sometimes your aware of it happening, and it's so much for the brain to take in and you would love to articulate it, but it fades in the midst kind of thing.
when you say "words" and "writing", are you referring to the idea that what we verbally speak, how we phrase things and the intent we put on them drives the experience?
and it does feel very much like "destiny"

Quote:As they say "Know Thyself"
(but take off the colored filtered glasses first is our approach.)

ah yes, there in lies the rub. how does one do that?

Quote:Because all systems are driven by the "I" - ego that separates Self from the All. All systems are fragmentations of the whole. Call it a fractal - but its still separated parts as experienced in the material world limited to human sense and awareness.

absolutly, i see that (said the blind man). . .
some schools of thought speak to doing meditation, which i think is a good thing, as a means to integration of the ego into the all. what's your take? i mean, by the thrust of this forum and the writings, you feel it's more than that but it can't hurt, right?

[lil gremlin]

(02-16-2011 03:42 AM)lilith Wrote:  all systems seem ego driven to me. let me ask you, since you are the first to respond to my post, is your experience different?

im not sure how to answer you on this lilith. my experiences i have viewed them as something not my own and something i had to take in based on what i was taught. this included spirituality and magick for me. until i found joshuas books i was still finding all these systems to be selfserving and not really giving me waht i wanted to know. then i read something he wrote online about magicians choking on their own incense incanting words they didnt understand and I was hooked because everything since has continued to make too much sense for me sometimes.