tarot - universal goddess tarot
Ishtar is known by many names in many countries. She is the Queen of Heaven and the Creator of the People; a strong warrior goddess who rides a charrot driven by lions. Ishtar is also the sister of the underworld goddess Ereshkigal.
The best known story of Ishtar relates Her descent into the underworld to confront Her sister. As She passes through the seven gates of Ereshkigal's realm, Ishtar is stripped of Her finery. When She reaches Ereshkigal's throne room, She tries to take over Her rule only to be stopped by Ereshkigal's servants and hung like a decaying slab of meat in Ereshkigal's bedchamber. Ishtar is eventually freed by Her cunning uncle, the god Ea. When She returns to Her own throne room, She finds that Her lover Tammuz had tried to usurp Her rule. In anger, She sends him to the underworld. Later, as She grows to miss him, she sends Tammuz's half-sister for six months of the year to take his place.*
When this card appears in a reading, you are displaying strong force of character. Call upon Ishtar's strength to enable you to overcome passions and desires that are working to derail you.
When reversed, Ishtar's attraction to material goods is overwhelming you. You are afraid to exercise self-control.
* This myth is also attributed to Inanna, and to other goddesses associated with Ishtar.
