This evening we’ll explore Inanna’s descent into the underworld and how the parallel goddess Persephone encounters the same terrain. The former chose to descend to the netherworld, the latter was abducted. The ancient Sumerian poem, 'The Descent of Inanna' famously begins with the lines: "From the Great Above she opened her ear to the Great Below. From the Great Above the goddess opened her ear to the Great Below. From the Great Above Inanna opened her ear to the Great Below. My Lady abandoned heaven and earth to descend to the underworld. Inanna abandoned heaven and earth to descend to the underworld." And Inanna, unlike Persephone, took that journey only once. 

Kristina will discuss how the cycle of death and rebirth is illustrated through these two similar - yet contrasting - myths. What is the archetypal significance of Inanna’s sister Ereshkigal as to Persephone’s relationship with Hades? What role do nature and the changing of the seasons play in both of these myths? What are the gates of metamorphosis from the Great Above to the Great Below? And how do we find meaning in the ordeal when, like Inanna, one has outgrown their shell and is now left like a corpse hanging on a wall, or as Persephone, experiencing a depression that feels like death as one has a foot in both the upper and the underworld? 

Kristina Dryza is recognised as one of the world’s top female futurists and is also an archetypal consultant and published author.

 Date: 8th March 2019
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Venue: Mitchell Theatre Level 1 Sydney Mechanics' School
of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney
Cost: Members $15 Non-Members $25 Non-Member
Concession $20

*Psychotherapists and other practitioners can obtain credit for Professional Development hours recognised by PACFA and ACA for this presentation.