When we think of Inanna, she is usually envisioned as the descending Goddess--and often, it is her time spent in the Underworld that most alluded to. While the Underworld, or the "shadow" is vital, it is equally important to remember what happens after the time spent in the darkness, the void, or the long dark tunnel. We descend our entire lives it seems—only coming up for brief moments of respite. Patriarchy pushes us down repeatedly—and sometimes, we just stay there.

Inanna's Ascent examines how women can rise from the underworld and reclaim their power. All contributors are extraordinary women in their own right, who have been through some difficult life lessons—and are brave enough to share their stories.

"Inanna's stories have the potential to awaken in ourselves new forces. Her ancient wisdom is likely to revive feelings and insights that are buried deep in our collective unconscious for generations, and even evoke the self-knowledge needed for a lasting change from the roots up. Inanna's message is not about reversing back patriarchy into matriarchy, making strong women and weak men as typical of the submission-domination paradigm. Hers is the 'middle road,' the path of individual integration and participation with all life on Earth. Like a modern "Grail," Inanna brings a message of healing to our wounded hearts, opening new doors of perceptions into a consciousness of wholeness by embracing the rejected Sacred Feminine in its Totality." -Liliana Kleiner, Ph.D.

"Raw, insightful and compelling, this book resonates. Inanna's Ascent rekindles the ancient recognition of women's intimate connection with the Goddess. Inanna's Ascent shows how women are recovering the sovereignty that is their fundamental birthright." -P.D. Mackenzie Cook, Author of Epona: Hidden Goddess of the Celts