Ritual of the Descent of Ishtar written for the Fellowship of Isis by Olivia Robertson, co-founder of the FOI. From the introduction: "This myth is a representation of our descent into the womb, and our ascent from it. We face our unconscious past lives in order to progress. Every great myth carries many meanings related to consciousness. So the descent of Ishtar with her crescent headdress may be seen as the waxing and waning of the Moon - for is she not the Lady of 15? It may be understood as the alchemical transmutation of the soul, leaving the domain of air and sun and sinking through the seven spheres of consciousness, through the four basic elements. Air and fire transmute to earth and water: spirit and thought gain knowledge of the practical sciences, the ability to feel and use the passions. This accomplished, totality of consciousness is experienced, and the soul, bringing with it understanding born from experience, ascends to its former state, in glory." (FOI-Crossroads Media is an authorized publishing outlet for the Fellowship of Isis Homepage Archive.)