Inana's return: the woman looking for the repressed female

Abstract

This article aims to reflect on the myth of the goddess Inana and build bridges between the repressed feminine as a result of patriarchal society and the experience with the totality of being. In this proposal, myth functions as an interpretative ascent of consciousness to the unconscious level. Thus, this article aims to serve as a reference for women who seek identification with the feminine that is not being experienced in its entirety, descending to the depths of the lower world to effect the rescue of the feminine. As primary source will be used the work of Sylvia Brinton Perera, entitled "Pathway to Feminine Initiation" (1985) which has interpretative basis of myth in psychology and secondarily, works "The Hero of a thousand faces" (1949) and "The Power of Myth" (1990) by Joseph Campbell; "Return of the Goddess" (1991) by Edward C. Whitmont; “The Dynamics of Symbols” (1997) by Verena Kast and other works. The theoretical-methodological framework through bibliographies of mythology and psychology, as well as philosophy and history serve as a parameter for the analysis, promoting a fruitful dialogue between myth and interpretations of Analytical Psychology. Inana is the symbol of the repressed and silent feminine, and it comes through myth to provide a fruitful space for women to express themselves, just as she allowed herself to do, far beyond social appearances.