
One of the myths that we will be working with in our Alchemy of Menopause workshops is the Sumerian myth of Inanna. We will explore the relationship between Inanna and her dark sister Ereshkigal as a guide to working with our own shadow.
There is a mystery inherent within shadow work, we cannot just bulldoze our way into the unconscious with our ego and its usual defences, there are laws to consider.
As Inanna descends through the 7 gates of the underworld, she is told repeatedly by Neti, chief gatekeeper, “Quiet Inanna, the ways of the underworld are perfect. They may not be questioned”.
Menopause is a descent to our own underworld, a repository of material, information, power, and repressed experiences. If we are to cross the threshold of menopause and return in one piece, we may need to surrender that which has become redundant to our soul’s journey and submit to an authority beyond our personal will.
The old ways have had their day, and even amid what feels like death, a new day is dawning.
Presenting a series of questions to work with, our alchemical journey begins with the nigredo, the first stage of the transformative process and the Great Work.
In menopause, as with any descent to the unconscious (underworld), we can be taken against our will, or we can choose to make a conscious regression.
Exploring the realm of the dark feminine through the archetype of Ereshkigal, and the archetype of Death Mother we will reframe our menopausal journey as a descent to the recesses of our soul where treasure (gold) is waiting to be found.
Link to free introductory talk on “The Alchemy of Menopause”.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1730512061159?aff=oddtdtcreator