Bestowing of The Decrees (The Sacred Me)
Enki, the wise and benevolent god, stood before Inanna. His hands held the divine decrees, each one shimmering with power and promise. “I will give these to you, holy Inanna,” he declared. “May they never be lost.”
Decrees of Heroism and Power
With reverence, Inanna received the first set of decrees. They bestowed heroism, power, and the ability to bring both joy and sorrow. She was given the strength to plunder cities and the wisdom to make lamentations. Each decree was a testament to the diverse aspects of life and leadership.
Decrees of Duality and Balance
Next, Enki handed her decrees of deceit and rebellion, balanced by kindness and the ability to wander or stay rooted. These decrees reflected the dual nature of existence, where light and dark, movement and stillness, coexist.
Decrees of Craftsmanship
Inanna then received the crafts of the carpenter, coppersmith, scribe, smith, leather-worker, fuller, builder, and reed-worker. These decrees represented the heart of Sumerian civilization, where craftsmanship and skill were revered. The tools and knowledge of these trades were essential for building society and fostering creativity.
Decrees of Wisdom and Reverence
Enki continued, bestowing upon Inanna wisdom, attentiveness, and holy purification rites. She also received the shepherd’s hut, the art of piling glowing charcoals, and the sheepfold. These decrees symbolized the care and respect for the land and its creatures, the quiet reverence of daily life, and the silent awe of nature’s beauty.
Decrees of Family and Fire
The decrees of fire, both its kindling and extinguishing, hard work, family, and descendants were next. These gifts encompassed the essence of human existence, from the toil of labor to the warmth of family and the continuity of generations.
Decrees of Governance and Triumph
Finally, Enki presented decrees of strife and triumph, counseling and decision-making. These were the tools of governance, the means to lead with justice and wisdom, to navigate conflicts, and to celebrate victories.
Inanna’s Receipt of The Decrees
Inanna, holding the decrees, felt the weight of their significance. She repeated the gifts she received, each one a piece of the divine puzzle that shaped the world:
He has given me heroism. He has given me power. Enki has given me joy and sorrow.”
He has given me deceit. He has given me rebellion. Enki has given me kindness.”
He has given me the crafts of the carpenter and coppersmith.
He has given me the skills of the scribe and smith.
Enki has given me the arts of the leather-worker and fuller.
He has given me the talents of the builder and reed-worker.”
Enki has given me wisdom. He has given me attentiveness.
Enki has given me holy rites and the shepherd’s hut.
He has given me the art of glowing charcoals and the sheepfold.
Enki has given me respect and awe.
He has given me the kindling of fire and its extinguishing. He has given me hard work.
Enki has given me family and descendants. He has given me strife and triumph.
Enki has given me counseling.
With each decree, Inanna felt more connected to the divine tapestry of Sumerian life.
She was now a bearer of these sacred gifts, ready to weave their power into the fabric of her world.
The ME, the divine decrees were not just symbols of power but were the very essence of civilization, guiding the hearts and minds of those who would follow her.
