Inanna

How to recognise Inanna

1. Eight-pointed starHer best-known emblem, it stands for her astral side as the planet Venus, and later it is often set inside a circle.
2. LionHer animal, shown with her foot on its back or, in her war aspect, held on a leash.
3. Horned crownA tiered, horned crown of divinity, worn by the major Mesopotamian deities, marks her as a great goddess.
4. Flounced robeA tiered or flounced robe, like those of other Mesopotamian goddesses, shows her as a clothed, regal figure.
5. WeaponsIn her warrior aspect, weapons rise from her shoulders and she may hold more in her hand, in ancient styles such as bow, mace and quiver.
6. Reed ringHer oldest emblem is a bundle of reeds tied into a ring at the top, which became the cuneiform sign for her name.
7. Red and blueRed carnelian and blue lapis lazuli were used to symbolise her, and the Ishtar Gate adds deep blue glazed brick with gold-yellow animals.

Names and titles

• Queen of HeavenHer primary title; her name is commonly derived from the Sumerian for 'Lady of Heaven'
• Lady of the StarsA title in ancient god lists, linking her to Venus, the morning and evening star
• Lady of the EannaShe was the patron goddess of the Eanna temple at Uruk, her early main centre
• The Seven GatesIn the Descent, she passes through seven gates, giving up a piece of her regalia at each
• Bearer of the Seven PowersShe takes the seven divine powers (me) with her, and Enheduanna praises her as their guardian