Wisdom Circle: Inanna’s Return: Re-Embodying Menstrual Sacrality

Topic: Inanna’s Return:  Re-Embodying Menstrual Sacrality

Guest Speaker:  Annalisa Derr, PhD

The Sumerian goddess Inanna is the zeitgeist goddess of our cultural moment.  She is a multi-faceted myth figure that expresses erotic agency, is a formidable goddess on the battlefield, and willingly sacrifices Herself to the Underworld Queen to regain Her original (pre-patriarchal) Sovereignty. But Inanna is more than an archetypal role model for women seeking to embody sexual agency and empowerment; She is a myth model who guides women to experience the living presence of Goddess within the female body, including the menstrual cycle.

Western culture has no sacred menstrual narrative to teach women and men, girls and boys, about the connection between the menstrual cycle and the mysteries of creation. We are also not taught about the existential role the menstrual cycle plays in human society. Most of our approaches to menstruation miss the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual meanings that undergird menstruation.

Menstrual narratives grounded in empowering goddess archetypes fill this cultural void. Sacred stories and rituals that center goddesses empower women (and men) to revere female bodies as divine and powerful. In particular, the menstrual cycle is best viewed as a source of wisdom about women’s bodily power.

In this workshop, Annalisa will illustrate how she re-imagines “The Descent of Inanna” as a sacred menstrual narrative, offering a framework for contemporary women’s empowerment. Annalisa will then lead the group through a selection of embodied practices—a writing prompt, a womb visualization, and a ritual enactment—geared toward re-(w)riting menarche. As a myth model She encourages them to shed internalized sexism and menstrual stigmatization and instead cultivate sacred menstrual stories, symbols, and practices to experience Goddess’ indwelling power—Her erotic aliveness which is the driving feminine force of the menstrual cycle. Ultimately, Inanna serves as a healing guide for the little girl inside of every woman, regardless of age or menstrual status.

About Annalisa:  Annalisa Derr earned her PhD in Mythological Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute and holds a BA in theater. Her forthcoming book with Inner Traditions helps liberate women from internalized sexism and menstrual shame, (re)awakening them to their indwelling Sacred Feminine Power through a re-imagining of “The Descent of Inanna.” Embodying her research, Annalisa performs original site-specific, goddess-centered, menstrual art performances.

Annalisa produces “Journey to the Goddess TV,” hosting experts in goddess scholarship and spirituality. She also offers sacred feminine retreats and embodiment workshops. She will be leading an intimate group to Mary Magdelene’s sacred sites in France in May 2026.  Annalisa served on the Sarasvati Nonfiction Book Award committee for ASWM, and she modeled Mary Magdalene for the “Goddess on Earth Oracle Deck” by Lisa Levart. She is an aspiring flamenco dancer, Italophile, and a recent resident of Greece.  Learn more about Annalisa and her upcoming book at:  https://www.journeytothegoddess.voyage/who-we-are

Logistics:

Date:  Saturday, November 29

Time:  6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Place:  Kalyves (Exact location given upon RSVP)

What to bring: A notebook and item for the communal altar.

Food:  You are welcome (but not required) to bring a light and healthy dish to share.  Please contact us to coordinate.

Space is Limited.  Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming:  councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com