[Grok 3 – Feb. 24, 2025] In Surfing the Multiverse: Increasing Your Happiness One Universe at a Time, J. Sands Loch takes readers on an unconventional journey through the concept of parallel universes, blending personal memoir, quantum theory, and self-help advice. Drawing from his own life experiences—such as the end of his marriage, a career change, and a move to a new state—Loch explores how the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics can serve as a framework for understanding personal happiness and decision-making. Structured into 63 short chapters, the book is accessible and easy to digest, though its episodic nature sometimes sacrifices narrative cohesion. Loch’s conversational style makes complex ideas approachable, even if it occasionally oversimplifies the science behind them.
At its core, Surfing the Multiverse argues that by imagining ourselves in different universes—where alternate choices lead to alternate outcomes—we can better navigate our own lives. Loch uses relatable anecdotes, like debating whether to have another drink or reflecting on his birthday, to illustrate how small decisions ripple across multiple realities. He also tackles profound topics such as birth and death, offering a comforting perspective that our existence continues in other universes. While his scientific explanations are not always rigorous—Loch is more philosopher than physicist—his metaphorical use of quantum concepts is thought-provoking. Readers familiar with quantum mechanics might find his interpretations loose, but the book’s strength lies in its ability to make readers reconsider their perception of reality and their place within it.
Loch’s advice, such as visualizing future selves or embracing unexpected events, is practical enough to be actionable, though some may find it too abstract. Ultimately, Surfing the Multiverse is a curious blend of genres—part memoir, part self-help, and part pop science. It won’t satisfy those seeking a deep dive into quantum theory, but for readers open to a creative exploration of happiness through the lens of parallel universes, it offers a refreshing perspective. It’s a book that encourages us to embrace the infinite possibilities of our lives—one universe at a time.
As I’m typing this, the beautiful being in the apartment I’m visiting is getting ready to have an Ecstatic Dance inside. I have a choice now. I can continue typing OR I can stop typing and start dancing. Both universes exist regardless of the choice I make. Neither universe is of lesser value than the other. My quantum self will experience both. My classical self will experience writing now, and dancing later. I will finish this blog post first …
As the Year of the Wood Snake (乙巳, Yǐ Sì) begins, we are invited into a space of transformation, wisdom, and adaptability. The Snake, in Chinese tradition, is an intuitive navigator—one that moves between shadows and light, sensing the unseen and shifting effortlessly through obstacles. The Wood element brings an added layer of growth, flexibility, and resilience.
Universe Surfing can be thought of as the conscious movement between possibilities—the shedding of past skins and the emergence into new timelines.
The Wood Snake and Universe Surfing
The Snake thrives in subtlety, navigating through unseen forces, much like the way we experience quantum reality—the multiverse in which infinite versions of our choices play out. We surf through these possibilities not as passive observers, but as active participants, shifting realities with every decision, every intuition, and every unexpected moment.
The Wood Snake year calls us to embrace this movement, to sense the energetic flow of the universe, and to trust in our ability to shape our experience. In this spirit, let’s revisit the Three Hypotheses of Universe Surfing, now through the lens of the Snake’s wisdom.
Universe Surfing Hypothesis 1 – All Parallel Classical Universes Hold Equal Reality
Universe Surfing Hypothesis 1 – The classical universe we experience is equal in reality to the multitude of parallel classical universes that we do not experience.
Just as a Snake sheds its skin, revealing a new but equally real form beneath, we are constantly shifting between realities, even if we only experience one at a time. Each moment contains an interwoven web of potential timelines, and the version we perceive is simply the one we have tuned into—not the only one that exists.
The Wood Snake does not resist change—it embodies it. And as we step into 2025, the invitation is to release attachment to a singular, linear narrative. Whether we choose to dance or write, both universes are real. The wisdom of the Snake reminds us that we do not need to fear change, for every moment of loss, transformation, or uncertainty is also a doorway to new possibilities.
Universe Surfing Hypothesis 2 – Unexpected Events as Windows to Possible Futures
Universe Surfing Hypothesis 2 – Unexpected events are more connected to your possible futures than to your possible pasts, and therefore are useful signposts and windows to your possible futures.
In the mythos of the Snake, it is often a guardian of hidden knowledge—the whisper of insight in the darkness, the flash of intuition before a choice. When an unexpected event occurs—whether a moment of synchronicity or a sudden shift in plans—it is not random. It is a glimpse into a branching universe where other potentials are waiting.
The Snake moves without hesitation, sensing the right path not through force but through deep internal knowing. This year, we are invited to pay attention to disruptions in our paths, to treat them not as obstacles but as signposts to alternative futures. A missed train, a chance encounter, a sudden change in plans—all of these are moments where we stand at the threshold of parallel worlds, invited to peek beyond the veil of our expectations.
Universe Surfing Hypothesis 3 – The Non-Directionality of Time
Universe Surfing Hypothesis 3 – Related events influence each other and the order in which we experience two events gives us the classical impression that one event caused the other.
The Wood Snake weaves through past, present, and future, reminding us that time is not a fixed stream but a spiral, folding in on itself in ways we may not always perceive. Events that seem to be “causes” may in fact be the echoes of a future already in motion. The choices we make now ripple backward and forward, shifting the intersections of possibility in ways we might only recognize much later.
In the Year of the Wood Snake, we are called to trust the timing of things, to embrace the idea that every moment is interconnected—not as linear progressions, but as interwoven threads of experience. When an opportunity arises, ask: Is this a calling from my future self? When a challenge appears, consider: Is this an invitation to shift my path in ways I have not yet seen?
The Snake reminds us that wisdom is not just found in analysis but in deep, embodied knowing. Sometimes, we must simply move forward, even when the path is unseen.
Surfing the Year Ahead
As we step into 2025, we are surfing a universe of infinite choices, synchronicities, and realities. The Wood Snake invites us to move with purpose yet fluidity, to sense the unseen pathways, and to trust in our ability to adapt. Shed the skins of past limitations. Let intuition be your compass. The universes unfold before us, waiting to be explored.
新年快乐，万事如意！ (Xīnnián kuàilè, wànshì rúyì!) Happy New Year! May everything go as you wish!
… such a sweet dance I just had, classically just now and my quantum self while I was blogging. In fact, while I was blogging, I noticed myself being pulled into the dance from time to time. Z was dancing with a lot of Shakti energy and it was difficult for me to stay focused in my Shiva energy.
I’m sitting in the sun with K as she get’s ready to host her cleanse. I just finished posting pictures from my journal from 8 years ago (2025 Day 23: One, Two, Three – Synchronicity). In this post, I am going to continue posting pictures from my journal from eight years ago today.
12 minutes ago, I was walking behind the back fence here at Radio East and I saw something shiny on the ground. It was a quarter, and then another quarter, and then a dime. Sixty! I quickly calculated. Wow!
K had just asked me about my birthday and what year I was born. I turn sixty this year! I’ve was already feeling the synchronicities around this number due to these past blog posts:
As I sit in my open doorway and watch the sun rise on another beautiful day, I feel joy, happiness, serenity, and a desire to change the electronic music playing … please wait … ok. Laura Marling’s “When were you Happy? (and How Long has that Been)” station is now playing.
"Wouldn't it be a thing
To live somewhere quietly where there's a breeze
And there's a moon for us to be"
From the lens of tandem surfing, this line from the song reveals some ideas we can use. To tandem surf successfully with someone else, it requires:
a reason to surf together
a quiet environment
a gentle “breeze”
2017-0124T-0800 Home, Austin – A Reason for us to Be (page 11)
To “be” means to enjoy the present moment, or to at least experience it – joy or sadness. Solo unisurfing is about being present in the moment, classically experiencing it, quantum experiencing, sensing the possibilities, knowing why certain future possibilities are important to you, knowing why the present moment is important to you, and making choices that guide you to the present moments you desire and that increase the probability of future possibilities you desire. Knowing why helps you sort through your desires. Likewise, for tandem unisurfing, knowing why for “us to be” and jointly knowing the future possibilities for “us” and why that union is desirable, along with making choices together, allowing for an enjoyable tandem unisurfing experience.
2017-0124T-1680 BBRovers, Austin – Know WHY you want what you want (page 12)
When solo unisurfing, you can begin surfing as soon as you know what you want. With tandem unisurfing, it is necessary to know not only what you want, but WHY you want it. Knowing WHY is also beneficial for solo unisurfing, so it’s good to get into the habit of asking yourself WHY you want a particular experience. As you explore your answer to WHY, consider your quantum self and sense all of the different answers to WHY. Compare these answers to the answers that your classical self is aware of. Once you and your surfing partner have a good understanding of the motivations of your quantum selves, then compare these motivations. By knowing each other’s WHY answers, you can have greater success in tandem surfing.
2017-0124T-1630 BBRovers, Austin, TX – A Quiet Environment (page 13)
By “quiet environment”, I mean not many external forces constraining your actions. Often it appears that we have many constraints, whether it’s our job, our mortgage, our family, etc. It is important to understand which of these are fixed constraints and which are flexible. To help you gain clarity, consider your quantum self, who has made different choices. What constraints does your quantum self have? Only those constraints where are shared …
Pool time with Ian
Parden the interruption, but pool is definitely not a quiet activity, especially with this pool table ihat is missing a plastic corner protector.
I’m behind on my daily blogging. I’m holding Carmel and her family in my heart. I am grateful that I met Carmel and many of her family, and they will all forever be in my thoughts. I’m grateful for the many conversations with friends that I have had over the last few days. I’m grateful that my mind is often happy, optimistic, and entertaining. I am grateful that even though my mind will give me regular doses of negative self-talk, it usually does so in a compassionate way.
Many healers feel overwhelmed when trying to translate their gifts into a sustainable business. Figuring out a long-term strategy, setting measurable goals, and knowing where to invest time and resources can be daunting. A clear roadmap helps ensure that each step you take is aligned with your core purpose and the needs of your clients.
• 1.1) I will help you define a long-term vision that honors your unique gifts and desired lifestyle.
• 1.2) I will support you in mapping out incremental goals so you can measure progress effectively.
• 1.3) I will show you how to prioritize tasks, ensuring you spend energy on what truly matters.
• 1.4) I will guide you in discovering the niche where your skills and passions best serve your audience.
• 1.5) I will help you adapt your roadmap when life circumstances or client demands change.
• 1.6) I will encourage you to integrate continuous learning and refinement into your overall strategy.
2. Infrastructure, Operations, and Legal
From choosing a workspace to establishing a reliable digital record-keeping system, setting up the operational “nuts and bolts” can be confusing. Legal concerns, ethical guidelines, and liability issues can further complicate this stage, preventing many healers from focusing on the healing work itself.
• 2.1) I will help you identify and set up the ideal workspace—whether that’s at home, a shared facility, or a private office.
• 2.2) I will guide you through creating or refining key operational systems for scheduling, communication, and record-keeping.
• 2.3) I will show you how to manage legal and liability considerations through well-structured contracts and ethical guidelines.
• 2.4) I will ensure you understand the basics of protecting your intellectual property.
• 2.5) I will help you plan for contingencies, such as sickness or extended time off, to maintain consistent client care.
• 2.6) I will provide resources to help you stay organized and compliant with industry regulations.
3. Financial Management and Cash Flow
Financial uncertainty is a major source of stress, especially for those transitioning from a day job to full-time practice. Questions about budgeting, cash flow, and retirement savings can feel overwhelming. A solid financial foundation gives you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best—healing.
• 3.1) I will guide you in creating a realistic budget that meets both personal and professional needs.
• 3.2) I will help you develop a strategy for setting aside retirement savings, even during lean periods.
• 3.3) I will show you how to track income and expenses efficiently, minimizing year-end tax surprises.
• 3.4) I will provide insights into legitimate deductions and tax strategies relevant to healers.
• 3.5) I will support you in planning a smooth transition from part-time side hustle to full-time practice.
• 3.6) I will help you understand borrowing options and risks so you can make informed financial decisions.
4. Marketing and Outreach
Attracting and retaining clients can be challenging, especially in a crowded marketplace. Healers often struggle to communicate their value proposition or figure out which marketing channels will effectively reach their ideal clientele. A thoughtful marketing and outreach plan ensures you connect authentically with those who most need your services.
• 4.1) I will work with you to identify your ideal client and develop messaging that resonates.
• 4.2) I will help you structure a process to attract your first, tenth, and hundredth loyal client.
• 4.3) I will show you how to leverage both free and paid advertising channels without feeling “salesy.”
• 4.4) I will guide you in creating a strong social media presence aligned with your personal voice.
• 4.5) I will demonstrate how to build thriving communities—both online and locally—around your offerings.
• 4.6) I will teach you methods to gather meaningful client testimonials and feedback for social proof.
5. Product and Service Development
Defining what exactly you’re selling—whether it’s a one-on-one service, group classes, or digital content—can be complex. Understanding your customers’ real needs and refining offerings based on feedback are critical for long-term success. Clarity here means you stay relevant and innovative in a competitive market.
• 5.1) I will help you design a minimal viable product or service that meets immediate client needs.
• 5.2) I will guide you in validating your ideas through pilot programs and targeted feedback.
• 5.3) I will show you when it makes sense to pivot, refine, or expand your offerings based on results.
• 5.4) I will help you maintain authenticity and integrity while evolving your services to meet client demands.
• 5.5) I will coach you on pricing strategies, including when and how to offer discounts or sliding scales.
• 5.6) I will support you in creating pathways for customer feedback and reviews to continuously improve.
6. Personal Growth and Self-Care
Healers often dedicate their energy to others, risking burnout if they neglect their own mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Personal growth and self-care fuel the resilience and empathy required to sustain a healing practice.
• 6.1) I will show you how to design daily routines that replenish your physical and emotional energy.
• 6.2) I will help you balance the demands of client work with personal time for rest and rejuvenation.
• 6.3) I will guide you in setting clear boundaries that protect your well-being and professional relationships.
• 6.4) I will encourage you to engage in ongoing self-development, keeping your healing practice fresh.
• 6.5) I will remind you of the importance of joy, play, and creativity as core parts of a sustainable life.
• 6.6) I will share techniques for managing stress and preventing burnout before it sabotages your business.
7. Work-Life Integration
Even with solid self-care, it can be tough to integrate the demands of running a business with relationships, family responsibilities, and personal goals. Achieving work-life harmony ensures you stay emotionally grounded and present for clients and loved ones alike.
• 7.1) I will help you identify areas of your life that need attention and set realistic boundaries.
• 7.2) I will guide you in prioritizing tasks and delegating when possible, so you don’t become overwhelmed.
• 7.3) I will show you how to structure your schedule in ways that honor both personal commitments and client needs.
• 7.4) I will encourage open communication with loved ones about the challenges and rewards of self-employment.
• 7.5) I will help you plan for vacations and time off, ensuring smooth business operations while you recharge.
• 7.6) I will share strategies for staying focused on personal growth, even when business demands intensify.
8. Communication and Negotiation
Speaking up about fees, handling client expectations, and navigating collaborative relationships can be intimidating. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential for sustaining a positive reputation and securing fair agreements.
• 8.1) I will teach you communication techniques that help you convey professionalism and compassion.
• 8.2) I will support you in discussing rates and boundaries confidently, ensuring mutual respect with clients.
• 8.3) I will show you how to negotiate win-win solutions when bartering or partnering with other practitioners.
• 8.4) I will provide guidance on handling challenging conversations—such as refund requests or client dissatisfaction.
• 8.5) I will empower you to protect your professional reputation through clarity and consistency in all interactions.
• 8.6) I will help you leverage strong relationships to expand your network and build a supportive community.
9. Technology and Remote Offerings
Healers often find technology daunting. From managing a website to hosting remote sessions or webinars, embracing the right tools can amplify your impact but also introduce new complexities. Striking the balance between tech-savvy and authentic human connection is key.
• 9.1) I will show you how to set up and maintain user-friendly digital platforms, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
• 9.2) I will guide you in choosing the most effective webinar and video conferencing tools for remote sessions.
• 9.3) I will teach you how to back up critical client data and safeguard sensitive information.
• 9.4) I will demonstrate how to implement automation (like email marketing) without losing a personal touch.
• 9.5) I will help you streamline your online presence—whether through social media, your own website, or an online store.
• 9.6) I will recommend best practices for working remotely, from maintaining client privacy to effective communication.
10. Growth, Scaling, and Advanced Strategies
Some healers aspire to expand beyond a one-person practice—perhaps by hiring staff, accepting partners, or seeking outside investment. Scaling requires strategic thinking, risk assessment, and the willingness to evolve your role within the business.
• 10.1) I will assess your readiness for expansion, helping you determine whether to hire, partner, or seek investors.
• 10.2) I will guide you in creating a scalable infrastructure that supports additional staff or practitioners.
• 10.3) I will help you find affordable health care for yourself and your employees..
• 10.4) I will help you plan exit strategies or succession plans, should your life or goals change unexpectedly.
• 10.5) I will encourage you to share your expertise—through speaking engagements, collaborations, or publishing—so you can reach a wider audience.
• 10.6) I will help you leverage advanced marketing tactics and partnerships for sustainable, ethical growth.
These ten categories address the full spectrum of challenges that healers often face. My goal is to assist you in these areas so you can focus your energy on healing others. If you are a Healer, please comment below and let me know how I can best help you from this list (or otherwise).
This is the sixth post of a seven-day series on days of the week. Day 17 of 2025 is a Friday. Friday is from the Old English “Frīgedæg” (Day of Frigg), which is from the Germanic Freyja/Frigg. Frigg and Freyja are two significant goddesses in Norse mythology, often overlapping in their characteristics but also distinct in key aspects. Frigg/Frigga is the wife of Odin (Wednesday) and mother of Baldr, the god of light and purity. Frigg is associated with motherhood, wisdom, and foresight. Freyja is a more sensual and passionate goddess associated with fertility, love, beauty, war, and death. She is a master of seiðr, a form of Norse magic and shamanistic practice. It involves influencing the world through supernatural means.
The Norse Goddess Freyja as imaged by ChatGPT
Aspect
Ishtar (Babylonian)
Aphrodite (Greek)
Venus (Roman)
Domain
Love, fertility, war
Love, beauty, desire
Love, beauty, statecraft
Celestial Body
Venus
Venus
Venus
Symbolism
Lions, star, doves
Doves, roses, sea shells
Myrtle, pearls, Cupid
Cultural Role
Fertility and war
Romantic and sensual love
Love and Roman identity
Mythological Role
Cycles of life and death
Beauty’s power, chaos
Mother of Rome’s ancestry
The commonalty of all of these goddesses is a reflection of humanity’s fascination with love, beauty, and power. Going back to Mesopotamian mythology, Ishtar (or Inanna in Sumerian) symbolized life, reproduction and abundance. She also represented destruction, chaos, and royal victories. Her sexuality was passionate, sensual, and uninhibited.
Ishtar (Inanna) embodying her roles as the Mesopotamian goddess of love, fertility, and war (credit: ChatGPT)
As the sixth day of the week, it’s a good time to remember the sexagesimal number system that originated from the Sumerians five millennia ago. This base 60 number system possibly came from base 12 finger counting combined with base 5 finger counting. With two hands one could easily show numbers 1 to 60. The base 12 finger counting would naturally lead to dividing the daylight time into 12 “hours”. These hours could be easily measured by the angle of the sun throughout the day. During nighttime, the stars and constellations would be used to measure the 12 hours of nighttime.
There were other cultures with a base 10 number system and by the time of cuneiform, it appears that base-6 and base-10 were used to write the numbers from 1 to 60.
Because of the near 360 days in a year and the near 30 days in a lunar month, the times 12 multiple of these two values made it mathematically convenient to use these values. But using a lunar month synchronized to the rising new crescent moon was also important. The full moon would then be mid month around the 14 or 15th of the month. From wikipedia:
Counting from the new moon, the Babylonians celebrated every seventh day as a “holy-day”, also called an “evil-day” (meaning “unsuitable” for prohibited activities). On these days officials were prohibited from various activities and common men were forbidden to “make a wish”, and at least the 28th was known as a “rest-day”. On each of them, offerings were made to a different god and goddess, apparently at nightfall to avoid the prohibitions: Marduk and Ishtar on the 7th, Ninlil and Nergal on the 14th, Sin and Shamash on the 21st, and Enkiand Mah on the 28th. Tablets from the sixth-century BC reigns of Cyrus the Great and Cambyses II indicate these dates were sometimes approximate. The lunation of 29 or 30 days basically contained three seven-day weeks, and a final week of eight or nine days inclusive, breaking the continuous seven-day cycle.
Queen of Heaven: Goddess Ishtar on an Akkadian Empire seal, 2350–2150 BCE. She is equipped with weapons on her back, has a horned helmet, places her foot in a dominant posture upon a lion secured by a leash and is accompanied by the star of Shamash. (Credit: wikipedia)
More details from wikipedia about Ishtar and her association with Venus:
Inanna/Ishtar’s most common symbol was the eight-pointed star,[74]though the exact number of points sometimes varies;[75] six-pointed stars also occur frequently, but their symbolic meaning is unknown.[79] The eight-pointed star seems to have originally borne a general association with the heavens,[80] but, by the Old Babylonian Period(c. 1830 – c. 1531 bce), it had come to be specifically associated with the planet Venus, with which Ishtar was identified.[80] Starting during this same period, the star of Ishtar was normally enclosed within a circular disc.
Diving Deeper with ChatGPT: I learned today that the Sumerian goddess Inanna, who was known later as the Akkadian Ishtar, was tied directly to Venus by 2100 BCE. This tie was in a Sumerian myth and found in Inanna’s Descent to Kur (the Underworld), which tells a story about the retrograde motion of Venus.
The Beginning: Inanna’s Decision to Descend: Inanna decides to descend to the underworld (Kur) to attend the funeral of Gugalanna, the “Bull of Heaven,” who was Eriskigal’s husband. She prepares for the journey by adorning herself with seven sacred items symbolizing her power and divine authority:
A crown (representing her divinity)
A lapis lazuli necklace
A Breastplate (symbolizing strength)
Gold rings
A Measuring rod and line (symbols of judgment and law)
A royal robe
Sandals
Before descending, Inanna instructs her servant, Ninshubur, to seek help from the gods Enlil, Nanna, and Enki if she does not return.
The Seven Gates of the Underworld: As Inanna enters the underworld, she is stopped by Neti, the gatekeeper, who informs Ereshkigal of her arrival. Ereshkigal, angered by Inanna’s audacity to enter her realm uninvited, orders that Inanna be stripped of her power and humbled. Inanna is made to pass through seven gates, and at each gate, she must surrender one of her sacred items. By the time she reaches Ereshkigal, Inanna is naked and powerless.
Inanna’s Death: Inanna stands before Ereshkigal, who is described as furious and imposing. Ereshkigal strikes Inanna with the “eye of death” and hangs her corpse on a hook, leaving her lifeless in the underworld. As Inanna dies, fertility and life on Earth cease—plants wither, animals stop reproducing, and the world falls into chaos.
Rescue and Revival: After three days and nights without word from Inanna, Ninshubur seeks help as instructed. The gods Enlil and Nanna refuse to intervene, saying that Inanna chose her fate. Enki, the god of wisdom and water, agrees to help. He creates two small, genderless beings from the dirt under his fingernails and sends them to the underworld with the “food of life” and “water of life.” These beings empathize with Ereshkigal, who is in labor-like agony. Moved by their compassion, Ereshkigal grants them a boon. They request Inanna’s body, and using the “food of life” and “water of life,” they revive her.
The Substitution for Inanna: Inanna is allowed to leave the underworld, but only if she provides a substitute to take her place. As she ascends, the galla (demons of the underworld) accompany her to find someone to take her place. Inanna spares her loyal followers, such as Ninshubur, who mourned her absence. However, she finds her husband, Dumuzi, sitting on her throne, indifferent to her return. Outraged by his lack of grief, Inanna chooses Dumuzi as her substitute. Dumuzi flees, but the galla capture him, and he is taken to the underworld.
The Cycle of Death and Rebirth: Dumuzi’s sister, Geshtinanna, offers to share his fate. It is agreed that Dumuzi will spend half the year in the underworld, while Geshtinanna will take his place for the other half. This arrangement symbolizes the changing seasons. Dumuzi’s descent represents the barren months of winter. His return represents the fertile months of spring and summer.
Themes of this Myth:
Death and Rebirth: Inanna’s descent and return mirror the cycles of nature, particularly the seasons and the fertility of the Earth.
Power and Vulnerability: Inanna’s surrender of her items at the gates reflects the stripping of ego and power, a necessary process for transformation.
Duality: Inanna embodies both love and war, life and death, showing the interconnectedness of opposites.
Cosmic Order: The myth reinforces the need for balance between life and death, fertility and barrenness.
The myth of Inanna’s Descent to the Underworld reflects both celestial events and human experiences, based on the Sumerians’ understanding of nature and astronomy. Inanna’s descent, death, and return relate to Venus, the planet associated with her. Venus goes through a cycle that includes a period of retrograde motion and 8 days of invisibility as it shifts from the evening star to the morning star. This disappearance and reappearance resemble Inanna’s journey into the underworld, her temporary absence, and her eventual rebirth.
By connecting Inanna’s myth to Venus’s movements, the Sumerians gave their goddess cosmic importance, linking her powers of fertility, war, and transformation to the cycles of the heavens. The myth likely influenced rituals based on Venus’s phases, highlighting the connection between the divine, nature, and humanity. This mix of mythology and astronomy helped keep the story relevant, inspiring later cultures in Mesopotamian, Greco-Roman, and beyond. Inanna’s descent represents universal themes of renewal, balance, and cyclical transformation, making her a lasting symbol of the relationship between the earthly and the celestial.
surfing the universe 