This is a highly original and provocative book about women's freedom and the need for an inner, female authority in a masculine-oriented society. Combining ancient texts and modern dreams, the author, a practising therapist, presents a way of feminine initiation. Sumertian Goddess of Heaven and Earth, journeys into the underworld to Ereshkigal, her dark "sister", and returns. So modern women must descend from their old role-determind behavior into the depths of their instinct and image patterns, to find anew the Great Goddess and restore her values to modern culture. Men too will be interested in this book, both for its revelations of women's essential nature and for its implications in terms of their own inner journey. Descent To The Goddess is a highly original and provocative book about women's freedom and the need for an inner, female authority in a masculine-oriented society. Combining ancient texts and modern dreams, Sylvia Perera presents a way of feminine initiation. As Inanna-Ishtar (Sumerian Goddess of Heaven and Earth) journeys into the underworld to Ereshkigal, her dark "sister". and returns. So modern women must descend from their old role-determined behavior into the depths of their instinct and image patterns. to find anew the Great Goddess and restore her values to modern culture. Male readers will also be interested in Descent To The Goddess, both for its revelations of women's essential nature and for its implications in terms of their own inner journey. Descent To The Goddess is a highly recommended addition to Goddess Worship reference collections, metaphysical studies reading lists, and an impressive contribution to feminine psychology reading lists. --Midwest Book Review "The most significant contribution to an understanding of feminine psychology since Esther Harding's book Way of All Women" - Marion Woodman. --Marion Woodman Used Book in Good Condition