This full moon altar honours Ishtar, the Great Goddess of Babylon in ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). Ishtar subsumes in herself all the attributes and powers of every other goddess in the region, including the mighty Inanna, and is therefore essentially the Goddess of Everything, including Abundance, Fertility, Love, War, Rebirth, and Transformation.
Her sacred animal is the Lion which, as Goddess of War, she rides into battle, as depicted on this plaque of unknown provenance. The well-armed Ishtar is surrounded by symbols of power and strength, and clearly will not be defeated. I bought this reproduction about 20 years ago from Sacred Source, which unfortunately no longer appears to carry it in their inventory.
Echoing Ishtar's Female-With-Lion symbolism are several "Strength cards" from the Major Arcana of various Tarot decks. Classic Strength card imagery depicts a savage lion allowing a gentle maiden to open (control) its implacable jaws of death and destruction. The Strength card's message is that only love and kindness are strong enough to "tame the beast within" of wild emotions and destructive passions.
[Left to right: Morgan-Greer Tarot, The Pulp Tarot, Tarot of the Magical Forest]
[Left to right: Legacy of the Divine Tarot, Daughters of the Moon Tarot]
This month has a couple of significant lunar correspondences. Tonight's full moon coincides with the pagan fertility festival known as Beltane or May Day. And at the end of the month, there will be a second full moon, usually referred to as a Blue Moon.
[Photos #1-4 © Debra She Who Seeks, 2026; Image #5 courtesy of the Internet]
9 comments:
Oh, am I glad our Lion, Henry, takes care of us instead of fighting. But happy May to you!
Speaking of magic - no one saw him but they say on New Year´s Eve, when all fireworks is done, he hops off of his place and roams the city to make sure we´re all save. All through January you shout, when passing by, "This was a great year, Henry!", and when you look close you see a tiny, hidden smile.
That was an interesting read as I have heard of the name Ishtar, but didn't know anything about her. And that's a cool tarot deck. Happy May to you.
I am always fascinated by your posts and knowledge! Happy May 1st to you. We woke to snow this morning...seriously?! I thought I was being April Fool punked! Happy weekend, Debra- xo Diana
Beltane always makes me think of my much loved and much missed friend Kathleen who celebrated faithfully. Thank you for the reminder. And I did not know we have a blue moon this month and now I do!
Ah, it is also Walpurgis Night (April 30) and Beltane (May 1), marking the transition from winter to summer. Known as "Witches' Night" (Hexennacht), April 30th features bonfires to ward off evil, while Beltane celebrates fertility, growth, and nature through Maypole dancing, flower crowns, and honoring the sun.
Happy May Day!
I love the bright colors on your altar!
This might be one of my most favorite Alters you featured. So much color I love it. You must have quite the collection of altar pieces
She is strong, Debra.
Oh Debra, I do believe this is your finest altar. It is magnificent! Thank you for sharing it all with us. Have a great day today.
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