The ME (Mesopotamian: 𒈨, pronounced "may") are the divine powers that form the foundation of civilization and cosmic order. Inanna is their guardian and bearer, having won them from Enki through her wisdom and cunning. Her sacred powers govern everything from religious rites to social structures, from artistic creation to political authority.

Understanding the ME

The ME are divine powers, woven into society and the nature of reality. They represent Inanna's authority as Queen of Heaven, and are also powers that are bestowed to her followers, granting us the ability to act and create on her behalf. They can also be passed down and taught, so it is our duty and privilege to pass information along to each other as we seek to promote community actualization and cultivate the ME for posterity.

Categories of Inanna's ME

1. Divine Authority

The powers of leadership and governance:

  • The holy crown and throne
  • Divine judgement and law
  • The scepter of kingship
  • The art of decision-making
  • The power of truth-speaking

2. Sacred Transformation

The powers of change and renewal:

  • Shape-shifting abilities
  • Death and rebirth cycles
  • Gender transformation
  • Seasonal changes
  • Personal evolution

3. Love and Sexuality

The powers of connection and creation:

  • Sacred sexual rites
  • The art of love-making
  • Fertility blessings
  • Partnership bonds
  • Divine attraction

4. War and Justice

The powers of protection and balance:

  • Strategic warfare
  • Righteous combat
  • Protection of the weak
  • Establishment of justice
  • Victory over oppression

5. Arts and Culture

The powers of creation and expression:

  • Music and song
  • Dance and movement
  • Poetry and literature
  • Visual arts
  • Sacred drama

6. Civilization

The powers of societal order:

  • Temple administration
  • City governance
  • Trade and commerce
  • Agriculture
  • Craftsmanship

The ME in practice today

As a follower of Inanna, you will seek to embody the gifts of Inanna's ME in your own life. Build what needs building. Seek the knowledge and power to enact justice. Build community and mitigate structures of harm. Build a world of beauty, and cultivate wisdom. Below are some practices you may find beneficial in your own cultivation of ME.

  1. Study and Contemplation

    • Reading ancient texts
    • Meditation on specific ME
    • Journal reflection
    • Group discussion

  2. Ritual Embodiment

    • Sacred dance
    • Dramatic reenactment
    • Ceremonial assumption of divine powers
    • Temple service

  3. Practical Application

    • Community leadership
    • Artistic creation
    • Social justice work
    • Teaching and mentoring
    • Personal transformation

Through understanding and working with the ME, we connect with the divine powers that Inanna guards and shares, participating in the ongoing development of civilization and personal growth. These powers are not scarce, but can still be lost. It is our duty to cultivate them in ourselves and each other.