Gateways to Babylon: Standard Edition

Gateways to Babylon: An Introduction to the Sumerian and Babylonian Pagan Religion For thousands of years, the gods and goddesses of Mesopotamia reigned over one of the world's earliest civilizations. Now, their wisdom and power call to a new generation of seekers. In Gateways to Babylon, the pioneering scholar and priestess Lishtar-Dr. Roseane R. Velho Lopes-unveils the rich spiritual traditions of Sumer and Babylon, blending historical scholarship with practical devotion. Drawing from ancient texts, hymns, and rituals, this book offers a foundational guide to honouring deities such as Inanna-Ishtar, Enlil, and Enki, reviving their sacred rites for modern practitioners. Lishtar's work was instrumental in shaping Mesopotamian Reconstructionist Paganism, inspiring hundreds of thousands of seekers across the world through her extensive writings. This book stands as both an introduction and a tribute to her lifelong dedication-an enduring beacon for those who feel the call of the gods of the ancient Near East. Step through the gates and rediscover a lost spiritual world, rich with mystery, magic, and divine connection.

About the Author: Dr. Roseane R. Velho Lopes, known to most as Lishtar, was a visionary scholar, priestess, and pioneer in the modern revival of Mesopotamian spirituality. A passionate researcher of Sumerian and Babylonian religion, she dedicated her life to making the wisdom of the ancient Near East accessible to a new generation of seekers. Lishtar's ground-breaking work began in the late 1990s, and over the last three decades she has become one of the most influential figures within Mesopotamian Reconstructionist Paganism. Through her meticulous research, modern retellings of ancient myths, and deep spiritual insight, she helped shape the way contemporary practitioners engage with the gods and goddesses of Sumer and Babylon. Her work, spanning over half a million words, reached hundreds of thousands of seekers across the world, bridging academic scholarship and living spirituality. In life she was a dedicated Wiccan, and a devoted priestess of Inanna-Ishtar, embodying the divine light that inspired her chosen name. Although Lishtar passed away in 2014, her legacy endures. Her great work remains a cornerstone for those seeking to honour the gods of the ancient Near East. This book stands as a testament to her tireless devotion.