Head Overturning Rite

Modern reconstructed practice

First they will be taken to get the clothes that match who they are by the temple staff.

Then they will be presented before the En and kneel before her. The En will then sprinkle them with holy water and anoint them with lavender oil. Then she place her hand upon their brow, give them a [lance/spinning needle/other] and will tell them

Inanna has taken the crime from your body. She has named you [gala/pilipili/reed marsh man/reed marsh woman/galatura/kurgala] for she sees you have a [woman’s/man’s/reed marsh man’s/reed marsh woman’s/galatura’s/kurgala’s] heart. What the goddess has done, let no one undo. Da ri she. He-am.

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Sources Cited

Enheduanna, and Betty De Shong Meador. Inanna, Lady of Largest Heart: Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna. 1st ed, University of Texas Press, 2000.