Rising from the Underworld

This was a mixed media illustration that used the myth of Ishtar's descent to the Underworld as a metaphor for my trauma in childhood and from a couple of years ago. The statues of Ishtar descending and Hecate ascending are meant to represent me in different points between the mental state I was in during my trauma and how I came out of it. I used many assets from Unsplash photos and personal belongings I scanned like the dyed crystals, artwork from trading cards of mine, my selenite stick, my stuffed dolls and the Lovers Arcana card which was from one of my tarot decks. I personally resonate with the significance of the Lovers Arcana because I usually find myself at a crossroads when it comes to decision making and what path I want to take in life, I also really feel like making connections with other people is very important, despite me being mostly introverted. The text in red in the Underworld half of the illustration are things I was told during childhood that really took a toll on me. From issues with riding a bicycle, religious trauma and being emotionally taken advantage of by an older man when I was at my lowest point. The cat reaching for the Morningstar, Ishtar's association, is symbolizing myself reaching a light of hope past this trauma. The Heavenly half of the piece is supposed to represent things I love or find beautiful with pink text of affirmations I tell myself to motivate myself and make me feel better. "You're strong, kind and beautiful."