Goddess, Witch, Woman

Episode 7: Inanna – Life, Death, and Rebirth

Inanna returns from the Underworld, but not unchanged.

This final chapter in her mythic journey explores resurrection, rage, sacred choices, and the cost of rising. I also share personal stories of my own descents and returns: through sobriety, miscarriage, motherhood, and migration.

If you've ever come back from something without being mourned, this one is for you.

Reflection questions offered at the end.

Listen. Breathe. Begin again.

—

mariannaportela.substack.cominstagram: @healingstoriesforwomenYouTube: @mariannaportela

In this episode, we walk with Inanna as she chooses to descend into the Great Below.

You’ll hear about:

What it means for a Queen to give everything away, willingly

The Seven Gates and the sacred stripping of power and ego

The figure of Ninshubur, the sacred monster who holds the memory of us

How the descent is not a punishment, but an initiation

Teachings from Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés on death, shadow, and renewal

Personal reflections on the times we must allow ourselves to die a little, in order to live more truly

We end in the dark. We let the silence hold. And we remember: death is not the end, but a becoming.

Come sit with me there.

Welcome to Goddess, Witch, Woman Episode 5Inanna, Bright Queen of Heaven & Earth

In this episode, Marianna Portela brings you into the mythic world of Inanna, one of the oldest and most powerful goddesses of ancient Mesopotamia.

You’ll hear:

• How Inanna seduced the mes (sacred tablets of wisdom) from the god Enki• A radical act of self-love as Inanna admires her vulva in the garden• The sacred tree story: Lilith, the Anzu bird, and the exile of the wild feminine• The words of Enheduanna, high priestess and the world’s first known author and her hymn The Exaltation of Inanna• A reflection on how patriarchy rewrote the goddess through mythology

This episode is a poetic journey through myth, memory, and feminine power.

📚 Books mentioned:

Inanna: Queen of Heaven and Earth – Diane Wolkstein & Samuel Noah Kramer

Inanna, Lady of Largest Heart – Betty De Shong Meador

The descent is coming on the next episode... But first, we rise with her light.

mariannaportela.substack.com | instagram: @healingstoriesforwomen

In Episode 4 of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we move from theory into practice, exploring what it truly means to walk Lilith’s path. Through ritual, reflection, and personal stories, we reclaim our voice, power, and wild authenticity. Lilith invites us to live, not just learn, her truths.

Listen deeply and let your journey begin.Subscribe & explore more: mariannaportela.substack.com

In this bonus episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we gather under the April Full Moon — the Pink Moon in Libra — for a ritual of balance, sacred beauty, and breath.

✨ We call in Aphrodite Ourania, celestial goddess of harmony and truth🌬️ We reflect on boundaries, beauty, and joy🕯️ We light a candle together, reclaiming softness as power

This ritual is a reminder that balance is not about shrinking.It’s about returning to yourself.

🌸 Materials (optional): Candle, a scent you love, paper & pen, mirror or bowl of water.

💌 Subscribe for essays, rituals, and goddess stories: https://mariannaportela.substack.com

In Episode 3 of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we explore Lilith and the Feminine Shadow—the parts of us labeled as too angry, too dark, too much. Lilith guides us into the depths, teaching us that our shadows are sacred, not shameful.

🌘 Dive in, and meet the woman you buried long ago.Listen and read more: mariannaportela.substack.com

In this episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we meet Lilith: not the demoness of distortion, but the First Woman. I share stories, myths, and personal reflections on her exile, her anger, and the reclaiming of her power.

🌑 This is a descent into the truth they tried to bury. And an invitation to meet the Wild Feminine within.

Listen + read more at: mariannaportela.substack.com

🌑 Goddess, Witch, Woman Podcast - Episode 1 | Lighting the Inner Flame

Welcome to the very first episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman—a podcast for exploring feminine wisdom, Goddess archetypes, moon magick, and empowering stories.

In this episode, I (Marianna Portela) share reflections inspired by this week’s fiery Aries New Moon and transformative Solar Eclipse energy:

In this episode:

Understanding the powerful Aries New Moon & Solar Eclipse energy.

Reflective questions to harness this transformative energy:

What authentic parts of yourself are calling for courageous expression?

What fears or limitations are you ready to release?

How can you step boldly into your freedom and creative power?

✨ Connect & Share:

Share your intentions or reflections by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram.

Subscribe and stay tuned for weekly episodes!

YouTube video episodes if you like to watch!

Enjoy the episode, and thank you so much for being here! 🌙InstagramSubstack