This was the first Akitu in which Nanakirat was a high Priestess of Ishtar. She’d seen the ceremony of the Sacred Marriage before, but from afar. She hadn’t even been part of the preparations. But, she was quickly becoming introduced to them, as she’d been chosen by the Goddess herself to represent Her in the flesh. Of course, she was filled with trepidation and wonder at this prospect. It became nearly unbearable to appear calm and collected during the first four days of the Akitu ceremonies.

Finally, the fifth and fateful day arrived. Other priestesses were flitting about Nanakirat. Bathing her, scenting her skin with oils and perfumes. All the while, there were prayers being murmured. Then, an aged priestess approached, carrying a shallow bowl of kash. Prayers were whispered over the vessel, and Nanakirat was made to drink it all in quick gulps.

Soon after having ingested such a potent brew, on an empty stomach, Nanakirat began to feel funny. She mumbled something to the old priestess, who nodded her head as if she understood. Clear as a bell, Nanakirat heard her say, “She’s ready.” Why did her words sound so clear, and her own so garbled?

Two of her fellow priestesses supported her under the arms, and led the way into the ziggurat of Marduk. Upon the stage, they placed her on a bed. Marduk then came to her. No, not Marduk, but the king in the guise of Marduk. She wasn’t really Ishtar, after all…was she?

“Hello, Ishtar. You look lovely.” the king - Marduk - said. His voice seemed to wash over her in waves. It wasn’t an unpleasant experience. She wished he’d talk more. Marduk chuckled and said, “You like the sound of my voice, do you?” Mortified that she’d spoken her thoughts aloud, Nanakirat - Ishtar - blushed and nodded. “Well, Ishtar. Shall we proceed.”

“As you wish, Marduk.” she mumbled, her identity lost within that of the Goddess herself. “For King and country!”

It was a weird feeling, this taking a backseat to one’s life. It was as if Ishtar had filled her and did things she had never done before - with a man. Meanwhile, Nanakirat was watching in horrified wonder. Who knew a woman could bend like that and a man could…better not dwell on this too much. A part of her mind, not filled with terror and shock took notes.

It seemed like forever. No, it seemed like it was over in a blink of an eye. One minute, she and Ishtar were riding on a wave toward completion, then the wave broke, and with a hoarse cry (hers or Marduk’s?) it was over.

All too soon, Ishtar separated herself from Nanakirat. As did Marduk - no the king. He rose and left the bed. Spread his arms wide and said something about the gods being well pleased. They weren’t the only ones, she thought smugly as her fellow priestesses helped her up and took her off to get cleaned. No, they were certainly not the only ones.