As an unrepentant logophile (lover of words), I’ve assembled a list of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words. Ludic is defined as “playful, in an aimless way,” and that’s my plan for approaching this a-to-z challenge—keeping my feet on the joy trail and meandering wherever the daily word takes me.
O is for…
octamerous – having parts arranged in groups of eight; having eight parts of a particular type. Earliest documented use: 1857
I have a thing about stars, with a particular interest in how they were used as symbols in ancient cultures.
The eight-pointed star has long been significant culturally and religiously, but I’m especially interested in it as the Star of Inanna/Ishtar and also the planet Venus.
Inanna is the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love, war, and fertility. She was also associated with sensuality, procreation, divine law, and political power. Originally worshipped by the Sumerians (as early as 4000 BCE), she was known by the Akkadian Empire, Babylonians (circa 1800 BCE), and Assyrians as Ishtar. Her primary title is “The Queen of Heaven.”
Here’s an image of her in the sky as the eight-pointed star, from a Babylonian stone, circa 1125 BCE. (image in public domain)
Part of Inanna’s tale is her descent into the underworld to see her sister, Ereshkigal, the goddess of death. It is suspected this is how her association with the planet Venus came about. The astronomers of ancient Babylonian were highly advanced, tracking planetary movements and developing sophisticated methods for predicting celestial events, and clearly understood the cycle of Venus appearing as the morning star, then disappearing for a period and returning as the evening star. It was believed that when Inanna journeyed to the underworld, she disappeared from sight, and when she returned, she became visible in the sky once again.
The planet Venus, of course, was named after the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, which were also attributes of Inanna.
I find Venus such an interesting planet, and goddess, and archetype. I’m definitely a devotee, or perhaps I should call myself a votary, meaning a devoted follower or admirer. Yes, Venus Votary it is.
I find planet Venus’ cycle fascinating, and she shifts from appearing as an evening star to a morning star approximately every two hundred and sixty-three days. It’s such a powerful reminder of transformation. And the switch happened recently. On March 23, she returned to the dawn sky, reprising her role as Morning Star. She’ll be brightest in the morning sky around April 27.
Astrologically, Venus is often thought of as both your love nature and your artistic inclinations, with the chart sign that it’s in describing the type of love energy you carry and the house describing the areas you might most clearly express this energy. Toss in the fact that you may be a morning star Venus, or an evening star Venus (which I am), and that adds another layer to consider.
Returning to looking at Venus as a goddess archetype, she’s all above love and beauty. We tend to think about these things in terms of physical appearance, and although that’s certainly an aspect, I’d caution the understanding that Venus is all about outward fluff. The real, deep encouragement is to take a look at what you value and hold yourself sovereign, and celebrate that. In yourself and others. When you are true to who you authentically are, broadcasting that beautiful soul energy signature that is yours and yours alone, you are totally aligned with beauty. Your own 100%-you version. Venus encourages you to know yourself as worthy and treat yourself as such.
The goddess of love and beauty always invites us to pay attention to the loveliness around us and invites us to put on our dancing shoes and participate in sprinkling bits of beauty with every spin and twirl. And isn’t it perfect that there’s an orchid named Venus slippers?
What beauty are you paying attention to today? What are you loving? Do you know if you’re a morning star Venus or an evening star? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I know the story of Inanna and Ereshkigal, but I don’t think I ever learned the association with Venus. And I didn’t know anything about the symbolism of the eight-pointed star. This was interesting! Thanks!
One of the things I love most, and am truly grateful about, is that there are always new things to learn. How does it get better than that?
Our current beautiful weather is a plus and I’m celebrating that. I love working outside and getting my hands in the soil. I’m more of a morning star if I’m reading this right. I’m more high energy and positive in the morning.
Yay for beautiful weather and getting one’s hands in the soil!
Whether you’re a Venus morning or evening star person depends on what position Venus is at in relation to the Sun on your astrological natal chart.
Interesting facts, new to me, about Venus.
I could spend days yammering on about Venus. 🙂
Love this new-to-me word! I’ve very much been enjoying your AtoZ series! @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Thanks, Samantha – I’m delighted.
I’m completely fascinated by stars too, especially how ancient cultures saw them as symbols. The cycle of Venus as both morning and evening star is such a powerful metaphor for transformation—thank you for this beautiful and inspiring reflection.
Thanks, Tamara. The Venus cycle is indeed a wonderful metaphor for transformation. Equally fascinating to me, is the pattern she makes in the sky over an eight-year period – she creates a five-pointed star (or as some prefer, a five-petal flower). Beautiful and amazing!
I’m in favor of any practice devoted to love rather than its opposite. Beautiful orchid!
Yes, yes, yes – may it be so! The orchid is a beauty, isn’t it?!
Hari OM
I’ll take the glow of Venus at whichever end of the day she chooses to shine!
The Venus Slipper displays eight points… as you don’t mention it, I thought I would! YAM xx
I couldn’t agree more – whenever Venus decides to shine is wonderful. And nice call about the eight points on the orchid.
I would not know how to even look up if I’m a morning or evening Venus. I just imagine the planet as it is–so very toxic with the chemicals in its atmosphere. Makes for a beautiful planet at a distance 🙂
I can’t argue, Liz – I won’t be signing up any time soon to travel to the toxic atmosphere of Venus. When I visit in my dreams though, it’s always quite pleasant. 🙂
I enjoyed your journey from eight-pointed stars through history to Venus. That was fun.
Thanks, Maria. I can’t say I’m a very linear thinker, but I do know how to meander. 🙂
Stars are such a magical part of our life here on Earth! That we get to gaze upon them and create stories and lore about them is such a bonus. Interestingly enough, my daughter asked me today what my next tattoo might be and I told her I’d like to get 9 stars on my right shoulder… eventually 🙂
Yes, stargazing and storytelling are such marvelous benefits of life on this beautiful planet of ours. And how fun about your next tattoo – your own field of stars!
Interesting about the planet Venus. I wrote about the Greek aspect of Venus for G (Aphrodite, of course).
Ronel visiting for A-Z Challenge Osiris: The First King of Egypt & My Languishing TBR: O #AtoZChallenge2025 #Books #Bookreview
Your research and posts are fabulous, Ronel. I’m sure Aphrodite is delighted.